Meet Texas 2022-23

2022-2023

Meeting Planners Guide to Texas Convention MeetTX22.indb 1

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We should meet here every year.

WE HEAR THAT A LOT. The Woodlands combines stunning event space with natural surroundings and plenty of room to spread out. Here, events come together effortlessly. We have all the hosting capabilities of a larger city, neighboring proximity to major Houston airports, and one of the region’s top shopping, dining and entertainment areas for your group to enjoy.

Combining business with pleasure has never felt so effortless.

See what sets us apart at visitthewoodlands.com/txmeetings

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Unique meetings with unique incentives, activities, shopping, entertainment & experiences.

at gs

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Planner Resources 6

LUCKENBACH

MEET TEXAS

IS DESIGNED TO HELP NAVIGATE TEXAS as you determine where

TEXAS PLANNING ASSOCIATIONS

10

TEXAS CONVENTION AND VISITOR BUREAUS DIRECTORY

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UNIQUELY TEXAN

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NEWLY OPENED VENUES

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GROUP ACTIVITIES

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KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

you want to gather and celebrate. The guide is arranged by the Texas regional designations outlined on the map below. On pages 10-13, you will find contact information for convention and visitor bureaus, grouped by these regions. Pages 14-21 include useful articles to help you plan a successful event. To learn more about a city or geographic region, refer to the regional sections beginning on page 22.

Each section includes information about convention and visitor bureaus in that area.

Texas Regions 22 PANHANDLE PLAINS 25 PRAIRIES AND LAKES

Amarillo

40 PINEY WOODS Fort Worth El Paso Austin San Antonio

Houston

43 BIG BEND 46 HILL COUNTRY 48 SOUTH TEXAS PLAINS 50 GULF COAST

2 MEET TEXAS

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PHOTO: JASON RISNER

Dallas

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MEET IN CONROE, TEXAS. SOON. PRESIDENT TAMMY GALVIN

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER  NATIONAL SALES RYAN MILLER 214.789.7716 | RMILLER@GREENSPRING.COM

EDITOR TERESA KENNEY MANAGING EDITOR BETH BUEHLER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS TRAVEL TEXAS

CREATIVE DIRECTOR TONYA SUTFIN ART DIRECTORS TRACI ZELLMANN & MICAH EDEL

PRODUCTION MANAGER LY NGUYEN

CONVENTION CENTER OPENS SPRING 2023

DIGITAL PRODUCTION DIRECTOR DEIDRA ANDERSON ADVERTISING COORDINATOR MIKAYL A SNYDER

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER + DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, EVENTS & PARTNERSHIPS ARTHUR MORRISSEY EVENT OPERATIONS MANAGER RICK KRUEGER COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST TEGHAN MURPHY MARKETING + EVENTS COORDINATOR RACHEL TAYLOR

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS KATHIE GORECKI ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE NATASHA BA JJU

REPRINTS For high-quality reprints of 500 or more, call 612.371.5882 or email Lnguyen@greenspring.com.

For address changes, ordering single copies, cancellations, or general questions about your subscription please contact customer service at 866.660.6247.

a n y o v a Z x Ale NAGER

LES MA

SA GROUP

.3876

9401 James Avenue S., Suite 152, Bloomington, MN 55431 Phone 612.371.5800 Fax 612.371.5801

936.522

e.com

isitconro

alex@v

PHOTO: JASON RISNER

HOUR MEDIA CEO Stefan Wanczyk • President John Balardo

The pages between the covers of this magazine (except for any inserted material) are made from wood fiber that was procured from forests that are sustainably managed to remain healthy, productive, and biologically diverse.

Meet Texas is published annually © 2022 Greenspring Media. All rights reserved.

PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

V ISI TCONROE.COM 2022–2023

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P O N T O T O C W E I N G A R T E N PAT I O

After the past few years, it is definitely time to meet, Texas. And my how our state is prepared to do so. While the world shut down, our state’s industry was forging ahead in true Texan style with plans for the future. And now is our time to shine.

If you are a planner from out of state, new to the industry in Texas or just need a helpful reminder of everything we have to offer here, Meet Texas will help you get the lay of the land. In the following pages, you’ll find everything from new ideas for teambuilding activities to unique group outings and resources you can count on when organizing a gala, holiday party, convention or corporate retreat. Want to get the scoop on all the activity that has been happening over the last year?

We have that, too. We also included a handy list of the state’s convention and visitor bureaus; their teams will be more than happy to assist with making your next meeting or event in Texas truly memorable.

Thank you for taking some time out of your busy schedule to spend with us. If you have suggestions for future articles or venues and attractions to highlight, please feel free to reach out to me at tkenney@greenspring.com. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to get back to business, safely and successfully.

And our award-winning portfolio of Meetings + Events publications has exciting news of our own! Read the President’s Letter on page 6 of the enclosed Spring 2022 issue of Texas Meetings + Events.

Here’s to a productive and engaging year, bringing people together again.

Teresa Kenney

On Our Cover TEXAN BOLDNESS. Enjoy a group wine tasting at Signor Vineyards, Fredericksburg; indulge in some true Texan barbecue; take a tour of the USS Lexington Museum, Corpus Christi; enjoy a post-meeting outing for horse racing in Gillespie County; experience the public art of Beaumont; be inspired by the Texas landscape.

2022-2023

Meeting Planners Guide to Texas Convention

Visitor Bureaus

Editor, Meet Texas and Texas Meetings + Events Photos courtesy of Jason Risner; Goncharuk film/ Adobe Stock; Visit Corpus Christi/JT Garza; Robbyn Dodd; Kenyan Guidry; Jana/Adobe Stock 4 MEET TEXAS

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PHOTO: TRISH RAWLS

TIME TO SHINE

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All we’re missing is you.

Make plans today to write your own chapter in the Storybook Capital of America. Home to the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, the first museum of its kind to celebrate the art of children’s picture books, nobody has characters quite like Abilene.

PHOTO: TRISH RAWLS

Join us for the 10th Annual Children’s Art and Literacy Festival June 9-11, featuring internationally acclaimed, award-winning author and illustrator Sophie Blackall.

Learn more at abilenevisitors.com

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ILE A DALL A S

LET US LEND A HAND The dynamic Texas meetings and events industry is ready to help.

American Planning Association (APA)

International Live Events Association (ILEA)

Texas Chapter txplanning.org

ILEA Austin ileaaustin.com

Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Austin Chapter gbta-austinbta.org Texas Chapter (Houston) texasbta.org Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter dfw-bta.org San Antonio Chapter santantoniobta.org

International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Central Texas Chapter iaeectc.com Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter iaeedfw.com

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ILEA Dallas ileadallas.com ILEA Houston ileahouston.com ILEA San Antonio ileasantantonio.com

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) MPI Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter mpiweb.org/chapters/dallas-fort-worth

WA N T E D : RF PS Finding the perfect spot for your group is as easy as uploading your request for proposal to the Texas Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus. They will then send it out to destinations across the state. Visit tacvb.org/page/meetingplannerrfp.

National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) NACE Alamo (San Antonio) sanantonionace.com NACE Austin naceaustin.com NACE Dallas/Fort Worth dfwnace.com NACE Houston nacehouston.net

MPI Houston Chapter mpiweb.org/chapters/houston-area

Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)

MPI Texas Hill Country Chapter mpiweb.org/chapters/texas-hill-country

Gulf States Chapter gulfstates.pcma.org

PHOTO: TONY COUZELIS

IF YOU’RE NEW TO TEX AS or are planning a destination meeting or event in the state, it’s always nice to work with a friendly face. Lucky for you, here in Texas we are bursting at the seams with personable people—particularly in the meetings and events industry. In fact, the largest meeting and event industry association worldwide, Meeting Professionals International, is headquartered in Dallas.

Looking for a hand? Need some on-the-ground assistance? Wonder who is the best vendor to turn to for lighting, catering or f loral displays? Well, look no further than your colleagues in these meetings and events associations.

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PHOTO: TONY COUZELIS

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TEXAS CVB DIRECTORY CITY/COUNTY

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

PHONE

WEBSITE

BIG BEND Alpine

VISIT ALPINE TEXAS

432.837.2326

visitalpinetx.com

VISIT BIG BEND TOURISM

888.724.4236

visitbigbend.com

Del Rio

DEL RIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

830.775.3551

drchamber.com

El Paso

VISIT EL PASO

915.534.0600

visitelpaso.com

Midland

VISIT MIDLAND

800.624.6435

visitmidland.com

Odessa

DISCOVER ODESSA

432.333.7871

discoverodessa.org

PECOS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

432.445.2406

visitpecos.com

ALVIN CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

281.585.3359

visitalvin.com

Bay Area

VISIT BAY AREA HOUSTON

281.474.9700

visitbayareahouston.com

Bay City

VISIT BAY CITY

979.323.1176

visitbaycity.org

Baytown

VISIT BAYTOWN TEXAS

281.691.6710

visitbaytown.com

Beaumont

BEAUMONT CONVENTION & VISITOR BUREAU

409.880.3749

visitbeaumonttx.com

VISIT BROWNSVILLE

956.546.3721

visitbtx.com

CLUTE VISITORS BUREAU

888.462.5883

goclute.com

VISIT CORPUS CHRISTI

361.561.2000

visitcorpuschristi.com

Galveston

VISIT GALVESTON

409.797.5000

visitgalveston.com

Harlingen

VISIT HARLINGEN TEXAS

956.622.5053

visitharlingentexas.com

VISIT HOUSTON

713.853.8949

visithoustontexas.com

TRAVEL KATY

281.391.4800

travelkaty.com

KINGSVILLE VISITORS CENTER

361.592.8516

kingsvilletexas.com

Lake Jackson

VISIT BRAZOSPORT

979.285.2501

visitbrazosport.com

League City

VISIT LEAGUE CITY

281.554.1021

visitleaguecity.com

Nederland

NEDERLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & TOURIST BUREAU

409.722.0279

nederlandtx.com

Orange

ORANGE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

409.883.1011

orangetexas.org

Pearland

VISIT PEARLAND

281.997.5970

visitpearland.com

PORT ARANSAS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & TOURIST BUREAU

