Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

Facilities &Destinations 2 0 1 3 P r i m e S i t e & To p D e s t i n at i o n Awa r ds 6 0 BEDROCK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. 152 Madison Ave., Ste. 802, New York, NY 10016

2013

Destinations SuperBook

TM

For Association & Corporate Meeting Planners

Models of

Crisis Management How two New York City meeting facilities weathered Superstorm Sandy 48

Hot List: 5 Small Market Venues 23

Are You ROI Savvy?

36

Alan Steel President and CEO, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center

Nicole La Valette Director of Sales and Marketing, Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park

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Facilities &Destinations 2013 Directory

Destinations SuperBook

TM

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For Association & Corporate Meeting Planners

2013 Awards of Excellence Prime Site & Top Destination Winners: The Best of The Best................60 2014 Awards of Excellence Ballot..............................................................10 2013 F&D Meeting Hotel Prime Site Awards Ballot..............................138 Upfront.....................................................................................................8-22 Convention Center Watch, Destination Watch, Hotel Watch, Leading Edge: Troy Thorn, Al Hutchinson Columns Looking Ahead.............................................................................................2 Caffin’s Corner..............................................................................................4 Viewpoint......................................................................................................4 Meeting Perspectives: A Meeting ‘Fit’ for Today’s Attendees, by Sarah Vining, Marketing Manager, The National Conference Center...........................32 Total Experience = Attendance, by Mickey Schaefer, President, Mickey Schaefer & Associates, LLC........................................34 Tradeshow Perspectives: Exhibitor Do’s and Don’ts, by Deborah Shapiro, Specialty Foods Category Manager and Buyer, BI-LO Holdings...........36 Business Perspectives: Test Your ROI IQ, by Jack J. Phillips, Chairman, ROI Institute, Inc.........................................................................................38 Planner Perspectives: Getting Smart About Sports Incentives, by Robert Tuchman, President, Goviva..........................................................................................................42 Hot List.........................................................................................................23 Small Market Venues F&D International.................................................................................44-47 Tradeshow Watch, Germany, Singapore, Leading Edge: Eduardo Chaillo New York Spotlight Hurricane Sandy in Hindsight....................................................................48 The Roosevelt Revisited.............................................................................52 State-of-the-Industry / Spotlight Interview.............................................54 Behind the Scenes at ASAE University with Anne Blouin, Chief Learning Officer, ASAE Destination Spotlight.................................................................................56 Branson Builds Its Brand

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Directory: F&D Sites & Cities ...................................................................73 A-Z Index...................................................................................................72 Ad Index..................................................................................................151 PhotoView RCMA Emerge Conference 2013............................................................150 IAEE Expo! Expo! 2012 Annual Meeting & Exposition..................148-149

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Facilities &Destinations

LOOKING AHEAD

Destinations SuperBook

TM

For Association & Corporate Meeting Planners

Clear Thinking in Wyoming

2013

A

t the end of January, an article from Wyoming’s Casper Journal caught my eye. In particular, I noticed a photo of a city council member wearing a Dr. Pepper T-shirt while council was in session. Wondering, in jest, if this could be the start of a new trend in municipal governmental fashion, I forwarded the article to New York City Councilman James Oddo, who wittily replied, “I need to visit Wyoming!”

While the article’s topic seemed fairly routine for the industry — the Casper City Council was considering a $50 million land purchase to help stimulate the creation of a hotel and conference center — there was a very instructive controversy underlying that bit of news.

The Casper Journal detailed a debate between Casper Councilman Craig Hedquist and his colleagues, outlining the positive and negative aspects of building a large meeting facility with taxpayer funding. Hedquist did not favor the idea, taking a dollars and “sense” approach.

Opposing the taxpayer-funded conference center, Hedquist opined that “It is absolutely mind-boggling to me that we think people [the City of Casper] who don’t do development professionally … can go do something that developers are not going to ...” He asserted that developers would build the conference center “if there’s actually money to be made at it.” Citing his work with real estate developers, Hedquist stated that “I’ve seen good ones and bad ones, and I don’t see any of the ones that I consider very good, beating to go down there and do what we’re proposing to do as a city with tax dollars.”

While trying to maintain neutrality, Councilwoman Kenyne Schlager cited the need for quality meeting space, noting that she had been a meeting planner for about three years, and during that period “there was not really a venue here [in Casper] that we felt would be what our clients would want. When we did give them options, they were not satisfied. … I am not necessarily advocating that we have to have a conference center, but actually having planned conferences, it would’ve made my life a lot easier.”

In favor of the project was Councilman Paul Meyer, who declared that municipal leaders were elected “to provide that stimulus that makes good things happen [when the] private [sector] can’t step up … it takes the vision of the leaders of the city to stimulate the directions that some cities want to take.”

While Casper’s meetings and business tourism economy may not be as robust as that of major metropolises, the city council members’ positions echo a debate on the national stage described a little more than a year ago in the Wall Street Journal.

Regarding the trend to build ever-larger convention centers with tax dollars, Steven Malanga opened his article with a sarcastic quip: “For two decades, America’s convention center business has been declining, resulting in a nationwide surplus of empty meeting facilities, struggling convention halls and vacant hotel rooms. How have governments responded to this glut? By building more convention centers.”

Continued on page 47

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

Volume 22 No. 1

Chief Operating Officer David Korn Associate Publisher Michael Caffin Editorial Director George Seli Contributing Editors Anthony Bilden Rosa Laufer Creative Direction & Design Scott-Goodman Associates Circulation Manager Winny Cheung Business Operations Nadia Derelieva © Copyright 2013 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.

MEMBERS OF:

ON THE COVER

Alan Steel, President and CEO of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, and Nicole La Valette, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park, were both major players in making sure that NYC meetings and shows scheduled for the weeks following Hurricane Sandy went on as scheduled.

Cover Photograph of Alan Steele by Stephen de Jesus Frias/Javits Center

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Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

It’s not a conventIon center. It’s a rel atIonshIp buIldIng. With our tenured and knowledgeable staff, the Minneapolis Convention Center can exponentially expand the power of your next face-to-face event. As the gateway to the city of Minneapolis, we’ve dedicated our 1.6 million square feet to all the little things that make bonds last long after the meetings and sporting events end. Minneapolis.org/MCC

Caffin’s o r n e r

20 Years of Excellence

T

he 2013 Facilities & Destinations (F&D) SuperBook — our biggest publication ever — marks the 20th anniversary of F&D’s Prime Site and Top Destination Awards. I have been here since their inception, and it is very gratifying to see our Awards of Excellence gain prominence in the meetings industry and draw more nominations each year.

Association and corporate meeting planners

Viewpoint

Greetings, F&D Readers and Industry Partners

I

am enthused to join Facilities Media Group as Editorial Director, beginning with a very substantial edition of F&D SuperBook. Among the many highlights in this issue is a column by renowned ROI expert Jack Phillips designed to enlighten meeting planners on just how well they understand business-value metrics. Looking back on my 15 years of covering meetings industry developments, one of the standout trends in recent times — especially post-recession — is the emphasis on demonstrating ROI for meetings and events. Phillips’ five-stage methodology has become something of an industry standard, endorsed by organizations such as MPI and PCMA. The focus on business value is in fact more than a trend; it is part what has been dubbed the “new normal” for the meetings industry. Even incentive programs, a tried-andtrue means of bolstering sales, are increasingly seen as opportunities to add still more ROI once qualifiers are on the trip. As Robert Tuchman, president of incentive firm Goviva, stresses in his column, sports incentive trips in particular are perfect for bonding and teambuilding, since attendees are already in that “team” frame of mind.

As I am collaborating with seasoned team members here at Facilities Media Group, I expect a very strong return on my editorial efforts going forward. Thus far this year, we have broadened our international coverage and maintained robust virtual communication with 4

designated the venues and cities listed in our 2013 Awards of Excellence section (see page 60) as featuring superior service, staffs, technological capabilities, food & beverage, accessibility, and just overall quality.

Part II of our Awards of Excellence arrives later this year in the 2013-2014 F&D Planner Guide issue, which will include our 2013 Meeting Hotel Prime Site Awards. Planners, please take the time to cast your vote either with the ballot on page 138, or at www.facilitiesonline.com.

In between, look for our 2013 F&D Mid-Market Review issue later this summer. See you at the shows.

– Michael Caffin Associate Publisher, Facilities Media Group mcaffin@facilitiesonline.com

readers through our Website, Twitter feed and monthly e-newsletters.

Overall, there is good news to report. Respondents to MPI’s February 2013 Business Barometer indicated significant meeting budget increases, and more respondents said they are seeing attendance growth compared to results from two months earlier. Indeed, the travel industry in general appears to be on the upswing: The U.S. Travel Association predicts growth in business travel this year, and in January, PwC US forecasted a bump in lodging demand and RevPAR recovery, coupled with restrained supply growth. The expected upshot is a significant boost in U.S. hotel occupancy in 2013, which means planners will need to be especially well-informed and prepared for their site selection and venue negotiation process.

With that challenge in mind, my primary aim is to help make Facilities & Destinations an even more valuable resource by combining our traditional property news coverage with more in-depth interviews with industry leaders, such as the ASAE’s Anne Blouin and the Mexico Tourism Board’s Eduardo Chaillo in this issue.

Enjoy the new SuperBook. I look forward to your comments.

– George Seli Editorial Director, Facilities Media Group gseli@facilitiesonline.com

Correction In the Destination Spotlight on Los Cabos featured in the 2012-2013 F&D Planner Guide, Divorce Beach was incorrectly referred to as Playa de Amore. The correct Spanish translation is Playa del Amor.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

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UpFront

Convention Center Watch

In what the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is calling its “great improvisation,” The Great Hall debuted Jan. 25, just in time for NFL events surrounding Super Bowl XLVII. The 60,300-sq.-ft., columnfree ballroom, now the Crescent City’s largest, is complemented by several other new spaces that comprise the $52 million project, which renovated the former Hall A and La Louisiane Ballroom over two years. These include a 25,400-sq.-ft. pre-function area, the 4,600-sq.-ft. Rivergate Room, a 4,660-sq.-ft. junior ballroom, a 3,420-sq.-ft. rooftop terrace, a 980-sq.-ft. indoor balcony and a 5,700-sq.-ft. executive club lounge. In addition, a new pedestrian plaza provides a grand sense of arrival to all attendees and serves as a more seamless connection to New Orleans’s downtown hotels. Among The Great Hall’s great features are an energy-efficient LED lighting system, offering nearly unlimited color combinations; a unique layered ceiling concept that cascades down the wall; and the ability to transition from an intimate setting to a more open-room environment with the click of a mouse.

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Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

In more recent news, The Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority voted to extend its contract with Centerplate for hospitality services for the Convention Center. Centerplate took over the food service operation The Great Hall pre-function area. in July 2011 for an initial seven years, but every year that Centerplate meets established performance thresholds, another year is added to the end of the contract. Melvin Rodrigue, Chairman of the Authority and General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of Galatoire’s Restaurant, said, “New Orleans restaurants stand at the forefront of world-class dining, and that must be reflected in our convention center as well. Centerplate has the ability to deliver that reputation to all of our convention guests.”

Leading Edge:

Troy Thorn

Executive Director Vicksburg Convention Center and Vicksburg Auditorium Vicksburg, MS

Troy Thorn, an industry veteran with over 20 years of destination and venue management experience, has been the Executive Director for the Vicksburg Convention Center and Vicksburg Auditorium since December 2011. Prior to his present position, he served as second-in-command to the City of Dallas’ Director of Convention & Event Services. The VenuWorks-managed Vicksburg Convention Center offers over 25,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including a 17,000-sq.-ft. exhibit hall.

State of Vicksburg’s meetings business: I believe it is trending very favorably. Sales are going up, and that’s a good sign that people are spending again, although cautiously.

Our meetings clientele is mostly state associations, and we’re working on enhancing our corporate portfolio.

We’re particularly looking to attract any corporations that are invested in STEM [science, technology, engineering, mathematics] due to the core of engineers that have a large presence in our community.

Why the Vicksburg Convention Center stands out: What Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

I think is probably our most significant advantage is that our cooking is done through a local F&B provider, Palmertree Catering, so groups get an authentic Mississippi-Delta culinary experience at our venue.

Sales philosophy: Currently we have one full-time salesperson, but we emphasize to our staff that every one of us is a salesperson. And what I have done since coming to the community is basically recruit our community leaders as sales ambassadors for the Vicksburg Convention Center. We invite them to provide us with leads as well as join us when we do presentations to close a piece of business.

Most memorable event: Probably the conference that stands out the most is a recent state convention for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. One of the things our local officials wanted to see us do is reach out to the SMERF market, particularly fraternities and sororities, and we have done that. This fiscal year we have one fraternity and three sororities state events on our books.

What’s new in town: This year, Vicksburg is celebrating the centennial of the Siege of Vicksburg, and that is a huge event for our community. A major program is taking place April through June, including parades, concerts and historical presentations. It’s especially attractive for attendees who are Civil War buffs.

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UpFront

Convention Center Watch The Albuquerque Convention Center breaks ground on a $20 million renovation project.

(L-r): Lewis Dawley, General Manager of the convention center; Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry; and Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau CEO Dale Lockett.

Global Spectrum, manager of the Saint Charles Convention Center, reports that it has exceeded its 2012 budget by $141,374. This is the eighth consecutive year since opening in 2005 that Global Spectrum has surpassed budget expectations at the venue, and the second year in a row the company has operated in the black, with a net profit of $60,420. "We recognize this success was achieved during one of the most difficult economic times in the industry. That in and of itself speaks loudly as it relates to the consummate professionals at both Global Spectrum and the CVB,� commented David Leezer, director of economic development & tourism for the City of St. Charles, MO.

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, Email or Fax Your Vote:

Facilities & Destinations

152 Madison Avenue, Suite 802, New York, NY 10016 Fax: (212) 213-6382; Email: ballots@facilitiesonline.com

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Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS (IEEE) • NHL FANFAIR™ • 2011 TELECOM LAUREAT AWARDS • ALGONQUIN COLLEGE CONVOCATION • OTTAWA BUSINESS JOURNAL – OTTAWA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MAYORS BREAKFAST • OCC GRAND OPENING • BOMBARDIER GALA • NHL FANFAIR • OTTAWA GATINEAU INTERNATIONAL AUTOSHOW • OTTAWA TOURISM GALA AWARDS • PCL CONSTRUCTORS HOLIDAY PARTY • CANADIAN TIRE SNOW SUIT FUND GALA • OTTAWA GATINEAU INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW • 2012 JUNO GALA AWARDS & DINNER • TIM HORTON’S REGIONAL MEETING • FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE OF CANADA • SEXAPALOOZA 2012 • OTTAWA WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL • TRAVEL AND VACATION SHOW • ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS – SPECIAL CHIEFS ASSEMBLY • 2011 PCL OPERATIONS CONFERENCE • CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY • CCA NATIONAL CONFERENCE • 2011 CIPMM NATIONAL WORKSHOP • PHOTONICS NORTH 2011 • INFORMATION PHOTONICS 2011 • THE OTTAWA RACE WEEKEND 2011 • CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF CANADA 32E CONGRÈS ANNUEL DE L’AJEFO - JUSTICE EN FRANÇAIS AU COEUR DES GÉNÉRATIONS ! • INTERNATIONAL WIND AND RADAR FORUM - EXPERIENCES AND LESSONS LEARNED • WOMEN’S WORLDS 2011 • SERRA’S 69TH INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION • SEVENTH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON TURBULENCE AND SHEAR FLOW PHENOMENA (TSFP-7) • 32ND INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR CLINICAL BIOSTATISTICS • OTF 2011 ANNUAL BOARD OF GOVERNORS’ MEETING • 2011 RIM CANADA CONFERENCE - CAPITAL CONNEXIONS • INVESTORS GROUP 2011 APEX SUMMIT • CSGNA 2011 NAVIGATING “LE CANAL” IN THE CAPITAL • CANADIAN STROKE CONGRESS • PUBLIC SECTOR FINANCIAL REPORTING CONFERENCE • OPPI 2011 PLANNING CONFERENCE • GTEC • ESRI CANADA USER CONFERENCE - OTTAWA • 2011 CANADIAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE CONGRESS • 2011 NATD • CADSI SECURETECH • STATISTICS CANADA SYMPOSIUM • 17TH ANNUAL WOUND CARE CONFERENCE • EDMONTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION • 2011 RPIC REAL PROPERTY NATIONAL WORKSHOP • FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE OF CANADA - PD WEEK 2011 • ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA • TIM HORTONS REGIONAL MEETING • NATURAL RESOURCES CANADA - CANADIAN FOREST SERVICE • LIBERAL PARTY OF CANADA • CANNEXUS12 • NORTHERN LIGHTS 2012 • MANNING NETWORKING CONFERENCE 2012 • HELICOPTER ASSOCIATION OF CANADA - ANNUAL CONFERENCE & TRADESHOW • CBC RADIO - PRIX DE LECTURES • THE OTTAWA RACE WEEKEND 2011 • WOMEN’S WORLD 2011 • 32ND INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR CLINICAL BIOSTATISTICS • CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF CANADA • SCOTIABANK NHL FANFAIR - FESTIVAL DES PARTISANS DE LA LNH 2012 • INVESTORS GROUP 2011 APEX SUMMIT • LIBERAL PARTY OF CANADA 2011RIM CANADA CONFERENCE CAPITAL CONNEXIONS • EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL DHADKAN’S 9TH ANNUAL FUNDRAISING EVENT • 17TH ANNUAL WOUND CARE CONFERENCE • RECOGNITION OF ENTRY TO THE EX GROUP – GALA • NORTHERN LIGHTS 2012 • INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS (IEEE) • NHL FANFAIR™ • 2011 TELECOM LAUREAT AWARDS • ALGONQUIN COLLEGE CONVOCATION • OTTAWA BUSINESS JOURNAL – OTTAWA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MAYORS BREAKFAST • OCC GRAND OPENING • BOMBARDIER GALA • NHL FANFAIR • OTTAWA GATINEAU INTERNATIONAL AUTOSHOW • OTTAWA TOURISM GALA AWARDS • PCL CONSTRUCTORS HOLIDAY PARTY • CANADIAN TIRE SNOW SUIT FUND GALA • OTTAWA GATINEAU INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW • 2012 JUNO GALA AWARDS & DINNER • TIM HORTON’S REGIONAL MEETING • FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE OF CANADA • SEXAPALOOZA 2012 • OTTAWA WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL • TRAVEL AND VACATION SHOW • ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS – SPECIAL CHIEFS ASSEMBLY • 2011 PCL OPERATIONS CONFERENCE • CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY • CCA NATIONAL CONFERENCE • 2011 CIPMM NATIONAL WORKSHOP • PHOTONICS NORTH 2011 • INFORMATION PHOTONICS 2011 • THE OTTAWA RACE WEEKEND 2011 • CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF CANADA 32E CONGRÈS ANNUEL DE L’AJEFO - JUSTICE EN FRANÇAIS AU COEUR DES GÉNÉRATIONS ! • INTERNATIONAL WIND AND RADAR FORUM - EXPERIENCES AND LESSONS LEARNED • WOMEN’S WORLDS 2011 • SERRA’S 69TH INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION • SEVENTH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON TURBULENCE AND SHEAR FLOW PHENOMENA (TSFP-7) • 32ND INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR CLINICAL BIOSTATISTICS • OTF 2011 ANNUAL BOARD OF GOVERNORS’ MEETING • 2011 RIM CANADA CONFERENCE - CAPITAL CONNEXIONS • INVESTORS GROUP 2011 APEX SUMMIT • CSGNA 2011 NAVIGATING “LE CANAL” IN THE CAPITAL • CANADIAN STROKE CONGRESS • PUBLIC SECTOR FINANCIAL REPORTING CONFERENCE • OPPI 2011 PLANNING CONFERENCE • GTEC • ESRI CANADA USER CONFERENCE - OTTAWA • 2011 CANADIAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE CONGRESS • 2011 NATD • CADSI SECURETECH • STATISTICS CANADA SYMPOSIUM • 17TH ANNUAL WOUND CARE CONFERENCE • EDMONTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION • 2011 RPIC REAL PROPERTY NATIONAL WORKSHOP • FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE OF CANADA - PD WEEK 2011 • ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA • TIM HORTONS REGIONAL MEETING • NATURAL RESOURCES CANADA - CANADIAN FOREST SERVICE • LIBERAL PARTY OF CANADA • CANNEXUS12 • NORTHERN LIGHTS 2012 • MANNING NETWORKING CONFERENCE 2012 • HELICOPTER ASSOCIATION OF CANADA - ANNUAL CONFERENCE & TRADESHOW • CBC RADIO - PRIX DE LECTURES • THE OTTAWA RACE WEEKEND 2011 • WOMEN’S WORLD 2011 • 32ND INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR CLINICAL BIOSTATISTICS • CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF CANADA • SCOTIABANK NHL FANFAIR - FESTIVAL DES PARTISANS DE LA LNH 2012 • INVESTORS GROUP 2011 APEX SUMMIT • LIBERAL PARTY OF CANADA 2011RIM CANADA CONFERENCE - CAPITAL CONNEXIONS • EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL DHADKAN’S 9TH ANNUAL FUNDRAISING EVENT • 17TH ANNUAL WOUND CARE CONFERENCE • RECOGNITION OF ENTRY TO THE EX GROUP – GALA • NORTHERN LIGHTS 2012 • INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS (IEEE) • NHL FANFAIR™ • 2011 TELECOM LAUREAT AWARDS • ALGONQUIN COLLEGE CONVOCATION • OTTAWA BUSINESS JOURNAL – OTTAWA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MAYORS BREAKFAST • OCC GRAND OPENING • BOMBARDIER GALA • NHL FANFAIR • OTTAWA GATINEAU INTERNATIONAL AUTOSHOW • OTTAWA TOURISM GALA AWARDS • PCL CONSTRUCTORS HOLIDAY PARTY • CANADIAN TIRE SNOW SUIT FUND GALA • OTTAWA GATINEAU INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW • OTTAWA TOURISM GALA AWARDS • PCL CONSTRUCTORS HOLIDAY PARTY • CANADIAN TIRE SNOW SUIT FUND GALA • OTTAWA GATINEAU INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW • 2012 JUNO GALA AWARDS & DINNER • TIM HORTON’S REGIONAL MEETING • FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE OF CANADA • SEXAPALOOZA 2012 • OTTAWA WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL • TRAVEL AND VACATION SHOW • ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS – SPECIAL CHIEFS ASSEMBLY • 2011 PCL OPERATIONS CONFERENCE • CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY • CCA NATIONAL CONFERENCE

SOME GREAT NAMES HAVE ALREADY MET HERE.

TIME TO ADD YOURS Since opening its doors in spring 2011, the Ottawa Convention Centre has hosted hundreds of great organizations and high-profile events.

Find out what they already know about the features and advantages of Canada’s Meeting Place by visiting online. Better yet, contact us for a personal tour and a bid on one of your future events.

1-800-450-0077 • 613-563-1984 info@ottawaconventioncentre.com OTTAWACONVENTIONCENTRE.COM

UpFront

Convention Center Watch

The industry-only NAMM Show is the first tradeshow to fully utilize the new 100,000-sq.ft. Grand Plaza event space, where groups can take advantage of the Southern California climate and dine al fresco, listen to concerts or attend receptions and exhibitions. The Grand Plaza enhances the open, campus-like space surrounding the Anaheim Convention Center and flows between the Hilton Anaheim and Anaheim Marriott hotels. The area also features a special Transit Plaza for efficient transportation flow.

Interspersed throughout the Grand Plaza are 60 Valencia orange trees that represent

Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau (2)

The Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau (AOCVCB) and National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) celebrated the grand opening of the Anaheim Convention Center’s Grand Plaza in January with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by a who’s who in the music and convention industries. Legendary musician and music producer Randy Jackson and Latin Grammynominated jazz artist Bernie Williams participated in the ribbon cutting, which also served as the opening of the 2013 NAMM Show.

The new 100,000-sq.-ft. Grand Plaza at the Anaheim Convention Center is a uniquely Southern California outdoor environment that can be utilized year-round for a wide variety of events, meetings and gatherings.

the destination’s early agricultural history.

In addition, there are 151 palm trees, California-style landscaping and ample seating throughout. There is also a special colorful light show staged each evening (every 30 minutes) that includes a multi-color Ocean Fountain show and twinkling “River Walk” lights.

Providing event planners with an inside look at the Grand Plaza, the AOCVCB has designed a special microsite (anaheimoc. org/GrandPlaza/index.php).

On Jan. 24, a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Anaheim/ Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, City of Anaheim officials and members of NAMM marked the grand opening of the Anaheim Convention Center’s Grand Plaza, and the start of the 2013 NAMM Show. (L-r): City of Anaheim Council Member Jordan Brandman, Council Member Kris Murray, NAMM Executive Committee Secretary Robin Walenta, Council Member Gail Eastman, City of Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait, NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond, Latin Grammynominated jazz artist Bernie Williams, Council Member Lucille Kring, legendary musician and music producer Randy Jackson and NAMM Chairman of the Board Kevin Cranley.

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Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

O Ju pe ly nin 20 g 13

Brand New Cleveland Convention Center...

Who knew?

That’s sustainably underground...

Cleveland has been named the fourth most walkable city by PCMA’s Convene Magazine.

Who Knew? To learn more visit ClevelandMeetings.com.

Convention Center Entrance

UpFront

Convention Center Watch

The grand opening celebration for Nashville’s Music City Center will take place May 1920. Construction on the $585 million facility began in January 2010 and will be completed on April 30. Music City Center totals 2.1 million sq. ft., which includes the 57,500-sq.-ft.

Grand Ballroom seating 6,000 people and an 1,800-space parking garage. Green features include solar panels and a green roof; the building is on track to receive LEED Silver certification. Due to its larger size, the Music City Center will be able to host 75 percent of conventions in the country, compared to the 25 percent that can currently be accommodated at the Nashville Convention Center. At press time, the pre-opening sales effort for the Music City Center has the total room nights booked for the facility at 829,574 and the number of individual meetings at 101, according to the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation.

Northeast Georgia’s

Premier Convention & Performing Arts Center

Be impressed New and modern spaces paired with restored historical structures Accommodations for 6,000 people and 300 booths Newly built 8,000 sq. ft. atrium and 56,000 sq. ft. grand hall Award-winning customer service ▼ Walking distance to 1,500 hotel rooms A short drive from the Atlanta airport

300 N. Thomas St. ▼ Downtown Athens, GA www.ClassicCenter.com ▼ 706.208.0900

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On Feb. 5, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved the creation of the Moscone Expansion District (MED), which will provide the majority of funding for the expansion of the City’s convention center. Hotel assessments from the MED will provide two thirds of the funding for costs of the expansion project, estimated at $500 million. The other third will come from a continuation of funding from the City’s General Fund. The expansion of Moscone Center will add approximately 350,000 to 400,000 sq. ft. to the convention center, including 80,000 or more sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit, essential for attracting larger conventions.

“San Francisco has already lost meetings representing $2.057 billion in direct spending as a result of space limitations for meetings with dates between 2010 and 2019. The existing threebuilding configuration of Moscone Center is effectively filled to capacity,” explained Joe D’Alessandro, president and CEO of the San Francisco Travel Association. “Therefore, it is impossible to significantly grow the San Francisco convention market without providing additional meeting and exhibit space – especially contiguous exhibition space.”

The planned expansion of Moscone Center will create 3,424 long-term jobs and induce $713 million in direct spending in the first seven years after expansion’s anticipated 2018 opening.

Construction is anticipated to begin November 2014. Visit www.moscone. com for more information.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

UpFront

Destination Watch

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) recently unveiled its plan for the Las Vegas Global Business District, an overarching vision for the Las Vegas Convention Center and the surrounding area. The plan includes the following goals: • Renovating the convention center and creating a convention district campus. The project includes building additional exhibit space, meeting rooms and general session space; upgrading technology; adding new food and beverage outlets; and creating a grand concourse connector with more lobby space. This will be the first major expansion of the 54-year-old Las Vegas Convention Center in more than a decade.

• Creating an international business center by leveraging and expanding the World Trade Center designation. By creating a dedicated World Trade Center facility, the LVCVA plans to expand international business opportunities and increase market share by attracting more meetings and conventions to the destination.

• Building a centralized transportation hub that will improve connectivity in the resort corridor.

In late February, the LVCVA approved the first phase of a $2.5 billion overhaul of the Convention Center that includes the new World Trade Center building and transportation center.

The project is justified by the city's current level of tourism and group business. Las Vegas welcomed a record 39.7 million visitors in 2012, approximately a half-million more visitors than the previous high of 39.2 million set in 2007.

Meetings and tradeshow business has also been growing, with 4.9 million delegates attending a convention, tradeshow or meeting in 2012, reflecting a 1.6 percent increase over last year.

This is the highest convention attendance in four years. A different metric is equally impressive: The city hosted 21,615 meetings, tradeshows or conventions in 2012, up 13.6 percent from the 2011 total of 19,029. The 2012 total is the highest number of meetings and conventions held in Las Vegas since 2008.

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Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

FLEXIBLE. ACCESSIBLE. AFFORDABLE. COMFORTABLE.

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Meetings planners love Little Rock.

(And so do the people who attend them.)

With hundreds of thousands of square feet of newly-upgraded meeting and exhibit space in a variety of locations throughout the city, Little Rock also offers your groups world-class attractions, the best New South cuisine, and cozy accommodations – along with that famous southern charm.

Discover all of Little Rock’s charms at LittleRock.com or call 1-800-844-4781

UpFront

Destination Watch

Leading Edge:

Al Hutchinson

Vice President of Convention Sales & Marketing Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau Virginia Beach, VA

Al Hutchinson joined the Virginia Beach CVB in 2003. He is a 2012 NAACP Trailblazer Award recipient from the Virginia Beach branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and chairs the ASAE’s Industry Partner Alliance.

State of the CVB’s Meetings Business: I think there’s still some recovery happening in the meetings industry; it’s not back to pre-2008 levels. The hospitality industry is typically a lag industry, and we’re going to track a little slower than the overall economy. Still, we’re attracting new clients to Virginia Beach. In February we hosted the BankTravel Conference, with about 400 tour operators representing the banking industry, and this October we will host the Air Medical Transport Conference.

What Planners Look for in a CVB Sales Representative: The customer now is looking for a sales rep to take a more consultant approach, compared to just a sales approach. They

want the salesperson to really understand their business, their challenges and the trends in their particular industry before they even have a conversation. Those that approach it as a consultant are those who will probably win more business than they lose. It becomes more of a relationship sell.

Most Memorable Event: The National Forum for Black Public Administrators had their national convention here April of last year. That was significant for us because it was the first time they had met in our destination, and we had attempted to attract them here a couple of times before. And April is our off-season, so that’s the time we really try to attract group business. We as a city had to host their opening night event, and we did a private concert in our Sandler Center, which is 1,300-seat venue. It was a great lift for our destination.

What’s New in Virginia Beach: Our newest hotel is called Oceanaire, which opened this past June with 163 rooms and about 8,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. It’s a very nice, eclectic, high-tech type of property. And the owner of that hotel has also opened a $70 million public/private, mixeduse development called 31Ocean, with retail stores and restaurants. So this is the first time in the resort area that we’ve created a very walkable, pedestrian-friendly community, just a block away from the ocean.

(L-r): Atlanta Hall Management Chairman Steve Robinson, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau President and CEO William Pate, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, National Football Foundation Chairman Archie Manning, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal and Atlanta Hall Management CEO John Stephenson gather to announce the Jan. 28 groundbreaking for the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. The 95,000-sq.-ft. facility will open for the kickoff of the 2014 football season.

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Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

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.

UpFront

Hotel Watch

In January, Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) accepted Miami’s renowned Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a 2012 F&D Meeting Hotel Prime Site Award winner, as its newest member. The legendary 650-acre resort, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is undergoing an extensive $200 million renovation facilitated by the Trump Hotel Collection, which purchased the property last June. The property will remain fully operational throughout the renovation, which is expected to conclude next year. ALHI, with its established Global Sales Organization (GSO) sales force throughout North America, now provides authorized and dedicated GSO services and sales support to corporations, associations and independent planners interested in conducting an event at the resort. Doral Golf Resort & Spa becomes ALHI’s fifth member hotel in the Miami area, joining The Biltmore in Coral Gables, the InterContinental Miami on the shore of Biscayne Bay, the Fontainebleau on Miami Beach and the recently renovated Loews Miami Beach Hotel, located in South Beach.

Doral Golf Resort & Spa features 693 guestrooms across 10 lodges, more than 90,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, and five world-class championship golf courses, including the TPC Blue Monster, one of the most famous golf courses in the world and home to the PGA Tour for over 50 years. Additional offerings include a 48,000-sq.-ft. spa with 33 treatment rooms, six restaurants and a highly regarded golf school.

20

Caesars Entertainment properties in both Nevada and California saw major developments in February. Harrah’s Rincon Resort & Casino in Valley Center, CA (just outside San Diego) launched a $150 million expansion project. Nearly doubling the size of the resort, the project will include a new 21-story hotel tower adding 400 guestrooms, scheduled to open in the spring of 2014, and a new 23,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, slated to be completed at the end of this year. The expanded resort will house 1,065 guestrooms and suites, and over 50,000 sq. ft. of gross function space.

And in Las Vegas, the world’s first Nobu Hotel Restaurant and Lounge debuted at Caesars Palace in early February. The 181-room property’s namesake restaurant spans 12,775 sq. ft. and seats up to 327 attendees.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

UpFront

Hotel Watch

(L-r): Robert Levy, Senior Vice President, Dow Hotel Company; Gary Steffen, Vice President Global Brand Performance, Hilton Worldwide; Ellen Ruane, General Manager, Hilton Long Island; Paul Fleishman, Vice President Public Affairs, Newsday; Jo-Ann Raia, Huntington Town Clerk; Susan Berlant and Mark Cuthbertson, Huntington council representatives; and Nassau County legislator Carrie Solages join Hilton Long Island Employee of the Year Kathleen Sabella (holding scissors) to cut the grand opening money ribbon adorned with cash donations for Newsday Charities.

Last month, Dow Hotel Company (DHC) unveiled the renovation of the Hilton Long Island Huntington in Melville, NY, during grand reopening ceremonies. The 303-room hotel, owned in a joint venture between DHC and Prudential, underwent a $16 million makeover that included upgrading hotel rooms, corridors and public spaces, as well as creating a new lobby, new restaurant and a steakhouse scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2013. The hotel offers 26,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

The grand reopening festivities, hosted by DHC Vice President of Operations Dave Fincannon and Hilton Hotels Vice President Gary Steffen, included a presentation by the Civil Air Patrol Color Guard, a ribboncutting ceremony with local officials, and a cash donation from the Hilton to Newsday Charities to help at-risk children and families Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

on Long Island, many of whom are still recovering from the after-effects of Hurricane Sandy. The Hilton also announced plans to donate 100 room nights to be used by local organizations providing Sandy relief.

Bellagio recently completed a $40 million remodel of all 928 guestrooms and suites in its Spa Tower, a project that began last August and concludes the hotel’s redesign of all 3,387 Resort Rooms. The newly remodeled Resort Rooms incorporate environmentally responsible elements such as energyefficient lighting and organic carpeting primarily made from wool. Additionally, Bellagio introduced three new 2,500-sq.ft. Executive Parlor Suites each featuring a billiards lounge and a separate hightech home theater living area.

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UpFront

Hotel Watch

Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, a 2012 F&D Meeting Hotel Prime Site Award winner, recently joined Associated Luxury Hotels International.

ALHI, with its established Global Sales Organization (GSO) and sales force throughout North America, now provides authorized and dedicated GSO services and sales support to the meetings industry for the AAA Four-Diamond hotel, which features 1,500 guestrooms and suites and over 445,000 sq. ft. of function space. To commemorate the occasion, ALHI’s President and CEO David Gabri (right) presented a plaque to Rosen Shingle Creek’s General Manager Dan Giordano (left) and Vice President of Sales & Marketing Leslie Menichini.

Our space will inspire you.

