DESTINATION
BOISE’S BEEN BUSY A N EX PAN DE D C O N V E N TIO N C E NT ER A N D N EW H O T E L S H AVE EN H A N C E D THE C ITY ’S ME E T IN G S PR O D U C T By Debi Lander
B
oise has become one of the Northwest’s most vibrant hotspots — ablaze with new building projects, renovations and upgrades. Idaho’s capital and largest city is home to a population of approximately 250,000. Not terribly big, but Boise is sure to impress meeting groups with its character and charm. “From the beautiful surrounding foothills to the vibrant, walkable, safe downtown with over 100 different restaurants and many unique shops, Boise is a great choice,” says Carrie Westergard, Executive Director of the Boise CVB. Compared to competing markets in California and the Northeast, meeting costs in Boise are more budget friendly. “Many planners comment on the price of a gallon of coffee at Boise Centre — $32.00, while in other cities a gallon of coffee is often double if not triple that amount,” says Pat Rice, Executive Director of the Boise Centre, Idaho’s largest convention center. Getting to Boise is a snap. The airport offers 20 nonstop 20
flights from U.S. cities, predominately in the West, on major airlines — with Dallas, Houston and Chicago the farthest east. Boise’s airport couldn’t be more convenient; it’s just four miles from downtown, and many hotels offer free shuttles. Boise wants planners’ business and is prepared and willing to assist. According to Westergard, “The Boise CVB team is ready to listen and help with everything from securing the right venue and hotel rooms to unique offsite venues and attractions. We are also more than happy to assist with promotion to encourage event attendance.”
BOISE CENTRE
The Boise Centre completed a $47.5 million expansion in 2017. The project includes the addition of nine meeting rooms, a 14,000-sq.-ft. ballroom with an airy glass-enclosed lobby, and connected concourse. The Boise Centre now offers meeting planners more than 86,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and event space. The largest function room is 24,426 sq. ft. FACILITIES & DESTINATIONS YEAR-END 2018