361.749.5919

portaransas.org

VISIT PORT ARTHUR TEXAS

409.985.7822

visitportarthurtx.com

PORTLAND TEXAS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITOR CENTER

361.777.4650

portlandtx.org

SOUTH PADRE CONVENTION CENTRE & CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

956.761.3000

sopadre.com

VISIT SUGAR LAND CONVENTION & VISITOR SERVICES

281.275.2045

visitsugarlandtx.com

EXPLORE VICTORIA TEXAS

361.485.3116

explorevictoriatexas.com

Big Bend

Pecos

GULF COAST Alvin

Brownsville Clute Corpus Christi

Houston Katy Kingsville

Port Aransas Port Arthur Portland South Padre Island Sugar Land Victoria

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TEXAS CVB DIRECTORY CITY/COUNTY

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

PHONE

WEBSITE

HILL COUNTRY Austin

VISIT AUSTIN

866.462.8784

visitaustin.org

Blanco

BLANCO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

830.833.5101

visitblancotexas.com

Boerne

BOERNE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

830.249.7277

visitboerne.org

Brady

BRADY/MCCULLOCH COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITORS CENTER

325.597.3491

bradytx.com

VISIT BROWNWOOD

325.641.0517

visitbrownwood.com

VISIT BUDA TX

512.295.7170

visitbudatx.com

VISIT CEDAR PARK TEXAS

512.401.5060

visitcedarparktexas.com

COLUMBUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

979.732.8385

columbustexas.org

UVALDE COUNTY TEXAS

830.232.4310

visituvaldecounty.com

DESTINATION DRIPPING SPRINGS

512.858.4740

destinationdrippingsprings.com

EARLY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

325.643.5451

earlytx.net

VISIT FREDERICKSBURG TEXAS

830.997.6523

visitfredericksburgtx.com

VISIT GEORGETOWN TX

512.930.3545

visitgeorgetown.com

Kerrville

KERRVILLE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

830.792.3535

kerrvilletexascvb.com

Lampasas

LAMPASAS COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITOR CENTER

512.556.5172

lampasaschamber.org

LLANO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITOR CENTER

325.247.5354

llanochamber.org

VISIT MARBLE FALLS

830.693.4449

visitmarblefalls.org

PLAY IN NEW BRAUNFELS

800.572.2626

playinnewbraunfels.com

Pflugerville

PFUN TX

512.990.6113

pfuntx.com

Round Rock

GO ROUND ROCK

512.218.7023

goroundrock.com

Salado

VISIT SALADO TEXAS

254.947.8634

visitsaladotexas.com

San Marcos

VISIT SAN MARCOS

512.393.5930

visitsanmarcos.com

Taylor

VISIT TAYLOR

512.352.3675

ci.taylor.tx.us

Uvalde

VISIT UVALDE

830.278.4115

visituvalde.com

Brownwood Buda Cedar Park Columbus Concan Dripping Springs Early Fredericksburg Georgetown

Llano Marble Falls New Braunfels

PANHANDLE PLAINS Abilene

ABILENE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

325.676.2556

abilenevisitors.com

Amarillo

AMARILLO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

800.692.1338

visitamarillo.com

Andrews

ANDREWS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

432.523.2695

andrewstx.com

Big Spring

VISIT BIG SPRING

432.263.8235

visitbigspring.com

Childress

CHILDRESS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITOR CENTER

940.937.6420

cityofchildress.com

Lubbock

VISIT LUBBOCK

806.747.5232

visitlubbock.org

VISIT MINERAL WELLS

940.325.2557

visitmineralwells.org

San Angelo

DISCOVER SAN ANGELO

325.655.4136

discoversanangelo.org

Wichita Falls

DISCOVER WICHITA FALLS

940.761.6820

discoverwitchitafalls.com

Mineral Wells

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TEXAS CVB DIRECTORY CITY/COUNTY

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

PHONE

WEBSITE

PINEY WOODS Cleveland

CLEVELAND CIVIC CENTER & CVB

281.592.2395

clevelandtexas.com

CONROE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

936.522.3500

visitconroe.com

SABINE COUNTY TOURISM & VISITORS BUREAU

409.787.1047

visitsabinecounty.com

Henderson

CITY OF HENDERSON DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

866.650.5529

visithendersontx.com

Huntsville

HUNTSVILLE TOURISM & CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

936.291.5932

huntsvilletexas.com

Kilgore

KILGORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITORS BUREAU

903.984.5022

kilgorechamber.com

Lindale

VISIT LINDALE

903.881.5103

visitlindale.com

LONGVIEW CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

903.753.3281

visitlongviewtexas.com

LUFKIN CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

936.633.0349

visitlufkin.com

Marshall

MARSHALL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

903.702.7777

visitmarshalltexas.com

Mineola

CITY OF MINEOLA, DEPARTMENT OF MARKETING & TOURISM

903.569.6183

mineola.com

Mount Pleasant

MOUNT PLEASANT/TITUS COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITORS COUNCIL

903.572.8567

mtpleasanttx.com

NACOGDOCHES CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

936.564.7351

visitnacogdoches.org

EAST MONTGOMERY COUNTY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

281.354.4419

emctx.com

PALESTINE VISITOR CENTER

903.723.3014

visitpalestine.com

SHENANDOAH CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

281.292.5953

visitshenandoahtx.com

VISIT THE WOODLANDS

281.367.1151

visitthewoodlands.com

VISIT TYLER

903.593.6905

visittyler.com

ADDISON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM

972.450.7076

addisontexas.net

ALLEN CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

214.509.4670

visitallentexas.com

Arlington

ARLINGTON CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

800.433.5374

arlington.org

Balch Springs

CITY OF BALCH SPRINGS TOURISM DEPARTMENT

512.581.4011

cityofbalchsprings.com

Bastrop

EXPLORE BASTROP COUNTY

512.581.7100

explorebastropcounty.com

Bastrop

VISIT BASTROP

512.332.8990

visitbastrop.com

Brenham

VISIT BRENHAM TEXAS

979.337.7580

visitbrenhamtexas.com

CANTON VISITORS BUREAU

903.567.1849

visitcantontx.com

Cedar Hill

VISIT CEDAR HILL

469.272.2902

visitcedarhilltx.com

Cleburne

CLEBURNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

817.645.2455

visitcleburne.com

VISIT COLLEGE STATION

979.260.9898

visit.cstx.gov

Cuero

CUERO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, AGRICULTURE & VISITORS BUREAU

361.275.2112

cuero.org

Dallas

VISIT DALLAS

214.571.1000

visitdallas.com

Denton

DISCOVER DENTON

940.382.7895

discoverdenton.com

ENNIS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

972.878.4748

visitennis.org

Conroe Hemphill

Longview Lufkin

Nacogdoches New Caney Palestine Shenandoah The Woodlands Tyler

PR AIRIES AN D L AKES Addison Allen

Canton

College Station

Ennis

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TEXAS CVB DIRECTORY CITY/COUNTY

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

PHONE

WEBSITE

PRAIRIES AND LAKES, CONTINUED Farmers Branch

DISCOVER FARMERS BRANCH

972.247.3131

discoverfarmersbranch.com

VISIT FORT WORTH

800.433.5747

fortworth.com

VISIT FRISCO

972.292.5250

visitfrisco.com

GARLAND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

972.205.2749

visitgarlandtx.com

Gatesville

GATESVILLE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

254.499.0102

visitgatesvilletx.com

Glen Rose

GLEN ROSE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

254.897.3081

exploreglenrose.org

Gonzales

GONZALES CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

830.672.2815

tourgonzales.com

Granbury

VISIT GRANBURY

817.573.5548

visitgranbury.com

VISIT GRAND PRAIRIE

800.288.8386

visitgrandprairietx.com

GRAPEVINE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

817.410.3185

grapevinetexasusa.com

Hico

VISIT HICO

254.796.4620

visithicotexas.com

Irving

IRVING CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

800.247.8464

irvingtexas.com

Killeen

KILLEEN CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

254.501.3888

visitkilleen.com

Lewisville

LEWISVILLE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

972.219.3401

visitlewisville.com

Mansfield

MANSFIELD CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

817.728.3390

visitmansfieldtexas.com

McKinney

VISIT MCKINNEY TEXAS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

214.544.1407

visitmckinney.com

Mesquite

MESQUITE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

972.204.4925

visitmesquitetx.com

Paris

PARIS VISITOR & CONVENTION COUNCIL

903.784.2501

paristexas.com

Plano

VISIT PLANO

800.817.5266

visitplano.com

RICHARDSON CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

972.744.4034

visitrichardsontx.com

Sealy

SEALY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

979.885.3222

visitsealy.com

Seguin

SEGUIN MAIN STREET & CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

830.379.3212

visitseguin.com

VISIT SOUTHLAKE

817.748.8652

visitsouthlaketexas.com

STEPHENVILLE TOURISM & VISITORS BUREAU

254.552.1222

visitstephenville.com

HOPKINS COUNTY & SULPHUR SPRINGS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

903.885.8071

hopkinscountyciviccenter.info

Temple

DISCOVER TEMPLE

254.298.5900

discovertemple.com

The Colony

VISIT THE COLONY

972.624.5253

visitthecolonytx.com

WACO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

254.750.8696

wacoheartoftexas.com

WAXAHACHIE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

469.309.4040

waxahachiecvb.com

LAREDO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

956.795.2200

visitlaredo.com

VISIT MCALLEN

956.682.2871

visitmcallen.com

VISIT SAN ANTONIO

210.244.2000

visitsanantonio.com

Fort Worth Frisco Garland

Grand Prairie Grapevine

Richardson

Southlake Stephenville Sulphur Springs

Waco Waxahachie

SOUTH TE X AS PL AINS Laredo McAllen San Antonio

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B A L C O N E S FA U LT L I N E C AV E , S A N M A R C O S

UNIQUELY TEXAN

Check out these not-to-be-missed group outings in the Lone Star State. By Teresa Kenney

BIG BEND REGION Location on the Texas Map: West Texas Meet Up In: El Paso, Midland, Odessa, Marfa Quirkily Texan Group Tours: Explore the 80,000-acre Big Bend

National Park (southwest Texas) or El Paso Mission Trail (El Paso) and experience the Marfa Lights, colorful lights that spontaneously and mysteriously light up the southeastern horizon of the small arts town.