170,000+ sq. ft. of flexible convention space 8,000 seat arena 1,950 seat concert hall 500 seat playhouse

500+ restaurants 7,000+ hotel rooms 10 direct flight cities Central southeast location

Von Braun Center, Big Spring International Park

Contact Leslie Walker at 800.843.0468 or LWalker@huntsville.org.

huntsville.org facebook/huntsvilleCVB 22

Huntsville/Madison County Alabama Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club in Southwest Florida has completed its latest phase of renovations and enhancements.

This $5 million phase includes the opening of a new 5,000-sq.-ft. ballroom (pictured) that features panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the completed renovation of the resort’s 317 guestrooms.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

Visit indy

2

1

Indianapolis, IN

4

F&D

Burlington, VT

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Hot List

3

Colorado Springs, CO

4] Villa Aquamare

Status: Hot Category: Small Market Venues FYI: Small meeting venues make a big impact on groups when they are upscale, impeccably serviced and brimming with unique character. From the Heartland of America to the Caribbean, here is a sampling of these facilities.

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

www.villaaquamare.com Villa Aquamare, set on the scenic Williamsburg, VA Western coast of Virgin Gorda at Mahoe Bay along half a mile of pristine Indiana Repertory Theatre and houses beach, consists of three 8,000-sq.ft., five-bedroom private villas. Villa an 8,700-sq.-ft. circular dance floor ringed with facades of stucco buildings Aquamare is now offering Corporate for an ambience evoking the courtyard Retreats in Paradise, aimed at small of a Spanish village. The 15,700-sq.-ft. corporate groups. Each villa boasts a spacious living room and dining room Ballroom accommodates from 50 to Hotel Vermont 1,500 attendees for a reception under area, opening on to multiple terraces, Burlington, VT offering multiple choices for group its 40-ft.-high starry ceiling. Other www.hotelvt.com meetings and breakouts.

The 125-room Hotel Vermont will open capacities include: banquet, 940; this spring on Cherry Street in the heart theater, 1,150; and classroom, 600.

Small corporate groups can utilize the of Burlington, between Waterfront The Williamsburg facility’s 1,200-sq.-ft. boardroom.

Park and Church Street Marketplace.

Winery and Function spaces include four meeting Wedmore Place rooms, two of which offer 1,100 sq. ft.

The Ranch at Emerald Williamsburg, VA of space and water views; an outdoor Valley www.williamsburgwinery.com terrace with an open hearth, affording Colorado Springs, CO www.wedmoreplace.com views of Lake Champlain and the www.broadmoor.com/ranch Located minutes from Historic Adirondacks; 2,000 sq. ft. of green roof In August, The Broadmoor, a 2012 Williamsburg on 300 acres of farmland space; and the 7,500-sq.-ft. Harbor F&D Meeting Hotel Prime Site Award known as Wessex Hundred, The Terrace. Promises an “authentic winner, will be opening The Ranch at Williamsburg Winery is accompanied Vermont experience.”

Emerald Valley, just eight miles west by a 28-room European-style hotel, of the hotel. Encircled by the Pike Wedmore Place, which offers Indiana Roof National Forest, The Ranch is an 1,100 sq. ft. of meeting space. The Ballroom upscale retreat featuring 10 cabins destination welcomes groups of up to Indianapolis, IN sleeping 34 guests between them.

280 attendees to numerous meeting www.indianaroof.com Each offers beautifully appointed and reception venues supplementing rooms highlighted by wood-burning Conveniently located in the heart of Wessex Hall, including a terrace, fireplaces. The Ranch will be open to downtown Indianapolis, this historic tavern, wine bar, two boardrooms, a guests May through October. space was built in 1927 above the courtyard and pool area.

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Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

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Exceptional Venues for

Successful Events

Global Spectrum focuses on establishing a lasting partnership with our venue owners and event organizers. When you book with Global Spectrum you can be assured of the same personalized service, innovative ideas and solutions, and professional staff at each and every venue.

Book With Us Today!

Global Spectrum Convention Centers Congratulations to the following buildings that were named Prime Site Award Winners: ★ Century Center ★ Greater Richmond Convention Center ★ Saint Charles Convention Center

★ Miami Beach Convention Center

★ Las Cruces Convention Center

★ Iowa Events Center

★ Overland Park Convention Center

★ Duke Energy Convention Center

WEST REGION • • • • • • • •

Arizona, Glendale, University of Phoenix Stadium Exhibit Hall British Columbia, Penticton, Penticton Trade & Convention Center Colorado, Loveland, First National Bank Exhibition Building Colorado, Pueblo, Pueblo Convention Center New Mexico, Clovis, Clovis Civic Center New Mexico, Las Cruces, Las Cruces Convention Center Utah, Provo, Utah Valley Convention Center Washington, Everett, Edward D. Hansen Conference Center

MIDWEST REGION • • • • • • •

Indiana, South Bend, Century Center Iowa, Des Moines, Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center Iowa, Des Moines, Hy-Vee Hall Kansas, Overland Park, Overland Park Convention Center Missouri, St. Charles, Saint Charles Convention Center Ohio, Cincinnati, Duke Energy Convention Center Ohio, Cleveland, Gerald H. Gordon Conference Pavilion,

Cleveland State University

EAST REGION • • • •

Maine, Bangor, Cross Insurance Center Massachusetts, Springfield, MassMutual Center New York, Niagara Falls, Conference Center Niagara Falls Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex,

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

SOUTH REGION • • • • • • • • •

Florida, Miami Beach , Miami Beach Convention Center Florida, Palm Beach, Palm Beach County Convention Center North Carolina, Durham, Durham Convention Center Kentucky, Owensboro, Owensboro Convention Center Oklahoma, Enid, Enid Event Center Texas, Corpus Christi, Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center Texas, Corpus Christi (Robstown), Richard M. Borchard Exhibition Complex Virginia, Richmond, Greater Richmond Convention Center Virginia, Roanoke, Roanoke Special Events Center

★ Palm Beach County Convention Center

Miami Beach

Convention Center Miami Beach, FL

Exhibit Hall: 502,000 sq. ft Ballroom: 75,500 sq. ft. encompasses 4 separate spaces Breakouts: 70 Meeting Space: 127,000 sq. ft.

Hotel Rooms: 3,000 walk-able Airport: Miami International is #1 in US for International Freight and #2 for International Passengers LOCATION...LOCATION...LOCATION Spanning four city blocks of palm tree lined streets and located in the heart of the electrifying and historic South Beach/Art Deco District, the Miami Beach Convention Center is truly an event planner’s paradise.

With white sandy beaches and warm ocean waters just a few blocks away, terrific Lincoln Road shopping, award-winning restaurants and an exciting nightlife scene, Miami Beach is the choice for your next meeting, convention or tradeshow!

Personalized. Innovative. Professional.

miamibeachconvention.com

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

Grand Ballroom: 16,200 sq. ft.

Breakouts: 17 Total Rentable Space: 85,000 sq. ft.

Attached Hotel: 296 rooms Parking: 1,200 complimentary

stcharlesconventioncenter.com

The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls

“Our 1249 attendees agree that the St. Charles Convention Center (SCCC) was a fabulous place to meet and we received tremendous accolades. This proves that when committed and experienced staff join forces, and are supported by their executives, a meeting planner can accomplish great things for their group. The convenient way your facility is laid out and the seamless connection with Embassy Suites was the reason we chose SCCC. However, your service and your people are the reasons we’d return again and again.”

Meeting Planner – Pioneer Network

THE CONFERENCE & Event CENTER

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

Greater Richmond Convention Center Richmond, VA Exhibit Hall: 178,159 sq. ft.

Ballroom: 30,550 sq. ft.

Meeting/Banquet Rooms: 36 258 Fixed-Seat Lecture Hall & 1540 covered parking spots adjacent to the center Hotel Rooms: 650 Adjacent to the center & thousands more nearby

Inspired by the magnificence of Niagara Falls, The Conference & Event Center combines 116,000-square-feet of versatile state-of-theart indoor meeting and event space with vibrant outdoor activities.

The facility is designed to provide meeting professionals with a technologically advanced, sensibly priced venue for their most important meetings and events.

With 700,000 square feet of impressive interior space, the Greater Richmond Convention Center is the largest meeting and exposition facility in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Affordability, flexibility and exceptional customer service make it the perfect location for government and corporate events, conventions, trade shows, consumer shows, galas, sporting events and more.

ccnfny.com

richmondcenter.com

Owensboro

Convention Center Owensboro, KY

Exhibit Hall: 45,000 sq. ft.

Ballroom: Two 13,000 sq. ft.

Total Meeting Space: 92,000 sq. ft. (includes both ballrooms) Breakouts: 14 Hotel Rooms: 270 rooms located within one block.

Over 1,100 within 5 mile radius

Western Kentucky’s newest, premier meeting space - the Owensboro Convention Center - is a full-service meeting facility nestled in vibrant Daviess County, Kentucky, overlooking the scenic Ohio River in historic downtown Owensboro. The multi-purpose center boasts 92,000 sq. ft. of meeting space consisting of a 44,000+ sq. ft. exhibition hall, and 48,000+ sq. ft. of additional ballroom and meeting space. The new events center plans to open in December 2013.

Personalized. Innovative. Professional.

owensboro-conventioncenter.com

THE BIG O GOES BIG TIME BIG on southern hospitality, bluegrass music and barbecue, Owensboro, Kentucky, is going BIG on its new multi-purpose convention center.

Located on the scenic banks of the Ohio River and in Kentucky’s Festival City, the new Owensboro Convention Center is just one part of an exciting revitalization occurring in downtown Owensboro.

Owensboro has long been known for its world famous barbecue; barbecue so good, people travel from all over the world to attend the International Bar-B-Q Festival held every year in May. Owensboro is also home to the International Bluegrass Music Museum, which showcases the rich music heritage of the region. Every year, thousands of people attend two of Owensboro’s larger music events, ROMP: Bluegrass Roots & Branches Festival and the Big O Music Fest, both headlining major music stars.

ROMP was just awarded the 2012 Event of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association and continues to attract top talent each year.

If sports are more of your thing, then Owensboro is the place for

you. Owensboro has outstanding sports complexes, which host numerous tournaments and national championships every year. Sports Illustrated has named Owensboro a Top 50 Sports Town in the United States. It is the birthplace of many professional sports figures, most notably, 3-time NASCAR champion - Darrell Waltrip, 2006 MotoGP champion - Nicky Hayden and former NBA basketball player - Rex Chapman.

Not only is Owensboro a thriving and progressive city, its central location is ideal for hosting any kind of event.

Located just over 100 miles southwest of Louisville, Kentucky, 130 miles north of Nashville, Tennessee, and only 40 miles southeast of Evansville, Indiana, Owensboro’s access to major interstates and airports makes for an easy escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

With the title of Kentucky’s Festival City and with the numerous events occurring each year, the new convention center is a highly anticipated addition to this prosperous and thriving community.

The state-of-the-art facility is currently under construction and on schedule to open January 2014. It will boast 92,994 square-feet of flexible spaces, which includes a 44,000+ square-foot exhibition hall and 32,000+ square-feet of meeting and ballroom spaces. The facility will also provide complete in-house services, including all the amenities planners expect and need for a positive experience.

The venue is situated among picturesque landscaping including: iconic water fountains, a signature waterfall, an outdoor children’s spray park and playground, beautiful stone walkways and open spaces for planned gatherings. With the addition of a new 150-room Hampton Inn and Suites and a 120-room Holiday Inn adjacent to the center, Owensboro will have great accommodations for convention and event attendees. Attendees will also be in walking distance to a variety of local restaurants, bars, entertainment and shopping options.

The Owensboro Convention Center is managed by Global Spectrum, which is a worldwide leader in venue management, with over 100+ other public assembly facilities around the world. Nearly 20 million people attended events held at Global Spectrum venues last year. “We will be able to pull from our vast resources of knowledge and expertise to make each event a successful and pleasurable experience,” said Dean Dennis, General Manager and Vice President, Global Spectrum.

No matter what type or size of event you are planning, it is sure to be a BIG time success in Owensboro, Kentucky.

MassMutual Center Convention Center & Arena Springfield, MA

Exhibit Hall: 40,000 sq. ft.

Grand Ballroom: 15,000 sq. ft.

Breakouts: 8 Total Meeting Space: 24,000 sq. ft.

Arena Seating: 8,000 Hotel Rooms: 900 walk-able

Ideally located at the gateway of New England, Springfield, Massachusetts is situated in the center of it all. To help reach more attendees, Springfield is at the crossroads of two major interstate highways and Bradley International Airport, is just 20 minutes from the MassMutual Center. Before, during and after events, attendees have unlimited opportunities to discover a rich array of historical sites, cultural attractions and entertainment choices.

Personalized. Innovative. Professional.

massmutualcenter.com

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Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectiv M Meeting Perspectives

A Meeting ‘Fit’ for Today’s Attendees

P lan n e r s a n d v e n ue s in cre asin gly cat e r t o h e a lth y l if e st yl e s

P

By Sarah Vining

articipants have to be content in their meeting environment. The more you’re able to cater to their needs, the better your chances of a successful outcome. At almost every meeting, there are a group of participants who are conscious about what they eat and maintain their fitness regime during the extent of their stay. In previous years, planners would make special requests to the hotel for smaller portions and customized outdoor activities. Now, it’s easier to find hotels and conference centers that cater to lifestyle factors.

“We don’t say ‘no’ to a group —

if you can think it, we’ll do it. We have

potatoes’ crowd, and a salad bar with an abundance of healthy toppings for the nutrition-minded. And, planners appreciate not having to choose from a set menu.”

Flexibility of food is important. Nicole Morrison, Sales Manager for Religious Groups at the youth conference center, explains: “Groups will choose us over hotels because of our variety in food options. Guests can enjoy a vegetarian dish without accruing additional costs or making a special request to the chef.” An annual focus group organized by the International Association of Conference Centers continues to prove that planners rank “food flexibility” at hotels, such as catering to special dietary needs, as a top 10 priority. For two consecutive years planners ranked it as “most important.” Yet a health-conscience hotel isn’t the only prerequisite.

A survey distributed by 2,000 bikes and 10 miles of beach.”

Destination Hotels & Resorts to more than —Jake Feary, Director of Outdoor Programs, 380 meeting planners Kiawah Island Golf and Resort last fall asked planners to comment on new trends, tools and resources in the The Fitness Aspect of Meetings meetings industry. The results revealed five important Hotel fitness centers have been vanilla for too long; now, focal points; two of the five were fitness and health hotels are changing to meet the demands of guests who centric. In fact, more than 78 percent of the planners want to stay on track with working out. When Starwood who participated in the survey said culinary offerings Hotels launched a gym makeover at its Westin Hotels in are an important part of venue selection. And 30 percent 2010, the company brought the term “fitness-minded” to a considered it “extremely important.” More specifically, new level. meeting planners want complete meeting packages (CMPs) that focus on health and nutrition as well as The WestinWORKOUT ® program, the result of a specialized dietary offerings. $37 million global investment, reinforces the brand’s commitment to promote an active lifestyle. Through a “Having a variety to accommodate everyone is partnership with New Balance, the hotel now offers a important,” says Amanda Abel, National Sales Manager program called RunWESTIN™. Runners can run as for Nonprofit Groups at Washington, DC’s National a group and choose from three- and five-mile routes.

4-H Youth Conference Center. “Planners want a mix Westin celebrated the global launch of the New Balance to satisfy both crowds; hot entrees for the ‘meat and 32 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

Meeting ves Perspectives Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspecti Gear lending program in November 2012, so guests can travel light and order New Balance workout gear and shoes from the hotel.

Planners also recognize the value in a breath of fresh air for their participants. There’s a requisite for groups to take a break, leave the meeting room and do something active. When religious leaders contact Morrison at National 4-H Youth Conference Center, she says they’re interested in the outdoor space. These groups want a retreat center where members can run or take a brisk walk together. The property is located on 12 acres, which is unique in the Washington, DC area, and features an outdoor basketball court and sand volleyball. Access to these areas is complimentary for groups, which is a plus.

Active Teambuilding of “Greatest Interest” Planners participating in the Destination Hotels & Resorts survey were asked to comment on teambuilding trends. More than half (54 percent) of planners said adventure/active teambuilding is of greatest interest. This further supports the claim that planners are more focused on keeping participants active and energized.

creating novel recreational group activities. At Kiawah Island Golf and Resort on Kiawah Island in South Carolina, Jake Feary, Director of Outdoor Programs, explains, “We don’t say ‘no’ to a group — if you can think it, we’ll do it. We have 2,000 bikes and 10 miles of beach.” The resort’s most popular tour is “The Island Sampler,” which features a series of recreational activities. The group starts by kayaking down the inlet, then takes beach hike and finishes with a bike ride back to the resort. The tour is a total of three hours, but Feary says groups are interested in being active outdoors and sharing more than a work conversation together.

To design a meeting that produces successful outcomes, a planner must consider lifestyle factors. People want to maintain the same lives on the road and at meetings as they do at home. After all, we’re all creatures of habit, and that includes diet and exercise.

Sarah Vining is the Marketing Manager for National 4-H Youth Conference Center, a premier youth hotel and conference center near Washington, DC. Her inspiration for this article was derived from a month traveling on the road, a weekend at a Westin, and 4-H’s healthy living mission.

For more adventurous teambuilding, hotels and resorts are

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

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Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectiv M Meeting Perspectives

To t al Ex p e r i e n ce = A t t en da n ce

Savvy planners and facility managers take a holistic approach to their events

By Mickey Schaefer, FASAE, CAE

T

he huge screens, hung for all to see at PCMA’s January annual meeting, focused attendees on three words — The Experience Matters.

That’s our collective new reality. Savvy meeting professionals and facility managers who “get it” understand they’re operating in a new socialmedia, consumer-driven society where satisfaction with the experience “beyond the walls” of the meeting or event matters — and it matters a lot.

The “If you build it, they will come” days are over in terms of attendance promotion. Today’s attendees (translated: consumers) are discerning travelers who may not be drawn by the meeting’s content or activities alone. They research what the destination is all about and often make their “Do I want to go?” decision based on what they see and learn online. Bottom line, they want to be reasonably assured that their total experience will likely be worth the trade-off of taking time away from home and letting work pile up.

This new thinking of shaping the total experience is certainly welcomed from the meeting professional’s perspective. With shrinking sponsorship dollars and dwindling hosted receptions and dinners, attendees are often left to entertain themselves, while the planner hopes they’ll have a positive experience while they’re “out and about.” As these thousands of attendees explore the destination on their own, it opens up new opportunities for destinations to shine — or not.

34

That’s why destination leaders are breaking down silos and working together — across industry sectors — to ensure a positive experience. This effort includes all of the players throughout the community, from the mayor’s office to the taxi driver to the citizen on the street.

Such collaboration is taking place in many cities, including Greater Columbus.

“Our five-year aspirational plan, called

“In a new social-media, consumer-

driven society, satisfaction with the experience ‘beyond the walls’ of the meeting or event matters — and it matters a lot.”

Destination Columbus, is designed to align our destination’s leaders and stakeholders around an Enhanced Visitor Experience as one of five key objectives through 2017,” said Brian Ross, CTA, President and CEO of Experience Columbus, the region’s largest CVB. For other examples, one can look at Indianapolis, Baltimore, Kansas City and Anaheim as destinations whose leaders followed a vision to shape the experience. Indy’s 25-year plan kept its community laser-focused on a downtown transformation that’s the envy of many destinations today. Baltimore’s resurgence of its Inner Harbor, Kansas City’s new downtown entertainment district, and Anaheim’s street-scaping and resort reinvention are all prime examples of executing a vision that enhances the Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

Meeting ves Perspectives Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspecti

overall destination “product” in the eyes of the consumer.

attributes, including hospitality, entertainment, retail and cultural activities,” he explains.

This vision is rooted in trailblazing facility managers and design architects who no longer look at facilities as bricks and mortar, but rather in the context of a “spirit of place” that supports “people connectivity.”

An example is the design of the Phoenix Convention Center by Kansas City-based Populous, Inc., which was inspired by the Arizona desert’s red-rock spires — subtly immersing attendees into the destination’s uniqueness.

This new thinking is refreshing. Because, let’s face it, in our “word-of-thumb” society, attendees who get “beyond the walls” will surely tweet and text their experiences, underscoring the need to strengthen the working relationship between the meeting professional, facility manager and civic leaders.

Populous’ annual think tank, Imagine That, fuels dialogue between planners, building managers, CVB CEOs, and architects. In the fall of 2012, the group unanimously chose Community Integration & Experience as their No. 1 topic. Populous’ Senior Principal, Todd C. Voth, AIA, LEED® AP, is leading the pack. “Convention center design is no longer just about the building, it’s about delivering a memorably great experience for guests — an experience that also includes creating a convention center district that integrates the best of the community’s unique

After all, it’s our mutual objective to turn these thousands of attendees into raving fans who are key to increased attendance, enhanced visitor spending, and positive wordof-thumb for the event and the destination — all as a result of collaborating beyond the walls.

A longtime industry leader, Mickey Schaefer owns a trio of companies specializing in positive experiences through Customer Advisory Board facilitation; the Certified Tourism Ambassador™ (CTA) frontline education program; and The EXPERIENCE Institute’s Experience-Dedicated™ Destination standards and best practices.

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Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

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Trade Show Perspectives Trade ShowTrade Perspectives Show Perspectives Trade Show Perspectives Trad ShowTrade Perspectives

Exhibitor Do’s and Don’ts T ips f o r attr a c ting prospe ctive buye rs w h i l e av o i d ing th e “graze rs”

By Deborah Shapiro

T

he never-ending supply of product samples is one of the perks of being a food buyer.

However, during the three times a year that I attend food trade shows, there are occasions I wish my market was non-edible goods.

While it is really exciting to be presented with thousands of booths showcasing the latest delicacies, the food buyer likely begins to see the task the same way that a lone accountant views a stack of receipts during tax season: A lot of booths to get through and only one stomach.

That is why I enter a tradeshow with a game plan, as most experienced buyers do. Generally, I will be looking for two or three items or genres of food. To convince me to look at something else, the exhibitor will need to “wow” me from the start. Here are four tips on what to do and what not to do when exhibiting at a tradeshow.

1. Wear your brand, look unified. When three or more people manning a booth wear the same shirt, it is eye catching. Uniforms also effectively demonstrate unity and give the impression of an organized team that knows its product. Time is very precious to buyers with a multitude of booths to peruse, and they are more likely to stop where they think information can be quickly obtained. It is also much easier to locate a person to talk to when the consumer can immediately spot who is at the booth to sell versus who is visiting.

2. Put some thought into your giveaway.

A giveaway is a key item at your booth, and it should be more than a simple branded pen if it is to entice attendees.

Yet care must be taken to ensure that they learn about 36

your product in the course of picking up the item. With this in mind, keep the giveaway off the front table.

This will prevent people from coming by and taking the product without stopping to talk to you. If your giveaway is attractive enough, people will come to your booth and ere is the bottom line: wait patiently through If you are not excited about your pitch during the time it takes you to get your product, I won’t be.” them their cell-phone stand or iPad raffle form.

“H

I recall that a company promoting financial services products offered a particularly clever giveaway. Company representatives throughout the trade show floor distributed ATM cards that when scanned at their booth could reward the holder with up to $10. Nearly every person came to the booth to see if they had won. For the card to be redeemed, cardholders were required to present their badge to be scanned. During the 30 seconds it took to process the ATM card and obtain contact details, faceto-face communication was made to describe the product and generate further interest.

A less-involved giveaway strategy is to hand out bottled water with your company name/logo and booth number.

Trade show attendees often forget to get a drink the few times they pass the refreshment stand, and your booth will be viewed as an oasis in a desert. As a plus, when other attendees see your booth number and name on someone else’s water, it increases the chances that they will come by to get one.

3. Have more than one point person and a traffic manager. Nothing is more frustrating than being drawn to a booth by one person and then being told to wait for Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

deTrade Show Perspectives Trade Show Perspectives Trade Show Perspectives Trade Show Perspectives Trad

the person who actually knows about about your give-away… You have five the product. Every person at your seconds of me walking by to get my othing is more frustrating than booth should know enough about the attention, and your “I feel like pizza product to give the entire pitch. It is tonight” text might have lost you your being drawn to a booth by one person also helpful if booth attendants can next sale. If you are hiring people to and then being told to wait for the help weed out the “grazers,” i.e., people man your booth, make sure they are who come for the food or give-away attentive and enthusiastic. person who actually knows about only, but then stand around making You have spent a lot of time, casual conversation while preventing the product . . . ” energy and money on your display contact with the real buyers. Have booth. Make every second count someone act as a traffic manager, while you are on the tradeshow floor. If you follow these moving these people politely to the side. Should you find tips you might actually “wow” me enough to stop by your yourself talking to a grazer, try to end the conversation booth unexpectedly and buy swiftly and look for the next person attempting to get your your product. attention.

“N

4. Be excited about and pay attention to your exhibit. Here is the bottom line: If you are not excited about your product, I won’t be. In the days of smartphones and tablets, I have passed over many booths where the attendant was happily looking down at or talking on his phone. Make eye contact with me, talk to me, tell me

Deborah Shapiro is a Specialty Foods Category Manager and Buyer at BI-LO Holdings, a supermarket chain with approximately 700 stores in the southeast. She has been working in the food industry for over six years and before that focused on product marketing at CitiStreet, LLC.

SeaGate Centre

Where Fun and Function Meet

401 Jefferson Ave Toledo, Ohio 43604 419. 255.3300 www.toledo-seagate.com

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Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business ViewpoinB Business Viewpoints

Te st Yo u r RO I IQ

Be ready when skepticism arises about the business value of your meetings

T

By Jack J. Phillips, Ph.D.

he recession has brought radical changes to the meetings and events industry. With the cuts in spending for meetings and events and their value coming into question, there is more scrutiny than ever before.

In the 2011 global survey of chief marketing officers conducted by IBM, 63 percent of CMOs said that ROI will be the metric that matters by 2015, surpassing customer satisfaction, brand and new accounts.

Executives, sponsors, clients and others who fund meetings all want a stronger demonstration of business value. Otherwise, funding may diminish. The challenge, then, is to connect more meetings and events to business value, particularly those corporate meetings that are designed to add business value, and major association meetings that need

to provide value to their participants. From either perspective, the event must be linked to key improvement measures of productivity, quality, output, time and efficiency. This article provides a simple quiz to test your knowledge in one of the most critical areas of today’s meetings industry.

Types of Data Some progress has been made on ROI measurement, but much still needs to be done.

For the most part, the industry has adopted a set of data that is accepted to reflect the outcomes for meetings, listed in the table on the facing page. Think about all of the meetings and events organized by you and your team. As an exercise, enter your current status, indicating the percentage of meetings evaluated at this level each year.

Continued on page 40

38

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nts Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoin

Measurements in the Meeting and Events Field Level

Measurement Category

Current Best

Comments

Status* Practice* About Status

0

Inputs/Indicators 100% Measures inputs into meetings and events including number of meetings, attendees, audience, costs and efficiencies.

This is being accomplished now.

1

Reaction 100% Measure reaction to, and satisfaction with, the experience, ambiance, contents and value of meeting.

Needs more focus on content and perceived value.

2

Learning Measures what participants learned in the meeting — information, knowledge, skills and contacts (take-aways from the meeting).

80- 90%

Must use simple learning measures.

3

Application Measures progress after the meeting — the use of information, knowledge, skills and contacts.

15- 25%

Needs more follow-up.

4

Impact 10% Measures changes in business impact variables such as output, quality, time and cost linked to the meeting.

This is the connection to business impact.

5

ROI 5% Compares the monetary benefits of the business impact measures to the costs of the meeting.

The ultimate evaluation.

*Percent of meetings and events evaluated at this level.

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39

Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoin Bu Continued from page 38

These levels show a progression of data as participants react to a meeting, learn new information or skills, use those skills and information in their work or life situations, and consequently impact their world or others around them. When monetary value is placed on these impacts and is compared to the cost of the meeting or event, the financial ROI is developed. ROI can be assessed from the corporate perspective, the individual participant’s perspective, the sponsor’s perspective or the exhibitor’s

perspective. Dozens of case studies are now available representing all of these different perspectives.

Take the test Now, spend a few minutes and take the test. Below is a list of statements about the value of meetings and events and how the different levels relate. Check either Usually True or Usually False. Be careful, this could be a little tricky.

Issues About the Business Value of Meetings and Events Issues

Usually True Usually False

1. A positive reaction to a meeting or event will usually translate into business value from that meeting.

2. The business value of a meeting or event begins with alignment of the meeting or event with the business need.

3. If participants have great take-aways from the meeting (what they have learned), business value should follow.

4. Most meetings and events should have objectives defining desired participant actions after the meeting.

5. If the meeting and event is designed to drive business value, then it is essential to have business objectives provided to participants.

6. When participants completely understand why follow-up data is needed, they will usually respond appropriately.

7. Motivational speakers at meetings cannot drive business results.

8. It is not possible to forecast the business value of a meeting before it is conducted.

9. If participants are motivated to take action after the meeting, they will usually drive business value.

10. Most meetings and events should be evaluated at the business impact or ROI level.

11. The best time to think about business evaluation of a meeting or event is after it has been conducted.

12. Until your clients ask about business value and ROI, there is no need to focus on results at these impact and ROI levels.

40

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

nts usiness Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoint Interpretation Here are the answers and the interpretations.

1.

Usually False. Positive reactions do not correlate with business value. There are too many other issues between a reaction and a business value. The positive reaction could be based on the experience in the meeting or event and not the content. Business values come from content.

2.

Usually True. To ensure that business value, the first step is to ensure the meeting is connected to the business. A classic example is a sales meeting being clearly connected to the sales goal, indicating the sales that should be increased after the meeting is conducted as participants apply what was learned from the meeting.

influence performance from individuals. The key is that the speaker must move from offering entertainment to offering very important content, while creating a strong desire to take action that can lead to important impact measures.

8.

Usually False. It is possible to forecast the value of meetings, and it is being accomplished in many settings. The key is to identify the business measures up front; involve a variety of expert stakeholders, including the participants; and forecast the impact measure that will improve as a result of the meeting. Although this process is difficult and sometimes not as credible as desired, it can be done and will provide powerful data.

9.

Usually False. Unfortunately, motivation to take action doesn’t necessarily mean action will be taken. There are significant barriers for participants to take action.

Usually False. Participants often have take-aways They have good intentions, are often from meetings, but they rarely motivated and make a list — but they use them to deliver business value. don’t follow up. Research has shown n the 2011 Global Survey of chief The take-away is what a participant that up to 90 percent of meeting has learned, and research has shown marketing officers conducted by IBM, participants will never do anything that a participant must take action with what has been learned, even when on what was learned within three 63 percent of CMOs said that ROI will they are learning important take-aways. weeks; otherwise it is lost, misfiled This is a tremendous challenge, but the be the metric that matters by 2015, or forgotten, and it is not likely to planner can try to remove the barriers translate into business value. to application. surpassing customer satisfaction,

3.

I

4.

Usually True. It is important for brand and new accounts.

Usually False. Only a few meeting organizers and planners meetings should be taken to define specific actions desired as to this level. Meetings that are very participants leave the meeting. This eliminates the mystery strategic, important and expensive, including those that of what should be accomplished and provides the focus will attract the interest of potential funders, are taken to necessary to achieve the business results. the ROI level. Usually about 5 percent of meetings are evaluated at the ROI level, as a best practice.

Usually True. A meeting designed to drive business value should have business objectives. The objectives Usually False. The time to think about the business clearly define the impact measures that should change or value of the meeting is at the conception of the improve if the participants apply what they have learned on meeting, so the meeting can be aligned appropriately with the job. Without these objectives it is often unclear what is the business measures, and expectations can be set in the expected of them and the consequences of their actions, the form of application and impact objectives. In addition, impact measures. participants’ understanding of what must be achieved can be developed before they come, increasing the potential for Usually True. When participants fully understand why business value. you need data and what you will do with it, they are generally willing to provide it to you. This is an area that Usually False. Once a client or key funder asks needs some work, but it is not extremely difficult to collect for ROI or impact measurement, it is usually too the data. It takes discipline, determination and clever late to begin the process. It will take some time to get techniques to get it sometimes. procedures in place, to change some bad habits, and to ensure the proper alignment for the meeting to add to Usually False. Motivational speakers can drive business business value. results, if those speakers have a call to action with an impact attached to it. The best sales motivational speakers So How Did You Score? often drive sales goals. Other motivational speakers can Continued on page 47 41 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

5.

6.

7.

10.

11.

12.

Planner Perspectives Planner Perspectives Planner Perspectives Planner Perspectives Planner Perspective Planner Perspectives

G etti n g S m a r t A b o u t S p o r t s I nce nt ive s

Capitalize on “face time” in addition to “game time” and score a bigger ROI

By Robert Tuchman

W

e all know that a travel incentive should be enticing enough to get employees ramped up or to make clients want to leave their comfortable couch.

The mere mention of a big-time sporting event – whether it’s the Super Bowl, The Masters or the World Cup – often does the trick.

These are once-in-a-lifetime, “bucket list” experiences for many people. With that said, planners must remember that creating the draw is only the first step in developing an incentive that achieves several business objectives, one of which is to enhance relationships among the participants. A planner who sets up an environment that encourages networking has an eye on the long-term growth of the host company, not just on delivering a great trip.

“Sports incentives have a built-in

ample time for participants to interact in an enjoyable format. Most of these trips are three- or four-day excursions where the main sporting event only takes up a few hours. It’s relatively easy to fill the balance of the time with celebrity speakers and activities such as city tours, but of course that’s no guarantee that camaraderie will develop among the participants. The good news is that sports incentives have a built-in element of excitement. Attendees are coming together in a team atmosphere.

Planners can take advantage of that energy to help foster new relationships and camaraderie.

element of excitement. Planners

One way to do that is to incorporate sports-themed mini-events within the can take advantage of that energy program. For example, if it’s a Final Four college basketball incentive, there to help foster new relationships and are bound to be participants with rooting interests. Consider staging a camaraderie among attendees.” mini fantasy basketball camp with a couple of former NCAA stars, many of whom can be brought in for a private event at a fee of Making the most of “face time” via events such as about $5,000. A fantasy camp will create a fun atmosphere incentive trips is especially important these days. With that allows participants to team-build and relationshipthe advent of texting and social media, face time with build through time on the court. Another option is a golf employees and clients has been decreasing year after tournament, which is especially viable since most incentive year. The problem is that only actual time spent with programs take place in warm-weather locales. Select a someone – not virtual time – builds a quality relationship. nice private course that is a draw in itself, feature a few Employees naturally want to work with colleagues they celebrity athletes among the golfers, and clients are sure like, and clients want to buy from people they like, to sign up to be part of a foursome. Golf is a great event know and trust. Face time helps to build those types of since it allows clients and employees to get to know each connections. Virtual communications can “open the door,” other with plenty of time in a relaxed environment. but at that point people need to spend time together.

Although planners can’t necessarily control who will be on Fortunately, the typical sports incentive program affords an incentive trip, they have a great deal of control over the 42

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

es Planner Perspectives Planner Perspectives Planner Perspectives Planner Perspectives Planner Perspective

Robert Tuchman with tennis legend and Goviva client Jennifer Capriati. attendee experience. A sports incentive certainly ensures a memorable experience, but the main sporting event should be viewed in the context of a larger program with many opportunities for activities that support the goal of developing business relationships among the participants.

Whatever the outcome of the “big game,” quality face time is always a win for attendees and the host company.

Robert Tuchman is President of Goviva, a company that creates “once in a lifetime” incentive experiences around sports, entertainment, wellness, culinary and lifestyle events. In 1997, Tuchman founded TSE Sports & Entertainment, which was sold to private equity firm Pfingsten Partners in 2006 and renamed Premiere Global Sports. As part of Premiere Global Sports, Tuchman helped to acquire several other companies, forming one of the largest sportsspecific hospitality and event companies in the United States. He is the author of 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live and Young Guns: The Fearless Entrepreneur’s Guide to Chasing Your Dreams and Breaking Out on Your Own.

For more information about the Kansas City Convention Center, please call 816-513-5000 or visit www.kcconvention.com

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

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Trade Show Watch

The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre hosted the award-winning Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, Feb. 26-27.

Meeting Industry Events Overseas AIME AIME (Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo) was held Feb. 26-27 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in Australia.

The event kicked off with “Melbourne LIVE” at the city’s trendy new wining and dining area, South Wharf Promenade. In addition, The Globe Restaurant featured food provided by sponsors India Tourism and Philippine Department of Tourism, and a “Malaysia Spice Market” was set up for attendees to explore.

Plenty of food for thought was also available at AIME 2013, which saw the debut of the new education program AIME Knowledge, held in partnership with many industry associations such as the International Special Events Society (ISES), International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). Timely session topics included Business Travel and Carbon Pricing, and Mobile 101 - Current Landscape and What Makes It Unique. AIME 2013 also featured the fourth annual Saxton Ultimate Event Experience, in which 10 highprofile presenters spoke to an audience of more 44

than 1,400 attendees.

AIME has won the prestigious “Exhibition of the Year” award at the Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) National Awards for the past three years. Meeting industry professionals interested in the Asia-Pacific region can look forward to AIME 2014, taking place Feb. 18 and 19.

IMEX Frankfurt This year’s IMEX Frankfurt, May 21-23, looks promising given the success of the 2012 event, which drew more than 3,500 exhibitors representing 157 countries, about 4,000 hosted buyers from 70 countries, and more than 4,500 visitors from 90 countries. The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) will again partner with IMEX to host buyers at IMEX 2013, which will be held at the Messe Frankfurt Congress Centre.

Along with cutting-edge education centers on the show floor such as the App Bar and Sustainability Hub, IMEX Frankfurt will offer a series of free educational seminars on key business subjects, held each day in Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

both English and German. Exclusively Corporate @IMEX, beginning on May 19, convenes corporate meeting planners at the Hotel Villa Kennedy for an educational and networking program.

May 20 is Association Day, featuring engaging topics such as Virtualizing and Hybridizing Your Event, Entering New Markets: Brazil, and Marketing Like Lady Gaga. IMEX week officially begins with Site Nite Europe, where an expected 400-plus industry professionals and their clients will network and show their support of the Site International Foundation. The event is modeled after Site Nite North America, which was held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas last year. This year, IMEX America will be held Oct. 15-17 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center at The Venetian and The Palazzo.

Leading Edge:

EIBTM Barcelona will welcome approximately 15,000 industry professionals when EIBTM 2013 is held in the city Nov. 19-21. EIBTM 2012 marked 25 years and saw the largest Hosted Buyer program to date, the first EIBTM Hybrid Conference streamed globally, more than 110 education sessions and the launch of the EIBTM Forum, where the EIBTM Lifetime Achievement Award is presented. The Forum will be held this year on Nov. 18 at Palau de Congressos, Barcelona City Centre, and is open to all those attending the exhibition. Last year’s inaugural Forum featured speaker Barbara Kellerman, a lecturer in public leadership at Harvard University, ranked by Forbes.com as one of the “Top 50 Business Thinkers.”

Visitor pre-registration will open in June.

EIBTM’s American counterpart, AIBTM, takes place at Chicago’s McCormick Place, June 11-13.

Eduardo Chaillo

Executive Director for the Meetings and Incentive Industries Mexico Tourism Board Washington, DC Eduardo Chaillo, CMP, CMM, has served for the last three years as the Executive Director for the Meetings and Incentive Industries for the Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) in its Washington, DC office.

Chaillo was formerly Regional Director of the MTB’s Midwest marketing office in Chicago, and prior to that role served as Executive Director of the Mexico Convention Bureau.

Current state of group business to Mexico: Association and corporate international meetings to Mexico are growing.

However, as with any other destination so dependent on the U.S. economic situation, 2008, 2009 and 2010 were difficult, specifically in the corporate meeting numbers. The association market has been more resilient to economic circumstances, so it has been stable through these past years.

Mexico’s niche MICE markets: Related to the industries that have been growing in Mexico, meetings in the aerospace, automotive and energy sectors will be easily attracted to our

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

country, as well as all kinds of medical and pharmaceutical congresses, not only because of the great medical associations we do have in Mexico, but also because of the potential for medical tourism connected with changes in healthcare in the U.S. In the incentive world, we expect Mexico’s role in the American corporate market to increase due to the facts that (1) we are close but exotic enough to represent a good award; (2) direct air connections have improved for all destinations in Mexico; and (3) great luxury hotel brands have been selecting Mexico for new properties for the next 10 years.

Memorable Mexico meetings: Twice we hosted the SITE international Conference (1998 and 2004), and I have to say that I still receive great comments about memories of the Merida event, the coordination with local authorities from Yucatan, the “extra mile” performance of all suppliers and the Mexican culture content we were able to deliver. Also, we hosted the last edition of MPI’s PEC, which was called Meet Different, in Cancun in 2010. And again, I think the experience of the attendees and the all-inclusive model we were able to present, along with the participation of all regions in Mexico in the final night, were amazing. Lastly, we hosted, and will again this year, the PCMA Partnership Summit.

45

Germany

The Hannover Congress Centrum receives the Meeting Expert Green Award for Best Energy Management/Conservation of Resources. (L-r): Carlo Kertess, Director, Catering and Event Management, Hannover Congress Centrum; Gunther Tiersch, Meteorologist for German public TV station ZDF; Joachim Koenig, President, European Association of Event Centers, and Managing Director, Hannover Congress Centrum; and Lutz Wohlers, Director, Facility Management, Hannover Congress Centrum.

In February, the German Convention Bureau (GCB) presented the first-ever Meeting Experts Green Awards at the greenmeetings and events conference in Darmstadt, Germany. The awards will be presented every two years at the greenmeetings and events conference and honor sustainability achievements by organizations in Germany’s meetings and events industry.

The winners were: • The Hannover Congress Centrum — Best Energy Management/Conservation of Resources; • ICCA Green Traffic Project at Congress Center Leipzig — Best Sustainable Event; • The Bregenz Festival House — Best 46

Sustainable Location; • artlogic Crewpool — Best Human Resources Management; and • BESONDERE ORTE Umweltforum Berlin GmbH —Best Sustainable Company.

The GCB also announced that the next greenmeetings and events conference (Feb. 8-10, 2015) will take place at Messe Frankfurt’s new Kap Europa congress center, which has been designed for optimum sustainability throughout its lifecycle.

Scheduled to open in the summer of 2014, Kap Europa will offer a hall accommodating 1,000 attendees, a configurable hall for 600 attendees and 12 additional conference rooms over four event levels.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

Singapore The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) recently renewed its agreement with the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS). The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and SACEOS, representing Singapore’s leading exhibition organizers as well as the suppliers of facilities and services, are both partners with IAEE. The partnerships entail ongoing information-sharing on all products, services, meetings and events between the organizations. IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA, said, “I am very proud that IAEE has extended its agreement with SACEOS. This collaboration underscores a key objective of IAEE’s strategic mission

Clear Thinking in Wyoming Continued from page 2

Reflecting Hedquist’s opposition to government involvement in areas they are unfamiliar with, Malanga cited how well-intentioned Baltimore “built a $300 million cityowned hotel (the Hilton Baltimore Convention Center Hotel) to boost the fortunes of the city’s struggling convention center. Having opened in 2008, the hotel lost $11 million in 2010.” The article notes other major municipally funded projects that appear to have been built upon idealism and hope, and statistically, seem to be underachieving.

“There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics,” said Mark Twain, and we are all aware that numbers can present a different story than the one Malanga drafted. Moreover, it is certainly indisputable, as Councilwoman Schlager stated, that there are times when new and larger facilities are needed. Still, for the sake of the meetings industry, let’s hope that fiscally responsible leadership is exercised and prudence outweighs sentiment when attempting to stimulate local economies through convention center development.

This column and links to the articles referenced can be viewed online at facililitiesonline.com/blog Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

of continuing to engage international organizations and members to create paths for members to succeed on a global basis.”

In related news, the STB has appointed Tara Barnes as the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) Manager. Barnes will be based out of the STB’s New York office. Prior to joining the organization, she spent several years at Horst Schulze’s West Paces Hotel Group, where she assisted in the opening of The Setai Fifth Avenue. Most recently, Barnes served as the Conference Services Manager of Sheraton Eatontown Hotel, in New Jersey.

Business Viewpoints

T e st Yo u r RO I I Q Continued from page 41

So How Did You Score?

A score of 10-12 reflects excellent knowledge of business alignment. Your meetings and events should be adding business value. You are a leader in this level of accountability.

A score of 7-9 is above average, but there is some room for improvement. You are making progress with this process, but fine-tuning is needed. It is recommended that you pursue more detailed information about the business value of meetings.

A score of 4-6 suggests that much improvement is needed.

The business value of meetings is a mystery and your meetings and events are probably not delivering value for your clients.

A score of 3 or less suggests almost no understanding of the business value connection.

Continued on page 152

47

Destination New York Destination New York Destination Ne

Destination Spotlight

Hurricane Sandy

The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on Manhattan’s West Side

Two New York City Meeting Facilities Reflect on Their Crisis Management Approach By George Seli It’s been over five months since Superstorm Sandy struck the Northeastern United States,

but for the staffs two of Manhattan’s prime meeting facilities – the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and the RitzCarlton New York, Battery Park – the memories from late October are still quite vivid. “At first, I thought we weren’t getting much heavy winds and rain in the Midtown Manhattan area on the West Side,” recalls Kenneth Sanchez, Vice President of Facilities Management at the Javits, whose team of about 65 technical staff was onsite during the crisis.

“But as the Hudson River started to elevate, transformers began exploding in New Jersey, and we could see the sparks across the river. We realized something bad was coming our way. A couple of minutes later the surge from the river hit over the West Side Highway and into our property.

We had about half a foot of water in the lower areas of the convention center and seven feet in the more in-depth areas, such as the loading dock area and where all the MEP [mechanical, electrical, plumbing] components of the property were.”

As occupants of the city’s “Zone A,” both the Javits and the Ritz-Carlton are considered under flooding risk 48

from any hurricane, and on Sunday, Oct. 28, both received evacuation orders from Mayor Bloomberg. At least there was a precedent: The facilities had to comply with mandatory evacuation due to Hurricane Irene in August 2011.

Fortunately as well, both the Ritz-Carlton and the Javits had on staff hospitality industry professionals with experience dealing with hurricanes in the Caribbean. Nicole La Valette, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Ritz-Carlton, had worked for the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, while Sanchez had a background with the Puerto Rico Convention Center as well as several Caribbean hotels.

While these Zone A properties faced similar circumstances prior to the crisis, Sandy resulted in different challenges for each. Javits sustained significantly more water damage than the Ritz-Carlton and had to address a serious flooding issue on Monday, Oct. 29, just prior to the Tuesday move-in for the New York City Marathon Expo. But Javits’ evacuation effort was not major: “The JA Special Delivery jewelry show was closed early on Sunday, and that was the one significant interruption we had in our business,” notes Alan Steel, president and CEO of the convention center. “It really wasn’t too difficult to evacuate Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

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in Hindsight

Some of the Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park’s function rooms afford panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. But the proximity to the water posed a serious hazard to the hotel during Hurricane Sandy.

On the other hand, the 298-room Ritz-Carlton had a major project in relocating guests, including a large publishing group that had started checking in on Saturday, not to mention e relocated well over 2,500 group room a legal trial group that had established its “war room” at the hotel. Ritz-Carlton staff were able nights, so it was a lot of business that we to make arrangements to transport the trial group, along with “all of our transient guests who had on the books that we had to move. And wanted to continue their stay in the city, to our we found homes for all of them so they sister property, the Ritz-Carlton, Central Park,” La Valette recounts. The publishing group was could have their meetings as planned.” relocated to a sister property within the Marriott –Nicole La Valette, Director of Sales and Marketing, brand in Times Square, the Marriott Marquis.

The relocation was no easy feat, since the New Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park York City Marathon was scheduled to take place in the coming week and room availability was relatively low. “We worked with many of our sister properties, but also our competitors, to find homes for because they already had provisions as far as the normal those guests,” she adds. “In terms of group room nights, show setup for security, so they were able to move the we relocated well over 2,500, so it was a lot of business valuable merchandise into the security areas and we closed that we had on the books that we had to move. And we the building, obviously. And once the storm had passed found homes for all of them so they could have their through, we began to clear up and they were able to come meetings as planned.” back in and move out at a more leisurely pace.”

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A Level 1 meeting room at the Javits Convention Center just after Sandy (below) and the same room as it appears today. A team of more than 60 technical staff members along with out-of-state remediation companies restored the damaged areas in less than 10 days after the storm hit.

“The firm conviction that it was necessary to hold the New York City Marathon meant it was necessary to hold the Marathon Expo.

So there was pressure to make sure we could deliver what they needed.”

–Alan Steel, president and CEO, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center

After those “homes” were found, the Ritz-Carlton, Battery Park continued its service to its relocated guests.

“Our meeting and special events team worked very closely with their counterparts at different properties to make sure the groups were set up for success, and we communicated all of their needs [to the new hotel] so the clients didn’t have to repeat themselves,” La Valette continues. “We even went to visit our groups while they were having their events at our competitor or sister properties.” These measures, it should be noted, went well beyond the hotel’s obligations under the contract clause known as “force majeure,” which certainly applied in the case of Sandy. “Our obligation under force majeure is just to release the client from the contract and refund the money. And technically you could say at that point ‘good luck,’” she explains. “We don’t do that at Ritz-Carlton, so we really went above and beyond to try and find multiple lodging options for our groups, and we negotiated on their behalf to get them to honor the same rates, same menus, and so on.”

The Javits staff also maintained robust communication with their clients throughout the crisis. “My role was to draw together the various elements that we needed to act and react to what was happening, to liaise between the departments 50

that were talking to our clients,” Steel says. “We had several events that were postponing or considering postponing. So there was a lot of work to be done in the building, but there was also a lot of work to be done with our clients.” These included Customer Engagement Technology World, Ad Tech, and International Hotel Motel Restaurant Show, all scheduled to move in the week of Nov. 5. The top-of-mind client was of course the Marathon Expo, which was preparing to move in that Tuesday, the day after the storm struck. The 20,000 runners slated to race would be picking up their numbers at the Expo, as they always did in years past. Steel describes the stress that was put on his team: “This was at a time when the mayor was very determined to proceed with the Marathon and use it as a way of demonstrating New York City’s resilience. (The subsequent decision to cancel the Marathon came when the full extent of the damage was realized.) The firm conviction that it was necessary to hold the Marathon meant it was necessary to hold the Marathon Expo. So there was pressure to make sure we could deliver what they needed.”

Javits did just that, and the Expo opened on time that Thursday, essentially three days after the hurricane, and ran its full duration despite the Marathon’s cancellation.

Of course, it helped that the Expo was held in an upperlevel hall that was not inundated. But utilities were still a major issue, since most of the center’s MEP components are on the ground floor and consequently were under water.

“One of the things that we prevented from happening were short circuits because we de-energized the entire building,” says Sanchez. “And all the moveable critical components Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

ork Destination New York Destination New York Destination New York Destination New “The biggest lesson for me was that you can protect we moved up to higher floors. But still you have things your own assets, but you can’t control what happens to the you can’t move, such as elevators and escalators. We have electricity,” says La Valette, “since the transformers that about 30 of those and they obviously got inundated.” A were affected are under the street outside the building. We strategic move by Sanchez speeded the recovery process. did move our server to a higher floor, and our telephone “One of my biggest challenges was identifying resources, switch to the Ritz-Carlton, Central Park.” vendors, contractors and remediation companies within the state because everybody else was going to be requiring Preserving the same services in the city and everywhere else where communication systems we had these incidents,” he explains. “So I took a different is clearly critical during approach and I went out of state for resources at the any crisis. “Overall, beginning, [contacting remediation companies] from we learned that the Florida and as far as Colorado. A few days later, our local most important thing vendors and contractors and our staff joined hands with we could do was these major remediation companies from out of state, and to ensure we had a we just had an enormous amount of resources within the communication system, building.” The Level 1 floors were dried, electrical boxes digitally and over the removed, dried out, tested and put back in place. Watersoaked carpet was ripped up and replaced. Water-damaged plasterboard was removed, rooms were decontaminated, and plasterboard reinstalled and repainted. “We were back up and running within 10 went out of state for resources, days or less,” Sanchez says.

“I

[contacting remediation companies]

Seeking resources out from Florida and as far as Colorado. A few of state “was one of the days later . . . we just had an enormous smartest moves” during the crisis, Steel comments. amount of resources within the building.”

“Ken had a very proactive phone, which would approach. He had only been –Kenneth Sanchez, Vice President of Facilities allow us to talk to with us a few weeks when Management, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center each other constantly this occurred, but we gave and ensure we were him a ‘battlefield promotion’ always able to be on to VP [from director of top of the crisis rather than trying to react to it,” Steel facilities management] during the storm. We felt it was comments. “We are now looking at our entrance points one of those reactions that demonstrated the kind of for Internet access and phone communications, making leadership we’re looking for at Javits, where a solution sure we have multiple points so that if water comes in to a problem is created before the problem has become we don’t lose each other. We’re also looking at the Javits overwhelming.” building structurally during our renovation to see what other [crisis-management improvements] we need to The Ritz-Carlton’s engineering and loss prevention make. For example, we learned that from the west side of staff was also very proactive and began preparations on the building where we have some emergency exits to 12th the Friday before the storm hit, boarding up windows and Avenue and the Hudson River, we need to install flood external doors. They even took measures to divert water doors in order to prevent inundation of a similar kind if with sand bags and plastic sheeting that kept basement there’s another experience like this.” Sanchez adds, “We’re flooding to a minimum, which was the only damage the also looking to have fuller emergency power and to property sustained. “We were extremely lucky, considering relocate our main substations up to a higher level to avoid that we’re literally across the road from the harbor,” La them being flooded.”

Valette says. The hotel’s sales and special events team worked out of the Ritz-Carlton, Central Park since the Like New York City itself, the Javits Convention Center Battery Park hotel eventually lost power. “The power was is taking Hurricane Sandy “as an educational experience,” officially switched back on the Monday after we reopened, Steel says in sum. “I thought we were well prepared for Nov. 19. We reopened the property for one week under it. But it’s an opportunity to make sure that if and when generator power, Nov. 12-19,” she explains. The idea was anything like this happens again, we’re even better prepared to begin welcoming guests to the hotel only when full for it.” electricity and services were restored.

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The

Roosevelt

Revisited

More than a meeting hotel, the ‘Grand Dame of Madison Avenue’ is a portal to Old New York

I

n the evening, above Grand Central Terminal’s signature clock, a map of the heavens lights up the ceiling of the main concourse. Among the numerous “stars,” some shine two bedrooms. Were my brighter than others. Yet each stay longer than two nights, star, despite the differing levels I might have made more use of luminescence, is integral to its of the kitchenette, but clearly constellation and is unique in its own right. the suite provided all the A similar theme resonates when visiting amenities to make a business New York City’s hotels. Throughout the The marble columns and traveler feel at home. years, via literature and film, certain hotels have Momentarily, I considered become thought of as stars shining brighter floors, carpets and couches, that my children would have than others. But a closer look will reveal more enjoyed accompanying me balcony seating areas and subtly brilliant hotels that are a key part of the on this assignment, making city’s cultural and historical constellation. One chandeliers were reminders full use of the large-screen such star is the Roosevelt Hotel. televisions. But transitioning to of the elegance that was a When I walked into the Roosevelt Hotel’s work mode, I looked forward bustling lobby on a busy Saturday night, the signature of New York City to a break from my home setting took me on a wonderful ride through environment, and set out to history, leaving me wanting to learn more before the Great Depression. discover the significance of about the hotel’s past. The marble columns the suite’s being named for a and floors, carpets and couches, balcony governor. (See “A Rich Sense of History,” facing page.) seating areas and chandeliers were reminders of the Having satisfied my curiosity regarding the hotel’s elegance that was a signature of New York City before the past, I awoke ready to learn about what the facility has to Great Depression. My morning tour of the hotel would offer today’s meeting planners. Starting from the lobby, provide me with my history lesson, I surmised. However, I I accompanied Ramon Illobre, the Roosevelt’s Assistant was mistaken, as the learning was just about to begin.

Director of Front Office, for a tour of some of the 30,000 Upon arriving at my room, 1527, I was flattered to have sq. ft. of meeting spaces available at the 1,025-room hotel. received one of the hotel’s 33 suites — the Governor’s Suite We started our tour at the Madison Club Lounge, — for this assignment. After taking a look around at the situated directly off of the lobby. With a 31-ft.-long spacious, newly refurbished quarters, I was impressed by the mahogany bar, the lounge seemed like a great spot for groups classic décor in the living room, dining room, as well in the 52

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(Left): Exterior and lobby.

(Above): Dining room in one of hotel’s 33 suites.

(Right): The Grand Ballroom set for banquet seating (top) and theater-style seating (bottom).

(Far right): The mad46 club. to gather after the conclusion of the day’s meetings. Adjacent to the lounge is the hotel’s newly added Billiards Room, which provides a relaxed setting for smaller groups to discuss business. The Roosevelt recently added seasonal space, the mad46 club. Located atop the hotel’s 19th floor, the new function space provides an outdoor setting with stunning views of Manhattan’s skyline.

Overlooking the lobby were two great spaces, the Palm and Terrace Rooms. Both rooms are unique from an architectural standpoint, with 23-ft.-high ceilings and arching windows. The smaller of the two, the Palm Room (3,038 sq. ft.) is accessible via a staircase from the lobby, and is encircled by stately marble pillars. The space is ideal for smaller groups of 100 for a banquet or 200 attendees for a reception. The Terrace Room (4,168 sq. ft.) accommodates banquet-style seating for 320, theater seating for 450 and a reception for 500. We observed the room setup for theater seating, and the high ceilings gave the room a more spacious feel than other hotel meeting spaces with similar dimensions.

Surveying some of the 19 breakout rooms on the hotel’s second level and four on the mezzanine level, it was clear that there is plenty of flexible meeting space at the Roosevelt for classroom and theater-style meeting setups.

In addition to the breakout rooms, the mezzanine level includes the Grand Ballroom, surrounded by balconies and boasting a 27-ft. ceiling, arched windows and ornate chandeliers. Once again I was struck by the architecture of an era gone by, and felt as if time had stood still. Perfect for banquets of 550 participants, receptions of 800 as well as weddings, the setting is one that attendees will not soon forget. While there are larger spaces in Manhattan than the Roosevelt’s Grand Ballroom, there are few that are grander.

A Rich Sense of History During our walkthrough of the Roosevelt Hotel, Ramon Illobre, the Assistant Director of Front Office, remarked that one factor distinguishing the facility from other upscale properties in New York City is its rich sense of history. He noted that the Roosevelt Hotel ... the first hotel with televisions in each room.

• was had air-conditioned rooms before many of •Manhattan’s upscale hotels, and during summer

months, guests would leave other hotels to come to the Roosevelt. was built during Prohibition and thus was unable to have bars, so it opened an arcade for shopping on its lower level. has a tunnel — although no longer used — that connects it to Grand Central Terminal. housed New York’s three-term governor Thomas Dewey. The Governor’s Suite, named to commemorate Dewey’s New York City residence, was used to conduct official business in the city, including his unsuccessful presidential bid against President Truman. was held in high esteem by onetime owner Conrad Hilton, founder of the eponymous hotel chain. While he owned other facilities in Manhattan including the Waldorf-Astoria and The Plaza, the Roosevelt remained Hilton’s New York City residence.

• • • •

—David Korn with editorial assistance from Rosa Laufer.

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tate of the Industry State of the Industry State theIndustry Industry State of the Industry State of the Indus State of of the

In Conversation With . . .

Anne Blouin

Chief Learning Officer ASAE – The Center for Association Leadership Behind the Scenes at ASAE University: Keeping the content fresh and the format engaging

A

By George Seli

and expositions section, in addition to professional development, technology, finance, marketing and so on. Those sections are very instrumental in helping us identify and plan the content for our programs. They’re the content experts.

And for our larger programs, it’s based on a call for proposals (CFP). Anybody can submit a proposal, so we cast the net wider, not just limiting it to our membership. And we can identify trends through the CFP process. A few years ago we never saw anything on mobile.

Early on we were seeing social media topics, then ROI for social media, and now it’s all about mobile. Our Technology Conference [Dec. 4-5 in Washington, DC] e’re looking at new will cover mobile, cloud computing, e-learning ways to offer the content — the whole gamut. to accommodate different [Information on those trends] is all coming learning styles. Some through the CFP process. people want the USA Today It’s a great tool. version of learning, others What kind of content the Harvard Business do you offer specifically for association meeting Review version.” planners?

We have a variety of conferences where we cover content for meeting planners.

During our Springtime Expo, our large hospitality tradeshow, we offer 8-10 different sessions for meeting planners. Negotiating is usually one topic, as well as contracts and international meetings. That’s one piece, and at our annual meeting we offer a track of programming called The Business of Meetings, which are sessions geared toward more senior meeting planners. Then we have How do you determine your membership’s educational needs?

We have 13 special-interest groups focused on the functional something called Hotel Operations Program, which is offered at hotels and gives the participants (limited to 15areas of association management. We have a meetings SAE launched its new Certificate Program in Association Management last July, but the organization is still “really excited about it,” notes Anne Blouin, CAE. “It’s a five-course, fiveday program that would give anybody a really solid foundation in association management.” The topics covered: essentials of association management, volunteer management, membership development, communication and public relations, and leadership. “And we’re licensing that content. We’re training the facilitators, and they can offer the content in their region, whether it’s the Middle East, China, Korea or the U.S. It’s a new business for us, the licensing business.”

A very familiar business for Blouin is the development and marketing of educational offerings to the association profession. She leads ASAE University, which offers a comprehensive curriculum targeted to a variety of association executives and business partners. “We deliver programs face-to-face and online for all levels and areas of the profession, from finance to membership development,” she explains. And that includes meeting and exposition planners, which comprise about 5 percent of ASAE’s more than 21,000 association executives and industry partners representing 10,000 organizations across the United States and in nearly 50 countries around the world.

Blouin, who holds a master’s degree in Human Resources Development from George Washington University, recently discussed the inner workings of ASAE’s educational strategy with Facilities & Destinations, and how that strategy is evolving.

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Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

State of the Industry State of the Industry State of the Industry State of the Industry State of the stry 20) the opportunity to go backstage, so to speak, and learn the ins and outs of working in a hotel. And that’s for the entry-level meeting planner. And then we do a two-day certificate program and that’s also called The Business of Meetings, which again is senior level.

“We are really a model and a fishbowl; our members like to learn from us. We’re always trying

many of your members?

I think we are really a model and a fishbowl; our members like to learn from us. We’re always trying to model things that our members can take back to their organizations.

to model things that our How has attendance trended at your conventions?

What is your approach to online education? members can take back to I would say we’re holding our own [this Our online education consists of two their organizations.” year], and last year saw record growth. formats: we have two-week-long programs and six-week-long programs; Have you hosted any speakers lately that have really made they are facilitated self-study. Many associations are still an impact? offering Webinars, but we’ve moved away from that model.

We’re developing a video strategy now. And we’re looking at Because it was an election year we had Karl Rove and James revamping our online offerings. They’ve served us well these Carville last August for the annual meeting. At the Great Ideas Conference in March, Sally Hogshead, author of seven or eight years, but it’s time to change and we’ve hired Fascinate, had attendees take a Fascination Advantage Test, a new manager of online education who is looking at what to see how you “fascinate” others. I’m also excited about platforms are out there. the two speakers we have confirmed for this year’s annual meeting [Aug. 3-6 in Atlanta]: Susan Cain, the author of How do you avoid content overlap between online courses and Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop the sessions offered at the face-to-face conventions?

Talking, which is on the [New York Times] bestseller list, We pretty much keep the audiences different. The online and Dan Heath, co-author of Decisive: How to Make Better programs, especially our six-week-long programs, focus Choices in Life and Work, which will be a bestseller. I think more on entry-level staff, which does not come to the annual meeting. The meeting is really designed for the more the content will really resonate with the audience. seasoned executives. And we don’t do face-to-face sessions on topics such as customer service and advisory skills, which is the content we cover in two-week online programs. So we do pay attention to make sure that we’re not overlapping.

How has the structure of the educational sessions at your faceto-face meetings evolved? Are you offering more or fewer concurrent sessions than in the past? Are the sessions longer or shorter?

We used to have 28-30 concurrent sessions but we’ve dropped it to about 18 now because our members were saying they had too many choices, it was overwhelming.

And we are always trying to introduce new learning formats.

For instance, at our recent Great Ideas Conference [March 10-12 at the Broadmoor] we had Snap Learning Spots, which are 30-minute sessions combined with a variety of activities that take place on the spot or in the room, which were sponsored by the Canadian Tourism Commission.

So Vancouver had a bicycle where you pedal to make your smoothie. Montreal brought in a chef. We’ve also introduced Ignite, which are five-minute sessions. We have Deep Dive sessions, which are longer. We have Conversations That Matter, for people who really want to talk about a topic that’s top of mind. So we’re looking at new ways to offer the content to accommodate different learning styles. Some people want the USA Today version of learning, others the Harvard Business Review version.

Make Our World Your World!

The Facilities Media Group

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

Do you feel that mixed educational approach will influence Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

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MISSOURI

Destination Missouri Destination Missouri Destination Miss

Destination Spotlight

Branson Builds A

longtime vacation spot in the Ozark Mountains, Branson heralded its entrance into the meetings market with the 2007 opening of the Branson Convention Center (BCC), located in Branson Landing, a $420 million shopping and dining area along Lake Taneycomo. Complementing the BCC, two upscale hotels also debuted in 2007: the 294-room Hilton Branson Convention Center and the 242-room Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing. Prior to that watershed year, Branson was certainly a draw, but mainly to tourists who reveled in the town’s live shows, dining and shopping, not to mention mountain-view golf and some of the country’s best fishing. “Before the convention center was built there weren’t really any hotels downtown of a quality nature,” confirms Bill Derbins, General Manager of the Hiltons of Branson. “The Hilton Branson Convention Center is AAA Four Diamond rated, and the two hotels have been in the top 10 in overall service with the Hiltons of America for the last four years. So we’ve got a quality product here, and the main goal has been getting the news out to the meetings industry. We still do a lot of fam trips, because many planners haven’t been here in 10 years and then they come in and say, ‘We didn’t realize you had such a facility.’”

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The current group business trend shows that efforts to promote Branson as a meeting destination have been successful. Derbins says group bookings are “very strong.

We have bookings all the way to 2018 right now. We moved 20,000 group room nights off the books because of the tornado, and just about every one of those groups has rebooked with us. We have many multi-year deals with groups.”

The Hilton Branson Convention Center had a rebirth of sorts in September 2012 when it began welcoming guests for the first time since the tornado caused extensive damage to the property in February of that year. “We were there when they had just reopened the hotel a month before, and everything was back on track,” says Vicki Farmer, IOM, CAE, Executive Director of Little Rock-based Arkansas Optometric Association, which brought more than 100 attendees to Branson for its fall convention in 2012. “The nice thing about our location,” Derbins comments, “is that we do we get significant state association business from Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas, as well as from St. Louis. Little Rock, Tulsa and Kansas City are all three hours away, and St. Louis is about four hours away.” The city became even more

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souri Destination Missouri Destination Missouri Destination Missouri Destination Miss

Over the last five years, Missouri’s tourist getaway has developed a meetingsfriendly side

By George Seli

Its Brand “If you have a convention coming to town and you need over 300 rooms, we can do the overflow at the Promenade and you are only dealing with one person to book both hotels plus all the meeting space.”

–Bill Derbins, General Manager of the Hiltons of Branson

accessible with the 2009 debut of the Branson Airport, served by Frontier Airlines and AirTran Airways. And this March, Southwest launched daily, non-stop service from Houston-Hobby, Dallas-Love Field and ChicagoMidway, as well as Saturday-only flights from Orlando.

The scenic drive from Branson Airport to the BCC area is just 15 minutes.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

(L-r): Branson Landing, a shopping and dining complex bordering Lake Taneycomo; the Hilton Branson Convention Center.

The Arkansas Optometric Association is an example of Branson’s reliable meetings clientele, which includes several state associations and religious groups. But the town is also making inroads into the corporate meetings market. “Pharmaceutical groups are starting to come here with small meetings, and State Farm is a wonderful customer of ours,” Derbins says. Incentive programs, he adds, are “just starting to kick off now,” after some effort to attract them. And the advantage that these groups have in Branson is the more personalized attention and small-town hospitality they receive, Derbins says.

The BCC is certainly accommodates larger groups, however, with 220,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, including two exhibit halls totaling 50,000 sq. ft., adjoined to a 23,000-sq.-ft. ballroom. One unique feature that Derbins cites is what the convention center staff call “bird lights.”

“They’re shaped rather like birds and have LED lights in 57

Destination Missouri Destination Missouri Destination Missouri Destination Missouri D

The Showboat Branson Belle, on Table Rock Lake near Branson., offers exciting onboard performances (inset).

them so you can change the color of the ceiling to your preference. We can also program them to songs. For groups who want the National Anthem playing, we program them to red, white and blue, and you see ‘bombs’ bursting in air that turn red.” Groups working with the Hilton-managed BCC and one (or both) of the accompanying Hilton hotels interface with one sales representative, Derbins adds. “If you have a convention coming to town and you need over 300 rooms, we can do the overflow at the Promenade and you are only dealing with one person to book both hotels plus all the meeting space.”

The Arkansas Optometric Association group stayed at the Hilton Branson Convention Center and met at the BCC. “Even though we are a small group, the way our education sessions are set up we needed multiple meeting rooms and we still had an exhibit hall,” says Farmer. “I did like that the convention center was far enough away from the hotel that it was quiet for educational seminars, but not too far of a walk, so people could still go back and forth between session times.” Also accessible were multiple recreational options. “Being at the convention center, we were close enough to so many venues and activities that we did not schedule any group events over the three-day program because attendees were doing things on their own,” Farmer says. In addition to dining and shopping at Branson Landing, “some went ziplining, some to Silver Dollar City [theme park], some took nature walks. We also 58

“The Branson Convention Center was “close enough to so many venues and activities that we did not schedule any group events over the three-day program because attendees were doing things on their own.”

–Vicki Farmer, Executive Director, Arkansas Optometric Association

had a Casino Night in the convention center’s atrium area, arranged by a local vendor sourced through the CVB.” Overall, Branson has retained its character as a vacation destination while strengthening its meetings infrastructure, reflecting a balance that has been achieved at much larger cities such as Las Vegas and Orlando. “It’s a family-friendly destination,” Farmer says. “Our attendees like to bring their families and make it a mini-vacation.”

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Sampling the

Best of Branson

Titanic Museum: This twostory museum is shaped like the Titanic itself, but built halfscale to the original. Attendees can explore 400 pre-discovery artifacts in 20 galleries.to your plans. The venue caters to meeting groups of up to 450 attendees by arranging convention tie-ins, teambuilding events, award presentations and more. www.titanicbranson.com New Shanghai Theatre: The Acrobats of China featuring the New Shanghai Circus is sure to dazzle attendees. The troupe was awarded the key to the City of Branson in 1999. www. acrobatsofchina.com The Oak Ridge Boys Theatre: Apart from its namesake act, 2013 will see Bill Cosby, Charlie Daniels and Johnny Mathis perform in one of Branson’s most popular theaters. www.oakridgeboystheatre.com Branson Scenic Railway: Located in old downtown Branson, the Railway takes guests on a 40-mile trip through the backwoods of the Ozark foothills. www.bransontrain.com Town Square: At the heart of Branson Landing is a vibrant Town Square, which can be reserved for private, outdoor group functions of up to 5,000 attendees. The courtyard is accented by $7.5 million fountains, built by the same makers as the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas.