GULF COAST REGION Location on the Texas Map: South Texas Meet Up In: Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi Quirkily Texan Group Tours: Tour Space Center Houston and NASA’s

historic Mission Control (Houston); travel back to the Gilded Age at Bishop’s Palace, named one of the 100 most important buildings

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in America (Galveston); and unleash your inner surfer at the Texas Surf Museum (Corpus Christi).

HILL COUNTRY REGION Location on the Texas Map: Central Texas Meet Up In: Austin, Fredericksburg, San Marcos, Round Rock Quirkily Texan Group Tours: Roam Wildseed Farms, the nation’s

largest working wildf lower farm (Fredericksburg); take a batwatching cruise by South Congress Bridge to see where these creatures hang out (Austin); go deep into Balcones Fault Line Cave, the country’s only cave formed by an earthquake (San Marcos); and spend the afternoon at Chisholm Trail Crossing Park, part of the famed Chisholm Trail that was used in the 19th century to drive cattle to midwestern markets (Round Rock).

P H OTO S: G R AC I E B A R R E T T; (O P P O S I T E) M A R C B E N N E T; C R A I G KU H N E R

NOTHING MAKES A DESTINATION meeting unforgettable like immersing the group in the area’s unique finds, and Texas has plenty of those to go around. Regardless of where you meet in the state, here are some truly memorable attractions to add to the agenda or offer as post-meeting options.

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W I L D S E E D FA R M S , F R E D E R I C K S B U R G

PANHANDLE PLAINS Location on the Texas Map: Northwest Meet Up In: Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene Quirkily Texan Group Tours: Express your-

self at Cadillac Ranch, 10 graffiti-covered Cadillacs buried nose first off Route 66 (Amarillo); test your wits at At’l Do Farms Corn Maze, an elaborate seasonal maze of maize that is as much art as it is a challenge (Lubbock); and take a storybook sculpture walking tour of children’s book characters (Abilene).

PRAIRIES AND LAKES REGION Location on the Texas Map: North Meet Up In: Dallas, Fort Worth Quirkily Texan Group Tours: Bend your

mind at the Museum of Illusions (Dallas); celebrate the courageous women who helped forge the American West at the Cowgirl Hall of Fame (Fort Worth); and trace the path of dinosaurs and see 100-millionyear-old dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur Valley State Park (Glen Rose).

PINEY WOODS REGION Location on the Texas Map: East Meet Up In: The Wood lands, Conroe,

P H OTO S: G R AC I E B A R R E T T; (O P P O S I T E) M A R C B E N N E T; C R A I G KU H N E R

Huntsville

Quirkily Texan Group Tours: Go ghost hunt-

ing in Jefferson, the most haunted town in Texas; and take a tour of “Prison City USA” (Huntsville), including a stop at the birthplace of the prison rodeo.

SOUTH TEXAS PLAINS Location on the Texas Map: South Central Meet Up In: San Antonio, Laredo, McAllen Quirkily Texan Group Tours: Snap a group

selfie (groupie) at the Guinness Book recordsetting tallest boots sculpture (San Antonio); and go stargazing at Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium, a teaching and learning center on Texas A & M International University’s campus and one of the most advanced planetariums in the state (Laredo).

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Texans are never satisfied with the status quo.

The meetings and events and hospitality industries are always introducing something fresh in the Lone Star State.

By Teresa Kenney

DALL A S CONVE NTION C E NTE R

FORE! 2023 Omni Hotels & Resorts broke ground for the 501-room Omni PGA Frisco Resort last year. Scheduled to open in spring 2023, the $520 million, 600-acre development will feature the North American PGA headquarters, meeting space, retail and 46 holes of golf. The first golf event at the resort is the KitchenAid Senior PGA Golf Tournament in May 2023.

LOFTY AMBITION IN LUBBOCK

UP ON THE ROOF

Located near the Buddy Holly Center and Silent Wings Museum, Aloft Lubbock opened in February 2021. The hotel features 566 square feet of meeting space.

Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk has introduced a 6,500-square-foot, open-air rooftop event space, Terrace on 5th. The space features views of downtown San Antonio and includes a large lawn.

PUT OUT THE WELCOME MAT FOR 2023 Construction is underway on the 200-room DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Abilene. Scheduled to open its doors in 2023, the hotel is adjacent to Abilene Convention Center and features an on-site restaurant with private dining, fitness center, pool deck and 17,000 square feet of meeting space, including a ballroom that exceeds 12,000 square feet.

NEW DALLAS CONVENTION CENTER RECEIVES STAMP OF APPROVAL The Dallas City Council approved plans for a new, $2 billion, 2.5 million-square-foot convention center. Construction is expected to begin in 2024 and slated for completion in 2028. The new center will have 800,000 square feet of exhibit space and 400,000 square feet of breakout space, including ballrooms with outdoor terraces.

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CLUBBING San Antonio’s 1902 Nightclub opened in late 2021. Located in the historic St. Paul Square district, the 119-year-old property was formerly Sunset Station Train Depot.

The venue is available for private rentals and can accommodate 150 people for a seated event or 900 for a cocktail party.

P H OTO S : R U B E N L A N D A T E X A S B U S I N E S S L E A D E R ; ( O P P O S I T E ) O M N I H OT E L S & R E S O R T S ; J . W I L K I N S O N C O P H OTO G R A P H Y

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NEW LODGING IN EL PASO Planning a conference in El Paso and need a hotel to stay off-site? Holiday Inn Express & Suites opened in October 2021 near Fort Bliss Army Base, New William Beaumont Medical Center, El Paso International Airport, and Butterfield Industrial Park on the airport grounds. One smaller meeting space is available at the hotel.

THE WOODLANDS RESORT REBRANDS AND RENOVATES In January 2022, The Woodlands Resort became the first Curio Collection by Hilton property in Texas. The resort currently has 402 guest rooms and 75,000 square feet of indoor meeting and event space and will be undergoing an extensive renovation this year. During the refresh, The Woodlands Resort’s 3,000-square-foot Forest Deck will be transformed into an alfresco venue for meetings and receptions.

TEACHING HOTEL SERVES UP LESSONS IN UPGRADES

THOMPSON HOUSTON TO LAUNCH IN 2023 Scheduled to open its doors next year in downtown Houston, the 170-room Thompson Houston hotel will occupy the lower floors of a 35-story tower beneath Residences at The Allen condominiums. Hotel amenities include a spa, large pool deck, fitness center, ballroom, meeting rooms and event planning assistance.

DUAL BRAND, ONE ADDRESS In January 2021, Hyatt debuted its dual brand property Thompson/tommie Austin. The more sophisticated Thompson features 211 guestrooms and suites, while the urban-flavored tommie Austin has 193 king-size rooms. The Thompson also has 10,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor event space.

SUMMER DEBUT Scheduled to open in summer 2022, The Loren features 108 guest rooms and views of Lady Bird Lake. The Austin hotel has event space for up to 200 guests and a rooftop restaurant with private dining spaces.

P H OTO S : R U B E N L A N D A T E X A S B U S I N E S S L E A D E R ; ( O P P O S I T E ) O M N I H OT E L S & R E S O R T S ; J . W I L K I N S O N C O P H OTO G R A P H Y

The Hilton University of Houston—The Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership’s teaching hotel—is undergoing a $30.4 million expansion and renovation. Scheduled for completion in 2023, the expansion includes a new fivestory, 70-room guest tower.

OMN I P GA FRISCO RESORT

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LET’S GET TOGETHER Looking for some collaboration-strengthening, teambuilding suggestions?

We’ve got you covered across the state.

Courtesy of Travel Texas

AFTER MONTHS OF ZOOM HAPPY HOURS and virtual scavenger hunts, it’s time to get groups back together for inperson conferences and meetings. Savvy planners know that ordinary teambuilding exercises just won’t cut it. This is the moment to offer attendees the chance to reignite connections, foster unity and make lasting memories with colleagues. Thankfully, destinations across the state are serving up out-of-the-box activities to do just that.

We’ve rounded up some of the most engaging offerings from around Texas that will encourage your participants to shut off their laptops, get out of their work pajamas and collaborate face to face.