Stone Hill Winery in Branson: Missouri’s oldest and most awarded winery is a 12,000-sq.-ft. facility that has been welcoming Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

The Titanic Museum inside and out.

wine enthusiasts since 1986. www. stonehillwinery.com Branson Creek Golf Club: The town offers more than 200 holes of golf, and Branson Creek Golf Club’s 7,000-yard, Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course is a standout. www.bransoncreekgolf.com Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours: Located in Wolfe Creek Preserve just north of Branson, this eco-adventure facility has three rustic function spaces: the Observation Deck; the Xplorer Balcony, suitable for groups of 25-45; and Prospector Pavilion, an Amish-style timber-frame structure with table seating for 50. www. bransonzipline.com 59

2013 Facilities& Destinations Awards of Excellence

2013 Facilities& Destinations Awards of Excellence

W inners

will be among the top players in a rebounding meetings economy

A

ccording to the Global Business Travel Association’s first-quarter Business Travel Index (BTI) Outlook for the United States, group spending is now expected to increase 6 percent to $115.9 billion, up from the 5.2 percent growth forecast in the fourth quarter of 2012. This is encouraging news, and the venues and destinations that would be on the receiving end of that added spending are those that meeting planners currently favor. A variety of criteria come into play, including accessibility, marketability, quality meeting spaces, customer service, entertainment options and much more. Our 2013 Facilities & Destinations Prime Site and Top Destination Award winners excel in all these areas; indeed, they are all Awards of Excellence winners. And they can look forward with confidence to benefitting from the increased group spending predicted by the GBTA. The reason for that confidence is simple.

The winners excel according to the barometer that matters the most: planner input.

“Our readers are always excited to have their voice heard, and in fact, it’s their commendation that is most relevant when it comes to selecting the ‘best of the best,’” says Michael Caffin, Associate Publisher, Facilities Media Group. “Planners vote for a facility or destination based on qualities they have experienced firsthand, qualities that

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have made their event a success. As a result, our Awards of Excellence continue to enjoy cachet in the meetings industry.”

Annually, Facilities & Destinations readers vote for their favorite sites and cities via ballots available in F&D print publications, including the SuperBook, Planner Guide and Mid-Market Review, and at Facilitiesonline.com. Ballots are received throughout the year, and the list of award winners appears in the F&D SuperBook issue. The Prime Site Award is given out in three categories: Convention Centers, Conference Centers, and Hotels & Resorts. The Top Destination Award is given to convention & visitors bureaus or similar entities that promote meeting destinations.

While group spending may be trending up, planners overall are still operating within tighter budgets as a lingering impact of the recession. They must make cost-conscious site choices that best fit the objectives of their event, and peer testimonials on CVBs, convention centers, hotels and resorts are an invaluable resource. Effectively, the Awards of Excellence are the kind of testimonials planners need. “We enable peer-topeer communication concerning site selection, the most crucial part of the planning process,” Caffin concludes.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

From the street…

…to the wide open spaces– the extraordinary is just steps away!

Pittsburgh was named by National Geographic Traveler as one of the world’s top 20 great places to visit in 2012.

Plan your visit today and bring your colleagues later!

1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 565-6000 www.pittsburghcc.com | www.greenfirst.us

2013 Facilities& Destinations Awards of Excellence Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, RI Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Rochester, NY Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood, NJ Top Destination Award Winners

Prime Site Award-winning Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ. (See listing page 73.)

Atlantic City CVA, Atlantic City, NJ Greater Boston CVB, Boston, MA Greater Hartford CVB, Hartford, CT Philadelphia CVB, Philadelphia, PA Visit Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA Providence/Warwick CVB, Providence, RI Valley Forge CVB, Valley Forge, PA

Northeast Prime Site Award Winners

Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, MA Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, CT David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh, PA DCU Center, Worcester, MA Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY Meadowlands Exposition Center, Secaucus, NJ Oncenter/Nicolas J. Pirro Convention Center, Syracuse, NY Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA

Prime Site Award-winning Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham, AL. (See listing page 88.)

Mid-Atlantic Prime Site Award Winners

Prime Site Award-winning Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA. (See listing page 117.)

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Charleston Civic Center, Charleston, WV Hampton Roads Convention Center, Hampton, VA Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond, VA Roland E. Powell Convention Center, Ocean City, MD Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Beach, VA Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

2013 Facilities& Destinations Awards of Excellence

Prime Site Award-winning Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH. (See listing page 99.)

Jackson Convention Complex, Jackson, MS Knoxville Convention Center, Knoxville, TN Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach, FL Mobile Convention Center, Mobile, AL New Orleans Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA Ocean Center, Daytona Beach, FL Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL Palm Beach County Convention Center, West Palm Beach, FL Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, Jacksonville, FL

Top Destination Award Winners

Events D.C., Washington, DC Visit Norfolk, Norfolk, VA Ocean City CVB, Ocean City, MD Richmond CVB, Richmond, VA Virginia Beach CVB, Virginia Beach, VA Greater Wilmington CVB, Wilmington, DE Southeast Prime Site Award Winners

Baton Rouge River Center, Baton Rouge, LA Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham, AL Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Prime Site Award-winning Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, CT. (See listing page 73.)

Savannah International Trade & Convention Center, Savannah, GA TD Convention Center, Greenville, SC Vicksburg Convention Center, Vicksburg, MS Top Destination Award Winners

Prime Site Award-winning Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO. (See listing page 117.)

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Visit Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge, LA Chattanooga Area CVB, Chattanooga, TN Greater Ft. Lauderdale CVB, Ft. Lauderdale, FL Jackson CVB, Jackson, MS Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation, Knoxville, TN Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

2013 Facilities& Destinations Awards of Excellence

Prime Site Award-winning Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN. (See listing page 102.)

Delta Center, Milwaukee, WI DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI Duke Energy Convention Center, Cincinnati, OH Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN Iowa Events Center, Des Moines, IA Kansas City Convention Center, Kansas City, MO Kansas Expocentre, Topeka, KS Magouirk Conference Center, Dodge City, KS McCormick Place, Chicago, IL Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN Monona Terrace Convention Center, Madison, WI

Little Rock CVB, Little Rock, AR Louisville CVB, Louisville, KY Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB, Biloxi, MS Nashville CVB, Nashville, TN New Orleans CVB, New Orleans, LA Visit Savannah, Savannah, GA Midwest Prime Site Award Winners

Bridge View Center, Ottumwa, IA Century Center, South Bend, IN Clay County Events Center, Spencer, IA Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH

Prime Site Award-winning Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL. (See listing page 92.)

Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park, KS RiverCenter, Davenport, IA Saint Charles Convention Center, Saint Charles, MO Saint Paul RiverCentre, Saint Paul, MN Sanford Center, Bemidji, MN SeaGate Convention Centre, Toledo, OH Swiftel Center, Brookings, SD Tinley Park Convention Center, Tinley Park, IL Prime Site Award-winning Kansas City Convention Center, Kansas City, MO. (See listing page 102.)

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Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

YOU RULE.

AND THIS IS YOUR KINGDOM. For centuries, Connecticut has been a haven for revolutionary thinkers. A place of great history, beauty and energy that attracts leaders, cultivates courageous ideas and inspires bold deeds. Where better than in its heart - at the epicenter of the largest population base in the country - to purposefully create a destination for people to meet. It’s not merely a convention center, but a convention kingdom. And you are royalty.

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT

540,000 sq. feet of space 1600 hotel rooms Retail & dining complex 30 acres of riverfront parks 40 – three and four-star restaurants Interactive science center 250 registered historic sites Within a 2-hour drive of 23 million people Beaches, mountains, casinos, museums, theaters, golf courses...

To explore your kingdom, call 860.249.6000 or visit ctconventions.com

2013 Facilities& Destinations Awards of Excellence West Prime Site Award Winners

Prime Site Award-winning Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR. (See listing page 124.)

Albuquerque Convention Center, Albuquerque, NM Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO Cox Convention Center, Oklahoma City, OK Fairplex, Pomona, CA Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, TX George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX Hawaii Convention Center, Honolulu, HI Hurst Conference Center, Hurst, TX

Top Destination Award Winners

Akron/Summit CVB, Akron, OH Positively Cleveland/Greater Cleveland CVB, Cleveland, OH Greater Des Moines CVB, Des Moines, IA Visit Detroit/Metro Detroit CVB, Detroit, MI Visit Indy, Indianapolis, IN Visit Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI Meet Minneapolis/Greater Minneapolis CVA, Minneapolis, MN Greater Omaha CVB, Omaha, NE Rapid City CVB, Rapid City, SD Saint Louis CVC, Saint Louis, MO

Prime Site Award-winning Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA. (See listing page 82.)

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Prime Site Award-winning Phoenix Civic Plaza Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ. (See listing page 132.)

Las Cruces Convention Center, Las Cruces, NM Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR Palm Springs Convention Center, Palm Springs, CA Phoenix Civic Plaza Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ Sacramento Convention Center, Sacramento, CA

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

2013 Facilities& Destinations Awards of Excellence

Top Destination Award-winning Providence, RI. (See listing page 82.)

Colorado Springs CVB, Colorado Springs, CO Visit Denver, Denver, CO Fort Worth CVB, Fort Worth, TX Greater Houston CVB, Houston, TX Las Vegas CVA, Las Vegas, NV Oklahoma City CVB, Oklahoma City, OK Omaha CVB, Omaha, NE Greater Phoenix CVB, Phoenix, AZ Sacramento CVB, Sacramento, CA San Antonio CVB, San Antonio, TX Seattle CVB, Seattle, WA Spokane Regional CVB, Spokane, WA Metro Tucson CVB, Tucson, AZ

Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA Three Rivers Convention Center, Kennewick, WA Tulsa Convention Center, Tulsa, OK Washington State Convention & Trade Center, Seattle, WA Top Destination Award Winners

Albuquerque CVB, Albuquerque, NM Amarillo CVC/Chamber of Commerce, Amarillo, TX Anaheim/Orange County VCB, Anaheim, CA Austin CVB, Austin, TX Boise CVB, Boise, ID

Top Destination Award-winning Savannah, GA. (See listing page 92.)

Puerto Rico Prime Site Award Winners

Puerto Rico Convention Center, San Juan, PR Top Destination Award Winners

Puerto Rico Convention Bureau, San Juan, PR Canada Prime Site Award Winners

Top Destination Award-winning Richmond, VA. (See listing page 86.)

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Direct Energy Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Palais des congres de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada TELUS Convention Center, Calgary, Alberta, Canada Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

IT TAKES TWO Two Unique Facilities.

Convention Center.

And Historic Theatre.

Working Together.

Art Deco Meeting Industrial.

100,000 Plus Square Feet.

Two Banquet/Exhibit Halls.

10 Breakout Rooms.

Executive Board Room.

Theatre Seating for 2,400.

Midwest Amenities.

Metropolitan Service.

Discover what first class service and attention to detail really means at the unique entity known as the RiverCenter/Adler Theatre in Downtown Davenport, Iowa.

www.riverctr.com www.adlertheatre.com

Listings A-Z Northeast Atlantic City CVA...........................................73 Greater Boston CVB......................................73 Connecticut Convention Center..................73 David L. Lawrence Convention Center........73 Jacob Javits Convention Center..................73 MassMutual Center.......................................73 Meadowlands Exposition Center.................82 The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls................................................82 Pennsylvania Convention Center.................82 Providence Warwick CVB..............................82 Rhode Island Convention Center.................82 Rochester Riverside Convention Center......82 Mid-Atlantic Visit Norfolk....................................................86 Ocean City/Roland Powell Convention Center......................................86 Greater Richmond Convention Center........86 Washington Hilton.........................................86 Southeast Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.......................................................88 The Classic Center.........................................88 Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB.......................88 Hilton Atlanta.................................................88 Hilton New Orleans Riverside.......................88 Huntsville/Madison County CVB..................88 Miami Beach Convention Center.................92 Mobile Convention Center...........................92 Music City Center..........................................92 New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center......................................92 Orange County Convention Center.............92 Owensboro Convention Center...................92 Visit Savannah................................................92 Vicksburg Convention Center......................92 Midwest Akron/Summit CVB/ John. S. Knight Center................................99 Bridge View Center.......................................99 Clay County Events Center...........................99

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Positively Cleveland.......................................99 Greater Columbus Convention Center........99 Delta Center...................................................99 Greater Des Moines CVB............................102 Indiana Convention Center........................102 Kansas City Convention Center..................102 Kansas Expocentre......................................102 Little Rock CVB............................................102 Magouirk Conference Center/ United Wireless..........................................102 Meet Minneapolis........................................102 Monona Terrace Convention Center.........102 RiverCenter..................................................106 Saint Charles Convention Center...............106 The Sanford Center.....................................106 SeaGate Convention Centre......................106 Swiftel Center...............................................106 Tinley Park Convention Center..................106 West Amarillo CVC................................................117 Anaheim/Orange County CVB...................117 Austin Convention Center..........................117 Colorado Convention Center.....................117 Colorado Springs CVB................................117 Cox Convention Center..............................117 Fairplex.........................................................124 Hawaii Convention Center..........................124 Hurst Conference Center............................124 Oklahoma City CVB.....................................124 Oregon Convention Center........................124 Palm Springs Convention Center...............124 Phoenix Convention Center.......................132 Sacramento Convention Center.................132 San Diego Convention Center...................132 Three Rivers Convention Center................132 Metropolitan Tucson CVB...........................132 Canada & Caribbean Calgary TELUS Convention Centre............144 The International Centre.............................144 Ottawa Convention Centre.........................144 Montego Bay Convention Centre..............144 Puerto Rico Convention Center.................144 Sheraton Puerto Rico..................................144

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

The Northeast

new jersey

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

Atlantic City Convention Center

Atlantic City, NJ 08401, (609) 449-7136; (888) 222-3683 Fax: (609) 345-3685 www.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 a 29,400-sq.-ft. ballroom; free WiFi; voice/data communications; green facility – single-roof solar systems, and aggressive recycling and energy-savings programs.

PAGE 75

Connecticut

Connecticut Convention Center 100 Columbus Boulevard Hartford, CT 06106 (860) 249-6000; Fax: (860) 249-6161 www.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 409-room 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.

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Massachusetts

Pennsylvania

Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau

David L. Lawrence Convention Center

www.BostonUSA.com

Built Green. Working Green. Every Day!

Vice President, Convention Services & Sales: Beth Stehley

In downtown Pittsburgh’s cultural district, within steps of theaters, cinemas, galleries, restaurants and 2,500 hotel rooms, just across the bridge from PNC Park & Heinz Field, the environmentally smart, SMG-managed, 1.5 million-sq.-ft. facility features 313,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 37 loading docks, 53 meeting rooms, a 31,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, two 250-seat theaters. The building’s dynamic architectural design offers breathtaking 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.

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1000 Ft. Duquesne Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 325-6174; Fax: (412) 565-6104 www.pittsburghcc.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Debbie Smucker

2 Copley Place, Suite 105, Boston, MA 02116 (617) 867-8242; (888) SEE-BOSTON; Fax: (617) 424-7664 E-Mail: GBCVBSales@bostonusa.com 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.

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new York

Jacob K. Javits Convention Center 655 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001 (212) 216-2335; Fax: (212) 216-2588 www.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; 53 multipurpose 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 2013 SuperBook

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massachuseTts

MassMutual Center

1277 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103 (413) 787-6610; Fax: (413) 787-6645 www.massmutualcenter.com Director of Sales: Monique Messier At the Center of it All, is the Center for it All Standing in the heart of Western Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley, the MassMutual Center is the region’s most diverse meeting and special event venue. The facility boasts over 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting space including a 40,000-sq.-ft. flexible exhibit hall, nine fully functional meeting rooms totaling 24,500 sq. ft., a 15,000-sq.-ft. elegant ballroom, eight breakout rooms, spacious pre-function areas, an 8,000-seat arena and a theater that accommodates 3,600 attendees. The MassMutual Center is steps away from 900 hotel rooms. Nearby attractions include Yankee Candle Village, Six Flags New England, The Springfield PAGE Museums and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

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The Northeast / NEW JERSEY

Atlantic City Convention Center

Atlantic City, NJ 08401, (609) 449-7136; (888) 222-3683 Fax: (609) 345-3685 www.atlanticcitynj.com • www.meetinac.com

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ith new resorts, a new marketing campaign and new Tourism District initiatives, Atlantic City, NJ, is your “must do” East Coast destination for meetings, conventions and tradeshows. Largely untouched by superstorm Sandy, Atlantic City’s resorts, Boardwalk and amenities are ready to welcome groups of all sizes.

Atlantic City Convention Center The Atlantic City Convention Center remains the centerpiece of the meetings market in Atlantic City. The bright, modern building offers 486,600 sq. ft. of contiguous expo space, easily dividable for multiple functions. The 45 meeting rooms range from 700 to 11,880 sq. ft. and offer voice/data connections throughout.

An in-house catering staff can handle everything from a continental breakfast or a box lunch to a gala banquet, and the onsite UPS Business Center can handle all of your shipping, fax services, color or black-and-white printing and many other needs.

There’s also free basic Wi-Fi, an in-house audio-video staff, easy load-in and move-out from 29 loading docks and 1,400 onsite parking spaces. It’s a short walk from several of the city’s first-class resorts, and the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel is linked by a covered bridge.

The Atlantic City Alliance has established a $1 million incentive program to attract groups and meetings in 2013. Information is available at http://www.atlanticcitynj.com/!userfiles/pdfs/AC-meetingsincentive.pdf.

Accommodating Resorts When it comes to staying in Atlantic City, we’re very accommodating with 20,000 first-class guestrooms (up to 8,000 committable on peak nights), and there’s always something new to see or do.

The city’s newest resort, Revel, offers nearly 1,900 first-class guestrooms, a 70,000-sq.-ft. event center and plenty of resort amenities. The former Trump Marina Hotel Casino is now the Golden Nugget, with all-new restaurants, spa, shopping, meeting rooms and guestrooms.

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Atlantic City – A “Must Do” Meeting Destination

Atlantic City’s resorts also offer excellent facilities for small and large meetings and conventions. You’ll find boardrooms with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, small and large showrooms and theaters, intimate meeting rooms, breakout rooms, ballrooms and more.

Innovative Spaces There are plenty of innovative spaces for receptions and dinners, too.

One Atlantic offers a blank canvas to design any kind of special event with ocean and Boardwalk views, while the Atlantic City Aquarium at Gardner’s Basin gives you a unique setting among marine life. The city’s famous nightclubs provide a fun atmosphere with a beat to match in settings ranging from high-tech to inviting poolside terraces, while the city’s many restaurants can provide anything from a family-style to gourmet experience.

New Attractions Blend with Old Favorites The Atlantic City Tourism District was created last year, embarking on a five-year plan to enhance the city’s tourism offerings. The Atlantic City Alliance helped further those plans with “Artlantic,” an installation of art parks throughout the city. The Alliance also created “Duality,” a 3-D laser light and sound show projected several times every night on the famous Boardwalk Hall façade, which has received rave reviews.

This summer, the city’s first casino, Resorts, will feature a new, $35 million venue with a 400-seat Margaritaville Café, beachside LandShark Bar & Grill and Five O’Clock Somewhere Bar. The famous Steel Pier is phasing in a three-part, $102 million renovation project that will include a museum, 2,000-seat ballroom, new rides, restaurants and nightclubs, plus an enclosure enabling it to stay open nearly year-round.

Bass Pro Shops plans to break ground this spring on one of their outdoor sports mega-stores at Tanger Outlets, The Walk. The 70,000-sq.-ft. store is slated to open the end of 2013 or early 2014.

Surf schools and surf bars are popular summer activities as well, and shopping is popular year-round in the retail outlets, indoor shopping plazas and shopping piers. Of course, strolling the historic Boardwalk, golf, top entertainment, spas and casino gaming are perennially popular.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

NICE TRY SANDY, BUT

WE’RE BACK STRONGER THAN EVER!

For information about booking your next event, contact our sales team at 1.888.222.3683 or visit us at meetinac.com

The Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority is proud to be accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of the Destination Marketing Association International.

THE NORTHEAST / massachuseTts

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

B

oston is The PLACE to Meet. From the downtown core to the outlying neighborhoods, Boston is a city of intriguing diversity, and a world center for education, technology and life sciences. With a mix of colonial charm and urban sophistication, the city is rich in history with great dining and nightlife, extraordinary shopping, championship professional and college sports teams, and a vibrant arts and cultural community, making it a dynamic meeting and convention destination.

Meeting Facilities

The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center features 516,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, 84 meeting rooms with 160,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and a 40,020-sq.-ft. ballroom.

The Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center Boston offers 120,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, theater-style seating for 7,000 and two 5,000-sq.-ft. ballrooms with water views. It is also part of the Waterfront Collection, an alliance between the Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center, the Renaissance Boston Waterfront and the Westin Boston Waterfront.

In the Back Bay, the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center offers more than 175,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, a 25,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, a 4,000-seat auditorium and 41 meeting rooms. It is part of 3-2-1 Connect, a meeting solution offering an interconnected complex of three hotels (Westin Copley, Boston Marriott Copley Place and the Sheraton Boston), two upscale shopping destinations, and the Hynes Convention Center.

Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms

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

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Distance to nearest airport

Located just three miles from the city, Logan International Airport currently offers domestic service to 79 destinations and international service to 36 destinations, with more than 1,500 flights a day arriving and departing from the airport.

Destination Features & Nearby Attractions

Boston is known as America’s Walking City, but when you can’t get around by foot, the city is easily accessible by the “T”, Boston’s public transportation system.

Boston has a variety of unique attractions for special events, including: Boston Symphony Orchestra, John F. Kennedy Library & Museum, Fenway Park, Institute of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, which has expanded by almost 50 percent, and many other unique attractions.

Technology

The free BostonUSA App allows meeting attendees to search “what to do” while in Boston, as well as purchase advance tickets to many of Boston’s great tours, cruises, excursions, museums, the Boston Red Sox and more, using their handheld devices. It also includes a GPS “Map It” function to help users get to events after they’ve found and booked them.

Greater Boston CVB

The award-winning Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau makes it easy for meeting professionals to meet in the Greater Boston area. The GBCVB staff can assist planners with: complimentary RFPs for all of your meeting needs; site inspection assistance; attendance-building promotions, including participating in your convention one year prior; destination collateral; housing services; and a concierge and restaurant services desk during your convention.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

THE NORTHEAST / Connecticut

Connecticut Convention Center

100 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT 06106 • (860) 249-6000; Fax: (860) 249-6161 • www.ctconventions.com

I

n the heart of a vibrant downtown in the midst of a renaissance. In the middle of a historic city at the epicenter of the largest population base in the country. There lies a destination purposefully built for meetings and conventions, neatly tucked within a region renowned for its natural beauty, history and charm. It’s not merely a convention center, but a convention kingdom! The Connecticut Convention Center is the Northeast’s newest, most ideal location for tradeshows, conventions, business meetings or any occasion that demands a dramatic riverfront setting. The Connecticut Convention Center overlooks the beautiful Connecticut River at Adriaen’s Landing, Hartford’s exciting riverfront district.

Adriaen’s Landing is home to many new attractions for the Capital City. The anchor of this rapidly developing area is the beautiful 540,000-sq.-ft. Connecticut Convention Center. With over 140,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space, a 40,000-sq.-ft. ballroom and 25,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, the Connecticut Convention Center is the largest convention facility between New York and Boston. The venue also features exceptional demographics and highway access at the crossroads of New England, where Interstates 84 and 91 meet. With a prominent visual presence on Hartford’s historic skyline, the Center’s 110-ft. glass atrium dramatically rises 10 stories above a grand public plaza and a tree-lined riverfront esplanade.

The Connecticut Convention Center has been constructed to spare no detail in making every function accommodating. From offering award-winning food and beverage service led by our inhouse executive chef and culinary team, state-of-the-art rigging, wiring and WiFi to flexible spaces, abundant pre-function areas and ample onsite sheltered parking, the facility has taken every facet of hosting an event into consideration.

That includes the attached AAA Four Diamond, 409-room, Marriott Hartford Downtown hotel, which offers an additional 13,500 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

With first-rate accommodations at numerous hotels (up to 1,600 hotel rooms within Hartford and 6,500 rooms within a 15-mile radius) and unparalleled service, Hartford truly is your kingdom! The expanded Bradley International Airport is conveniently located 15 miles away. Located midway between Boston and New York and easily accessible by rail, bus or car, the Greater Hartford area is a convenient destination for groups.

Go green on New England’s first eco-friendly bio-diesel bus, the Star Shuttle, a free, public transportation service for simple access throughout the city. Also offered is the Bradley Flyer, a convenient, economical mode of transportation from the Bradley International Airport to our Capitol City.

Other attractions to check out at the Adriaen’s Landing District include a 3-D movie theater and fun, interactive and educational games at the Connecticut Science Center, attached by foot bridge to the Convention Center. The development of the dining and entertainment portion of Adriaen’s Landing is known as Front Street, a nostalgic reference to the bustling riverfront thoroughfare that existed in the late 1800s through the 1950s.

With local culture and history around every corner, as well as celebrated attractions for every interest, the Connecticut Convention Center is the ultimate backdrop for mixing business with pleasure. The Mark Twain House & Museum and Harriet Beecher Stowe Center take visitors on a journey back in time.

The Hartford Stage and Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts will entertain you, while the Connecticut Whale or UCONN athletics will have you on your feet, cheering. Downtown offers enough shops and boutiques to help you find the perfect souvenir. Afterward, stop by one of the tempting restaurants or cafes that line our city streets. With more than 40 three- and fourstar restaurants offering all types of cuisine, there is definitely a taste to satisfy any appetite. With historic roots, Hartford has a lot of culture and history to offer its visitors … come see all that we have to offer!

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the Northeast / New Jersey

meadowlands exposition center

Secaucus, NJ • (201) 330-7773 • www.mecexpo.com

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

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

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

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

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

Technological Capabilities Technological capabilities at the Center include T1, ISDN, Internet and satellite uplink support. Teleconferencing and simulcasting to other locations are also available. And, on the exhibit floor, the electricity is “flown from the air.” Also of note is a newly designed Web site that informs the public about upcoming events at the 78

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

center. This Web site features the latest technology allowing the user to access a virtual tour of the facility and gain more specifics about the building, services and the surrounding area.

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

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

Hotel Partners

Five national chain hotels are within walking distance of the Meadowlands Exposition Center. Together they total approximately 1,000 guestrooms and there are another 1,500 rooms in the nearby area. Some of the major properties include: Holiday Inn • Embassy Suites • Hampton Inn • Hyatt • Courtyard

by Marriott.

Things to See & Do

During freetime hours, meeting attendees can enjoy some 40 restaurants and a wide range of shopping opportunities— including the Secaucus Outlet Center with over 100 shops and the equally popular Jersey Gardens Mega Mall. More than that, the Meadowlands is three miles from New MetLife Stadium Stadium, IZOD Center and the Meadowlands Racetrack; and who would miss out on a short trip to the Big Apple, only minutes away. All in all, this is one of few facilities in the country that has the world’s greatest city at its feet.

Transportation

Part of the Meadowlands’ attraction to meeting planners is that it can be easily reached by three international airports: JFK, LaGuardia and Newark International Airport. And, only 12 minutes from the facility is the Teterboro Jetport. For driving enthusiasts, Newark is also in proximity to major interstates including the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway.

Also, both the New York and New Jersey transit system schedule stops right at the door.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

1-888-400-EXPO (3976)

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

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

• THREE CONCESSION STANDS

• CATERING CAPABILITIES FOR UP TO 5,000

• SOLAR PANELS INSTALLED TO REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION

• MULTIPURPOSE, CARPETED LOBBY WITH BOX OFFICE

• GREEN, ENVIORMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE FACILITY

• EXHIBIT DECORATOR MAINTAINS WAREHOUSE ON SITE

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

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

A flexible floor plan solution for all of your event needs

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

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

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

 FREE PARKING

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

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

      

the Northeast / PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 (214) 418-4700 1-855-MEET-PHL www.MeetPHL.com

H

ost a record-breaking meeting or convention in Philadelphia, rated Travel + Leisure’s #1 city for culture in 2012 and treat your attendees to the complete package. Seated in the heart of Center City, the impressive Pennsylvania Convention Center is an architectural beauty that houses a stunning modern art collection and is central to the city’s most exciting attractions. The LEED-certified Convention Center features one million sq.-ft. of saleable space, the ability to host two major tradeshows simultaneously, 82 meeting rooms, the largest contiguous exhibit space in the Northeast, two stunning ballrooms and a soaring Grand Hall that lives in a historic train shed.

There’s always room for you to host your next meeting or event in Philadelphia, where award-winning staff members make sure the small details are never missed in the big picture.

The best our city has to offer is just steps from the Convention Center. Just across Broad Street is the gateway to Museum Mile, which begins with the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and continues down to the Barnes Foundation, one of the finest private collections of Post-Impressionist, early French Modern and African sculpture art in the world. For those looking to sample Philadelphia’s local flavors, you can head directly into Reading Terminal Market, a gastro-hub with dozens of local merchants, conveniently connected to the Center. Just a few blocks more will take you into the heart of the historic district, where you can explore our country’s diverse heritage by touring the many sites along Independence Mall, from the Liberty Bell to the President’s House.

There are more than 11,000 hotel rooms in Philadelphia, ranging from concept boutique hotels to world-renowned brands that guarantee a comfortable stay.

Planning and facilitating your event will be a breeze as well.

The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (PHLCVB) Philadelphia Sports Congress, Multicultural Affairs Congress and Greater Philadelphia Life Sciences Congress can help planners increase attendance and grow sponsorship opportunities. Each Congress works seamlessly within the PHLCVB to provide access to industry experts and speakers, and connect conventions with off-site networks, venues and regional attractions. The PHLCVB also assists with services like customized convention microsites, targeted e-marketing campaigns and smart incentives to raise attendance 80

without raising expenses.

In the place where our nation was founded, Philadelphia is a truly visionary city with an entrepreneurial spirit. Between our historic blocks and skyscrapers, a modern Renaissance is taking place. Our eclectic and always impressive dining scene has garnered global attention; festivals like The Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts, the Roots Picnic and Jay-Z’s Made in America are just a few examples of the talent and creative spirit bursting from our streets.

And, we’re a proudly green city. Philadelphia is home to Fairmount Park (the largest urban park in the world), 205 miles of bicycle lanes and two riverfronts brimming with activity. Enjoy tax-free shopping on clothing and shoes, unforgettable history, and nightlife that includes speakeasy-era cocktail bars, rustic pubs, salsa dancing, kitschy bowling lounges and local breweries. As one of the most walkable cities in America, with distinct neighborhoods that are full of charm, all our city has to offer is right at your doorstep.

Getting here couldn’t be any easier. Our sophisticated transportation network links Philadelphia International Airport, which services 30 airlines, offering nearly 620 daily departures to 125 cities, including 36 international destinations, and Amtrak’s 30th Street Station directly to the Convention Center and downtown – all through easy-to-access regional rail and subway lines. In fact, the airport is a mere 25 minutes from Center City. Philadelphia continues to write a vibrant story, and we want your event to be a part of it.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

THE SPACE AT THE EXPANDED PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION CENTER

ALLOWED FOR MORE CREATIVITY

& AN EASIER SET-UP,

SAVING MY TEAM

VALUABLE TIME & MONEY. —Salvatore J. Chiarelli, Former Director of Meetings and Events, Risk & Insurance Management Society, Inc.

www.MEETPHL.com or 1.855.MEET.PHL

@discoverPHL facebook.com/discoverPHL

With 1 million square feet of usable space, the newly expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center is one of the country’s premier meeting facilities. And to complete the package, we’ve put it in the heart of the country’s most dynamic, walkable and historic downtown.

The Northeast New Jersey

new york

Meadowlands Exposition Center

The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls

355 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ 07094 (201) 330-7773; (800) 400-3976; Fax: (201) 330-1172 Everything you need, exactly where you want it. Your cost effective alternative to NYC

101 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303 (716) 278-2100; Fax: (716) 278-0008 www.ccnfny.com Sales Director: Melissa Gearhart

With an outstanding location five miles outside Manhattan, the Meadowlands Exposition Center is accessible to public transportation and major highways and only minutes from Newark Liberty Airport. 61,000 sq. ft. of continuous exhibition space; five seminar rooms. 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. Free parking. Attractions: MetLife Stadium, IZOD Center, Meadowlands Racetrack, PAGE Secaucus Outlet Center, 25+ restaurants, 16 movie screens, health club.

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Inspired by the magnificence of Niagara Falls, The Conference & Event Center’s 116,000 sq. ft. of versatile, state-of-the-art indoor function space includes a 32,000-sq.-ft. exhibit hall, 10,500-sq.-ft. ballroom, 17 breakout rooms and a 49-seat theater. Complemented by 2,000 walkable hotel rooms, the IACC-certified facility is designed to provide meeting professionals with a technologically advanced, sensibly priced venue. Nearby attractions include Niagara Falls State Park, the Seneca Niagara Casino and the international Rainbow Bridge to Canada. The facility offers a myriad of customized convention, meeting PAGE and banquet options.

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www.mecexpo.com

Regional General Manager: Robin Cuneo

rhode island

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Convention Center

1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 418-4700 www.meetphl.com Senior Vice President, Convention Division: Julie Coker The Complete Package The LEED-certified Pennsylvania Convention Center features one million sq. ft. of saleable space, the ability to host two major tradeshows simultaneously, 82 meeting rooms, 528,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, two ballrooms (including the 55,408-sq.-ft.

Terrace Ballroom) and a Grand Hall housed in the historic Reading Railroad train shed.

More than 9,000 hotel rooms are within a 15-minute walk of the center, whose North Broad Street entrance connects to the Avenue of the Arts and Museum Mile. Nearby are the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rodin PAGE Museum, Franklin Institute, and other major cultural institutions.

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Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau

10 Memorial Boulevard, Providence, RI 02903 (401) 456-0200 www.GoProvidence.com Vice President of Sales & Services: Kristin McGrath, CDME Providence, RI is known for stellar restaurants, rich history, natural beauty and stunning architecture. The city’s compact downtown area makes it an extremely walkable city, with the Rhode Island Convention Center (RICC), hotels, restaurants, and eclectic shopping all within blocks of each other. Attractions include Bank of America Skating Center, Culinary Arts Museum at JWU, Providence Performing Arts Center, RI Philharmonic, WaterFire Providence, and more. T.F. Green Airport is 10 miles from the RICC, which offers 167,000 sq. ft. of function space, including 137,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and 23 meeting rooms.

PAGE Within one mile of the RICC are 2,200 hotel rooms.

35 Rhode Island

Available on

Search Keyword: Facilitiesonline

Facilities & Destinations

TM

Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment Complex

One Sabin Street, Providence, RI 02903 Phone: (401) 458-6000; Fax: (401) 458-6500 www.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.

19 New York

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Rochester Riverside Convention Center

123 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14564 (585) 232-7200; Fax: (585) 232-1510 www.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 PAGE convention district and New York State’s only one-stop convention facility.

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Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

The Northeast / RHODE ISLAND

Providence, RI – The Creative Capital

Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau

10 Memorial Boulevard, Providence, RI 02903 • (401) 456-0200 • www.GoProvidence.com

P

rovidence, RI, dubbed the Creative Capital, has been celebrated for its stellar dining, and eclectic arts and culture scene. Travel + Leisure readers recently voted Providence one of America’s Favorite Cities, ranking the city No. 1 in the U.S. for food, drink and restaurants.

As home to the world’s largest culinary educator, Johnson & Wales University, Providence reaps the rewards of having many of the school’s graduates demonstrate their culinary talents in local restaurants. The city’s Federal Hill neighborhood offers a taste of Italy right here in Rhode Island, and features more than 100 restaurants, shopping boutiques and late-night destinations.

For museum lovers, the Museum of Art at the Rhode Island School of Design houses more than 80,000 works ranging from Greek sculpture and French Impressionist paintings to contemporary multimedia art.

WaterFire, a multi-sensory art installation, is Providence’s signature event, and has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city. This series of bonfires installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence combines aromatic wood smoke, flickering firelight and enchanting music to create a truly singular experience. WaterFire is typically scheduled on Saturdays from May through October.

In the heart of downtown lies the Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment Complex – comprised of the Rhode Island Convention Center (RICC), the Dunkin’ Donuts Center and the Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The Vets). The RICC consists of a 100,000-contiguous-sq.-ft. exhibition hall, a 20,000-sq.ft. ballroom, 23 meeting rooms, and the Rotunda Room, which provides spectacular views of the city. 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.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

Ample meeting space, hotel rooms and entertainment options are all within easy reach of the RICC. At one end, it’s connected via skybridge to the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, the area’s premier events arena. At its other end, the RICC is attached to the 564room Omni Providence, and Providence Place, a downtown mall offering more than 170 shopping, dining and entertainment options.

The 13,000-seat “Dunk” is home to the AHL Providence Bruins and the Big East Providence College Friars, and hosts sporting events, major concerts, family shows and tradeshows. The Dunk features 31,000 sq. ft. of arena space, a ceiling height of 90 ft., a 25,000-sq.-ft. concourse, a 12,000-sq.-ft. lobby, two party suites, two loges, five renovated meeting/hospitality rooms and more.

The Vets, a 1,900-seat theater, is a historic performing arts venue that boasts flawless acoustics, a breathtaking proscenium stage, and now, following a multi-million dollar renovation, a backstage that will leave performers feeling pampered. The Vets is also available for elegant corporate events, speaking engagements and more.

Nearby Warwick, RI features miles of scenic coastline and additional hotel, dining, shopping and entertainment choices.

The city’s T.F. Green Airport is just 10 minutes from downtown Providence. The airport’s eco-friendly InterLink hub conveniently houses a rental car facility, public transportation options, and rail service to Providence, Boston and beyond.

The staff at the award-winning Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau is eager to work with planners to create a successful event. Whether attendees are exploring exhibit space at a tradeshow or a gallery opening, or meeting in or stepping out on a ballroom floor, they can meet with a new perspective . . . in Rhode Island.

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THE NORTHEAST / New York New York state’s only one-stop convention facility

Rochester Riverside Convention Center

123 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14564

(585) 232-7200 • Fax: (585) 232-1510 • www.rrcc.com

C

onveniently located in the heart of Rochester, NY, 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.

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 5 MB o 1 GB.

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 high-tech 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 firstclass facility, makes the Riverside an outstanding convention venue.”

Hotel Rooms

More than 1,100 rooms in a trio of major hotels connect with the Rochester 84

Riverside Convention Center to create a compact convention district in the center of the city. There is a 362-room Rochester Plaza; 465-room Radisson, which just completed a $6 million renovation of its facility; and a 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.

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 tapasstyle 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.

Nearby Attractions

Several entertainment districts surround the Rochester Riverside with restaurants, cafés, coffee houses, pubs, dance clubs, music halls, theaters 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.

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 2013 SuperBook

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

The Mid-Atlantic

virginia

VisitNorfolk

232 East Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 664-6620 / (800) 368-3097; Fax: (757) 622-3663 www.visitnorfolktoday.com Vice President of Sales and Marketing: Donna Allen

Delaware Maryland Virginia West Virginia Washington, D.C.

Located in the heart of the Virginia waterfront, this compact meetings destination features hotels and convention facilities suited for any need. Norfolk has a sparkling waterfront dotted with trendy restaurants, arts districts, museums, attractions and shopping. Getting around is easy with Virginia’s first light rail system, The Tide. The city offers 5,400 rooms and 500,000 sq. ft. of total meeting space including Norfolk Waterside Marriott, Sheraton Norfolk Waterside, Norfolk Plaza, Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center, the Norfolk Scope and more. Attractions: MacArthur Center Mall, Chrysler Museum Glass Studio, Hermitage PAGE Foundation Museum, Norfolk Tides AAA Baseball, and Virginia Zoological Park.

86 maryland

Roland E. Powell Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842 (800) 626-2326; Fax: (410) 289-0058 www.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 center is currently expanding to 214,000 sq. ft. of meeting/ exhibition space with 25 meeting rooms including two executive boardrooms; a 45,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall (76,000 sq. ft. total exhibit space); a 30,000-sq.-ft.

Grand Ballroom with 35-ft. ceilings and panoramic bay-views; wireless Internet; 1,000+ free parking spaces. Ocean City Information & Welcome Center on site; catering and beverage services; 9,500 hotel rooms and 29,000 rentable conPAGE dos. Located 28 miles from Salisbury-Ocean City Airport.

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Virginia

Greater Richmond Convention Center

Dynamic.

Diverse.

Distinct.

403 North Third Street, Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 783-7300; Fax: (804) 225-0508 www.richmondcenter.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Lori Coyne Where Virginia Meets the World The Greater Richmond Convention Center is Virginia’s largest meeting and exhibition facility.

The contemporary facility features 178,159 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space; a 30,550-sq.ft. Grand Ballroom; 50,000 sq. ft. of additional meeting space; a 258-seat, auditorium-style lecture hall; a 13,000-sq.-ft., glassed-in, showroom-style main registration lobby; and 1,540 parking spaces in two decks attached to the facility. There are 650 hotel rooms adjacent to the center with thousands more nearby. Local attractions include King’s Dominion Amusement Park, Richmond International Raceway, The Virginia Museum of Fine PAGE Arts, The National Theater and the Virginia State Capitol.

27 Washington, DC

Washington Hilton

Norfolk is a vibrant port city full of fantastic meeting venues, fun things to do and fascinating things to see.

With its rich history, great weather, distinctive dining and nightlife, and an easy-to-reach coastal Virginia location, Norfolk is the perfect destination for your next meeting.

Discover all the details at visitnorfolktoday.com. visitnorfolktoday.com 1-800-368-3097

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1919 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC 20009 (202) 483-3000; Fax: (202) 232-0438 www.washingtonhilton.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Juan Garcia Legendary Meeting Hotel opened in 1965.

110,000 sq. ft. flexible function space – 43 meeting rooms; 35,815-sq.-ft. International Ballroom (seats 4,150 theater style); 30,000-sq.-ft. exhibit hall. Digital wayfinding and events signage with touch capabilities throughout hotel; onsite AV specialist. Ballroom features 48-ft. hydraulic stage and nearly 100 installed rigging points. Wireless and wired HSIA, data, voice and visual transmission in all meeting rooms; DS3 bandwidth speed; 1,070 guest rooms, including 47 suites. Has served as the backdrop to political conferences, monumental meetings and memorable events – including an official presidential Inaugural Ball every four years since 1969.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

The Mid-Atlantic / maryland

Roland E. Powell Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 21842 (800) 626-2326 Fax: (410) 289-0058 www.ococean.com

EVERYTHING’S BETTER AT THE BEACH!

E

specially when that beach is in Ocean City, Maryland.

Ocean City, MD is “The East Coast’s Number One Family Resort,” with waves of activities and events. With 10 miles of white sand and waves, a three-mile boardwalk, nightlife, 17 championship golf courses, restaurants, shopping and more, there’s no end to the fun when the meetings are over.

And in addition to our great beach, Ocean City’s Roland E. Powell Convention Center is getting even better. The center is currently expanding to add 14,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, as well as renovating and expanding the Grand Ballroom by 18,000 sq. ft. and offering 25 meeting rooms, giving you more options for your next conference, as well as beautiful panoramic bay views.

The expansion will be complete this fall and the well-equipped

convention center will be fully functional in the meantime.

The center also features on-site food and beverage service along with full-service catering by Centerplate, a veteran convention staff, free WiFi service throughout the center, and free parking for more than 1,000 cars and buses.

Ocean City offers business travelers a choice of accommodations, including 9,500 hotel rooms and more than 29,000 rentable condos; of these 4,850 are year-round committable rooms.

Every season offers a reason to make your next meeting a vacation. So plan your next convention in Ocean City, where you’ll find everything you want — whether you’re in meetings or on the beach. For more information, contact the Ocean City Convention Center’s sales team at (410) 289-2800 or (800) OC-OCEAN or visit ococean.com.

GO FROM BOARDROOM TO BOARDWALK. Ocean City, MD's Roland E. Powell Convention Center is the perfect site for your conference or convention and now offers even more options for your next event.

• 214,000 sq. feet of flexible space • New 1,200-seat performing arts center, coming Winter 2015

• Expanded exhibit space, including a renovated ballroom • Beautiful panoramic bay views

• 25 meeting rooms

Ocean City, MD is just a short drive from most major East Coast cities and offers a variety of accommodations including 9,500 hotel rooms and 25,000 rentable condos.

And after your event is over, be sure to enjoy OC's 10 miles of free beach, three-mile boardwalk, 17 championship golf courses, restaurants, nightlife, shopping and more!

FOR BOOKING INQUIRIES AND INFORMATION:

1-800-OC-OCEAN Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook OCO-2013-17161 Facilities_&_Destinations_2013_7x4.75.indd 1

ococean.com

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4/2/13 1:06 PM

The Southeast

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

alabama

Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex

2100 Richard Arrington Boulevard North Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 458-8400; Fax: (205) 458-8438 www.bjcc.org Director of Sales and Marketing: Susette Hunter Alabama’s largest convention facility, one of the best values in the South, offers 220,000 sq. ft. meeting/exhibition space including a 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 PAGE Rights Institute, award-winning Robert Trent Jones Golf trail courses.

91 georgia

The Classic Center

300 North Thomas Street, Athens, GA 30601 (706) 208-0900 www.classiccenter.com Director of Sales: Maureen Baker Be Impressed The Classic Center convention center and performing arts theater in vibrant downtown Athens completed its new $24 million expansion in February 2013. The expansion doubled the size of the center’s exhibit hall to 56,000 sq. ft. and included construction of a new 8,000-sq.-ft. atrium. The center can now accommodate groups of up to 6,000. Overall function space of 110,590 sq. ft. includes a 55,610-sq.-ft. main exhibit hall and a 17,000-sq.-ft. ballroom. The theater seats 2,100. With 2,443 hotel rooms citywide, Atlanta is home to the Georgia Museum of Art, State Botanical Garden of Georgia, 55 restaurants, and 40 PAGE taverns and nightclubs.

14

Florida

The Greater Fort Lauderdale/ Broward County Convention Center

1950 Eisenhower Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 765-5900; Fax: (954) 763-9551 www.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. louisiana

Hilton New Orleans Riverside

Two Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 556-3700; Fax: (504) 556-3788 www.neworleansriversidehotel.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Eric Janecke We measure distance in footsteps, not cab fare!

Nestled along the Mississippi River‚ New Orleans is an exceptional meeting destination that blends multi-cultural traditions, music, culinary perfection, festivals and spirit. The Hilton Sales Complex is comprised of three unique properties within walking distance of the New Orleans Convention Center. The largest hotel in the complex, Hilton New Orleans Riverside – a “city within a city” – offers 1‚622 guestrooms including 74 suites, 122‚000+ sq. ft. of function space, 38 meeting rooms, a 27,000-sq.-ft. ballroom and a 25,000-sq.-ft. ballroom. Features: Advanced audio-visual technology, videoconferencing services, seamless connectivity with the convention center, BoardEZ™ kiosk.

88

georgia

Hilton Atlanta

255 Courtland Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 222-2872; Fax: (404) 221-6368 www. hiltonatlantadowntown.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Edd Karlan The Jewel of the South Premier convention, 1,242-room hotel in downtown Atlanta, ideal location that offers the perfect setting for and a gateway to the city’s rejuvenated downtown scene.

119,000 sq. ft. of flexible function/meeting space, including 55 meeting rooms, 18,500-sq.-ft. ballroom, 41,000-sq.-ft. main exhibit hall, 1,900-seat theater. 100MB of total bandwidth in hotel. “Smart-Flo” meeting space. Enclosed bridge access to two hotels offering over 3,000 rooms. Nearby Attractions: Georgia Aquarium, GWCC, World of Coke, Fox Theatre, Phillips Arena, Turner Field, Georgia Dome. 100 award-winning restaurants in downtown. 11 miles to airport. alabama

Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau

500 Church Street, Suite One, Huntsville, AL 35801

(256) 551-2230; (800) 843-0468, Fax: (256) 551-2324 huntsville.org, facebook.com/huntsvilleCVB Vice President of Conventions: Yvonne Boyington Huntsville, Alabama – Rocket City, USA Huntsville’s new and newly remodeled hotels as well as major improvements to the Von Braun Center emphasize its dedication to the success of your next meeting. The Von Braun Center (170,000+ sq. ft. meeting/exhibition space, 22 breakout rooms; 23,184-sq.-ft. ballroom; 100,800-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall; 1,953-seat Mark C. Smith Concert Hall ) has completed a $30 million renovation to the 8,000+ seat Propst Arena. It’s surrounded by 700+ hotel rooms; over 7,000 citywide. Local attractions include the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville PAGE Botanical Garden and Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail-Hampton Cove.

22

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

The Southeast / alabama

Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center

One S. Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602 • (251) 208-2100; Fax: (251) 208-2150 • mobileconventions.com

T

he Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center anchors a lively downtown offering world-class accommodations, lush parks and squares, retail shops, restaurants, museums and art galleries. The 300,000-sq.-ft. Center offers 18 meeting rooms, two ballrooms, and two exhibit halls totaling 100,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space. Winner of numerous architectural awards, the Center takes full advantage of its superb waterfront setting with terraces and riverwalks, while the prefunction area’s expansive windows afford magnificent views of passing ships on the Mobile River.

The Center has also mastered the requirements of accessibility, flexibility and liberally placed amenities to accommodate a variety of conventions, meetings, trade and consumer shows. From service-corridor access to conveniently located registration lobbies, the state-of-the-art facility offers all services necessary to ensure the success of every event.

Within walking distance are six hotels that offer more than 1,100 sleeping rooms, including the AAA Four Diamond, 363-room Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel, which is connected via SkyWalk to the Convention Center. Accommodations include reasonably priced hotel chains, a historic inn, a bed & breakfast and a modern high-rise. Three regional airports service the Mobile Bay area: Mobile Regional Airport, Pensacola Regional Airport and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. All three airports are within driving distance of the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center.

Mobile Bay is home to numerous one-of-a-kind attractions for guests to discover, including Alabama’s top rated USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park and the Gulf Coast Exploreum and IMAX Theater. The beautiful Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Alligator Alley, 5 Rivers: Delta Resource Center, Hank Aaron Stadium, Civil War Trail, Oakleigh Historic

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

District and several museums are also favorites to our visitors.

In addition, the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf Coast opened last fall. Attendees can now enjoy more than 90 exhibits dedicated to the Gulf Coast’s rich maritime traditions. Guests can also play on several award-winning golf courses.

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The Southeast / Alabama

BIRMINGHAM-JEFFERSON CONVENTION COMPLEX

•Total Exhibition Space = 220,000 sq. ft. with 20-30 ft. ceilings •Number of Meeting Rooms = 90 •Largest Ballroom = 15,552 sq. ft.

•Banquet Seating Capacity = 8,800 seats •Event Space = 2,800-seat Concert Hall, 1,000-seat Theater and 18,000-seat Arena

2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd North, Birmingham, AL 35203 • (205) 458-8400; Fax: (205) 458-8438 • www.bjcc.org

T

he Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex

rooms and arena with the adjacent 757-room Sheraton

is Alabama’s foremost convention, meeting and

Birmingham Hotel. Alongside the Sheraton is the

entertainment center. Events and meetings

all-new Westin Birmingham Hotel, complete with 294

of all types can be accommodated in its five

rooms which connect to the Sheraton via skywalk. These

buildings: Arena, Concert Hall, Theatre, Exhibition Halls

luxury hotels combine to offer a total of 1,051 rooms

and Ballroom. The complex also includes a large center

and provide convenient access for patrons attending

piazza used for outdoor events.

conventions, meetings or events.

The Exhibition Halls cover 220,000 sq. ft. of generous

The BJCC is in the final phase of completing the new

space for presenting expansive tradeshows and

Uptown Entertainment District which includes the now-

exhibitions. For smaller tradeshows or exhibitions, the

open Todd English Pub. Other exciting attractions will

halls are divisible into seven different configurations.

be Octane, a premier coffee shop and full service bar, as

The Convention Complex also offers full catering service for any size group. The onsite caterer offers

well as Texas de Brazil, an upscale steakhouse.

The BJCC offers videoconferencing, satellite

everything from casual box lunches to elaborate cocktail

teleconferencing, in-house Ethernet cabling for event use,

receptions and formal dinners.

microwave and satellite connectivity, wireless access to

Two skywalks and an interior corridor stretching over

an exhibitor network, as well as a fully staffed, broadcast-

1,000 feet connect the BJCC exhibition halls, meeting

quality studio with pre- and post- production capabilities.

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Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

ALABAMA’S LARGEST AND MOST DYNAMIC MEETING FACILITY the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex offers 220,000 square feet of exhibition space and 90 meeting rooms, all that can adapt to just the size you need. And for convenience and ease, we’re located in the heart of Birmingham, ten minutes from the airport with easy interstate access.

See the new and improved BJCC. The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex is in the final phase of completing the new Uptown Entertainment District, including the 294 room Westin Hotel that opened in February, 2013.

For more information about the BJCC visit us online.

N

The Southeast Florida

alabama

Miami Beach Convention Center

Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center

1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 14303 (305) 673-7311; Fax: (305) 673-7435 www.MiamiBeachConvention.com Director of Sales and Marketing: Ileana Garcia Spanning four city blocks of palm tree-lined streets and located in the heart of the electrifying and historic South Beach/Art Deco District, the Miami Beach Convention Center is truly an event planner’s paradise. With white sandy beaches just a few blocks away, terrific Lincoln Road shopping, awardwinning restaurants and an exciting nightlife scene, the Convention Center is the choice for your next meeting, convention or tradeshow. Function space includes 502,000 sq. ft. of total exhibit space split into four halls, a 21,252-sq.-ft. ballroom, 70 breakout rooms and a 430-seat theater. The Convention Center is surrounded by 3,000 walkable PAGE hotel rooms and is just 11 miles from Miami International Airport.

26

tennessee

Louisiana

Music City Center

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

C/O Nashville Convention Center Authority 413 5th Avenue, South, Nashville, TN 37203 (615) 742-2002; Fax: (615) 742-2014 www.nashvillemusiccitycenter.com Executive Director: Charles Starks Opening May 2013, this 1.2 million-sq.-ft. building right in the heart of downtown Nashville. 90,000 sq. ft. meeting space; 60 meeting rooms; 57,500-sq.-ft. ballroom, 350,000-sq.-ft. main exhibit hall, whose space and acoustic designing will allow it to double as a concert hall. Attached Omni Nashville Hotel features 800 rooms and suites and an additional 80,000 sq. ft. meeting/event space. Hotel will connect to the Country Music Hall of Fame, who will operate an 800-seat theater adjacent to the hotel’s meeting space. Attractions: Country Music Hall of Fame, Bridgestone Arena, Ryman Auditorium.

Florida

900 Convention Center Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 19107 (504) 582-3023 • www.mccno.com Director of Sales: Keith Levey Any Meeting, Any Size Located within walking distance of the Warehouse/Arts District and the historic French Quarter, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center houses 140 meeting rooms located directly above 1.1 million sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, a 4,000-seat conference auditorium/theater, two ballrooms, three restaurants and a VIP dining suite. The 60,300-sq.-ft., column-free Great Hall, with 25,400 sq. ft. of pre-function space, debuted in January. Additional features of The Great Hall include the 4,660-sq.-ft. Rivergate Room, complete with a 4,400-sq.-ft. rooftop terrace and indoor balcony, and a 5,700-sq.-ft.

PAGE Mosaic Room. The Louis Armstrong International Airport is just 14 miles away.

C3 Kentucky

Orange County Convention Center

Owensboro Convention Center

501 West 2nd Street, Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 687-8800; Fax: (270) 687-8395 www.owensboro-conventioncenter.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Laura A. Alexander

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

Orlando, FL 32819 (407) 685-9800; (800) 345-9800, Fax: (407) 685-9876

www.occc.net

Senior Director/Sales, Marketing, Event Management & Exhibitor Services: Yulita Osuba

The nation’s second-largest convention facility, featuring seven million sq. ft. of combined meeting and public space in two remarkable facilities. 74 meeting rooms, 235 breakout rooms; 62,182-sq.-ft. multi-purpose room; 2,643-seat Chapin Theater and a 160-seat lecture hall. 2.1 million sq. ft. of exhibition space, 1.1 million sq. ft. of which is contiguous; two 92,000-sq.-ft. general assembly areas; three full-service restaurants; eight food PAGE courts; and three business centers. Surrounded by 115,000 hotel rooms.

95 Georgia

The Owensboro Convention Center is a new, state-of-the-art, multipurpose meeting facility located on the banks of the Ohio River. The facility boasts 92,000 sq. ft. of usable space consisting of a 44,000-plussq.-ft. exhibition hall, and over 48,000 sq. ft. of additional ballroom and meeting spaces. The center will also feature a large outside space that overlooks the Ohio River. There are 270 rooms located within one block and more than 1,100 rooms within a five-mile radius. Attendees can explore the International Bluegrass Music Museum, the Owensboro Museum of Science and History, the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art and Western Kentucky Botanical Gardens.

PAGE 28

Mississippi

Visit Savannah

101 East Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401 (877) SAVANNAH/(912) 644-6424; Fax: (912) 644-6499 www.SavannahMeetings.com www.SavannahVisit.com VP Business Development & Services: Jeff Hewitt Savannah is a 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. Savannah has the capacity to accommodate large groups in its convention, exhibit and meeting facilities, 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.; meetings rooms: 13; 14,000 hotel rooms citywide.

PAGE 97

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One South Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 208-2001 www.mobileconventions.com Director Sales & Marketing: Cheryl Ann Gee Service, Style, Success Winner of numerous architectural awards, the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center takes full advantage of its waterfront setting with outdoor terraces, riverwalks and expansive riverfront windows affording panoramic views from pre-function areas. The facility offers 319,000 sq. ft. of function space, including a 100,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall, 15,000-sq.-ft. ballroom and 18 breakout rooms. Mobile Bay is home to numerous unique attractions such as USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park, the Gulf Coast PAGE Exploreum, Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Civil War Trail and more.

89

Vicksburg Convention Center & Auditorium

1600 Mulberry St (Convention Center) 901 Monroe St. (Auditorium) Vicksburg, MS 39180 (601) 630-2929; (866) VCCMEET; Fax: (601) 630-2910

www.vicksburgevents.com

Sales and Marketing Manager: Erin Powell

In Vicksburg, Mississippi you’ll find Southern hospitality in its most authentic form. A city that harbors U.S. history at some of its most poignant turns. Vicksburg Convention Center & Auditorium, a two-level complex built with flexibility, functionality and ergonomics in mind, offers spacious exhibit halls, cozy meeting rooms and everything in between; 50,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, includes a 17,000-sq.-ft. ballroom; 2,400-seat theater. Entire facility is equipped with WiFi, all meeting rooms have audio visual PAGE 98 equipment pre-set and ready-to-use; 2,345 hotel rooms nearby.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

The southeast / louisiana

Any Meeting, Any Size

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center 900 Convention Center Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70130 • (504) 582-3000; Fax: (504) 582-3032 • www.mccno.com

I

n perfect harmony with her timeless charms, New Orleans’s next great improvisation – The Great Hall – debuted in January. The Crescent City’s longrevered New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center now features a 60,300-sq.-ft. divisible Great Hall, a 25,400-sq.-ft. multi-use pre-function space and hotellike appointments throughout.

The impressive 1.1 million-sq.-ft. Center, which so perfectly complements the city’s walkable hotel packages, is now more attractive than ever to groups large and small. Additional features of note include a 4,660-sq.-ft. junior ballroom, complete with a 3,420-sq.ft. rooftop terrace, a 980-sq.-ft. indoor balcony and a 5,700-sq.-ft. executive club lounge. The Center also has 140 meeting rooms located directly above the 11 exhibit halls and a 4,000-seat theater. There is easy access for move-in with generous loading docks and adjacent truck marshaling facilities.

The ballroom expansion project is the latest in a series of $140 million in upgrades to the facility since 2006. The Center – the sixth-largest convention center in the nation – boasts a 1 gigabyte fiber optic Internet backbone that is 100 percent redundant, providing meeting planners with unlimited technological opportunities to extend programming to attendees and exhibitors.

The Center’s vast lobby features comfortable furniture groupings in over 150,000 sq. ft. of space for registration, information kiosks and sponsor banners.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

Attendees will enjoy learning the origins of unique New Orleans words via an interactive QR code on the “Word Wall.” The lobby’s decorative banners feature iconic New Orleans images of art, music, food, history and architecture, and purple-coated “Fleur de Lis Ambassadors” greet attendees at every entrance.

Digital, flat-panel audio/video information systems are strategically placed throughout the main lobby, meeting room levels and in pre-function areas. In addition, key card access and fully integrated, digital signage system with screens were implemented in all 140 meeting rooms and throughout public space.

The Center offers a full menu of cost-effective, onsite services and equipment to assist in planning and executing your event. The highly qualified and experienced production team offers a full menu of integrated services for all of your lighting, audio, video and rigging needs in-house or to support your selected contractor. In addition, a full-service UPS Store provides show management, attendees and exhibitors a full range of services under a nationally recognized brand.

The Center’s food service contractor, Centerplate, is committed to providing the essence of the New Orleans food experience, which befits a city that is known for exceptional food and dining experiences. Centerplate operates three onsite restaurants featuring live local music and menus of iconic Louisiana dishes by awardwinning chef Donald Link.

93

THE southeast / florida

Orange County Convention Center West Concourse - 9800 International Drive

Tropical ambiance and colossal space are just the beginning.

South Concourse - 9899 International Drive North Concourse - 9400 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819 (407) 685-9800; (800) 345-9800 • Fax: (407) 685-9876 • www.occc.net

ORLANDO’S ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER UNLOCKS THE SECRET TO MEETING SUCCESS

It’s simple: superb hospitality, flawless service and total convenience. These elements define the attendee experience, affecting how they feel, how well they’re able to network and how they perceive the event as a whole. If any one of them falls short, so does the event.

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

OCCC’s SERVICES

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

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

OCCC’s event managers are certified meeting professionals with the highest level of industry experience.

They will assist show managers with planning the logistical details of their convention, tradeshow or special event.

Serving as the main conduit for OCCC communication and information – before, during and after the show — these dedicated team members ensure the most complete, productive and enjoyable experience for both show planners and attendees.

For the optimum exhibitor experience, OCCC show managers and exhibitors turn to the Center’s exhibitor services department.

Individual exhibitor service representatives assigned to every OCCC event will ensure total satisfaction. Beyond the services 94

offered on the show floor, this team can provide custom Web pages hosted by the OCCC, bonus amenities for your Top 20 exhibitors, and coordination of pre-event meetings. For maximum convenience, the OCCC’s exhibitor mobile connection brings the capabilities of a service desk directly to the show floor, where roaming EMC representatives will respond to exhibitor requests on the spot, so they never have to leave their booths for assistance.

OCCC’s GOLD KEY PARTNERS

The OCCC is also proud to be the only convention center in the country to partner with one of the world’s most famous theme parks — Universal Orlando Resort®.

With offices right onsite, Universal Orlando Resort® is always available to help show management and their exhibitors plan dynamic entertainment and events. From theme park tickets to private events at theme parks, plus entertainment and networking opportunities at a variety of amazing onsite venues, OCCC’s Gold Key Partner will help make any Orlando meeting experience unforgettable.

NEW CONNECTIONS

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

The following hotels now add 2,150 more hotel rooms to Orlando, bringing the overall room inventory to over 115,000, making this center of hospitality more welcoming than ever.

Hilton Hotels: The beautiful new 1,400-room Hilton Orlando is connected to the Center’s South Concourse by a pedestrian sky bridge.

Peabody Hotels: The Peabody Orlando just added a 32-story, 750-room guest tower connecting the hotel with the Center’s North/South and West Concourse.

Rosen Hotels and Resorts: The Rosen Centre has recently connected to the OCCC via a new pedestrian sky bridge, making it even more convenient to access the Center’s West Concourse.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

t

m

Orange County Convention Center

The Center of Hospitality, where it’s all about your experience!

Partnering for Excellence On-site Service Partners Centerplate – Catering and Specialty Services FedEx Office – Business Centers and Mobility Services SmartCity – Telecommunications and Internet Services LMG – Audio Visual Services Bags – Baggage Airline Guest Services

On-site Gold Key Partner Universal Orlando® Resort

www.occc.net To discover what the Orange County Convention Center can do for you, call the OCCC’s Sales Department at 1-800-345-9845 or email marketing@occc.net.

Scan with the

P.O. Box 691509 • Orlando, Florida 32869-1509 Phone: 407-685-9800 • Toll Free: 1-800-345-9845

free

tag

mobile app

http:/ / gettag.mobi

THE Southeast / Georgia

Visit Savannah 101 East Bay St., Savannah, GA 31401 • 1 (877) SAVANNAH; (912) 644-6416; Fax: (912) 644-6499 • www.SavannahMeetings.com Savannah’s Historic Meetings District Offers Southern Hospitality through SavannahMeetings.com

L

et Savannah delight your meeting attendees. With many cultural attractions, numerous Coastal Cuisine restaurants, elegant accommodations and unique boutiques within blocks of great meeting venues, Savannah entertains those who are in search of history, architecture and adventure. SavannahMeetings. com also showcases Savannah as a leading convention city capable of hosting large, high-level meetings, conventions and special events. The site makes research and submitting an RFP an easy and painless operation for busy planners. It also features links to special promotions and offers a tool kit for event organizers that includes a virtual meeting planner guide, interactive floor plans for the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center and testimonials from many of the industry’s top professionals who have had successful meetings in Savannah. Jeff Hewitt, vice president of business development for Visit Savannah, describes it well, “Savannah is making herself known as a gracious hostess for groups of all sizes.

Like any proper Southern lady, it’s all about anticipating your guest’s needs and providing solutions before they’re needed. Our Website delivers Savannah’s best!”

Savannah Meetings Facts: • Rooms Citywide: approximately 14,975 • Rooms in Historic Meetings District: approximately 4,340 • Rooms Committable for Meetings: approximately 1,600 Attractions Savannah has many boutiques, galleries and specialty shops in Historic Meetings District, as well as many other attractions to explore. These include 22 squares, walking tours, trolley tours, the SCAD Museum of Art, Jepson Center for the Arts, The Telfair Museum of Art, Juliette Gordon Low (Founder of the Girl Scouts) Birthplace, Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, City Market, River Street, Forsyth Park, many live music venues and numerous golf courses to enjoy.

96

Convention Facilities On beautiful Savannah Harbor, The Savannah International Trade & Convention Center blends the best of the old and new to offer a modern venue for your next convention, meeting or special event.

This waterfront, 330,000-sq.-ft. facility features 100,000 sq. ft. of prime exhibit space and 50,000 sq. ft. of flexible space, including 21 meeting rooms, four executive board rooms, a 25,000-sq.-ft.

Grand Ballroom and a state-of-the-art, 400-seat auditorium.

Additional meeting facilities include the Coastal Georgia Center and the Savannah Civic Center.

Convention Hotels There are many Savannah convention hotels in the area, such as the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa (403 rooms), Savannah Marriott Riverfront (383 rooms), Hyatt Regency Savannah (347 rooms) and the Hilton Savannah DeSoto (246 rooms). There are nearly 4,500 available hotel rooms at various hotels in the Historic Meetings District and more than 14,000 total hotel rooms in Savannah and the surrounding counties.

Destination Services The Destination Services staff is here to make your life easier and ensure that your meeting is a success. The staff can handle all of the details from booking your audio visual systems and catering services to planning itineraries. Services also include offsite venue tours, site visits to accommodations, attractions, restaurants and tour sites, familiarization tours and more.

Whatever your needs, Savannah can handle all of the details with our local tourism professionals. Host your meeting here to experience why Savannah is known for her hospitality and service. For additional information, visit us at www.

SavannahMeetings.com or call 1.877.Savannah. To plan your meeting in Savannah today, contact Jeff Hewitt, vice president of business development at Visit Savannah, at (912) 644-6416 or at JHewitt@SavannahMeetings.com.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

Name: Savannah Age: 280 years old Seeking: Convention attendees of all ages About me: Not to brag, but I’ve been told I’m incredibly beautiful, warm, and have that old Southern charm.

I have access to over 3,000 committable hotel rooms and 100,000 square feet of state-of-the-art exhibit space, but I also know all the best places to eat and have fun! :)

Interested?

Let’s meet.

SavannahMeetings.com

Chillax!

Meet in Vicksburg!

Call our sales team today 866.822.6338 vicksburgevents.com

The Midwest

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

Iowa

Clay County Regional Events Center

800 West 18th Street, Spencer, IA 51301-3156 (712) 580-3000; Fax: (712) 580-3003

www.SpencerEvents.com

General Manager: Scott Hallgren

Delivering Outstanding Experiences Spencer, Iowa . . . delivering outstanding experiences in a small-town location! Each September we’re home to the World’s Greatest County Fair. The Clay County Regional Events Center offers full-service facilities — 7,600-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom, divisible into six meeting rooms, and a 24,000-sq.-ft. arena/exhibit hall (130 10 ft.-by-10 ft. booths, seats 2,500; 31,580 sq. ft. total exhibit space); wireless Internet throughout. AV equipment located onsite, including LCD projector, wireless mics, screens, CD player; in-house lighting package featuring special up-lighting, decorative lights, and other PAGE 101 special effects or impact lighting. 249 hotel rooms nearby. ohio

Greater Columbus Convention Center

400 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215 (614) 827-2500; (800) 626-0241, Fax: (614) 827-2659 www.columbusconventions.com A Perfect Destination: From the Inside Out. The SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center is located in the heart of the Columbus High Five entertainment area, within 550 miles of two-thirds of the U.S. population. Exhibitor-friendly facility welcomes 2.5 million+ annually to the country’s 15th largest city. 1.7 million-sq.-ft. venue offers four contiguous exhibit halls (410,000 sq. ft. total exhibit space), 65 meeting rooms, three ballrooms – including 74,000-sq.-ft. Battelle Grand, the largest multipurpose ballroom in Ohio. Onsite Food Court & Shops, ARAMARK catering, The UPS Store & Business Center.

2,950 committable hotel rooms downtown; 23,952 citywide. Dozens of restauPAGE rants, bars, theaters and galleries within walking distance.

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Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

ohio

John S. Knight Center

77 East Mill Street, Akron, OH 44308 (330) 374-8900 / (800) 245-4254; Fax: (330) 374-8971 www.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 and Erie Canalway. The John S. Knight Center is downtown Akron’s showcase for great events. State-of-the-art video conferencing and streaming systems, onsite 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 – within 1 1⁄2 blocks; 5,400 county-wide.

PAGE 65

IOWA

Bridge View Center

102 Church Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501 (641) 684-7000 www.bridgeviewcenter.com Executive Director: Larry Gawronski Where Great Events Create Lifetime Experiences Located along the banks of the Des Moines River, the 92,000-sq.-ft. Bridge View Center features a 30,000-sq.-ft. multi-purpose exposition hall, five breakout rooms totaling 7,000 sq. ft. and a 665-seat theater. Bridge View Center offers pipe, drape, tables, skirts and linens for up to 120 tradeshow booths; plentiful free, onsite parking; and a riverfront plaza just outside the atrium-style lobby. Approximately 500 convention/guest hotel rooms are available; just across the river lies downtown Ottumwa with a variety of quality hotel accommodations.

Nearby attractions include the Beach Ottumwa, America Gothic House, Wapello PAGE County Museum, Antique Air Museum and Wapello County Trails.

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ohio

Positively Cleveland

334 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114 (800) 321-1001 www.clevelandmeetings.net Senior VP of Convention Sales & Services: Mike Burns With more than $2 billion in new developments including three new hotel properties and a $465 million convention center facility, Cleveland is a premier meeting and convention destination where affordability, accessibility and first-class facilities meet. The LEED Silver-certified Cleveland Medical Mart and Convention Center will open July 2013. The 750,000-sq.-ft. Convention Center features a 225,928-sq.ft. exhibit hall and 93,000 sq. ft. of meeting space across 35 meeting rooms, including a 32,000-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom. More than 3,000 rooms are located downtown. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is just 12 miles away. Attractions: Horseshoe Casino PAGE Cleveland, PlayhouseSquare, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

13

wisconsin

Delta Center

400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203 (414) 908-6001; Fax: (414) 908-6010 www.wcd.org Director of Sales & Marketing: Trace Goudreau tgoudreau@wcd.org Milwaukee – easy-to-get-to, easy-to-navigate, visitor-friendly meetings destination known for its hospitality and beautiful Lake Michigan location. The Delta Center, home to the $1.4-million Burke Family Collection of integrated and commissioned art, features 32 meeting rooms, a 37,506-sq.-ft. ballroom, 189,695 sq. ft. of total exhibit space; 4,100-seat Milwaukee Theatre and 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.