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1

GOODMANLEGRAND MUSEUM T YLER

Groups can travel back in time with an oldfashioned whodunnit murder mystery dinner in the historic Goodman-LeGrand Museum in Tyler. Originally built in 1859, the property was restored from 2010 to 2011 and offers visitors the opportunity to view fascinating items, such as antique hand-carved furniture, musical instruments, Civil War-era surgical

P H OTO S : K I P B E N N E T T  C H E W; ( O P P O S I T E ) V I S I T C O R P U S C H R I ST I / J T G A R Z A

HAND OF THE COOK, LUBBOCK

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tools and a grandfather clock. Groups can explore the museum and its well-manicured grounds—complete with large shade trees and beautiful azaleas and roses. However, the mood turns more sinister as participants come together for a killer night of entertainment.

The scene is set by original furnishings, photographs and memorabilia throughout this stunning landmark property. No one will be left on the sidelines as meeting groups become a part of the story through an evening of intrigue.

P H OTO S : K I P B E N N E T T  C H E W; ( O P P O S I T E ) V I S I T C O R P U S C H R I ST I / J T G A R Z A

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USS LEXINGTON MUSEUM CORPUS CHRISTI

The USS Lexington is full of stories. At Lockdown on the Lex, groups get the chance to write their own at the only escape room found aboard a World War II aircraft carrier. Meeting organizers can choose between two challenges: Beat the Blast, in which players race the clock to defuse a nuclear bomb that has been hidden aboard, or Face Your Fears, in which the mission is to find the last group brave enough to go looking for the ghostly residents of the ship.

No matter the mission, the experience is sure to challenge even the most experienced escape room enthusiasts. After completing the task, teams can explore the flight deck, navigate a fleet of warships at a virtual battle station, or take a tour to learn more about what it is like to be an aircraft carrier pilot.

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HAND OF THE COOK LUBBOCK

Lubbock native and local resident Lori Owen stirs up experiences for meeting groups to break out of the conference room and create something delicious at Hand of the Cook located in the city’s revitalized downtown.

Owen partners with local chefs to offer guests an immersive taste of the High Plains with hands-on cooking classes and intimate popup dinners. From homemade tortillas to traditional southern biscuits, the courses offer attendees a chance to elevate their meetings—and their taste buds—with an hour or two in the kitchen.

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TRINIT Y FOREST ADVENTURE PARK DALL AS

Groups test their courage and build collaboration at the 7-acre Trinity Forest Adventure Park in Dallas. The aerial adventure park’s customizable GroupWorx program allows thrill seekers of all levels to tackle high ropes courses of varying difficulty. Teams of 15–25 participants

come together to encourage each other as they push their limits on zip lines, tightropes, wobble bridges, ladders, free falls and more. Led by certified staff members, teambuilding sessions are designed to provide opportunities for participants to recognize the strengths of their colleagues and themselves, while building trust and camaraderie.

5

DIXIE DUDE R ANCH BANDER A

Known as the Cowboy Capital of the World, Bandera offers groups the opportunity to experience the state’s Western heritage with roping lessons, horseback riding, skeet shooting and campfire cooking at one of several ranches. Located near Hill Country State Park, Dixie Dude Ranch is an all-inclusive experience set on 725 acres. Founded as a working ranch in 1901 by William Wallace Whitley, the property was transformed into a guest ranch by his daughter and son-in-law in 1937. After a busy day of teambuilding on the range, guests are encouraged to dine together for family-style chuckwagon meals.

With cozy cabins, an outdoor pool and hot tub, sports courts and nighttime entertainment, it’s a great place for teams to unwind from the stressors of everyday life.

P H O T O S : T R I N I T Y T R E E T O P S ; 18 81 W E S T E R N P H O T O G R A P H Y C O .

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A B O U T T R AV E L T E X A S The Office of the Governor, Economic Development & Tourism (Travel Texas) is responsible for promoting Texas as a premier travel destination. The office works in concert with its partners (convention and visitors bureaus, local chambers of commerce, and travel-related organizations and associations) to promote Texas travel in both the domestic and international tourism marketing arenas.

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AU S T I N  B E RGS T RO M I N T E R N AT I O N A L A I R P O R T

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO If you’re not from Texas, we have some intel to share. By Teresa Kenney

THE MY TH OF TEX AS is often larger than the state itself. No, we aren’t all cowboys— or astronauts. We don’t all have oil derricks in our backyards or horses and longhorns in the front. And we don’t all watch football (just kidding, yes, we do). So, if you are new to Texas or are planning to meet here from out of state, we want to make sure you feel right at home.

P H O T O S : T R I N I T Y T R E E T O P S ; 18 81 W E S T E R N P H O T O G R A P H Y C O .

KNOW YOUR WAY AROUND. Texas is so big (cue response: How big is it?) that if you meet in Beaumont, you’re actually closer to someone in Tampa, Florida, than you are to your Texan industry peer in El Paso. In fact, it can take 16 hours to cross the width of Texas, so plan accordingly if your guests are coming from all different corners of the state.

P H OTO : D A N H E R R O N ; W H ATA B U R G E R

COME PREPARED. For the weather that is.

Because Texas is so big (see above), it also enjoys a variety of climates. Make sure your guests come prepared. Regions range from semi-arid and arid in the west to subtropical and humid in the east. Winter coats can be as necessary as a pair of shades.

THINK GLOBAL. Texas has nearly 400 public airports, making it a particularly convenient state for international conventions.

Major airports include Dallas Fort Worth International, Dallas Love Field, George Bush Intercontinental (Houston), William P. Hobby Airport (Houston), Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, San Antonio International Airport, El Paso International Airport, Corpus Christi International Airport and Midland International Airport.

SHOP LOCAL. Texas souvenirs are seriously awesome so advise your guests to leave plenty of room in their suitcases. No “My mom went to Texas and all I got was this lousy t-shirt” for your group. Nope. When your delegates return home, they’ll want to bring a bit of Texas with them. Fill your swag bags with some Texan treats like a local barbecue sauce or TexMex salsa. And make sure they have time to pick out their own pair of boots or cowboy hat.

DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS ICONS. Texans are serious about three things: Buc-ee’s, Whataburger and Blue Bell Ice Cream. If you rent a car while visiting (and if you aren’t meeting in a walkable urban center or small town, you probably should), you might come across a Buc-ee’s: a gas station/convenience store/rest stop/epic experience. Likewise, you will probably be invited to grab a meal at a Whataburger—our advice is to accept said invitation. Your taste buds will thank you. And a visit to the Lone Star state would be remiss without sampling the state’s unofficial official ice cream: any flavor that comes in a Blue Bell tub.

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PANHANDLE PLAINS THE NORTHERNMOST REGION OF TEXAS is where you can go from exploring manmade quirky to naturally majestic all in one day. Here, you’ll find Cadillac Ranch, an outdoor sculpture of half-buried, graffiti-adorned Cadillacs, as well as Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Known as the Grand Canyon of Texas, Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the country. A meeting backdrop like

C ADILL AC R ANC H

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PHOTO: AMARILLO CVB / J. GRIFFIS SMITH

this is likely to bring out your group’s natural creative genius.

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HOW WILL you MEET IN LUBBOCK? Wine Tasting after a workshop Tapas after teambuilding Concert after a conference g in the Plan your next meetin "Hub City" today! #LIVELOVELUBBOCK

PHOTO: AMARILLO CVB / J. GRIFFIS SMITH

VISITLUBBOCK.ORG

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PANHANDLE PLAINS

ABILENE ABILENE CONVENTION CONVENTION &AND ABILENE BUREAU CONVENTION & VISITORS VISITORS BUREAU

Locatedjust justtwo twohours hours west west of the Worth areaarea under the wide WestWest TexasTexas sky, Located theDallas/Ft. Dallas/Fort Worth under the wide Abilene is a spectacular destination for conferences, meetings, sports From tournaments. sky, Abilene is a spectacular destination for conferences andand meetings.

1927-1945 Located just two hours west of the Dallas/Ft. Worth area under the wide West Texas sky, Planners from in historic homes spacious auditoriums Hilton set acan newchoose standard of banquet luxury inspaces downtown Abilene, andtothat tradition continues Abilene is a spectacular destination for conferences, meetings, and sports tournaments. with thewith latest equipment.

Theby Abilene today theAV new DoubleTree HiltonConvention ConventionCenter Hotel.is a great choice for conferPlanners can choose from banquet spaces in historic homes to spacious auditoriums ences and meetings due to its spring, moreThe than 2,000-capacity auditorium and exhibit hall, along Opening its doors this the hotel will once againis aset the scene host with the latest AV equipment.

Abilene Convention Center great choice forand conferwith meeting rooms of varying sizes.

Located in the heart of downtown, the convention bustling activity in the heart of downtown.

With more than 200 guest rooms, a full ences and meetings due to its more than 2,000-capacity auditorium and exhibit hall, along center is surrounded by historic buildings with outdoor and indoor spaces and ballrooms service restaurant with private dining and a 12,151-square-foot ballroom, this will with meeting rooms of varying sizes. Located in the heart of downtown, the conventionbe ideal for after-hours gatherings, such as the SoDA District Courtyard.

Located inAbilene a revithe premier space in West Central Texas.

The hotel is connected to the center ismeeting surrounded by historic buildings with outdoor and indoor spaces and ballrooms talized entertainment district, the courtyard features distinct spaces that, together, can Convention Center.

Known for its impeccable service and hospitality, the convention ideal for after-hours gatherings, such as the SoDA District Courtyard. Located in a revitalized entertainment district, the courtyard features distinct spacesthese that, together, can accommodate upchoice to 500due guests. with2,000-capacity ample historic charm, venues offer a center is a great to itsImbued more than auditorium and exhibit hall, uprooms tofor 500 guests.

Imbued with ample historic charm, venues offer aby breathtaking backdrop weddings, receptions and exhibits. alongaccommodate with meeting of varying sizes.

The convention centerthese is surrounded backdrop for weddings, receptions and exhibits.

Forbreathtaking equestrian competitions, parties, trade shows, book theideal Taylorfor County historic buildings with outdoor andconcerts indoor or spaces and ballrooms afterFor equestrian competitions, parties, or trade shows, book the Taylor County Expo The sprawling complex offersconcerts classrooms to accommodate 500 people on up hoursCenter. gatherings.

Expo Center.

The sprawling classrooms to accommodate 500the people on up to aFor 7,500-seat coliseum.

One ofcomplex the mostoffers impressive equestrian centers in Southwest, equestrian competitions, parties, concerts or trade shows, book the Taylor County to a 7,500-seat coliseum. One of the most impressive equestrian centers in the Southwest, its $55 Center. million expansion wraps up in 2021.

Expo The sprawling complex offers classrooms to accommodate 500 people on its $55 million expansion wraps up in 2021.

Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureauequestrian staff are happy assist with disupThe to afriendly 7,500-seat coliseum and a recent $55 million centertoexpansion.

The friendly Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau staff are happy to assist with discounted group rates at restaurants, lodging services, media and public relations, volunteer The friendly Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau staff is happy to assist with counted group rates at restaurants, lodging services, media and public relations, volunteer support and more.

Submit a request for proposals and let’s get the ball rolling. discounted group rates at restaurants, lodging services, marketing, volunteers and support and more. Submit a request for proposals and let’s get the ball rolling. more. Contact us today!

VISITORS BUREAU

AbileneVisitors.com Abilenevisitors.com Abilenevisitors.com 1101 North First St.• •Abilene, Abilene, TX 79601 1101 North Street • Abilene, Texas 79601 1101 North FirstFirst Street Texas 79601 325.676.2556 325-676-2556 • Kim@abilenevisitors.com 325-676-2556 • Kim@abilenevisitors.com

VISIT LUBBOCK VISIT LUBBOCK Break out of the traditional meeting room and explore a city known for its music CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU legacy, renowned art community, award-winning wine scene and rich western heritage.

When planning your upcoming meeting, rest assured that the Visit Lubbock team is dedicated Home to the first designated cultural district in the state, Lubbock’s arts community to ensuring an unmatched and unforgettable gathering. It’s our team’s attention to detail and features art on display and on center stage. From the acclaimed artists who line the steadfast dedication to the visiting groups that keep meeting planners coming back. We offer a walls to the helical staircase, the Arts District offers myriad facilities to serve as the variety of complimentary services including hands-on planning for both meeting sessions as well backdrop of inspiration when meeting, including the Louise Hopkins Underwood as excursions, to guarantee each group – big or small – experiences true West Texas hospitality.

Center for the Arts and The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences.

If travelling by car or plane, making your way to the “Hub City” is easier than it may seem.

Having over 90% of Texas wine grapes grown on the Texas High Plains, the Lubbock There are five major highways that make traveling by car easy but depending on where you’re region is no stranger to hospitality. With six award-winning wineries in the area such traveling from, flying may be the best, most cost-efficient option. The Lubbock Preston Smith as McPherson Cellars and Llano Estacado Winery, give your event a bubbly flair by International Airport is five minutes from downtown and services major airlines like American, hosting in the tasting room.

United and Southwest. These airlines offer non-stop flights from areas like Dallas or Houston.

A uniquely Lubbock experience, attendees are given a first-hand look at our history Once here, getting around is convenient with multiple taxi, share ride and limo services. at museums and venues like the National Ranching Heritage Center, FiberMax Center Whether you’re hosting an intimate meeting or a large convention, Lubbock has the right for Discovery and the American Windmill Museum. accommodations to meet your needs. Browse through space options with complete information With both indoor and outdoor meeting space, and an average 265 days of sunshine on capacity and site amenities. For the “wow” factor, consider hosting your meeting in a winery, per year, guests are immersed in the charm and grandeur of the wild west while listensuch as McPherson Cellars located downtown, a museum rich in history like the American ing to a keynote speaker or collaborating with a breakout group. Experience Lubbock, Windmill Museum, or at the new DoubleTree by Hilton.

Texas during your next meeting in the LBK! When the time is right, we are here to serve you! For more information on scheduling your next event, contact a member of the Visit Lubbock sales team. #LiveLoveLubbock Visitlubbock.org VisitLubbock.org

1500 Broadway , Suite 600 1500 Broadway, Ste. 600 Lubbock, TX 79401 Lubbock, TX 79401 806.747.5232 • amy@visitlubbock.org 806.747.5232 • amy@visitlubbock.org

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PRAIRIES AND LAKES FROM A DAILY CATTLE DRIVE IN THE FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS to a lesson in line dancing at the legendary Billy Bob’s or a trip to Southfork Ranch—where the primetime soap opera “Dallas” was set—the Prairies and Lakes region is pure Texan.

You’ll also find dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur Valley State Park, only a short drive from the

P H OTO : A D O B E STO C K / D F I K A R

city lights of Dallas. Groups should expect the unexpected here.

BENBROOK L AKE

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PRAIRIES AND LAKES

ARLINGTON CONVENTION CENTER AND HOTEL OPENING 2024

E

very successful meeting, group tour or event can be broken down into two key elements: work and play. Nail them both, and your event will be a hit. But to do that, you need the right space, flexibility, access to airports, hotels, and a ton of fun stuff to do in your “down time.”

Ready to get down to work? Arlington, Texas, has meeting and event space for every kind of event and budget—both indoors and out. Enjoy the ease of the Convention Campus to entertainment spots with walkability, offering convenient access to attractions, dining, and cultural and natural settings. Opening in 2024, the Arlington Convention Center and Loews Arlington Hotel (connected via a skybridge to Live! by Loews Arlington), will offer a combined 1,188 guest rooms and 266,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space. The convention meeting space includes: • 66,000 square feet of outdoor space • 150,000-square-foot convention space • 50,000-square-foot ballroom Plus, check out the Esports Stadium Arlington + Expo Center, featuring 90,000 square feet of meeting space with 50,000 square feet of column-free exhibit floor.

When work is done, what you do with your time outside of the meetings or events can turn a good trip into one that your attendees will remember forever. From stadium tours and tons of

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live music to amazing food and local breweries—are here waiting to be discovered.

AT&T Stadium is a must-see marvel. The largest stadium (by seating) boasts a retractable roof and a large HD screen that is 175 feet wide. And Texas Live!, the $250 million world-class dining and entertainment district between Globe Life Park and AT&T Stadium in the heart of Arlington, is always rocking.

If your group prefers things more relaxed, the barbecue, live-music scene, breweries and restaurants are enough to fill a week of exploring.

We know meeting planning can be hard. But it can also be quite easy, particularly in the “Can Do City,” where planning, travel, work and play is a breeze. And, we’re here to help with every step. Nail the work and the play in the city where “can’t” doesn’t exist.

See you soon!

Arlington.org/Meetings-Conventions 1717 E. Randol Mill Rd., Ste. 101 • Arlington, TX 76011 800.433.5374 • chad@arlington.org

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PRAIRIES AND LAKES

VISIT DESTINATION VISITBASTROP, BASTROP,DESTINATION DESTINATION VISIT BASTROP, MARKETING ORGANIZATION MARKETINGORGANIZATION ORGANIZATION MARKETING

Texas hospitality was truly born here. Meet in Bastrop and change your perspective. If you’re Texas hospitality hospitality was was truly truly born born here. Meet in Bastrop Texas Bastrop and and change change your your perspective. perspective. If you’re visiting for an event, whether a working conference, an outdoor wedding or a special group Ifvisiting you’re for visiting for anwhether event, whether a working conference, an outdoor wedding or a group an event, a working conference, an outdoor wedding or a special retreat – the relaxed atmosphere of atmosphere Bastrop willof help you and your you guests get away.

Attendees VISIT BASTROP, DESTINATION special retreat—the relaxed of Bastrop andget your guest retreat group – the relaxed atmosphere Bastrop will help youwill andhelp your guests away.

Attendees will be delighted by our small-town charm, access tofront-porch the great outdoors vibrant get Attendees will be delighted by ourfront-porch small-town charm, access toand the willaway. be delighted by our small-town charm, front-porch access to the great outdoors and vibrant MARKETING ORGANIZATION history and culture.

Easy access to the airport and entertainment, an array of food options and great outdoors and vibrant history and culture.

Easy access to the airport and entertainTexas hospitality was trulytoborn Meet and in Bastrop and change your you’reoptions and history and culture.

Easy access thehere. airport entertainment, anperspective. array of Iffood a variety of accommodations, from cabins with rustic history to a luxury resorts, means every ment, an arrayvisiting of food and a variety ofconference, accommodations, from cabins withgroup rustic for options an event, whether a working outdoor to wedding or a special a variety of accommodations, from cabins with rusticanhistory a luxury resorts, means every – the relaxed of Bastrop help youevents and yourheld guests get away.neck Attendees historycan to luxury resorts, mean every traveler canwill find something to love during meetings traveler findretreat something toatmosphere love during meetings and in our of the woods. traveler can find something to love during meetings and events held in our neck of will delighted small-town charm, front-porch access to the great outdoors and vibrant the woods. and events held inbeour neckbyofour the woods.

Hold an elegant gathering for 15 or 1,500 at the world-class Hyatt Regency Lost Pines history and culture. Easyfor access toor the1,500 airport and entertainment, an array of foodRegency options and Lost Pines Hold an elegant gathering 15 atworld-class the world-class Hyatt elegant gathering for 15 or 1,500 at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines withHold moreanthan 300,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.