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The Mid west IOWA

Indiana

Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau

Indiana Convention Center

400 Locust Street, Suite 265, Des Moines, IA 50309 (800) 451-2625; (515) 286-4960; (515) 244-9757 www.SeeDesMoines.com Director of Sales: Margie Marble Visit Des Moines Meeting facilities in Greater Des Moines include the Iowa Events Center which features a new convention facility – 226,000 sq. ft., 37 meeting rooms, 28,730-sq.-ft. ballroom, 8,737-seat arena. The Iowa State Fairgrounds offers 14 onsite venues including the Varied Industries Building with 110,400 sq. ft. of space and the new 65,000-sq.-ft Jacobson Exhibition Center. Numerous additional venues offer unique settings for small or large groups. 2,900,000+ sq. ft. citywide. 10,000+ hotel rooms citywide. Attractions: Civic PAGE Center, Blank Park Zoo, Adventure Bay Water Park, Iowa Speedway.

109 missouri

100 South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46225 (641) 684-7000 www.ICCLOS.com Director of Sales and Marketing: Linda Addaman The Indiana Convention Center is surrounded by 7,100 hotel rooms by major brands such as Marriott, Westin, Hyatt, Hilton and Conrad. The walkable downtown is in proximity to more than 200 restaurants and clubs, as well as such points of interest as the State Capitol, Union Station, Circle Centre Mall, Victory Field and Bankers Life Fieldhouse. A recent $275 million expansion of the Center nearly doubled its size to offer 566,600 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space in 11 halls, as well as 71 meeting rooms, 49 loading docks and three ballrooms. Connected to the center is Lucas Oil Stadium, offering an PAGE additional 183,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and 12 meeting rooms.

15

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 with 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 houses 7,316 permanent seats, 2,405 seats on risers plus capacity for 1,000 theater-style on main floor. 946 guestrooms PAGE nearby; 3,500 downtown hotel rooms, 26,000 citywide.

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The premier entertainment, exhibition and convention facility in northeast Kansas offers a convenient, central location and friendly, Midwestern hospitality; 210,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space – 44,500-sq.-ft. exhibit hall, 27,000 sq. ft. of meeting space – 15 meeting rooms, 11,000-sq.-ft. ballroom; Wi-Fi, digital video boards, in-house live video production, state-of-the-art sound; six loading docks, three drive-in entrances. Capital City of Kansas offers a 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 onePAGE day drive; destination of choice for budget-conscious conventions and tradeshows.

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

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

kansas

arkansas

Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau

United Wireless Arena/ Magouirk Conference Center

A capital city with a national airport, Little Rock offers non-stop or one-stop service from most of the U.S. and many international cities, as well as more than 9,000 hotel rooms citywide. Its Statehouse Convention Center Ballroom offers nearly 83,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and the 18,362-sq.-ft. Wally Allen Ballroom. The downtown River Market entertainment district is adjacent to the Convention Center. What is more, Little Rock CVB’s Convention Services department has recently teamed-up with Marketing and Communications to assist meeting planners with attendance stimulation through PAGE customized, technologically cutting-edge strategies.

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Built in one of the Wild West’s most historic areas, the United Wireless Arena and Magouirk Conference Center along with Boot Hill Casino are bringing history into the future.

The facility offers a 6,800-sq.-ft. ballroom, 50,000 sq. ft. of total exhibit space, a 30,000-sq.ft. main exhibit hall, eight breakout rooms and 4,000 arena seats. The Magouirk Conference Center is equipped with state-of-the-art audio, video and WiFi. Total of 1,000 convention hotel rooms, including the 108-room New Hampton Inn & Suites in walking distance.

Nearby attractions include Boot Hill Casino, Horse Thief Reservoir, Dodge City PAGE Raceway Park, Dodge City Days Events & Dodge City Roundup Rodeo.

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4100 West Comanche, Dodge City, KS 67801 (620) 371-7390 www.unitedwirelessarena.com Executive Director: Ralph Nall

426 West Markham, Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 370-3224; Fax: (501) 374-2255 www.littlerock.com VP Marketing and Communications: John Mayner

wisconsin

Minnesota

Meet Minneapolis

250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 1300, Minneapolis, MN 55401 (800) 445-7412 www.minneapolis.org Senior Vice President of Destination Sales & Services: Leslie Wright Minneapolis, City by Nature Minneapolis, the perfect blend of urban chic and natural beauty, offers approximately 7,000 hotel rooms in the downtown area and the Minneapolis Convention Center, with 632,461 sq. ft. in overall function space. The MCC houses 475,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 87 meeting rooms, a 28,000-sq.-ft. ballroom and a 55,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, as well as a 3,433-fixedseat auditorium. Committed to sustainability, the MCC has largest photovoltaic solar array in the Upper Midwest. Nearby attractions include Mall of America, The Guthrie PAGE Theater, Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

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102

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 www.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 features 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., 320seat 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.

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Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

The Mid west / ohio

Positively Cleveland

334 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114 • (800) 321-1001; (216) 621-5967 • www.clevelandmeetings.com

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leveland is a vibrant lakeside city located within 500 miles of 43 percent of the U.S. population. With more than $2 billion in new developments including four new hotel properties and a $465 million convention center facility set to open July 2013, Cleveland is growing as a premier meeting and convention destination.

Easily accessible, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) offers more than 240 daily departures to more than 70 nonstop destinations across the U.S. to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

CLE is a Midwest hub for United Airlines and is located 12 miles from downtown Cleveland. If flying is not an option, Cleveland is situated at the intersection of three major interstate highways, namely I-90, I-77 and I-71, and along the Ohio Turnpike (I-80).

Meeting planners will be thrilled to discover that Cleveland has some of the best competitive pricing and lower hotel costs than most major U.S. cities, while boasting a wide variety of wellrecognized hotel brands with more than 3,000 rooms located downtown and 2,100 rooms available near CLE. Want to meet where you stay? Cleveland’s hotel properties also accommodate meetings and conventions with most hotels featuring anywhere from 10,000-90,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

This makes Cleveland the perfect host city for both small and large meetings.

Hosting a meeting, convention or event in Cleveland offers attendees a wide range of attractions and restaurants to explore during downtime. Since Cleveland is a well-known walkable city,

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

attendees can venture outside their hotel rooms and discover a safe, friendly and fun destination. Whether it’s rolling the dice at Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, taking a stroll down music memory lane at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum or hitting the town at one of Cleveland’s many entertainment districts, there is something for every attendee to enjoy.

Cleveland Convention Center Cleveland offers meeting planners sustainability with a brand-new LEED Silver-certified Convention Center opening July 2013. As part of a $465 million one-million-sq.-ft. development project, the largest in downtown Cleveland’s history, the 750,000-sq.-ft.

Convention Center is located 30 feet underground and features a 225,928-sq.-ft. exhibit hall.

Not only can the exhibit hall floor hold 1,000 tradeshow booths measuring 10 ft.-by-10 ft., but the space is divisible into three separate areas capable of hosting multiple events at once, while providing free wireless connectivity, 17 covered truck doors and three full-size drive-in doors for easy assembly of booths or event setup.

Located at the most northern point of the Convention Center is a column-free, 32,193-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom featuring a captivating view of Cleveland’s lakefront attractions including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. The Grand Ballroom is divisible into three separate areas for multiple event usage including 16 flexible meeting rooms totaling 22,263 sq. ft.

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The Mid west / ohio

GREATER COLUMBUS CONVENTION CENTER

400 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215 • (614) 827-2500; (800) 626-0241 Fax: (614) 827-2659 • www.columbusconventions.com -managed Greater Columbus Convention Center is located in Ohio’s capital city. The Midwest facility originally opened SMG in 1993 and has been renovated and expanded so that the massive

complex bears a stunning footprint of 1.7 million sq. ft. with 410,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space. Architecturally, the center is an extraordinary play of color, angles, concrete and glass designed by Peter Eisenman.

Located in a multicultural metropolis, the city itself reveals a patchwork of interesting neighborhoods that can range from the artistic to the academic sides of life, with area restaurants and attractions reflecting a dynamic diversity. The majority of the nation’s population is within a day’s drive or a one-hour flight of the facility, making the complex the ideal site for trade shows, conventions, seminars, meetings and consumer shows. Meeting planners also appreciate the fact that the facility is exhibitor friendly and easily accessible from its local airport and nearby interstate highways and is surrounded by brand name, meeting-style hotels. Columbus was named the second-most affordable trade show destination in the country.

Exhibit/Meeting Space: Battelle Grand is a magnificent 74,000-sq.-ft. multipurpose ballroom that is the biggest in Ohio and one of the largest in the Midwest. The $40-million renovation includes 50,000 sq. ft. on the main floor of Battelle Grand and 24,000 on the mezzanine; floor-to-ceiling windows with city views; divisible into 5 configurations; LED “fi n” ceiling lighting with 65,000 color combination options. A Center Lounge, the upscale 36 on the Boulevard window-lined meeting room, additional meeting space, escalators and elevators were part of the project.

Battelle Grand: Main level totals 50,000 sq. ft., accommodating 219 tradeshow booths and 2,290 for banquets. Battelle Grand Mezzanine: Measuring 24,000 sq. ft., the mezzanine accommodates 105 tradeshow booths and 980 for banquets.

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

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

• Hall E: Single level totaling 57,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and 104

accommodations for 302 booths.

• Hall F: Single level totaling 56,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and accommodations for 206 booths. (Halls E&F are flexible and may be combined.) Halls C, D, E and F can be combined for a total of 336,000 sq. ft.. In addition, the Columbus facility includes the Grand Ballroom and Terrace Ballroom encompassing 40,000 sq. ft. and 65 meeting rooms that are fully carpeted and equipped with acoustical wall treatments, individual temperature controls, and sound and lighting controls, new wooden doors, magnetic lock systems and digital meeting room signage.

Special Services: As expansive as this multi-purpose convention center is in space, so it is in the number of business and convention services it offers. A brief list of such helpful services includes: registrar services; party decorators; equipment and furniture rentals; exhibit and display rentals; audio-visual equipment and support staff; banners and signage technology.

In addition, the high-tech center includes an in-house location of The UPS Store and Business Center.

Food & Beverage: The exclusive food and beverage provider at the convention center offers customized menus and catered events for all size groups including served meals for more than 5,000 guests. The Food Court & Shops retail area offers quick-service menu options.

Hotel Info & Parking: The Greater Columbus Convention Center is connected directly to five hotels by covered walkway. It is also surrounded by a dozen or more first class hotels that include such familiar names as Renaissance, Crowne Plaza, Westin, Sheraton, Hilton and others. Hotel inventory of rooms within walking distance of the convention center totals nearly 3,800. The 532-room full-service Hilton Columbus Downtown hotel across from the Convention Center opened in October, and its presence qualifies Columbus to bid on more than 900 more national events. There are more than 25,932 hotel rooms citywide. The expansion of the Vine Street garage brings parking capacity at the Convention Center to more than 3,370 vehicles, with parking for an additional 10,000 cars throughout the downtown area.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

The Mid west iowa

Missouri

RiverCenter/Adler Theatre

St. Charles Convention Center

136 E. Third Street Davenport, IA 52801 (563) 326-8500; Fax: (563) 326-8505

www.riverctr.com

Director of Sales: Kaye Tilton, CMP

. . . The Center of Exceptional Events.

Experience the light and industrial feel of the RiverCenter and the appeal of the historic Art Deco Adler Theatre. 100,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space includes 12 meeting rooms, a 33,400-sq.-ft. ballroom, 46,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, executive boardroom, and a 2,400-seat theater. State-of-the-art audiovisual equipment; entire facility wireless ready. Personalized event coordination, in-house catering. 351 hotel rooms attached via sky-walk. Davenport is part of the The Quad Cities, an affordable Midwest destination. Attractions include PAGE River Music Experience, Figge Art Museum, Bucktown Center for the Arts.

71 Montana

One Convention Center Plaza, St. Charles, MO 63303 (636) 669-3000; Toll Free (877) 896-7222; Fax: (636) 669-3001 www.stcharlesconventioncenter.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Bill Nicely The St. Charles Convention Center is an exceptional venue for your next successful event.

The facility’s 154,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space encompasses a Grand Ballroom, Junior Ballroom and 17 breakout rooms. Total exhibit space of 76,533 sq. ft. includes a 27,600-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall that expands to 35,700 sq. ft. A new wireless network can simultaneously accommodate over 2,000 devices. The Center is attached to a 296-room Embassy Suites; 578 hotel rooms are within walking distance and 1,422 within five minutes. Local attractions include Historic Main Street shopping and dining, Anheuser Busch PAGE Brewery, Six Flags Amusement Park, Ameristar Casino and Hollywood Casino.

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ohio

Sanford Center

1111 Event Center Drive, Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 441-4000 www.thesanfordcenter.net Executive Director: Curtis Webb It IS the region’s PREMIER event space!

Founded in 2010, the Sanford Center is an 185,000-sq.-ft., 5,500-seat multipurpose facility with 30,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space. The George W. Neilson Convention Center features 45,000 sq. ft. of total function space, including a 10,000-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom, a 1,000-seat theater and 4,000 sq. ft. of breakout space. The Lakeview Rooms and spacious foyer offer panoramic views of Lake Bemidji’s south shoreline. The Center features building-wide WiFi, networking speed to accommodate videoconferencing and an in-house Event Design group.

Nearby attractions include Headwaters of the Mississippi River at Itasca State Park, PAGE Lake Bemidji State Park, Chippewa National Forest and Bemidji Sculpture Walk.

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Facilities & Destinations

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Meetings/Tradeshows/Exhibitions/ Convention Centers/CVBs/Hotels/ Resorts/Conference Centers

SeaGate Convention Centre

401 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo, OH 43604 (419) 255-3300 www.toledo-seagate.com Director of Sales: Carol DuPuis Where Fun and Function Meet World-class convention and meeting facility located – only 20 minutes from the airport – in vibrant Downtown Toledo. 375,000-sq.-ft. facility with 75,000 sq. ft. column-free exhibit space, divisible into three 25,000-sq.-ft. halls; 25 fully appointed meeting rooms; 20,000 sq. ft. prefunction space provide for ease of movement and expansion for larger crowds; 9,000-seat theater. 400 hotel rooms attached, 7,000 citywide. Hosts 500+ annual events including over 50 conventions, tradeshows, concerts and other entertainment events. Attractions: Toledo Mud Hens, Toledo Walleye, Huntington Center, Imagination Station, Toledo Art Museum.

PAGE Toledo is conveniently located at the crossroads of I-75 and I-80/90.

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south Dakota

Swiftel Center

824 32nd Avenue, Brookings, SD 57006 (605) 692-7539; Fax: (605) 697-6393 www.swiftelcenter.com Executive Director: Tom Richter The Center of Attention Multi-purpose facility – configurations range from 4,300 basketball, 5,600 end-stage concert (reserved), 7,000 end-stage concert (festival); 15,000 sq. ft. of banquet space, divisible into four rooms; 6 dressing rooms; full-service in-house catering and concessions. Staging – StageRight Stage – 40’x60’/Adjust height from 4’x6’; House sound system is a BOSE Quality System center hung powered by Crown Amplification throughout the facility. Full rigging grid and Daktronics Galaxy Message Center. In-house marketing department is full-service agency, offers wide variety of services, specializes in creating customized marketing campaigns PAGE for events serves tri-state region – South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa.

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illinois

Tinley Park Convention Center

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

THE FACILITIES MEDIA GROUP Essential Planning Tools 106

Chicago Southland’s largest multi-purpose meeting and convention facility completed a major expansion/renovation in fall 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; state-of-the-art audio/visual. Expansion included: Upgraded lighting, business center, 30-ft. 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 PAGE Casinos, Chicagoland Speedway, TOYOTA PARK and Balmoral Park Race Track.

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Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

CENTER

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ces n

the mid west / wisconsin

Accessible, Affordable & Hospitable 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 are set among ailwaukee’s glittering arrayMidwest of parks, trails, Airlines golf courses and lake vistas.

The DELTA Center faces Center continues to hone the leading Wisconsin Avenue,the ATTRACTI convention edge of the convention center industry with outstanding service, flexieet.” FOOD & BEVERAGE city’s “Main Street.”

Levy Restaurants, WCD’s alive with m ble, comfortable facilities and a setting in downtown Milwaukee, catering and concessions partner, receives consisMilwaukee, WI •nationally (414) 908-6000 • www.deltacenter.com The Midwest nades, publ now recognized as a fun, friendly and exciting destination tent praise from banquet and meeting planners.

Efficient serviceinis itself. facilitated by the center’s Museum op Airlines important are high standards andDelta creativity derived from to hone the leading edge ilwaukee’s Center continues 3,590 rooms downtown and nearly 15,000 citywide.

Milwaukee Owned andcombined operated by the Wisconsin Center District (WCD), the ditions of hospitality and excellence withindustry Levy’s with outstanding service, of the convention center Midwest Airlines Center faces Wisconsin Avenue, the city’s “Main Street,” mittment to a memorable dining experience everywhere they Center faces flexible, comfortable facilities and a setting in downtown ATTRACTIONS: Milwaukee is emerging as a top convention and designed by Milwaukee, now nationally recognized as a fun, friendly and exciting tourist destination, alive with museums, dining, culture, nightlife, become a w and is within steps of leading hotels, retail establishments, attractions, dindestination in itself. promenades and public art. Recent highlights: the Harley Davidson Wisconsin Miller Park ing, nightclubs, and transportation.

It is even connected via skywalk to two Ranked among the world’s “technologically convention Center Owned and operated byelite” the Wisconsin District (WCD), the Museum; the newly-renovated Mitchell Park Domes; Discovery west Airlines Center canhotels—the outperform almostHyatt any external bas major Regency-Milwaukee and the Hilton Milwaukee City Delta Center faces Wisconsin Avenue, the city’s “Main Street,” and World; the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Quadracci Pavilion, designed friendly by Avenue, onnected to it. A skilled, flexible IT staff provides tech users is within steps of leading hotels, retail establishments, attractions, Santiago Calatrava, now a world-renowned symbol of the city; and are set amo Center.

Adjacent neighbors how LANs, high-speed connections to corporate WANs, also and owned by WCD include the 12,700-seat U.S. dining, nightclubs, andUnited transportation. connected via Miller Park, among the most fan-friendly baseball parks anywhere. phone and video services.

AV provider Visual offersIt is evenTheatre, the city’s Cellular Arena and The Milwaukee which opened in 2003 as a new, skywalk to two These gems are set among a glittering array of parks, trails, golf golf courses projection, sound, lighting and major more. hotels—the Hyatt Regency-Milwaukee and the 4,087-seat assembly venue, built by in the shell of the Hilton Milwaukeetheatrical City Center.and Adjacent neighbors also owned courses andhistoric lake vistas.

“Main Street.” FOOD & BE include thetoAuditorium.

12,700-seat Cellular Arena and The Milwaukee Y MilwaukeeWCD is Milwaukee incredibly easy get to and getU.S. around in! offer Both excellent options for general sessions,

M

which opened in 2003 as a new, neral MitchellTheatre, International Airport, serving 14 airlines and 4,087-seat theatrical entertainment and other functions tied toMilwaukee Midwest s only eight miles from downtown, and O’Hare is just anof the historic and assembly venue, built in the shell car trip. The newly renovated Amtrak station is just a few Auditorium. Both are excellent for convention functions, and all d the city enjoys a safe and very walkable downtown. three venues are “green” equipped and operated to minimize

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DELTA Center

FOOD & BEVERAGE: Levy Restaurants, WCD’s catering and

Airlinesconcessions Center conventions. partner, receives consistent praise from banquet and catering an meeting planners. Efficient service is facilitated by the center’s design, tent praise but more important are high standards and creativity derived from Efficient se MEETING & EXHIBIT SPACE The Midwest Airlines Center’s 188,695environmental impacts.

Milwaukee’s traditions of hospitality and excellence combined with but more important are high sta gross-square-foot 31,000 or and tourist destination.(gsf) exhibit hall is divisible into four halls Levy’sof well-known commitment todesign, a memorable dining experience MEETING EXHIBIT Delta Center’s 188,695-grossthey39,360 operate.

Milwaukee’s traditions of hospitality an 63,000 &gsf, with SPACE: 90-footThe minimum spans between pillars.everywhere In addition, sq.-ft. (gsf) exhibit hall is divisible into four halls of 31,000 or 63,000 committment to a memora gsf of meeting space can be divided into 28 breakouts orTECHNOLOGY: as few as sixRanked meet-among well-known with 90-ft. minimum spans between pillars. In addition, 39,360 gsf the world’s “technologically N T E R gsf, operate. rooms from into 5,200 to 8,300orgsf each.

A luxurious, 37,500-gsf of ing/banquet meeting space can be divided 28 breakouts as few as six elite” convention centers, the Delta Center can outperform almost meeting/banquet rooms from 5,200 to 8,300 gsf each.

A luxurious, anylike external networkhall or ISP connected to it. A skilled, flexible IT ballroom is divisible into four smaller rooms and equipped a concert 37,500 gsf ballroom is divisible into four smaller rooms and equipped staff provides tech users customized, in-show LANs, high-speed TECHNOLOGY Ranked among the wo corporate and banquet entertainment.

Abundant, well-appointed likefor a concert hall fortheater corporate theater and banquet entertainment. connections to corporate WANs, and a wide range of phone and video Facilities Destinations the Midwest Airlines Center c pre-function areas&on all levelsareas serve excellently breaks, Abundant, well-appointed pre-function on all levels serve for receptions, services. AV provider United Visualcenters, offers state-of-the-art projection, excellently for receptions, showcase exhibits and even fullsound, lighting andconmore. network or ISP connected to it. A skille showcase exhibits breaks, and even full-service dining.

Power, data and phone service dining. Power, data and phone connections are plentiful customized, in-show high-speed nections are plentiful everywhere. everywhere.

ACCESSIBILITY: Milwaukee is incredibly easy to get to and LANs, get around wide range of phone and video servic in! User-friendly General Mitchell a International Airport, with a dozen airlines non-stop over 50 cities, is only eight milessound, light HOTEL INVENTORY: The Delta is linked by skywalk to two is linked state-of-the-art projection, HOTEL INVENTORY TheCenter Midwest Airlines Center byoffering skywalk to service to first-class convention hotels: the 484-room Hyatt Regency-Milwaukee from downtown and O’Hare is just an hour-and-a-half car trip. The two convention theSeven 484-room Hyatt Regency-Milwaukee and the first-class 729-room Hilton Milwaukeehotels: City Center. other hotels newly renovated Amtrak station is just a few blocks away, and the city enjoys a safe and areand within blocks or Hilton connected by skywalk. Milwaukee has about ACCESSIBILITY Milwaukee is incredi thethree 729-room Milwaukee City Center, which also boasts an very walkable downtown.

107 Internat Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook User-friendly General Mitchell 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

the mid west / IOWA

Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau

Iowa Events Center

400 Locust Street, Suite 265, Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 286-4960, Toll Free: (800) 451-2625, Fax: (515) 244-9757 catchdesmoines.com

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atch Des Moines. Breathtaking venues. Thai chicken pizza.

An artful vibe, sculpture and live jazz music. Everything you expect to find in a city. Big box stores. Boutique gems. Des Moines is a city where you can do it all.

Catch the “suite” spot. The Iowa Events Center’s trio meeting and event spaces is perfection for any group. Hy-Vee Hall connected to the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center boasts the state’s largest ballroom, 150,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and 37 meeting rooms—suited for anything from conventions and tradeshows to sporting events. Connected via skywalk is Wells Fargo Arena at Iowa Events Center, a 17,100-seat venue for sports action, entertainment and other unique ventures.

Catch four miles of climate control. Downtown Des Moines’ network of skywalk links hotels and restaurants to various meeting and entertainment destinations. Stroll the skywalk from the luxurious and intimate Suites of 800 Locust Hotel & Spa to a world-renowned restaurant to a Broadway show at the Des Moines Civic Center. within West Glen Stay at the Embassy Suites Des Moines Town Center. Hit Downtown. Then browse local Historic East up both local loves Village shops in the open air. Host a group and national chains outing on the Principal RiverWalk, open June at Valley West Mall 2013. The 1.2-mile loop is linked to Gray’s Lake, a and Jordan Creek center for 300 miles of trails winding throughout Town Center.

Central Iowa. Also connected are landscaped Des Moines is public spaces, public art and other points of delicacies.

Local Prairie Meadows Hotel interest such as the Long Look Garden, Brenton flavor. Meat and Skating Plaza and the Hub Spot. potatoes. The Des Moines is thrilling entertainment. Catch live horse-racing, Chicken Spiedini at Latin King—an Iowa best-kept secret. A juicy big name shows, casino gaming and event space within one porterhouse steak at 801 Chophouse, cooked to perfection. The property. Prairie Meadows has everything you need from luxurious biggest cinnamon roll you could ever imagine—catered in from the rooms to catering and entertainment—and anything in between!

Machine Shed. Assemble the crowd and sample the citrusy and Catch rollercoaster waves at Adventureland amusement and water piney Des Moines India Pale Ale, plus other craft beers at Confluence park, equipped with private gazebos and intimate cabanas. Keep Brewing Company. it casual with a catered picnic lunch. Or grab a bite at the nearby, Catch triple-A lineups. A ballgame April through September world famous Jethro’s BBQ ‘n Jake’s Smokehouse Steaks. Try your with the Iowa Cubs, Des Moines’ minor league baseball affiliate fortune with the Adam Emmenecker Challenge as seen on the Travel of the Chicago Cubs. Arena football March through July with the Channel’s Man v Food. Then experience Iowa’s outdoor legacies at Iowa Barnstormers. Or a race weekend June through September Bass Pro Shops for afternoon amusement. at Iowa Speedway, including two NASCAR Nationwide weekends.

With a little free time, head to the Western suburbs. Prime Host your event overlooking the action—each with its own one-ofshopping. Department stores. Vintage finds. Browse the charming a-kind view. Or catch a behind-the-scenes tour for an unforgettable railroad district of Historic Valley Junction. Peruse street-front shops experience.

108 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

Catch Des Moines

CATCH THE SUITE SPOT

The “suite” spot is where the perfectly sized venue exceeds expectations. Where flexible exhibit space meets quick access around the city. It’s where once business is done for the day, you’ll enjoy a city full of things to do by night. Amazing food. Live music.

An artistic culture. Unexpected discoveries. All within walking distance. That’s why when you’re planning your next event, catch the “suite” spot otherwise known as Greater Des Moines.

catchdesmoines.com • (800) 451-2625

the mid west / indiana Indianapolis offers a world-class destination for major conventions, meetings and events

Indiana Convention Center

100 South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46225 • (641) 684-7000 • www.ICCLOS.com

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being the 1,005-room JW Marriott Indianapolis with 104,227 sq. ft. of meeting space. A short walk from any of the downtown hotels is White River State Park, where attendees can spend their free time.

The ICC is located in the heart of downtown, and over half of the city’s nearly 7,100 hotel rooms are within six blocks of the facility, many connected by climate-controlled walkways. The city’s hotel portfolio includes upscale brands such as Marriott, Westin, Hyatt, Hilton and Conrad, with the largest property

Indianapolis’ walkable downtown is accessible to more than 200 restaurants and clubs. Also in proximity are the State Capitol, Union Station, Circle Centre Mall, Victory Field, Bankers Life Fieldhouse and, of course, Lucas Oil Stadium, home field for the Indianapolis Colts and site of the 2012 Super Bowl. “The Racing Capital of the World” is also home to the 101-year-old Indianapolis Motor Speedway and its Hall of Fame Museum, both National Historic Landmarks. Basketball is another traditional sport here, and the legendary Hinkle Fieldhouse is the site of the 1954 “Milan Miracle” that inspired the basketball film Hoosiers. Two downtown landmarks, Monument Circle and Indiana War Memorial Plaza, are among America’s great urban spaces, and the iconic Soldiers and Sailors Monument houses the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum.

ith $3 billion in new tourism-related infrastructure, Indianapolis offers a world-class destination for major conventions, meetings and events. Its centerpiece is the Indiana Convention Center (ICC), which recently underwent a $275 million expansion that nearly doubled its size to 566,600 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space in 11 halls. Also available are 71 meeting rooms, three ballrooms and 49 loading docks. Connected to the ICC is Lucas Oil Stadium, offering an additional 183,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 12 meeting rooms, a retractable roof, and seating for 63,000. Whether your event is a reception, a convention or a tradeshow, the ICC is the ideal venue for an unforgettable experience.

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the mid west / MISSOURI

KANSAS CITY CONVENTION & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES 301 West 13th Street, Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64105 • (816) 513-5000; Fax: (816) 513-5001 • www.kcconvention.com

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an arena that seats more than 10,700 people and a unique outdoor festival plaza. And not only is it all in one location, the complex is connected to major downtown hotels and parking by skywalks and underground walkways.

Great meetings happen at the Kansas City Convention and Entertainment Facilities. The eight-square-block convention and special events facility can accommodate every need with 388,800 sq.-ft. of column-free exhibit space on one floor; 48 state-of-the-art meeting rooms; a 2,400-seat fine arts theater;

Encompassing more than 800,000 sq. ft., the Kansas City Convention & Entertainment Facilities can serve all your meeting needs under one roof. One of America’s largest green ballrooms – the 46,484-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom – is certified LEED silver, boasting waterless plumbing, energy-efficient heating and cooling, and one of the most sophisticated lighting systems in the world. That’s enough to make other cities turn green with envy.

ith a creative energy all its own, Kansas City is anything but business as usual. It’s a convention destination where friendly people, affordable prices and a central location are a given. Where creativity can be found around every corner. A place with a spirited personality and a genuine heart that’s a breath of fresh air. We’d like you to meet Kansas City. To friends, it’s just KC.

The Grand Ballroom • One of the nation’s largest eco-friendly ballrooms at 46,484 sq. ft.

• Features one of the most sophisticated lighting systems in the world.

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the mid west / arkansas

Little Rock cvb

a mid-tier city that offers attendees much in the way of free-time activities

Markham and Broadway, Little Rock, AR 72201 • (501) 376-4781; (800) 844-4781 • www.littlerock.com

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a Petite Roche, French for Little Rock, is the name given the destination on the bank of the Arkansas River by early explorers and riverboat captains. A capital city with a national airport, Little Rock offers more than 9,000 citywide hotel rooms complemented by Southern hospitality and charm, as well as a national airport. The Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport is completing Phase I of its 2020 Vision Plan, with $67 million in terminal renovations, this year.

In January, renovations were completed at the 18,362-sq.-ft. Wally Allen Ballroom at the Statehouse Convention Center, which houses 83,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and the 2,609-seat Robinson Center Music Hall and Performance Theater. The SCC has also recently augmented its mobile broadband coverage.

The center is complemented by the attached 418-room Peabody Little Rock (40,000 sq. ft. of meeting space), and the nearby 287-room Doubletree Hotel (40,000 sq. ft. of meeting space) and 220-room Wyndham Riverfront Hotel (over 14,500 sq. ft. of meeting space). Groups can also look forward to a new 100room Residence Inn by Marriott opening this June in downtown Little Rock (219 River Market Avenue), as well as improved capacities on highways I-630/I-430 by 2014, for those driving into town. What is more, planners 112

working with the Little Rock CVB will soon be able to utilize the CVB’s latest customized attendance-building strategies based on Internet and digital technologies.

These are among the diverse new developments in Little Rock, a mid-tier city that offers attendees much in the way of free-time activities. The River Market District, adjacent to the SCC, is replete with dining and entertainment options, includes the state’s largest outdoor farmers’ market and an indoor market where shopkeepers offer everything from gourmet coffee to fresh sushi. Arkansas’s River Trail, a 15-mile loop connecting Little Rock and North Little Rock via three pedestrian bridges, winds through Riverfront Park, home to the city’s namesake “La Petite Roche” Plaza, the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden, Ottenheimer Hall, Bill E. Clark Wetlands and the William J. Clinton Presidential Park & Bridge. Just a short distance from the River Market is the area of restored 19th-century homes around MacArthur Park and the governor’s mansion known as the Quapaw Quarter. Attendees in search of trendy eateries and boutiques can visit The Heights.

Cultural attractions in the city include Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Audubon Nature Center and MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

ENTERTAINING

Concerts Comedians

F amily Shows

THE

Talents such as Miranda Lambert, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Mercy Me

SOUTHWEST

Two premier facilities in One location, the United Wireless Arena is a Sports and Entertainment complex boasting over 5,000 seats, in a u-shaped arena which has accommodated concerts, dirt events such as Championship Bull Riding and Monster Trucks, trade shows, conferences, hockey, basketball and the list goes on. The Arena has 2 LED screens and full circle ribbon board. Club level offers 90 loge seats and 13 Suites a Club bar and elevator.

Laugh till you cry‌ Ron White and Jeff Dunham Such as Barnum and Bailey Circus and Sesame Street Including Hockey, Wrestling

Sporting Events and Basketball tournaments

Dodge City, KS

Features 6800 Sq. Ft. for meetings, banquets, conferences and conventions.

Equiped with state of the art audio, video and WI-FI. Full service kitchen and Executive Chef.

For Information On Upcoming Events Or Magouirk Conference Center, Visit Us At

Adjacent to Boot Hill Casino and Hampton Inn & Suites

www.unitedwirelessarena.com Or Call 620-371-7390

the mid west / minnesota

Check out www.minneapolis.org to see why your next event should be in Minneapolis.

Minneapolis Convention Center If you’re ready for a meeting experience where the level of service matches the class of the building, then log on to www.minneapolis.org/mcc to see how the Minneapolis Convention Center is ready to give you the meeting you deserve.

We’ve got world-class catering and the most up-to-date services available, and what makes us truly stand out is our service. It’s because we’re not just a convention center, we’re a relationship building.

When you step through the doors of the Minneapolis Convention Center, you’re greeted by name. And, you can rest assured that every single staff member is ready 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 1300, Minneapolis, MN 55401 and willing to help. When you’re looking for services, we (800) 445-7412 • www.minneapolis.org remember what you liked last time you came and have that exact experience ready for you again.

Minneapolis: City by Nature The smart aesthetics and advanced technical tools at the tep outside your hotel and kayak the Mississippi River. Walk Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) immediately put you at out of a theater and into a park. Minneapolis isn’t your normal ease. Designed to meet your business needs, the MCC is home metropolis; it’s the City by Nature. Minneapolis is a perfect blend of urban chic and natural beauty, creating a city where outdoor fun to a 3,400 fixed-seat auditorium, 475,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 87 meeting rooms and both a 28,000-sq.-ft. ballroom and a is minutes from your hotel.

Rent a bike at one of the many Nice Ride stations and conquer “The 55,000-sq.-ft. ballroom.

Most Bike-Friendly City” on two wheels. Have some fun on the water in our Chain of Lakes, or walk to places like St. Anthony Falls and the Stone What We Do For You Meet Minneapolis provides a full range of meeting services. We do Arch Bridge to see beauty normally reserved for postcards. And, when the snow drops and the water ices over, strap on some skis or ice skates everything we can to ensure you have a successful meeting – from registration to meeting conclusion. As a 12-time Gold Service Award and glide around our winter wonderland.

After exploring the nature in Minneapolis, you’ll still find the dynamic winner, as well as awards in our marketing and sales departments, we vibe of a thriving metropolis. Minneapolis is home to restaurants known have a world-class staff that makes sure this award-winning top-notch nationally, with James Beard award-winners cooking up a wide variety of service is provided to each and every person that contacts us. Look what we can do for you: remarkable cuisine.

• Destination Services: Bringing in key businesses, our staff Complement that dinner with a show at one of our many renowned provides assistance with housing, registration, event planning and theaters, boasting everything from Broadway-quality shows to up-andpromotion. coming underground productions. Shop around at our fashionable • Housing Services: Our staff will coordinate your hotel reservation stores, and enjoy tax-free shopping on all apparel. When the day process from beginning to end so you can handle the rest of your is done, relax and unwind in our wide array of accommodations event. downtown, enjoying high-class amenities without the high price.

• Publicity and Marketing: The award-winning in-house marketing No matter the season, no matter the weather, Minneapolis has team will help connect you to the media AND enhance your Web enough outdoor and indoor adventure to keep you busy day after day. presence.