Make meetings a variety of accommodations, from cabins with rustic history to a luxury resorts, means every easy with withmore morethan than 300,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.

Make meetings easy with with 300,000 square feetto oflove flexible meeting Make meetings with traveler can find something during meetings andspace. events held in our neck theeasy woods. unique spaces at the 26,400 -square-foot Bastrop Convention Center ininofthe heart of downunique spaces at the 26,400 -square-foot Bastrop Convention Center the heart elegant gathering for 15 Bastrop or 1,500 atConvention the world-class Center Hyatt Regency Lostheart Pines ofof downunique spaces atHold thean26,400-square-foot in the town Bastrop.

This facility can accommodate up to 800 guests for a range of events with more than 300,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.

Make meetings easy with town Bastrop.

This facility cancan accommodate up to guests for range eventsfrom from downtown Bastrop.

This facility accommodate up to 800 800 guests for aarange ofof events unique spaces at the 26,400weddings, -square-foot Bastrop Convention Center and in the more. heart of downconventions, corporate meetings, concerts, banquets For an expericonventions, corporate meetings, weddings, concerts, For an an experifrom conventions, corporate meetings, weddings, concerts,banquets banquetsand and more. more. For town Bastrop. This facility can accommodate up to 800 guests for a range of events from ence you can only inhave Texas, book your event ininin the middle of experience you canhave only in small-town Texas, book your event the middle ofour ence you can only have insmall-town small-town Texas, book your event the middle of ourhistoric historic conventions, corporate meetings, weddings, concerts, banquets and more.

For an experiMain Street and create storybook moment punctuated with stars. matter ence you canacreate only have in small-town Texas, book your event in the middle of historicthe historic Main Street and a storybook moment punctuated with stars.No Noour matter the Main Street and create a storybook moment punctuated with stars.

No matter thechoice, choice, Main and create a storybook moment punctuated withfaces stars.

No matter the choice, you’ll getget thethe Bastrop standard of genuine service, friendly and aaaunique story that’ll choice, you’ll get theStreet Bastrop standard of genuine service, friendly faces and unique story you’ll Bastrop standard of genuine service, friendly faces and unique story that’ll you’ll get the Bastrop standard of genuine service, friendly faces and a unique story that’ll that’ll make the memories of your meeting and events here even richer. make the memories of your meeting and events here even richer. make the memories of yourofmeeting andand events even richer. make the memories your meeting events here here even richer.

VisitBastrop.com 1408 B Chestnut St. Bastrop,info@visitbastrop.com TX 78602 1408 B Chestnut St. • Bastrop, TX 78602 info@visitbastrop.com info@visitbastrop.com 512.332.8990 • info@visitbastrop.com 512.332.8990

1408 BB Chestnut St.St.• •Bastrop, 1408 Chestnut Bastrop,TX TX78602 78602 512.332.8990 512.332.8990

WAXAHACHIE WAXAHACHIE CONVENTION CONVENTION &&VISITORS VISITORS BUREAU BUREAU WAXAHACHIE

For Formore morethan than150 150years, years,Waxahachie Waxahachiehas hasbeen beenaadestination destinationfor forlocals localsand andvisitors visitors alike.

Today, Today,it’s it’sstill stillthe thego-to go-toplace place with with over over 120120 delicious delicious restaurants restaurants throughout throughout the city the and city numerous and numerous antique antique stores, stores, boutiques boutiques and specialty and specialty shops in shops the Historic in the Historic Downtown Downtown District.

For more than 150 years, Waxahachie has been a destination for locals and visitors alike.

In District. additionIntoaddition theToday, wonderful to wonderful shopping dining, downtown and Waxahachie downtown home the legit’sthe stillshopping the go-to and place with over 120dining, delicious restaurantsisWaxahachie throughout theiscity and endary home to Ellis theCounty legendary Courthouse, Elis County the Courthouse, most photographed most courthouse photographed in Historic the courthouse stateDowntown of Texas, in District. numerous antique stores, boutiques andthe specialty shops in the plus the state historic of Texas, museums, plus art historic galleries and easy artaccess galleries to the andWaxahachie easy access Creek to the Waxahachie Hike & Bike the legIn addition to themuseums, wonderful shopping and dining, downtown Waxahachie is home Ellis Courthouse, the most photographed courthouse in the state Trail.

CreekWaxahachie Hike & endary Bike alsoTrail. hostsCounty Waxahachie exciting festivals also and hosts special exciting events festivals throughout and special the year events likeof Texas, plus historic museums, art galleries and easy access to the Waxahachie Creek Hike Scarborough throughout Renaissance the year likeFestival, Scarborough Gingerbread Renaissance Trail Home Festival, Tour,Gingerbread Texas Country Trail Reporter Home & Bike Trail.

Waxahachie also hosts exciting festivals and special events throughout the year like Festival, Tour, Texas Bethlehem CountyRevisited Reporterand Festival, manyBethlehem more. The Revisited Waxahachie andCivic many Center more.is a beautiful Scarborough Renaissance Festival, Gingerbread Trail Home Tour, Texas Country Reporter state-of-the-art, The Waxahachie spacious Civic facility Center thatiswill a beautiful knock your state-of-the-art, boots off andspacious is well equipped facility that to host willa Festival, Bethlehem Revisited and many more. The Waxahachie Civic Center is a beautiful wide knock variety your boots of events. off and Hosting is wellhundreds equippedof to boardroom host a wide variety meetings, of events. ballroom Hosting galas, hundreds weddings state-of-the-art, spacious facility that will knock your boots off and is well equipped to host a and of boardroom corporate conventions meetings ballroom each year, galas, the Waxahachie weddings and Civic Centerconventions ismeetings, ready toballroom beeach the year, home the ofweddings wide variety of events.

Hosting hundreds ofcorporate boardroom galas, your Waxahachie next event.

Civic For your convenience, is ready to be thethe Waxahachie home of your CVB next is located event. inside your the convenience, Waxahachie andCenter corporate conventions each year, the Waxahachie Civic For Center is ready to be the home of Civic the Waxahachie Center so you CVB will isexperience located down-home the Waxahachie hospitality Civic fromCenter two different sois you departments willinside experience all your next event. Forinside your convenience, the Waxahachie CVB located the Waxahachie under down-home one roofhospitality toCivic ensure the from success twowill different ofexperience your event. departments “The Waxahachie all under CVB one staff can to ensure be handsthe Center so you down-home hospitality fromroom two different departments all underhotel one roof to ensure theCVB success of your event.

“The Waxahachie CVBwith staff can be handson success to assist of your you with event.

“The rooms, Waxahachie convention services staff can like beregistration hands-on to and assist anything you elsehotel that onthe toservices assist you with hotel rooms, convention services like registration and anything you rooms, might convention need in city to like make registration your eventand and anything attendees else feel special,” that yousaid might Laurie need Mosley, in the else that you might need in the city to make your event and attendees feel special,” said Laurie Waxahachie city to makeCVB your Director. event andWaxahachie attendees feel is special,” conveniently said Laurie locatedMosley, only 30Waxahachie minutes south CVB of Mosley, Waxahachie CVB Director. Waxahachie is conveniently located only 30 minutes south of Dallas Director. at the Waxahachie intersectionisofconveniently I-35E & Highway located 287.only Waxahachie 30 minutes – Asouth PlaceofinDallas Your Heart, at theTexas. interDallas at the intersection of I-35E & Highway 287. Waxahachie – A Place in Your Heart, Texas. section of I-35E & Highway 287. Waxahachie—A Place in Your Heart, Texas.

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Photo by Angela Germany

Photo by Angela Germany

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

waxahachiecvb.com waxahachiecvb.com WaxahachieCVB.com 2000 Civic Center Waxahachie, TX 75165 TX 75165 2000Lane Civic •Center Lane • Waxahachie, 2000 Civic Center Ln. • Waxahachie, TX 75165 • 469.309.4040 469-309-4040 469-309-4040

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V

PRAIRIES AND LAKES

VILLAGE OF SALADO

Salado has been inspiring people for generations. Home to one of the first co-ed colleges in the U.S., a stop on the historic Chisholm Trail and a haven for worldclass artists, there are endless things to discover in Salado. You can create art, stay at an historic inn, shop specialty boutiques, listen to live music, take in the sites along Main Street and savor a fantastic meal. You are invited to come and enjoy the independent spirit and small-town charm of the Village of Salado, centrally located along Interstate 35, deep in the ART of Texas!

VisitSaladoTexas.com 423 S. Main St. Salado, TX 76571 254.947.8634 • tourism@saladotx.gov

VISIT MCKINNEY

Are you looking for that “certain something” for your small-scale meeting, a feature, or location that’s different from what’s available in other destinations—perhaps a beautiful, vibrant outdoor setting, a Croatian-style village, or a historic downtown cultural district venue? McKinney offers all of these and so much more! Your smallscale meeting is a BIG deal in McKinney, and we are ready to help you plan the most distinctive, productive and memorable one possible. Visit our website to submit an RFP and to access our online meeting planner tools.

VisitMcKinney.com 200 West Virginia McKinney, TX 75069 888.649.8499 • sales1@visitmckinney.com

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Venture Beyond the Ordinary 1,200+

hotel rooms within walking distance to restaurants and entertainment

Traditional and Non-Traditional Venues for Small Market Meetings

Hear the

ANDRETTI INDOOR KARTING & GAMES

CASCADES CONFERENCE CENTER

Non!traditional Venues • Lava Cantina: VIP treatment at the city’s premiere concert venue • Topgolf: Private meeting spaces and driving range bays • Andretti Indoor Karting & Games: Multi-story high-speed karting

OLD AMERICAN GOLF CLUB

Airport to Hotel

in 20 minutes Easy access to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL)

After!hours Entertainment • World-class dining and boutique shopping • Local microbreweries and taprooms across town • Private tastings at The Colony Wine Bar

Scenic Lake Views • Venues overlooking Lewisville Lake • 45 holes of award-wining lakeside golf • Boats, paddle boards, jet skis and bike rentals

Local Attractions MeetTX22.indb 31

The Colony is where you go to play.

972.624.5253 VisitTheColonyTX.com/Meetings 4/7/22 2:50 PM

PRAIRIES AND LAKES

VISIT IRVING

Meet Irving—a city with a spirited personality, southern charm and modernity, all comprising its distinct character. With culture, adventure and entertainment all in one compact, accessible footprint, Irving is primed for play and adventure.

Visitors have the convenience of experiencing all of it from the central hub of Las Colinas, a master-planned community with a thriving, walkable entertainment district. This visitor’s destination is anchored by the Toyota Music Factory—a multi-venue complex offering the ultimate in dining, nightlife and live music.

Las Colinas’ beautiful lake and Venetian-inspired waterways promote fun outdoor activities like paddle boarding and gondola rides, plus scenic waterfront dining.

Accommodations abound from the boutique Texican Court Hotel and resorts like the Four Seasons and the Omni Las Colinas (both offering a hopping pool scene) to familiar brands like Marriott and Westin.

Stay here, go anywhere. Located adjacent to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Irving is also just minutes from Dallas and Fort Worth attractions. With pent-up demand for travel, attendees are looking for bleisure destinations that offer a little of everything, and Irving delivers.

IrvingTexas.com 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd.

Irving, TX 75039 800.247.8464 • info@irvingtexas.com

WACO CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

Located 100 miles south of Dallas, Waco is a medium size, walkable city ideal for conventions ranging from 400 to 1,500 attendees. Waco offers the newly updated Waco Convention Center for meetings, with two hotels conveniently located next door and literally thousands more nearby. Over 1,000 hotel rooms have opened in the past few years alone, and 500 more are under construction!

Over 1.6 million people visit Waco annually, thanks in large part to the city’s amazing attractions: Magnolia Market, truly a shopper’s paradise; Dr Pepper Museum, where the beverage was invented in 1885; Waco Surf, with the longest lazy river in the world; and the Waco Mammoth National Monument, home to the largest herd of Columbian mammoths ever found. Take your board members on a cruise up the Brazos River and enjoy local art and live music in the Downtown Cultural District.

The Waco Convention Center is a meeting planner’s dream, with 144,000 square feet, including two large exhibit halls, a 14,400-square-foot signature ballroom, and 15 breakout rooms all under one roof, and connected to two hotels next door. Three additional hotels are nearing completion just across the beautiful Brazos River.

Call us today and see for yourself what is making Waco one of the most desirable meeting destinations in the nation.

WacoHeartofTexas.com P.O. Box 2570 • Waco, TX 76701 254.750.5814 • rhondas@wacotx.gov

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Safe Is the New Sexy

Safe is the new sexy and Irving rocks safe meetings. The Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas has re-imagined how your group meets, providing unique banquet options, exhibition opportunities and safety protocols so you can book with confidence and peace of mind. Built for business and primed for play, memorable meetings are just steps from world-class live entertainment, unique venues, and a thriving culinary scene. The beat goes on in Irving, and we hope you'll rock your next meeting with us!

IRVING ROCKS

irvingmeetings.com • (972) 252 7476

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Flexibility & Safe Meetings

2022-2023• MEET TEXAS 33 (800) 2 IRVING #visitirving

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PRAIRIES AND LAKES

VISIT VISIT ADDISON VISITADDISON ADDISON

Located Located ininthe the heart ofofthe theDFW Dallas/Fort Metroplex, Worth Addison metroplex, putsputs your Addison, meeting Texas, at the center Located in heart the heart of the DFW Metroplex, Addison your meeting atputs the your centermeetofing dining, the center upscale ofshopping, dining, upscale music, shopping, andand more music to help setmore your to next help meeting setmeeting yourapart. next meeting ofatdining, upscale shopping, music, more toand help set your next apart.

An apart. urban An walkable urban walkable oasisoasis of only oasis 4.4 of square onlysquare 4.4 miles, square Addison, miles, Texas Addison offers combines the the energy, the energy, An urban walkable of only 4.4 miles, Addison, Texas offers energy, vibrancy, vibrancy and andand perks perks ofofaaofbig big city, city,city, with with over over 180 200180 diverse diverse restaurants restaurants and and 2222quality vibrancy, perks a big with over diverse restaurants and 22quality qualityhotels hotels offering with nearly overover 4,000 rooms to meet youryour needs.

Home Home to to more over 200,000 than 200,000 square square feet feetfeet of hotels with 4,000 rooms to meet needs.

Home to over 200,000 square ofmeeting meeting space, space Addison Addison can can can accommodate accommodate almost any any size sizesize event, event, and andand our ourour unique unique venues of meeting space Addison accommodate almost event, unique venues make off-site make offsite meeting meeting planning planning a breeze. a breeze.

Addison, the at the center of itofall! itof All! venues make offsite meeting planning aAddison…at breeze.

Addison, at Center the Center it All! VisitAddison.com VisitAddison.com

14681 Midway Rd.Rd. Suite 200, 14681 Midway Suite 200, 14681 Midway Rd., Ste. 200, Addison, TX 75001 Addison, TX 75001 972.450.7079 • info@visitaddison.com 972.450.7079 • info@visitaddison.com

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OUR E-NEWSLETTER

AT YOUR FINGERTIPS. 34 MEET TEXAS

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+ CALENDAR EVENTS + LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS + PEOPLE NEWS + WEEKLY UPDATES SUBSCRIBE for FREE at

MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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PRAIRIES AND LAKES

COLUMBUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND VISITORS CENTER

Conveniently located at the nexus of Houston, Austin and San Antonio, Columbus is nestled along a bend in the mighty Colorado River. It is known for its wonderful historic homes and buildings, an abundance of majestic live oaks, and a vibrant, small-town friendliness. Columbus is a relaxing destination that has retained its distinctive charm, while embracing the modern amenities for today’s travelers.

Feeling a bit adventurous? Rent the cabin at nearby Waldo’s Camp and enjoy quality time in the great outdoors. After all the fun, kick up your heels and rest your heads at one of Columbus’ many modern hotels or historic bed and breakfasts.

Columbus lodgings can accommodate groups of all sizes. For a historic meeting venue, the Stafford Opera House offers a large meeting room that can host up to 80 people and a performance area that can host up to 200.

Columbus also offers a variety of unique shopping destinations filled with clothing, home décor, antiques and more. And be sure to bring your appetite. Whether you’re pining for a sweet treat or something heartier, Columbus restaurants will satisfy every craving. Afterwards wind down at Blake’s Kitchen & Kocktailz or Houndsong Brewery for a cold drink.

The friendly staff at the Chamber of Commerce is ready to help you plan your trip to Columbus. Contact them today to arrange your next visit, we look forward to seeing y’all soon.

ColumbusTexas.org 425 Spring St., Ste. 100 • Columbus, TX 78934 979.732.8385 • info@columbustexas.org

Small town.

Big possibilities.

S PA C E S F O R A N Y O C C A S I O N

Whether hosting a wedding for 300 or a business meeting for 50, the 1886 Stafford Opera House will captivate you and your guests. An easy drive from Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, the Stafford Opera House in Columbus, Texas is the perfect space to hold your next event.

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PRAIRIES AND LAKES

DISCOVER TEMPLE

We are excited to showcase Temple, Texas, for your next meeting or convention. Our convenient location with its proximity to major highways, affordable rates, variety of hotels, and unique venue spaces makes Temple an ideal place to host your next meeting or event.

The incredible venues and rental spaces throughout both the destination and downtown district have all the amenities you need. If your group is looking to get away from the usual hotel environment, we’ll coordinate your meeting with one of our unique venues, including the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center.

Conveniently located off I-35, the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center is the place to be for events large and small. The facility has separate halls and rooms for rent, enabling our guests the opportunity to rent as much of the center as needed for their special events. With a maximum capacity of 3,795 individuals and 30,000 square feet of meeting space, this venue has all the necessities needed to make your next event a success.

Discover Temple is dedicated to making your event a success from the very beginning. Our team will help you connect with the right people and venues that perfectly fit your budget and needs. Contact our sales team today.

DiscoverTemple.com 2 North Main St. Temple, TX 76501 254.298.5949 groupsales@templetx.gov

IT’S TIME!

Come Meet

It’s all here. All the things in Plano that you love to see and do and enjoy are all ready to safely love you back.

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I35 BETWEEN WACO & AUSTIN

PRAIRIES AND LAKES

mt in

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED ON

INTIMATE

RETREAT SPACES 30,000 FT 2

CONVENTION CENTER

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©W W E S AL BA N E SE

DESTINATION ATTRACTIONS

D I S COV E R T E M P L E .CO M G R O U P SA L E S @ T E M P L E T X .G OV 254.298.5949

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PRAIRIES AND LAKES

VISITBRENHAM BRENHAM VISIT BRENHAM VISIT Brenham/Washington Brenham/WashingtonCounty Countyisis the the perfect perfect balance balance of of small small town town charm charm and and big big

Brenham/Washington County is the perfect balance of small town charm and big conveniences.