We’re the perfect blend of nature and city; we’re the City by Nature.

Meet Minneapolis

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The mid west / wisconsin

monona terrace convention center

One John Nolen Drive, Madison, WI 53703

(608) 441-3942 • Fax: (608) 258-4950 • www.mononaterrace.com Madison, Wisconsin: An Inspiring Place for Smart Meetings. adison, Wisconsin, combines exceptional facilities with the intellectual and emotional capital needed for meeting success. Home to the renowned University of Wisconsin– Madison, the vision of Frank Lloyd Wright, the insight of Aldo Leopold and a majestic Capitol built upon an isthmus alive with cultural arts, engaging intellectual pursuits and a wealth of recreational opportunities, Madison is the place for smart meetings.

Monona Terrace, a crown jewel of Madison’s cultural isthmus, is the first convention center in the nation to be LEED-EB-certified at the Silver Level by the U.S. Green Building Council. To earn its Silver certification, the Convention Center invested in initiatives to increase recycling rates, utilize green cleaning products, and adopt clean energy use and conservation. The facility purchases 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources. Monona Terrace has become a symbol of sustainability for the community of Madison and an inspiration to all those who choose to visit the city.

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

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

service hotels and budget-conscious lodging. Bed and breakfasts are another attractive choice in Madison, and several provide services and amenities appropriate for executive attendees.

Convention Facilities The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace® Convention Center is a touchstone for both the Madison community and groups coming to the city. Sweeping lines and vast, arched windows typify the structure, which offers dramatic surroundings for groups. In total, Monona Terrace Convention Center offers 85,000 sq. ft. of meeting and exhibition space. Highlights of the center include: • 37,200-sq.-ft. Exhibition Hall that accommodates 212, 10 ft.-by-10 ft. booths.

•13,524-sq.-ft. Madison Ballroom, divisible by four •7,000-sq.-ft. Grand Terrace serves as pre-function space for the Madison Ballroom or use on its own as a magnificent indoor event space.

•68,000 sq. ft. of rooftop gardens may also be reserved for events.

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We host meetings, wedding receptions, conferences, sporting events, concerts, rodeos and so much more!

Full service including set up of tables, chairs, audio visual equipment, sound technician plus Swiftel Center Catering and full liquor license.

For all your entertainment needs...

824 32nd Avenue • Brookings • swiftelcenter.com For booking information call or email us at:

605.692.7539 • swiftelcenter@swiftelcenter.com LIKE US ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

The West

Alaska • Arizona California Colorado Hawai’i • Idaho Montana • Nevada New Mexico Oklahoma Oregon • Texas Utah • Washington Wyoming

Austin Convention Center

500 E. Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78701 (512) 404-4200; Fax: (512) 404-4220 www.austinconventioncenter.com Director of Sales: Lisa Kidder Live Music Capital of the World A LEED® Gold certified, technologically advanced convention center. Located near downtown’s famous entertainment districts. Multi-level facility spans six city blocks, features 370,967 sq. ft. meeting/exhibit space, including five column-free, contiguous exhibit halls (256,097 sq. ft. of total exhibit space), seven ballrooms (43,300 sq. ft. is largest) and 54 meeting rooms. Complimentary high-speed, high density wireless services throughout; onsite engineers; proven track record of handling 7,000 simultaneous connections. Pre-function spaces offer downtown views. New walkway connects 3rd and 4th levels. Nearby 6,000 downtown hotel rooms. PAGE 121

Colorado

515 South Cascade Avenue, Suite 1300, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (800) 888-4748, ext. 132; (719) 685-7632 www.visitcos.com Director of Convention Sales: Kathy Reak Elevate Your Opportunities Choose Colorado Springs as your meeting location and enlist the help of the award-winning staff of the Colorado Springs CVB to ease the planning process. They offer an extensive range of complimentary services. Whether it’s customized site visits, teambuilding ideas or distributing RFPs, they are here for you. Start planning your next event in this unrivaled mountain metropolis. Colorado Springs offers 14,000 guestrooms, 5,000 convention PAGE guestrooms and 400,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space.

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Amarillo Civic Center

401 S. Buchanan St., Amarillo, TX 79101 (806) 378-4297 www.amarillociviccenter.com Director: Sherman Bass Affordable Amarillo, the city atop the Texas Panhandle. Rugged beauty, starry skies, renowned museums. State-of-the-art facility, located in downtown, includes: coliseum, two theaters, two large exhibit halls and the city’s largest ballroom; 410,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, 20 meeting rooms in Heritage Room; 10 in Regency Room; 20,725-sq.-ft. ballroom; 340,000 sq. ft. exhibit space; 24,565-sq.-ft. North Exhibit Hall; 26,700-sq.-ft. South Exhibit Hall; 2,300-seat Amarillo Civic Center Auditorium; 1,300-seat Globe News Center for the Performing Arts. Cal Farley Coliseum, 4,800 permanent seats and full ice-making capabilities; Grand Plaza, 16,000 sq. ft.; Hospitality Room, 5,100 sq. ft. There are 1,500 committable rooms within 10 minutes of center. PAGE 16

california

Anaheim Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau

800 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92803 (714) 765-8888; Fax: (714) 991-8963 www.meetings.anaheimoc.org Senior Vice President Convention Sales: Mindy Abel With ideal weather and walkable attractions and dining, nothing is better than meeting at the largest convention center on the west coast in Anaheim/Orange County. Anaheim Convention Center – 1.6 million sq. ft., including 51 meeting rooms, 38,000-sq.-ft. ballroom; 813,000 sq. ft. total exhibit space. Anaheim Arena seats 7,500. Located in the heart of the Anaheim Resort District, which includes the Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and Anaheim GardenWalk. Within walking distance of 12,000 hotel rooms and easily accessible from three major Southern PAGE California Freeways. 100,000-sq.-ft. Grand Plaza opened this year.

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texas

Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau

texas

Colorado Convention Center

700 14th Street, Denver, CO 80202 (303) 228-8000 www.denverconvention.com Director of Sales and Marketing: Rich Carollo Come Take a Peak!

Expanded in 2005 and now home to more than 400 events annually, the Colorado Convention Center is located within easy walking distance of more than 8,400 hotel rooms, 300 restaurants, nine theaters of the Denver Performing Arts Complex, and a wide variety of shopping and retail outlets. Total of 769,000 sq. ft. of function space includes 584,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, a 50,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 63 meeting rooms and a 5,000-seat theater.

Nearby attractions include Denver Aquarium, Elitch Park, Museum of Contemporary Art, Denver Art Museum and more. In May 2010, the center received LEED Existing PAGE Building: Operation and Maintenance.

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oklahoma

Cox Convention Center

One Myriad Gardens, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 602-8500; Fax: (405) 602-8505 www.coxconventioncenter.com Director of Sales and Marketing: Tim Linville Spanning more than one million sq. ft. and four city blocks, this complex is located at the heart of downtown Oklahoma City, a city both accommodating and affordable.

Multi-purpose venue hosts everything from intimate meetings to major conventions, tradeshows, concerts and sporting events. 27 meeting rooms; 25,000-sq.-ft. ballroom; 100,000-sq.-ft. exhibit hall, 15,000-seat arena. Free Wi-Fi available; Internet access speeds up to one Gb; 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 hotspots.

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THE WEST / california

Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau

This unique region has a vibrant yet laid-back vibe, a creative spirit and a diverse range of activities

800 W. Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802 • (714) 765-8888, Toll free: (855) 693-3241, Fax: (714) 991-8963 • www.anaheimoc.org

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Meeting rooms: 51 Meeting space: 130,000 sq. ft.

Main Ballroom: 38,000 sq. ft.

Pre-function lobby space: 200,000 sq. ft.

Outdoor Event Space: More than 200,000 sq. ft.

Anaheim Convention Center Specifications Total facility: 1.6 million sq. ft.

Exhibit space: 813,000 sq. ft.

Seating space: Anaheim Arena seating for 7,500

Known as California’s “Golf Coast,” Orange County is home to more than 40 golf courses, which include challenging and championship greens such as Tustin Ranch Golf Club and Pelican Hill.

Buy-outs of local theme parks or entertainment venues, such as Disneyland® Resort and Knott’s Berry Farm®, can also provide unique group experiences and can accommodate a variety of budget ranges. If you need an indoor activity, Anaheim has a great selection for groups, ranging from bowling and go-kart racing to flight simulators, museums or an afternoon at the movies.

Dining in Orange County has evolved into a menu of eclectic cuisine options, from gourmet feasts at five-star restaurants to cozy and casual family-style meals. Unique themed restaurants, chic cafes, gastro pubs and fine dining are certain to please any palate.

Orange County is accessible by four major airports (approximate distances/times are from Anaheim): • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 35 miles/56 km, 50 minutes • John Wayne/Orange County Airport (SNA) – 13 miles/21 km, 25 minutes • Ontario International Airport (ONT) – 36 miles/58 km, 45 minutes • Long Beach Airport (LGB) – 18 miles/29 km, 30 minutes

ocated in the heart of Southern California is Anaheim/Orange County. This unique region has a vibrant yet laid-back vibe, a creative spirit and a diverse range of activities that make it one of the nation’s most popular destinations. Orange County is well known for its world-famous theme parks, distinguished shopping centers, meeting venues and trendy beach towns.

Located in the heart of the Anaheim Resort District, an area that comprises Disneyland® Resort, the Anaheim GardenWalk and numerous hotels and resorts, lies the 1.6 million-sq.-ft. Anaheim Convention Center. Mega-tradeshows, small industry conferences and everything in between choose the Anaheim Convention Center for its comfort, safety and convenience, coupled with complimentary Wi-Fi (256K download/128K upload) throughout the facility.

The LEED®-certified Anaheim Convention Center is easily accessible by three major freeways, and is within walking distance of more than 12,000 guest rooms. Orange County has approximately 500 hotel properties and nearly 55,000 guest rooms.

Accommodations range from budget friendly to luxury.

The Anaheim Convention Center’s Grand Plaza is a unique Southern California outdoor environment that can be utilized yearround for a wide variety of events, meetings and gatherings. The 100,000-sq.-ft. Grand Plaza enhances the open, campus-like space surrounding the Anaheim Convention Center and flows between the Hilton Anaheim and Anaheim Marriott hotels.

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m i e h

a n A BOR

een b e we’v there’s ! told better e non

LA

My Anaheim Experience At this year’s California Dental Association show, CDA Presents the Art and Science of Dentistry, everyone worked together to help our exhibitors in a way that felt like we were all on the same team. This kind of service makes Anaheim a partner in supporting loyalty among exhibitors. -Debi Irwin, Vice President, California Dental Association

Watch Anaheim’s labor video to hear from recent exhibitors themselves at anaheimoc.org/laborworks.

For more information or to receive a customized event consultation call 855-693-3241.

THE WEST / texas

LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE CAPITAL CITY’S DOWNTOWN, THE LEED ® GOLD CERTIFIED CONVENTION CENTER SPANS SIX CITY BLOCKS.

Austin Convention Center 500 E. Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78701 • (512) 404-4200 Fax: (512) 404-4220 • www.austinconventioncenter.com

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winner of the Prime Site Award every year since 1995, the Austin Convention Center, a LEED® Gold-certified building, 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 sq. ft. of exhibit and meeting space. The five column-free exhibit halls, totaling 246,097 sq. ft., accommodate 1,289 10’ x 10’ exhibit booths.

Seven ballrooms ranging from 3,896 to 43,300 sq. ft. in size and 54 meeting rooms, and show offices totaling over 58,000 sq. ft., 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 •LEED® Gold Certification demonstrates ultimate green building leadership and signifies a model of sustainability that sets the standard in the industry.

Austin’s is the first convention center in Texas, among two in the U.S., to achieve the certification.

•A new overhead open air skyway connects the 3rd and 4th levels, making movement between Levels 3 and 4 significantly easier.

Technological Features Rated one of the most technologically advanced convention centers in the country, this gigabitrated 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 onsite technical staff to help with networking needs.

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Hotels Austin offers more than 30,000 hotel rooms, with 7,000 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; W Austin; and a 1,012-room JW Marriott scheduled to open 2015.

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 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 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.

Fast Facts: 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 over 58,000 sq. ft.

•Technology: Gigabit-rated facility, wireless Internet access, plugand-play capabilities Austin •Hotels: 7,000 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 Contacts •Mark Tester, Director of Austin Convention Center Department •Paul Barnes, ACCD Assistant Director – Sales, Marketing and Events •Amy Harris, Director of Sales

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

When you book your next meeting at the Austin Convention Center, the movers and shakers are already here.

With six entertainment districts and a safe and walkable downtown, it’s easy to enjoy our famous live music.

And with more than 200 venues, honkytonks and dance halls, everybody leaves with their toes tapping.

247,000 square feet of column-free space ★ Gigabit+ bandwidth, supports up to 7,000 wireless connections ★ Awarded LEED® Gold Certification First convention center in TX

(512) 404-4200 www.austinconventioncenter.com

The WEST / Colorado

Colorado Convention Center 700 14th Street, Denver, CO 80202 • (303) 228-8000 www.denverconvention.com

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hether you’re planning a meeting, conference or convention, the Colorado Convention Center will go the extra mile for you. And, with all the convenient hotels, exciting entertainment, diverse cultural attractions and culinary offerings Denver offers, planners are sure to find what they’re looking for in the Mile High City.

Opened in 1990, the Center is well-known as one of the most practical and user-friendly meeting facilities in the country. More than 100 professional meeting planners worked together with architects to design every aspect of the building, and the result was a sensible, state-of-the-art facility with easy traffic flow and everything planners need in a stunningly beautiful building in the heart of downtown Denver. Expanded in 2005, the Center is now home to more than 400 events annually and offers a total of 769,000 sq. ft. of function space, including 584,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, a 50,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 63 meeting rooms and a 5,000-seat theater.

The Center is located within easy walking distance of more than 8,400 hotel rooms, 300 restaurants, nine theaters of the Denver Performing Arts Complex and a wide variety of shopping and retail outlets.

LEEDing the Way The Colorado Convention Center is a premier green meeting space for a sustainable meeting or convention. In May 2010,

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the Center received LEED Existing Building: Operation and Maintenance, the largest building in Colorado and one of the largest convention centers in the country to have achieved this certification. In December 2012, the Center was also the first entity in the world to be certified in the Level One certification with the ASTM Standard pertaining to the Evaluation and Selection of Venues for Environmentally Sustainable Meetings, Events, Trade Shows and Conferences (E2774-11). The Center’s robust commitment to sustainability includes a 300-kilowatt solar power system and a full-time Sustainable Program Manager, Lindsay Arell.

Nearby Attractions and Activities With 300 days of sunshine, a walkable downtown, thriving arts and culture, an award-winning culinary scene, and the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, Denver offers an affordable mix of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. Attractions include Downtown Denver Performing Arts Complex, Pepsi Center, Coors Field, Denver Aquarium, Elitch Park, Museum of Contemporary Art, Federal Reserve Money Museum, Denver Firefighters Museum, US Mint, Denver Art Museum, Clyfford Still Museum, Byers-Evans House Museum, History Colorado Center, Molly Brown House Museum, Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art and the Stiles African American Heritage Center.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

at a venue like no other.

at a venue like no other.

Meeting Planners, come take a look at a venue like no other.

Quick Facts

• • • • •

584,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space on one level 63 meeting rooms providing 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting space on one level 50,000 sq. ft. spectacular Mile High Ballroom 35,000 sq. ft. stunning Four Seasons Ballroom Bellco Theatre with 5,000 total seats, with curtain system to cut down seating to 3,700 and divisible into 3 separate sections.

To inquire or book, Call or email Rich Carollo at 303.228.8022 or rcarollo@denverconvention.com

The West california

Hawai’i

Fairplex

Hawai’i Convention Center

You Can Do Anything Here

Where Business and Aloha Meet

An entertainment and convention destination; home of the world-renowned L.A. County Fair since 1922 and site of 500 consumer and trade shows annually. 487 beautifully landscaped acres with eight art deco exposition halls, onsite Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center, Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, McKinley’s Grille, Finish Line Sports Grill and Barretts Equine Sales. 25,000 sq. ft. of column-free indoor exhibit space; eight spacious exposition halls (two additional halls expand total exhibit space to 350,000+ sq. ft.); 800-seat theater. Major horse racing facility with a 10,000-seat grandstand and 5/8-mile race track; 244-room PAGE Sheraton Fairplex Hotel onsite.

The Hawai’i Convention Center combines the modern requirements of a stateof-the-art meeting facility with the beauty, comfort and culture that are uniquely Hawai’i. 49 meeting rooms; 35,259-sq.-ft. ballroom; 204,249-sq.-ft.-exhibit hall; two permanent theaters with tiered seating (472 seats and 320-seats); tropical rooftop garden function space; 28,000 hotel rooms within a 1.5-mile radius of center; nearby hundreds of shops and restaurants. Numerous nearby golf courses. Movie theaters, museums, the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium and Children’s Discovery PAGE Center are also close by to offer variety for the entire family.

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1101 W. McKinley Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768 (909) 623-3111; Fax: (909) 623-9599 www.fairplex.com Director of Sales: Melissa DeMonaco-Tapia

1801 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 (808) 943-3500; (800) 295-6603; Fax: (808) 943-3599 www.Hawaiiconvention.com Director of Sales, Service & Support: Lee Conching

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Oklahoma

Texas

Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau

Hurst Conference Center

1601 Campus Drive, Hurst, TX 76054 (817) 581-0044; Fax: (817) 581-0033

www.hurstcc.com

Executive Director: Charlton Northington cnorthington@hurstcc.com

Success Meets Here Hurst is strategically situated in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The Hurst Conference Center offers 50,000+ sq. ft. of meeting/event space – seven meeting rooms; 14,000-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom; 13,000-sq.-ft. Gallery with 40-ft. floor to ceiling windows; Executive Boardroom; and Patio Garden/Outdoor Veranda featuring function space with waterfall. Ballroom features state-of-the-art “starfield” and fiber optic chandelier, technologically advanced amenities and exceptional on-site catering, audio visual, IT and conference services; 325 hotel rooms within walking distance.

PAGE Attractions: Six Flags, Northeast Mall (Nordstrom, Dillards, Macy’s).

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Meetings/Tradeshows/Exhibitions/ Convention Centers/CVBs/Hotels/ Resorts/Conference Centers

123 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 297-8912 / (800) 225-5652; Fax: (405) 297-8888 www.visitokc.com Director, Convention Sales & Services: Robin O’Connor 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. Cox Convention Center features 100,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space; 27,500 sq. ft. of flexible convention and pre-convene space; a 25,000-sq.-ft. ballroom (seats 4,000 theater-style); and a 15,000-seat arena (32,000 sq. ft. of floor space). Near revitalized Bricktown features new canal-side restaurants, clubs, music venues and attractions, all across the street from three hotels housing PAGE 1,600 of Oklahoma City’s 16,000 hotel rooms.

135 Oregon

Oregon Convention Center

777 Northeast Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard (800) 791-2250; (503) 235-7575 www.oregoncc.org Director of Sales and Marketing: Matt Pizzuti At the Center of Success The Oregon Convention Center (OCC) is situated in downtown Portland on the banks of the Willamette River. An award-winning architectural wonder, the OCC boasts massive windows and skylights filling the interior with natural light, as well as a public art collection.

The OCC’s 375,000 sq. ft. of function space includes seven exhibit halls (255,000 sq. ft. of total space, 61,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space); 50 meeting rooms totaling 52,330 sq. ft.; and a 35,000-sq.-ft. ballroom. Conveniently located in the city center, the LEED Silvercertified facility features three drive-in locations and an 800-space parking garage.

Local attractions include wine country, Multnomah Falls, and skiing on Mount Hood. PAGE 137

california

Palm Springs Convention Center

277 N. Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (800) 333-7535; (760) 325-6611; Fax: (760) 778-4102 www.palmspringscc.com Director of Sales: Rick Leson The Meeting Oasis

THE FACILITIES MEDIA GROUP Essential Planning Tools 124

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 Hotel (30,000 sq. ft. of additional meeting space). 92,545-sq.-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 breakout rooms, including a 20,000-sq.-ft. ballroom (divisible into four sections), and 18,000-sq.-ft. lobby/pre-function space. Event lawn perfect for dining, receptions or displays. 1,600+ hotel rooms within walking distance.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

THE WEST / COLORADO An Elevated Meeting Experience

Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau 515 South Cascade Avenue, Suite 1300, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, (800) 888-4748, ext. 132; (719) 685-7632 • www.visitcos.com

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icking a memorable destination can be challenging: finding a place attendees want to visit along with a great venue and ample offsite activities. Don’t get overwhelmed with the long list of to-do’s and enlist the help of the award-winning staff of the Colorado Springs CVB. This breathtaking Rocky Mountain city is brimming with invigorating choices for lodging, sessions, receptions, teambuilding and offsite activities. The vibrant natural beauty of landmarks like Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain and Garden of the Gods Park refresh and inspire.

Colorado Springs is easily accessible. Located just 11 miles from downtown, the Colorado Springs Airport has non-stop service to many major cities and one-stop service to over 1,500 destinations worldwide. State-of-the-art systems and terminal improvements get you through security quickly, and there are a variety of local and national restaurants, retailers and free wi-fi to pleasantly pass the time while you wait for your flight. The destination is also just a short and scenic 70-mile drive south of the Denver International Airport.

Home to the U.S. Olympic Committee, Olympic Training Center, U.S. Air Force Academy and ProRodeo Hall of Fame, Colorado Springs is the ideal location for exceptional performance, creating a higher ground for attendees to refresh, discover and network.

The magnificent views and a 6,035-foot elevation might also have something to do with it.

Recreation is as easily found as the 300+ annual days of sunshine.

Because of its location against the Rocky Mountains, the city is protected from harsh weather, meaning mild winters and a comfortable year-round climate. It’s not rare to see light jackets in the summer and shorts in the winter. Horseback riding in North Cheyenne Canon, zip lining over nearby Manitou Springs or hiking the newly opened to the public Manitou Springs “Incline” extreme trail are all opportunities to connect with the prominent splendor of the area.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

Take advantage of unique teambuilding activities like racing around the track with the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving at Pikes Peak International Raceway, biking down Gold Camp Road or challenging the team with the Battle of the Bighorn rafting obstacle course. Itinerary building is a cinch with over 55 attractions at your disposal.

If satisfying your taste buds is on the agenda, grab some authentic Colorado cuisine with a walking food and history tour of Downtown or a taste of the city with a Cajun twist at Springs Orleans. Sample the sudsy concoctions at one of the local microbreweries like Trinity Brewing or Bierwerks. Unique shopping and dining abound in the historic and charming shopping districts: downtown Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs.

As you’re seeking the perfect property for overnight stays, breakout sessions or an offsite reception, the region has exclusive options. Lodging ranges from popular brands like Hilton, Marriott and Crowne Plaza to truly Colorado choices like the new Mining Exchange, a Wyndham Grand Hotel and Sundance Mountain Lodge. Home to 14,000 guestrooms, the area can certainly accommodate. Gems such as the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Glen Eyrie Castle, AAA Sky Sox Baseball Club, Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and Pikes Peak International Raceway all showcase some of the region’s 400,000+ sq. ft. of flexible meeting space.

Not only is the destination an economical choice, but the staff of the Colorado Springs CVB offers complimentary services with an extensive list of recognitions. The CVB is your single resource for peace of mind and meetings. Whether it’s customized site visits, building suggested itineraries or distributing RFPs, they are here for you. Elevate your opportunities, start planning your next event in this unrivaled mountain metropolis at VisitCOS.com/ meet.

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THE West / oklahoma The one-million-sq.-ft. facility is surrounded by a growing number of hotels and attractions. exhibitions, inspirational rallies, major sporting events and worldclass entertainment.

Exhibit Hall The Exhibit Halls offer more than 100,000 sq. ft. of space, 80,000 of which is column-free. They can be divided in up to eight halls and features four street-level doors, each 24 ft. wide and 20 ft. tall along with an added loading dock.

Meeting Rooms and Ballrooms The meeting room complex at the Cox Convention Center features 21 meeting rooms varying in size from 672 sq. ft. to 6,412 sq. ft.; a permanent board room for 20 to 50 people; and a 25,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, which can be divided into five smaller halls or meeting rooms ranging from 3,278 sq. ft. to 11,216 sq. ft.

Technology As the venue’s naming rights partner, and provider of telecommunication services, Cox continues to ensure that the convention center meets and/or exceed the requirements of its clients and guests. Cox increased wireless Internet capabilities throughout the convention center, allowing SMG to offer free wireless (Wi-Fi) hotspots to visitors in designated pre-function areas. Cox also enhanced the venue’s technology infrastructure to allow Internet access speeds of up to one gigabit.

Cox Convention Center One Myriad Gardens, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 602-8500 • Fax (405) 602-5129 www.coxconventioncenter.com

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he SMG-managed Cox Convention Center is located in downtown Oklahoma City – a city known for being both accommodating and affordable. The one-million-sq.-ft. facility is encompassed by a growing number of hotels and attractions, including the Bricktown dining and entertainment district, the Myriad Botanical Gardens, and the Chesapeake Energy Arena, a 20,000-seat arena which is also managed by SMG. The Cox Convention Center is a multi-purpose venue designed to host everything from meetings and community events to major conventions, tradeshows, concerts and sporting events.

Arena With seating for up to 15,000, 65-ft. ceilings and over 32,000 sq. ft. of floor space, the Arena, located at the heart of the Cox Convention Center, offers an environment designed for epic 126

Location Located just off I-40 between I-35 and I-44 in downtown Oklahoma City, and just 10 miles/15 minutes from the Will Rogers World Airport, Cox Convention Center is one of the most centrally located venues of its kind in the nation.

Hotels and Parking More than 1,400 of Oklahoma City’s 15,000-plus hotel rooms are located within walking distance of the Cox Convention Center.

Two hotels connect to the facility: the Renaissance Oklahoma City Convention Center Hotel is joined by a glass-enclosed sky bridge; and the Sheraton Oklahoma City Hotel offers access through downtown Oklahoma City’s newly renovated underground concourse, which opens into the convention center’s 900-space underground parking garage. A total of more than 20,000 parking spaces are available throughout the downtown and Bricktown area.

Attractions and Activities Visitors can enjoy the mild climate while strolling along the Bricktown canal, or through the 17-acre Myriad Botanical Gardens featuring the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory. Restaurants, shops and theaters are also within walking distance. Other mustsee attractions located downtown include the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. The Oklahoma City Zoo, Science Museum Oklahoma, and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum are also visitor favorites.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

THE WEST / california

Fairplex

1101 W. McKinley Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768 • (909) 623-3111 • www.fairplex.com

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FAIRPLEX: A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAN DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

OUR CAMPUS Large column-free, air-conditioned exhibit halls ranging from 33,600 to 105,500 sq. ft. and meeting space totaling 375,000 sq. ft.

Building amenities include touch-free restrooms, pre-wired exhibit halls for high-speed Internet and DSL, portable concession stands and ATMs Outside areas perfect for product demonstrations, automotive, boat and outdoor recreational shows and events Established and popular location for filming and television productions Park-like settings, fountains and beautiful landscaping throughout the grounds Five-eighths mile oval Fairplex Park horse racing track with large, grassy infield ideal for concerts, picnics and festivals and a 10,000-seat grandstand Unique barn and horse arenas for horse shows Historical art gallery and adjoining patio suitable for events and weddings Historical 40,000-seat Auto Club Raceway and 1,000-foot drag strip is an excellent location for auto testing, research, filming and driving courses Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum Onsite Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Fairplex KOA RV Park Onsite McKinley’s Grille restaurant, Finish Line Sports Grill and Avalon restaurant Barretts Equine Ltd., site of four prestigious annual national/international equine auctions Spacious parking for more than 30,000 vehicles

hidden gem of Southern California, Fairplex is conveniently centered between the mountains, valleys and beaches that define Los Angeles County. The 487-acre campus is ideal for almost any gathering and is home to more than 300 year-round events servicing a diverse range of clients. The beautiful historic campus attracts three million visitors annually.

Fairplex shines as one of the most versatile event venues in the region. Indoors and out, in any month of any season, every aspect of the campus is as flexible as it is scenic. Restaurants, a wine pavilion, exposition halls, an urban farm, museums and the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel are just some of the spaces the campus has to offer.

Large column-free exhibit halls are ideal for trade and consumer shows, product demonstrations, and filming. Each hall is air-conditioned and a historical art gallery and adjoining patio are suitable for a number of events. Picnic Hill, overlooking the entirety of the beautiful property, is also ideal for outdoor gatherings.

The outdoor areas of the campus have been utilized in many ways, from recreational auto shows and sales to a number of festivals including the Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits competitions and the world-famous L.A. County Fair. Park-like settings, fountains and beautiful landscaping throughout the grounds ensure a pleasant experience for all guests.

Earlier this year, Fairplex celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Sheraton Fairplex Conference Center. Since opening in 2012, the Center has hosted multiple events and companies ranging from Armstrong Garden Center to Cal Spas and an Anheuser-Busch InBev product launch celebration.

The $28 million project was designed with versatility in mind. The 85,000-sq.-ft. space is divided into spacious ballrooms, breakout rooms with interactive digital white boards, videoconferencing and high-speed Wi-Fi. The facility is I.A.C.C. certified with Silver LEED certification.

For any event large or small, Fairplex offers a wide variety of dining options ranging from fresh farm-to-table produce grown on-site at McKinley’s Farm to food trucks. Each of the PROXIMITY three onsite restaurants offers unique freshly made meals.

Just nine miles west of LA/Ontario Barretts Sales & Racing’s large, grassy infield is ideal for concerts, picnics and festivals.

International Airport The historical 40,000-seat Auto Club Raceway and 1,000-foot long drag strip have served as Easy access to Los Angeles, Riverside, San locations for auto testing, research, filming and driving courses.

Bernardino and Orange counties From music festivals to wrestling tournaments, weddings to business seminars and trade Nearby dining, entertainment, theaters, shows to wine tastings, Fairplex offers the best in customer service, event production and art and recreational destinations customizable space.

They weren’t kidding when they said the possibilities are endless.

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Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

anything YOU CAN DO

here

A SUPER REGIONAL DESTINATION

A regional expo. A national championship. An elegant, intimate awards banquet.

Outdoor areas offer wide functionality.

Park-like settings, fountains and beautiful landscaping throughout the grounds ensure a pleasant experience for all guests.

A hidden gem of Southern California, Fairplex is conveniently located 30 minutes from anywhere in Southern California. The 487-acre campus is ideal for almost any gathering.

Barretts Sales & Racing’s large, grassy infield is ideal for concerts, picnics and festivals. The 40,000-seat Auto Club Raceway and 1,000-foot long drag strip have served as locations for auto testing, research, filming and driving courses.

Indoors and out, in any month of any season, every aspect of the campus is as flexible as it is scenic. Restaurants, a wine pavilion, expo halls, an urban farm, museums and the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center are just some of the spaces the campus has to offer.

Large column-free expo halls are ideal for trade and consumer shows, product demonstrations and filming.

They weren’t kidding when they said the possibilities are endless.

Contact us to

plan your next event & discover endless possibilites...

p - 909.622.2220 • sheraton.com/fairplex • 601 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768

THE WEST / Hawai’i

Hawai’i Convention Center 1801 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 • (808) 943-3500; (800) 295-6603 Fax: (808) 943-3599 • www.Hawaiiconvention.com

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ell situated between the U.S. mainland and Pacific Rim countries, Hawai‘i offers an ideal spot for world-class meetings, with the added benefit of providing an array of leisure options for accompanying family and friends.

Located on the island of O‘ahu, Honolulu is the seat of government, the center of business and finance, and the heart of the state’s artistic and cultural life.

Honolulu’s vibrant waterfront includes world-famous Waikîkî Beach, the home of the SMG-managed Hawai‘i Convention Center. In addition to myriad hotels, restaurants, shopping and entertainment, Honolulu hosts two major universities and the East-West Center, an internationally recognized research and education institution. This unique blend of business and pleasure makes the Hawai‘i Convention Center the first choice for many corporations and organizations from all around the Pacific Rim. Hawai‘i has earned a global reputation for ethnic diversity and mutual respect. So as a meeting place, it provides a comfort zone for all nationalities, ethnicities and religions. And Hawai‘i’s famous Aloha Spirit is a 130

heart-felt attitude of hospitality and dedication to service that makes it unique among convention destinations.

What’s more, Hawai‘i offers five neighbor islands, Kaua‘i, Maui, Lana‘i, Moloka‘i and Hawai‘i, the Big Island, each with its own special attractions for your delegates to enjoy, before or after your program at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.

There are 28,000 guestrooms in all price categories within a 1.5 mile radius of the convention center, which is just eight miles from the Honolulu International Airport. Numerous golf courses are located within 15 minutes to 1 hour away. Ocean sports and outdoor activities are just minutes away. Movie theaters, museums, the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium and Children’s Discovery Center are also close by to offer variety for the entire family.

Meeting Facilities 49 meeting rooms, plus a 35,000 sq.-ft. ballroom Largest theater-style capacity: 13,000 Largest banquet-style capacity: 9,500 Total square footage of exhibit space: 204,000 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

I N V IG OR A T E. “It really puts people into a different frame of mind.”

—Heather M. Nash, CMP, Director of Meetings, American College of Chest Physicians

hy do people at meetings and conventions get so much work done in Honolulu? Maybe it’s because of the mindset paradise inspires. Relax, recharge, and then innovate and create. And maybe the Aloha Spirit

“The Hawai‘i Convention Center is a unique building. I think when you get the sunlight and

helps: a heart-felt attitude of welcome and dedication to service reflected in everything we do for you. To

the air, the openness and the

watch video testimonials from satisfied customers and

breeze, it does invoke a different

get help with planning your own meeting in Hawai‘i,

learning environment.”

Toll Fr ee : 1.800.295.6603

visit www.meethawaii.com.

M a in Line : (808) 943.3500

Em a il : info @ hccsmg.com

w w w.meeth awa ii.com

es Media Group

The West s G uide

arizona

california

S e r vSacramento i c e s R eConvention s o u r cCenter e

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1030 15th Street, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 808-5291; Fax: (916) 808-7687 www.sacramentoconventioncenter.com

Phoenix Convention Center & Venues

UrbanRide

421 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10001 (800) 525-5750; Fax: (212) 202-9638 www.urbanride.net

Small-town friendly with big city amenities, city hosts 6+ million visitors annually. Located in the heart of downtown, theJeremy Sacramento Convention Center features 31 meeting rooms; two Chief Executive Officer: Milikow Senior Vice President: Mitch Bornstein,areas; SVP Exhibit Hall – 134,000 sq. ft. contiguous space/ 10,000-sq.-ft. registration/pre-function divisible into five separate areas; 25,000-sq.-ft. ballroom (1,500 banquet-style/2,500 theater ‘Leading Global Provider of Meeting & Event Transportation’ style), divisible up to 10 meeting rooms; Activity Building is a fully carpeted, 11,200-sq.-ft. facility with 12.ismeeting connected by concourse to the for exhibit hall; 4,000-seat Memorial UrbanRide a globalrooms, provider of ground transportation meetings & events, and Auditorium; 2,452-seatsedans, Community Center Theater; 2,000and hotels within walkingWe distance; uses the top-of-the-line SUVs, vans, minibuses motorcoaches. provide our10,000 clientscitywide. with IMS, our software that enablesPucks meeting planners to better manage Classique Catering; Wolfgang Express; Attractions: world-class transportation for their meetings, conferences, conventions, tradeshows & other events.

PAGE shopping, golf, Historic District, Nimbus Winery Mall, Sacramento Zoo. 141 in We work exclusively with meeting & event planners and our customer service is the best

100 North Third Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 262-6225; (800) 282-4842 www.PhoenixConventionCenter.com Director of Sales: Debbi Foshee A Whole New Angle on Meetings and Events The award-winning Phoenix Convention Center is within walking distance of shopping, entertainment, sports and theater venues, and just 15 minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport. More than 2,500 guestrooms are within walking distance from the facility, including 1,000 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown and more than 1,200 at the newly renovated Hyatt Regency. The PCC boasts nearly 900,000 sq. ft. of function space, including 312,500 sq. ft. of continuous exhibition hall space, three ballrooms (46,000, PAGE 45,000 and 28,000 sq. ft.), and a 21,000-sq.-ft. Executive Conference Center.

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the business. UrbanRide is a one-stop solution for meeting & event transportation. california

arizona

San Diego Convention Center

The Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau

111 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 525-5000: Fax: (619) 525-5005 www.visitsandiego.com Senior Vice President Sales: Andy Mikschl, CMP

100 South Church Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701 (800) 638-8350 www.visittucson.org Director of Convention Sales: Graeme Hughes, CTA

Keppler Speakers Come for the Convention, Stay for the Vacation

4350 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22203 Renowned impeccable service and an experienced, service-oriented staff that (703) 516-4000;forFax: (703) 516-4819 www.kepplerspeakers.com provides seamless customer service from the initial planning stages to the concluSenior VP for Sales and Marketing: John Truran

Tucson’s history – deeply rooted in Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Western influences – creates one-of-a-kind meetings. Picturesque upscale resorts include the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort, The Lodge at Ventana Canyon, The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, and many more. The Tucson Convention Center offers over 205,000 sq. ft. of function space, including a 21,000-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom and eight meeting rooms ranging in size from 700 to 1,800 sq. ft. Other notable venues include Music Hall, seating 2,177; Leo Rich Theatre, seating 503; and the 3,000-acre White Stallion Ranch, PAGE among the many ranches catering to meeting groups.

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sion of an event; sales team books all citywide conventions, covers all your needs.

One-stop shopping at itscreating best. 615,700-sq.-ft. convention 72 meetWith Keppler Speakers, memorable meetings nevercenter felt sofeatures easy. With over 25 ingofrooms; 40,000-sq.-ft. ballroom and seasoned 525,701-sq.-ft. mainmaking exhibit speaker hall; 11,000+ years experience, we provide you solid, expertise, selection stress-free managing all of the Kepplerrooms Speakers saves youAttractions precious time by premier by hotel rooms within 1.5details. miles; 55,000 countywide. include: matching you with speakers are right target. From proven performers to dynamic SeaWorld; San Diego Zoowho & Safari Park;onGaslamp Quarter; PETCO Park, home of the rising stars, our speakers bring fascinating, real stories and a gift for inspiring audiences.

San Diego Padres.

wASHINGTON 23-46

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Three Rivers Convention Center 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd, Kennewick, WA 99336 (509) 737-3700; Fax: (509) 735-9431

www.threeriversconventioncenter.com

Director of Sales: Heather Breymeyer

Enjoy your experience.

MEETING &aEVENT PLANNERS...

The Three Rivers Convention Center, first-class facility located in Southeastern Washington, offers 75,000 sq. ft. ofMARKET meeting/exhibit space, 13 spacious meeting rooms, NEED DATA? 21,600-sq.-ft. Great Hall (accommodates 2,100), 14,000 sq. ft. pre-function space, show office space; wireless high-speed Internet throughout, Webcasting, advanced lighting, audio/visual; onsite catering; 1,600-sq.-ft. Cyber Café and Patio. Adjacent to 7,500-seat Toyota Center. Sleek, modern design and color palette that invokes the natural beauty of the region. Common-sense functionality and high-tech amenities make it endlessly adaptable to any configuration your event requires. 750 hotel rooms nearby.

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Don’t Get Stuck in a Fishbowl!

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

The Facilities Media Group Facilities & Destinations Facilities & Destinations SuperBook Facilities • Conference • Planner Guide Facilities & Destinations Mid-Market Review FacilitiesLIVE & Destinations Planner Guide Facilities • Booking Guide Facilities SuperBook • Facilities Booking Guide Facilities & Event Management Facilities & Event Management www.Facilitiesonline.com

Need to research venues for your event or meeting?

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

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One-stop shopping for all your market research for Booking Agents, Promoters, Talent Buyers & Special Event Planners

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Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook Comprehensive Directory of Conference Centers,

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THE WOW FACTOR

HAS A NEW ADDRESS. Dynamic. Innovative. Impressive. Everything you want your meeting or event to be is found in one place. The Hurst Conference Center is minutes away from everything DFW has to offer. Restaurants, shops, sporting events, attractions, airports and more. Our state-of-the-art facility has over 50,000 square feet of flexible event space, with seating for up to 900 in the Grand Ballroom and 300 in Meeting Rooms. Full audio-visual presentation equipment and production is available in-house, plus wi-fi is readily accessible throughout the building. Everything you need to make a lasting impression is right here in our amenity-rich facility. Find out how the Hurst Conference Center is central to your success by contacting our sales team today.

(817) 581-0044 / info@hurstcc.com / www.hurstcc.com

The west / oklahoma

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

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here’s an energy right now in Oklahoma City. You can see it in our growing skyline.

You can feel it on a Friday night in the Bricktown Entertainment District.

You can hear it from some of the rowdiest fans in the NBA cheering on our Oklahoma City Thunder.

And when you come here, you can experience it first-hand from some of the friendliest people on earth. It’s the kind of place you want to be. It’s the wow factor that makes you realize you picked the right place to hold your next meeting, conference or convention, and you can’t wait to explore.

As one of the most centrally located convention centers in the nation, the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City is at the center of it all.

Literally. The center is situated just across the street from three of the seven downtown hotels which combined offer more than 1,400 of Oklahoma City’s nearly 16,000 hotel rooms. Boasting an impressive 25,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 27,500 sq. ft. of additional convention and pre-convention space, and a 15,000-seat arena, the Cox Convention Center can hosts meeting and convention groups of any size. Not to mention it’s just steps from the thriving Bricktown Entertainment District, packed full

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of restaurants perfect for a quick lunch or relaxing dinner.

And the meetings bar is likely to be set even higher in the future: Oklahoma City voters approved funding to build a new $250-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.

With attractions such as the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, there are always new places to discover. And with fine restaurants like Nonna’s Euro-American Ristoranté & Bar, there are treats for the taste buds as well.

If you’ve never been to Oklahoma City, you may just be surprised by all we have to offer. And if it’s been a few years since your last visit, we know you’ll be amazed by our progress. Over the past two decades, we’ve transformed our city through more than $5 billion of public and private investment in quality-of-life projects and improvements. We’ve created something special and we can’t wait to show it off.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

PA S T

PR E SENCE

FROM OUR RUGGED WESTERN PAST TO THE MAJESTIC PRESENCE OF OUR CITY’S EVER-CHANGING SKYLINE, OKLAHOMA CITY IS THE PERFECT BLEND OF HISTORICAL PRIDE AND FORWARD PROGRESS. IT’S BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL …

VISITOKC.COM

THE WEST / OREGON

Oregon Convention Center

777 Northeast Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Portland, OR • (800) 791-2250; (503) 235-7575 • www.oregoncc.org

N

ational conventions love Portland and the Oregon Convention Center (OCC). The surrounding area’s scenery, some of the most spectacular on the planet, is artfully complemented by the décor and atmosphere of the center’s interiors. From the start, you realize that this isn’t only a great place to be, but a place where great things can happen.

The OCC is situated in downtown Portland on the banks of the Willamette River. The building itself is an award-winning architectural wonder, its twin glass spires gracing the city’s skyline. Massive windows and skylights fill the interior with natural light. The center’s public art collection features many diverse and engaging works inspired by the people, history and natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest. Quite simply, the OCC is a wonderful place to showcase your event.

The OCC’s 375,000 sq. ft. of function space includes seven exhibit halls (255,000 sq. ft. of total space, 61,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space); 50 meeting rooms totaling 52,330 sq. ft.; and a 35,000-sq.-ft. ballroom.

Convenient Location

The OCC is conveniently located in the city center, just north of the junction of Interstate 5 and Interstate 84. The facility features three drive-in locations for easy loading and unloading of exhibitor materials. Exhibitor services representatives are available to help with service orders, either online or onsite. The parking garage features 800 spaces on two underground levels.

Additional exhibitor and vendor parking, including parking for oversized vehicles, can be provided in outdoor satellite lots by request.

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Indigenous F&B

In addition to the many wonderful entrées, snacks and beverages served in our cafés and concessions, Pacificwild catering and our Executive Chef Allan Wambaa offer fresh seasonal menus inspired by the region’s bounty. Our Stir cocktail lounge features one of the city’s largest selections of locally distilled spirits, renowned Portland microbrews, and select Oregon wines.

Meeting in Portland

Portland offers 35,501 hotel rooms set in one of the nation’s most walkable cities. Among Portland’s wide range of fun and inviting attractions, groups will find a world-renowned bookstore, a lush rose garden with stunning city views, the nation’s largest weekly open-air arts and crafts market, and the oldest museum in the Northwest. Portland’s performing arts calendar includes dance, music and theater offerings — often combined in unexpected ways. From gritty rock to velvety jazz, Portland’s live music scene offers tunes for all types. Head to Jimmy Mak’s for jazz, Doug Fir for indie rock in a modern-log-cabin setting or the Crystal Ballroom for big rock and indie shows in a classic setting.

Nearby Attractions

Groups can visit the vineyards and tasting rooms of Oregon’s scenic wine country, famous for its Pinot noir; hike past Multnomah Falls or any of the nearly 100 waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge; ski and snowboard — day or night, nearly year-round — on nearby Mount Hood; or explore the towns and beaches of the dramatic, rugged Oregon Coast.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

Facilities & Destinations Awards of Excellence

VOTE for the top Conference Centers, Small to Mid-Size Meeting, University or Special Event Venues, and/or Hotels and Resorts your group has used for its meetings in the last three years. Please base your vote(s) on the following criteria: • Attractiveness and functionality • Technological capabilities • Quality of staff and conference planner • Team Building • Food & Beverage/Catering • Lighting • Acoustics • Climate control • Proximity to airport and other transportation • On or off-site lodging • Other support services • Front-desk operations • Set-ups and breakdowns • Room décor • Quality/Size of Ballroom • Special Packages • Spa • Nearby Attractions

B allot

Name of Nominee____________________________________________________ Name of Nominee____________________________________________________ Name of Nominee____________________________________________________ Check Award You want to nominate the above for: Conf. Center

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the west / arizona

T H E Wa l k I N g T E s T: Measure travel tiMe to your hotel in stePs, rather than Miles.

Phoenix Convention Center & Venues

100 North Third Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004

(602) 262-6225; (800) 282-4842 • PhoenixConventionCenter.com

North Building

R

ecently named one of the top 10 convention centers in the U.S., the award-winning Phoenix Convention Center is located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. The center is within walking distance of major convention hotels, shopping, entertainment, sports and theater venues, has a dedicated stop on the METRO Light Rail line, and is just 15 minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport.

Facility features include 900,000 sq. ft. of meeting and exhibition space as well as Arizona’s largest ballroom – 46,000 sq. ft. with a dedicated street level entrance plus two multipurpose ballrooms – 28,000 and 45,000 sq. ft. Stacked floor plans accommodate multiple groups simultaneously and 20 of the 46 convenient loading docks are climate controlled.

The facility boasts 99 meeting/breakout rooms, sustainable construction and daily operations, and the West Building is LEED-Silver certified.

Understanding the importance of having options in coordinating a convention, meeting or event, our venues accommodate the diverse needs of a thoughtful and unique event plan. The Executive Conference Center features 21,000 sq. ft. of high-end meeting space, a 192-seat lecture hall, a corporate boardroom and 14 additional conference rooms accommodating up to 200 attendees. Symphony Hall is a 2,312-seat concert hall with amazing acoustics and is home to the Phoenix Symphony, The Ballet Arizona and The Arizona Opera. Built in 1929 and recently renovated, the historic Orpheum Theatre provides seating for 1,364 guests and has the unique ability to transform any event into a masterpiece.

Complementing your gathering with flavorful and innovative selections, our exclusive catering partner, Aventura, creates an unforgettable culinary experience for your meeting attendees.

Phoenix Convention Center staff and service partners are guest-centered and provide an exceptional experience for clients and visitors. At several points in the center and around downtown, guests will encounter concierge staff, Venue Hosts and Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors who are readily available to answer questions, provide directions or recommend places to go and things to do.

For a whole new angle on meetings and events, book your next event at the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues!

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

Downtown Phoenix

With more than 3,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of the Phoenix Convention Center, accommodations are as easy to handle as the over 900,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space. But don’t take our word for it. Put us to the test today and contact us to see everything Phoenix has to offer.

PHOENIXCONVENTIONCENTER.COM | 800-282-4842 |

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the west / california

Sacramento Convention Center

This capital city has a convention center with 134,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and 31 meeting rooms.

1400 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 • (916) 808-5291 • Fax (916) 808-7687 • www.sacramentoconventioncenter.com

T

he discovery of gold near Sacramento in 1848 started California’s famous “Gold Rush,” bringing thousands of fortune seekers and entrepreneurs to the area almost overnight. Today, meeting planners discover their own type of gold when they select Sacramento as a meeting destination.

Convention Center Complex Located in the State Capital of California, the Sacramento Convention Center is just 20 minutes from the Sacramento International Airport, and located in the heart of downtown. The Sacramento Convention Center offers over 134,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit hall space on one floor, another 61,000 sq. ft. of additional meeting space with 31 meeting rooms on three levels. A 2,400-seat Community Center Theater and 4,000seat Memorial Auditorium are close by. All three facilities are within walking distance to major downtown hotels, shops, and restaurants. For those driving into town, a Convention Center parking garage is located just two short blocks to the main entrance of the Center.

Hotel Inventory Within walking distance (or a short shuttle ride away) of the Convention Center are more than 2,000 rooms and a dozen hotel properties. Only a pedestrian walkway separates the Sheraton Grand and the Hyatt Regency from the entrance to the Center.

Several other properties can be found within a few blocks of the Center, including the Marriott Residence Inn at Capitol Park, Holiday Inn at Capitol Park, Best Western Sutter House, Holiday Inn Express, Clarion and Embassy Suites Waterfront.

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Attractions With over 600 events and approximately 1,000,000 visitors annually, we offer something for everyone. Sacramento is strategically located in Northern California – 90 minutes Northeast of San Francisco. We offer a wealth of cultural activities, professional sports and a wide range of family attractions. Take time to walk in our city and stroll through Capitol Park. Visit our many shops, relax on a riverboat or water taxi, and don’t forget to experience Old Sacramento where wooden boardwalks, cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages will transport you back in time.

Food & Beverage Award-winning Classique Catering is the celebrated caterer at the Convention Center and manages onsite Wolfgang Pucks Express and Starbucks coffeehouse. Classique Catering is a division of Centerplate and pride themselves on excellent service and quality product.

“The City of Sacramento and the Sacramento Convention Center offer you the best of both worlds – a diverse city with first-class amenities.”

–Judith A. Goldbar, General Manager

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

Making

everyday events unforgettable.

Tri-Cities Washington

springhill suites by Marriott, coMing spring 2014.

Conventions, trade shows, weddings, whatever your event — you won’t have to go far for a good night’s rest. And with 75,000 sq. ft of flexible meeting space, no event is too big. Enjoy the events at the Three Rivers Convention Center, then stay next door at SpringHill Suites, connected to the Convention Center. You just might not want to leave.

Come for the events. Stay for the amenities. web

www.threeriversconventioncenter.com |

phone

509.737.3705 |

and email

info@3riverscampus.com

the west / arizona

Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau 100 South Church Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701 (800) 638-8350 • www.visittucson.org

A

Real Service commitment to genuine personal service is the hallmark of the Conventions Sales team at the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau (MTCVB). Tucson’s competitive strategy is about being exceptional, and its brand differential is an authentic, customized experience. The bureau’s dedicated and experienced team of national sales managers, with a longstanding reputation for excellence, passionately sells the authenticity of Tucson and Southern Arizona as the Real Southwest.

“Outstanding service is the product of our people,” says Graeme Hughes, Director of Sales at the MTCVB. “Relationship capital is the key foundation of our brand. This ingrained and sustainable strategy has allowed the MTCVB to retain loyal clients, attract new customers and remain competitive in a heavily crowded marketplace for meetings and conventions.”

Real Southwest Tucson’s brand promise is delivering authentic and memorable experiences. Tucson’s history — deeply rooted in Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Western influences — creates one-of-a-kind meetings.

The region’s spectacular and captivating scenery is the perfect backdrop for any meeting, according to the bureau’s marketing director, Allison Cooper, who says that “Tucson’s real and rugged ranches, the natural surroundings of our luxury resorts, the real elegance of our historic hotels, and unique venues at the city’s best-known attractions create incredible, unforgettable meeting spaces.” From airplane hangars and working cattle ranches, to desert gardens and vaudeville theaters, Tucson’s meeting options reach far beyond the ballroom.

“It’s these elements,” say Cooper and Hughes, “that keep meeting planners coming back!”

Real Collaboration, Real Savings Although the award-winning Master Account Incentive campaign drew to a close last year — a program that generated an estimated economic impact of nearly $32 million to Tucson since its inception in 2008 and became the inspiration for other cities to offer similar incentives — a new campaign, “Real Collaboration, Real Savings,” was launched to inspire event planners to meet in Tucson. “Our clients are realizing real savings — up to $15,000,” says Hughes.

“Planners can earn credits to their master account by booking peak rooms with a two-night minimum stay. Savings can be tripled by booking multiple events.”

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

deeply rooted in Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Western influences

Real Potential Geared to aid meeting planners who are looking to have real choices in ensuring a successful meeting or event, Real Collaboration, Real Savings has yielded exceptional results for the bureau, its partners and clients. Complemented by Tucson’s “You Fly, We Buy” program, the bureau’s Convention Sales team is converting eight out of 10 meeting planners to hold meetings in Tucson. For more information or to fill out an RFP, visit TucsonOnUs.com, call (800) 638-8350, ext. 134 or email greatmeetings@visitTucson.org.

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alberta, Canada

Calgary TELUS Convention Centre 120 Ninth Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2G OP3 (800) 822-2697; (403) 261-8500; Fax: (403) 261-8510

Caribbean

Canada

calgary-convention.com

Director of Sales & Marketing: Heather Lundy Multi-purpose, newly expanded, fully-equipped venue; 132,000 sq. ft. flexible meeting space; 20,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 65,000+ sq. ft. exhibit space, five foyer areas, 27 breakout rooms. Terrace View Room is elegant fifth-floor roof-top room with private balcony; Olde Scotch Room is a multi-level room with built-in bar and hardwood floor. Full-service electronic infrastructure supports high-speed Internet, telecommunications and elaborate audio-visual displays, with full video-conferencing capabilities, satellite downlink, fiber-optic services; directly connected to 1,100+ hotel rooms; 11,000 hotel rooms citywide. Calgary offers vibrant shopping, dining and entertainment; spectacular hiking and skiing in Canadian Rockies. ontario, CAnada

The International Centre

6900 Airport Road, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4V 1E8 (905) 677-6131; (800) 567-1199 internationalcentre.com Sales Manager, Trade & Consumer Shows: Sandra Martin There’s something happening here For over 40 years The International Centre has been home to many of Canada’s largest and most popular events. With 548,000 sq. ft. of versatile exhibit and conference space, the Centre offers an upscale atmosphere, an exceptional culinary experience and a team of dedicated and knowledgeable professionals to ensure the success of your next event.

The largest exhibit hall is 125,500 sq. ft. and the largest ballroom is 17,068 sq. ft. A total of 63,500 sq. ft. of meeting space includes 26 meeting rooms. Located three minutes from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, The International Centre is surrounded by PAGE more than 10,000 hotel rooms and a variety of great restaurants and attractions.

145

ontario, CANADA

Ottawa Convention Centre

55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 9J2 (613) 563-1984; (800) 450-0077 www.ottawaconventioncentre.com Senior Vice-President, Sales and Client Service: Paul Keogh Canada’s Meeting Place Opened in April 2011, the Ottawa Convention Centre (OCC) is centrally located in downtown Ottawa, Ontario, Canada’s Capital and within walking distance of more than 6,000 downtown hotel rooms, numerous attractions and the ByWard Market. A 20-minute drive from the Ottawa International Airport, the OCC is directly linked to the Westin Ottawa Hotel and the 180-store Rideau Centre shopping complex. In January the facility received LEED® Gold certification. The OCC offers 192,000 sq. ft. of function space including a 55,741-sq.-ft. multipurpose hall accommodating 6,260 theater style, 4,600 banquet style and up to 400 10 ft.-by-10 ft. booths displays; 22,032 sq. ft. of pre-function space; 28 meeting PAGE 11 rooms; and a 19,032-sq.-ft. ballroom.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Convention Center

100 Convention Boulevard, San Juan, PR 00907 (800) 214-0420; Fax: (773) 753-1634 www.prconvention.com Associate Vice President Sales: Rosa M. Luke Smooth At 580,000 sq. ft., the PRCC is the Caribbean’s largest and most technologically-advanced meeting facility. Budget friendly amenities, beautiful surroundings, stunning views, worldrenowned service to make your experience a smooth one; 36,200 sq. ft. meeting space, including 15 meeting rooms on two levels, divisible into 28 sections; 39,500-sq.-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, business and resorts hotels, restaurants and night life. The centerpiece of the 113-acre waterfront development featuring hotels, walkways, fountains and restaurants.

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Jamaica

Montego Bay Convention Centre

Rose Hall, 18 Queens Drive Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica, West Indies (876) 622-9330; Fax: (876) 622-9360 www.mobaycentre.com Senior Sales and Marketing Manager: Michelle Parkes A World Class Convention Centre in the Heart of Jamaica A beautiful, lively island, Montego Bay offers a memorable experience for meeting attendees; excellent hotels, inns and guest houses; and great golf, music and a vibrant culture. With an oceanfront location and breathtaking views, the state-of-the-art Montego Bay Convention Centre features 132,000 sq. ft. of meeting, exhibition, ballroom, and plenary space, including: 56,788 sq. ft. of dedicated exhibition space; 18,845-sq.-ft. ballroom; nine meeting rooms; 6,000-seat theater; a large, full-service kitchen PAGE within the facility; and 4,000 nearby hotel rooms.

147

Puerto Rico

Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino

200 Convention Boulevard, San Juan, PR 00907 (787) 993-3500; (800) 325-3535; Fax: (787) 993-3525 www.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, the Sheraton is a truly remarkable landmark, just 10 minutes from international airport. Meeting space: 35,000 sq. ft., nine breakout rooms; 16,290-sq.-ft. ballroom; 1,480 theater seats. Adjacent to Puerto Rico Convention Center. Event staff and onsite catering team. 503 guestrooms. 16 gaming tables, 500 of the latest slot machines, exceptional entertainment options. Numerous dining, shopping and nightlife venues.

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

Planning an event?

Rita and SandRa Will dO WHateveR it taKeS tO MaKe it a SUCCeSS. Meet Sales Managers Rita Medynski and Sandra Martin, two more reasons you should consider The International Centre for your next meeting, conference or event. They bring a level of experience and professionalism to their work that you won’t find anywhere else. They’re committed to your success – no request is too large or detail too small. Give Rita and Sandra a call when you’re planning your next meeting or event.

Rita Medynski (left) and Sandra Martin (right)

Follow us!

InternationalCentre.com 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga, Ontario 905.677.6131 / tf 1.800.567.1199

3 450+ EVENTS A YEAR 3 $4.5 M RENEWAL PLAN 3 500,000+ FT2 EVENT & MEETING VENUE 3 5,000 FREE PARKING SPACES

caribbean / jamaica

About MONTEGO BAY CONVENTION CENTRE The pride of Montego Bay, the new Conference Centre brings serious finishing, and latticework screens. And it’s super elegant - marble tiles business to the second city and as an international convention destina- and stylish furniture. tion, it is already making an impact on the local economy. Unlike leisure The facility offers over travel, which has its peak seasons, convention business is year round 100,000 square feet of and the benefits are shared - the Centre feeds into the 5-star hotels convention and meeting along the elegant corridor and the attractions in and around the area space – all very flexible offer leisure activities for the delegates. Now open, the local business and functional. There are community has been very supportive – with the Centre being booked three main areas, and for meetings, retreats, training workshops and special events. each one can be divided up to offer several It is also becoming known as a sports venue, hosting championship options: The Exhibition events in table tennis, taekwondo and domino competitions. Church events are popular, so too are weddings which can be held on the large Hall is massive, spread over two separate buildings, it can accommodate landscaped lawns. The venue also targets the music industry, and is 6,200 theatre style, 4,700 banquet seating, or 282 booths; the Grand ideal for concerts, which can be held indoors, or in the huge paved Ballroom, carpeted with chandelier lighting, can seat 1,580 banquet style. courtyard overlooking the ocean. To date the two big events include On the west wing, another building houses 9 meeting areas, the largest the major international tourism trade shows - Caribbean Marketplace accommodating up to 600, to a small boardroom. Not overlooked in and JAPEX. Surprisingly, the room rates are very good and clients are design are the spacious pre-function lobby areas, with reception desks able to manage their budget depending on all the add-ons, such as and comfortable seating, and the large, immaculate public washrooms. audio visuals and catering.

Another building, the Jamaica Room, with windows on all sides, has great The Centre is located on prime land and the complex is the first of its wall space, and is planned as an art gallery to feature ongoing exhibikind in the Caribbean - owned by the local Urban Development Corpora- tions. Then there’s the brick-tiled courtyard, which can hold 2,600 people tion, funded by a US$ 45 million loan from EXIM Bank of China and built reception, great for large outdoor parties. There is also the Ocean View by the Chinese. Well planned and designed, it is impressive in many Terrace, which can seat 1,500 banquet style. ways. Architecturally it delivers so much and incorporates several design elements. Elevated, it has a dramatic view of the coastline, with The 15,000sq. ft. kitchen, which is probably the largest, best equipped on a backdrop of the mountains; there’s the grandeur of the old Georgian island is a huge space with additional prep rooms for salads, seafood, style public buildings seen in Jamaica, with cut stone work dominating meat and pastry. Catering is a big part of the Centre’s services from the exterior, along with large green plantation style shutters, yet there coffee and tea breaks, to working lunch buffets, cocktail parties and is enough glass and chrome to give it all a very modern feel. There are 5-course banquets. Both the kitchen and Exhibition Hall also have freight the water features - narrow, long shallow pools, all calming and access. Parking is ample, with coach bays. tranquil. The interior décor has Asian-influences in the cherry wood There will be a full service business centre offering secretarial services. All the meeting rooms are soundproof, and equipped with the latest in IT facilities including fully integrated global broadcast and teleconferencing For more information | www.mobaycentre.com capabilities. There is also a team of roaming audio visual technicians.

Montego Bay Convention Centre | Half Moon P.O. Box #4058, Rose Hall, St. James, JAMAICA | E: mobaysales@mobaycentre.com | T: +1 876 622 9330 146

Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

Top 10 Reasons to Meet in Montego Bay An SMG Managed State-of-the-Art Convention Centre Excellent Airlift to Montego Bay from North America, UK and Europe Tax Deductible Expenses* Luxury Accommodations Duty-free Shopping Centres Entertainment & Music Gourmet Restaurants & Bars Beaches, Golf Courses and Recreation Cultural Sites & Packaged Tours Reliable Transportation System

About MONTEGO BAY CONVENTION CENTRE “Montego Bay Convention Centre, is the first of its kind in the English speaking Caribbean and boasts an Exhibit Hall that is divisible into two halls, accommodating up to 6,000 persons theatre style. Located in the resort area of Rose Hall, its close to over 4,000 luxury accommodations, duty free shopping, restaurants, entertainment, golf courses, beaches, bars and only 15 minutes from the Sangster’s International Airport, making the facility the ideal place to meet or host your next event.” - Dittie F. Guise, General Manager 57,525 sq. ft. Exhibit Hall

9,737 sq. ft. of Meeting Space

43,000 sq. ft. Outdoor Courtyard

18,471 sq. ft. Ballroom

and Terrace with Ocean View.

For more information

|

www.mobaycentre.com

facebook.com/mobaycentre twitter.com/mobaycentre

*Applicable to US citizens or corporation.

Montego Bay Convention Centre | Half Moon P.O. Box #4058, Rose Hall, St. James, JAMAICA | T: (876) 622 9330

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S e e n & H e a rd at the

I nt ern at i o n a l As s oc i at i o n o f Exh i bi t i o n s & Ev e n ts (IAEE) Expo! Expo!

Annual Meeting & Exposition, Dec. 5, 2012, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL

Pamela Hirneisen (left), VP, Convention Center Sales & Marketing, Los Angeles Convention Center, and Mary Bones, CASE, Director, North and Southeast Region Convention Sales, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board

Karen F. Niederdorfer, CHSP, National Sales Manager, Connecticut Convention Center

Moira Davin, Sales Manager, Tacoma Regional Convention + Visitor Bureau

Dustin B. Arnheim, Director of Convention Sales, Visit Indy

Representing The International Centre, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada (from left): Rita Medynski, CEM, Sales Manager; Sandra Martin, Sales Manager; and Ron Bentley, Director of Event and Client Services

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Melanie Rice, National Sales Manager Convention Center Sales, Memphis Cook Convention Center Tim Buckley, Sales Manager, Ocean Center Daytona Beach, and Lisa Shavatt, Director of Group Sales, Hilton Daytona Beach Resort/Ocean Walk Village

Sherry Chambers (left), CMP, Senior Director of Sales, Greater Columbus Convention Center posed with Dittie Guise, General Manager, Montego Bay Convention Centre

Representing the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission were (from left): Dot Hewitt; John Bettag, CMP, VP of Sales; and Melanie Donnelly

Amy Simon, Sales and Marketing Manager, Visit Monroeville (PA)

Frank Dominici, General Manager, and Robin Cuneo, Executive Director of the Meadowlands Exposition Center, Secaucus, NJ

Naz Sabripour (left), Director of Convention Services, and Jeanne O’Grady, CEM, Associate Director of Sales, Pasadena (CA) Convention Center

From left: Bernard Sefcik, Director of Hotel Sales, The Borgata, Atlantic City; Shura Garnett, CFE, Global Spectrum Regional VP and GM, Saint Charles Convention Center; and Gary Musich, VP Convention Sales, Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority

From left: Bryan Lavin, Director of National Accounts, Providence Warwick CVB; Arleen Oliva, Senior Sales Manager, Rhode Island Convention Center (RICC); and Shannon Jones, CEM, Operations Manager, RICC

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E mer g e Con f e r e n c e 2 0 13 Snapshots of the Religious Conference Management Association’s annual meeting, held Jan. 28-Feb. 1 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Dr. Tony Evans, host of radio program The Alternative, speaks at the Thursday luncheon.

Keynote speaker John Cassis discusses how to embrace change and cope with the daily pressures of life.

The Emerge tradeshow floor

RCMA Executive Director Dr. Harry Schmidt welcomes attendees.

Emerge attendees gave back to the community at one of three service projects: Minneapolis Emergency Foodshelf Network, Youthlink and Northside Child Development Center.

Kathy Disney

W. Bill Williams Jr., CMP, Vice-President of Diversity/ Sales, Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau, receives the “Award of Excellence” from (l-r) RCMA President Dr. Melvin Worthington, CMP, and Executive Director Dr. Harry Schmidt.

(L-r): RCMA Executive Director Dr. Harry Schmidt and Dean Jones, Director of Conference & Events, honor 20-plus-year sponsors Robert Wood, Oklahoma City CVB; David Bradley, Valley Forge CVB; and Nick Topitzes, pc/nametag.

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Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

ew

Advertiser Index Northeast Atlantic City CVA..................................... 75 Greater Boston CVB................................ 76 Connecticut Convention Center............ 67 David L. Lawrence Convention Center.................................. 61 MassMutual Center................................. 30 Meadowlands Exposition Center........... 79 The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls............................................ 27 Philadelphia CVB..................................... 81 Providence Warwick CVB........................ 35 Rhode Island Convention Center........... 19 Rochester Riverside Convention Center.................................. 85 Mid-Atlantic Visit Norfolk.............................................. 86 Ocean City Convention Center.............. 87 Greater Richmond Convention Center.. 27 Southeast Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex................................................... 91 The Classic Center................................... 14 Huntsville/Madison County CVB............ 22 Miami Beach Convention Center........... 26 Mobile Convention Center..................... 89 New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center..............................................Cover 3 Orange County Convention Center....... 95 Owensboro Convention Center........28-29 Visit Savannah.......................................... 97 Vicksburg Convention Center................ 98 Midwest Akron/Summit CVB.................................. 65 Bridge View Center............................... 100 Clay County Events Center................... 101 Positively Cleveland................................. 13 Greater Columbus Convention Center.105 Delta Center....................................Cover 4

Greater Des Moines CVB...................... 109 Indiana Convention Center.................... 15 Kansas City Convention Center.............. 43 Kansas Expocentre.................................. 69 Little Rock CVB........................................ 17 Magouirk Conference Center............... 113 Meet Minneapolis...................................... 3 Monona Terrace Convention Center... 115 RiverCenter.............................................. 71 Saint Charles Convention Center........... 27 The Sanford Center................................. 63 SeaGate Convention Centre.................. 37 Swiftel Center......................................... 116 Tinley Park Convention Center.............. 33 West Amarillo CVC............................................ 16 Anaheim/Orange County CVB............. 119 Austin Convention Center.................... 121 Boise CVB................................................. 38 Colorado Convention Center............... 123 Colorado Springs CVB.............................. 5 Cox Convention Center........................ 127 Fairplex................................................... 129 Hawaii Convention Center.................... 131 Hurst Conference Center...................... 133 Oklahoma City CVB............................... 135 Oregon Convention Center.................. 137 Phoenix Convention Center................. 139 Sacramento Convention Center........... 141 Three Rivers Convention Center.......... 142 Metropolitan Tucson CVB..............Cover 2 Canada The International Centre....................... 145 Ottawa Convention Centre..................... 11 Other Montego Bay Convention Centre........ 147 SMG.........................................................6-7 Global Spectrum.................................24-25

ew Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook

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Business Viewpoints

Te st Yo u r ROI I Q Continued from page 47

Top 5 Barriers to Progress Industry professionals have barely scratched the surface of connecting meetings and events to business value. What keeps them from doing it? Here are the Top 5 Barriers:

1.

Fear of results. Meeting planners and event organizers often have a fear of the outcome of ROI measurement.

If business value is not demonstrated, how will that affect my meeting, my client, my success and my performance?

In reality, a negative ROI will usually not kill the meeting, nor should it reflect on the performance of the planner.

Instead, the result should be approached with a spirit of process improvement. Make sure the client understands that if the meeting is not delivering the expected value, then adjustments will be made. Most of the time, the client will readily accept this type of arrangement.

2.

Perceived complexity. ROI evaluation is often perceived to be a very complex process with all types of mathematical formulas, financial terms and equations, and statistics that most planners don’t want to even think about. In reality, it comes down to very simple mathematics. It is a ratio of the net benefits to cost. Even if the evaluation does not go to the ROI level, there are other important levels of data that are extremely useful and valuable. The process is straightforward, sequential and logical.

3.

Time. Meeting planners typically don’t have time for extra activities, and they don’t feel they have time for ROI measurement. That circumstance may mean

that the process has to be outsourced. The good news is that in-house evaluation is not that expensive. Investing the time in an ROI study for a major meeting may cost less than $5,000 for a meeting with a budget of over a million dollars. If it were outsourced, the evaluation would probably be about $25,000. Still, $25,000 is not much to pay for a $1 million meeting (2.5 percent) in order to see how well it is working for key stakeholders.

4.

Know-how. Unfortunately, meeting planners often don’t know how to determine business value. Their career preparation rarely includes this type of analysis.

Fortunately, some of the professional organizations are stepping up and offering a variety of courses.

5.

Access. Planners typically indicate they do not have access to people to secure the data needed for evaluation. But for most studies, access is not an issue.

What is needed is the commitment from the participants to provide the data. Planners can take extra steps in the beginning of the meeting to get people more involved, engaged and committed to deliver the data.

Next Steps Determining the business value of meetings often means learning new processes, taking a few risks and exploring some unknowns. The payoff can be tremendous. On the other hand, if the project is not pursued, the consequences can be devastating.

Jack J. Phillips, Ph.D., is Chairman of the Birmingham, AL-based ROI Institute, Inc., and serves as President of the International Society for Performance Improvement (2012-2013). The Institute offers courses on Phillips’ ROI Methodology, which has been endorsed by PCMA and MPI.

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