Halfway between Houston is great for small conveniences.

Halfway between Houston Austin, conveniences.

Halfway between Houston andand Austin, the the areaarea is great for small meetings and board retreats. plus top-notch meetings and board retreats.

Eleven name-brand hotels and meetings and board retreats. Eleven name-brand hotels plus top-notch bed bed and and breakfast facilities offer lodging options for every budget. breakfast facilities offer lodging options for every budget. breakfast facilities offer lodging options for every budget. historic downtown welcomes visitors a mix Brenham’srelaxed relaxedhistoric of Brenham’s downtown welcomes visitors withwith a mix of of quality shopping and dining touring destinations include quality shopping and dining selections.

Nearby include quality shopping and dining selections. Nearby touring destinations include Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Cotton Museum Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Texas Museum Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site;Site; TheThe Texas Cotton Gin Gin Museum in Burton; Antique Rose Emporium site of Baylor University in Burton; Antique Rose Emporium and the original in in Burton; Antique Rose Emporium and the original site of Baylor University in in Independence; and quaint Chappell Hill.

Independence; and quaint Chappell Hill.

Independence; and quaint Chappell Hill.

Visitbrenhamtexas.com Visitbrenhamtexas.com VisitBrenhamTexas.com

Main Street • Brenham, Texas 77833 115115 WW Main Street • Brenham, Texas 77833 115 W Main St. • Brenham, TX 77833 979-337-7565 979-337-7565 979.337.7585 • hmertz@visitbrenhamtexas.com hmertz@visitbrenhamtexas.com hmertz@visitbrenhamtexas.com

CLEBURNE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Cleburne is the ideal location for your next event. Whether it’s a wedding, a small meeting or a major convention, Cleburne has a wide variety of unique venues and exciting entertainment. From the rich history of the Santa Fe Railroad and the Chisholm Trail, there are several ways to experience Cleburne, like visiting one of our many museums or catching a game at the Depot, home of the Cleburne Railroader Baseball team. Cleburne features unique shops, locally owned restaurants with various cuisines and is conveniently located minutes away from the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Contact our staff to help you plan your next event!

VisitCleburne.com 1511 West Henderson St. • Cleburne, Texas 76033 817.645.2455 • heatherj@cleburnechamber.com

Deep in the ART of Texas!

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VisitSaladoTexas.com

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PINEY WOODS AS ITS NAME SUGGESTS, EAST TEXAS’ PINEY WOODS REGION is a forest of towering pines interspersed with meandering rivers, sparkling lakes and mysterious swamps.

More than 675,000 acres of land have been set aside as a natural public playground that includes four national forests. The communities located in Piney Woods offer a small-town

CADDO LAKE

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P H OTO : A D O B E STO C K / L A Z Y L L A M A

charm and southern hospitality that welcome any visiting group with open arms.

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PINEY WOODS

VISIT THE WOODLANDS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

I

P H OTO : A D O B E STO C K / L A Z Y L L A M A

n The Woodlands, events and meetings come together effortlessly. With over 2,200 guest rooms and more than 190,000 square feet of meeting space to spread out—plus hundreds of diverse options for shopping, dining and afterhours fun—this is the ideal destination for your next event.

Choosing where to host your meeting, corporate retreat or social gathering is a critical element in event planning.

Offering a convenient location, The Woodlands is just a short distance from George Bush Intercontinental Airport, yet offers a setting that feels worlds away. Nestled in a natural location amidst 28,000 peaceful tree-filled acres, The Woodlands provides a uniquely serene space for you to feel inspired and be your most productive self.

The Woodlands’ hotels are designed to meet your event’s needs and more with meeting spaces that wow. The Woodlands Resort, the first Curio Collection by Hilton resort in Texas, offers more than 73,000 square feet of event space, with a retreat feel and plenty of outdoor meeting areas. Located in the Town Center area, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center recently completed a $4 million renovation of its 70,000-square-foot meeting space to ensure every team’s meeting space is tailored to its needs. The Woodlands’ many state-of-the-art business centers and conference facilities provide the setting you need for success, not to mention professional catering, on-site dining facilities and top-of-theline hotel amenities to make you feel right at home.

For after-hours fun, close the laptop and make plans to relax amid the natural beauty and upscale luxury of The Woodlands. Explore world-class golf courses, tranquil pools, outdoor art installations, and beautiful green spaces to roam or simply get away from it all. Find intimate live music at many restaurants, wine bars and cafes or play among the treetops at Texas TreeVentures, an aerial challenge course with more than 70 obstacles that makes for a great team-building activity.

Ready to plan your event? Learn more about our meeting venues and accommodations at VisitTheWoodlands.com/ txmeetings and start exploring options for your perfect event with the help of our sales team. With the mission to go above and beyond for our clients to create the perfect experience, our team can help you with itineraries, overnight accommodations, transportation, site tours and more. Leave your worries behind and leave the logistics to us.

VisitTheWoodlands.com/TXMeetings 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. • The Woodlands, TX 77381 281.210.3483 • jose.lewis@visitthewoodlands.com

2022-2023

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PINEY WOODS

VISIT VISITTYLER TYLER TEXAS TEXAS Have a bloomin’ good time in Tyler, Texas, the Rose Capital of America! It’s the

Visit Tyler, Texas where you’ll have a bloomin’ good time! Tyler, known as the Rose perfect destination for your next meeting. Be the first to host your event in the new Capital of America, is the perfect destination for your next meeting. Here you’ll find Rose Garden Complex Conference Center, opening later this year. The conference a bouquet of possibilities; from the world-famous Tyler Rose Garden, Azalea District, center willsporting offer more 23,000 square of flexible and a and area lakes,than to championship golffeet courses, uniqueconvention shops, and aspace nationally 3.3-acre park and event lawn, all right next to the largest rose garden in the nation. famous zoo – Tyler offers a uniquely stress-free getaway your delegates will enjoy!

The vision of this plan willrooms, also increase mobility, parking, entertainment, Tyler offers 3,000+ hotel 1 full service hotel, 30 select service hotelsathletic with facilities, and more.

It is truly a rosy destination for your next group event. soon! limited meeting space, 5 extended stay hotels, and a new meeting space coming

VistTyler.com visittyler.com

110 N. College Ave. 110 N College Ave. • Tyler, TX 75702 Tyler, TX 75702 903.593.6905 • slee@tylertexas.com 903.593.6905 • slee@tylertexas.com

new

Rosy spaces

same

Smiling faces For your next event

VisitTyler.com

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BIG BEND NAMED FOR THE BEND THE RIO GRANDE RIVER MAKES as it traces the border between Texas and Mexico, Texas’ Big Bend region is home to the 800,000-plus-acre Big Bend National Park, the largest national park in

P H OTO : A D O B E STO C K / R B B R D C KY B K

the state. The region has deep historical and cultural roots and is known for its extreme landscape that ranges from desert valleys to mountain slopes.

It’s the perfect destination for the most adventurous of groups.

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BIG BEND

The City of Del Rio Civic Center offers spacious facilities for conventions, stage shows, trade exhibits, and social events. The complex consists of two large ballrooms, a 2,000 square foot banquet and exhibit hall, and two 1,000 square foot meeting rooms. It is centrally located, accessible by Hwy-90, and minutes from historic downtown Del Rio, the International Bridge, Lake Amistad, Laughlin A.F.B. and the Del Rio International Airport.

DEL RIO CIVIC CENTER 1915 Veterans Blvd.

Del Rio, Texas 78840 830-774-8641 lhernandez@cityofdelrio.com

Start HERE. CONNECT to the WORLD aa.com @flydrt

830-775-3551 drchamber.com debbie@drchamber.com

B BO

M

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Discover ODESSA

ODESSA Discover Odessa Odessa is is committed committed to Discover to helping helping create create lasting lasting relationships and meaningful events, meetings and conventions. relationships and meaningful events, meetings and conventions.

Our Odessa team specializes in securing affordable hotel rates, hassle free event planning, Our Odessa team specializes in securing affordable hotel rates, hassle free event planning, registration assistance, welcome bags, curated brochures and maps, assistance with registration assistance, welcome bags, curated brochures and maps, assistance with transportation coordination, creation of name tags and much more! transportation coordination, creation of name tags and much more!

BOOK YOUR YOUR MEETING MEETING TODAY TODAY •• DISCOVERODESSA.ORG BOOK DISCOVERODESSA.ORG MEETING SPACES MEETING SPACES MORE THAN 300,000 SQ FT OF MEETING SPACE

MORE THAN 300,000 SQ FT OF MEETING SPACE

RESTAURANTS RESTAURANTS

OVER 300+ RESTAURANTS TO CHOOSE FROM OVER 300+ RESTAURANTS TO CHOOSE FROM

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HOTEL ROOMS HOTEL ROOMS OVER 50+ HOTEL PROPERTIES

OVER 50+ HOTEL PROPERTIES

TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION

ONLY 10 MILES FROM THE MIDLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

ONLY 10 MILES FROM THE MIDLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

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HILL COUNTRY EACH YEAR, THE ROLLING LANDSCAPE of Hill Country is literally blanketed in blue as Texas’ state flower, the bluebonnet, makes its annual spring appearance.

Home to politicians and cowpokes, the region includes the state capital, Austin, as well as Bandera, the Cowboy Capital of the World. It’s also the epicenter of Texas Wine Country—perfect for a post-meeting group tour or a corporate retreat.

Nestledalong alongthe thebanks banks of of the the Guadalupe Guadalupe River is one of the Texas Hill Nestled Hill County’s Country’sbest keptkept secrets.

Rich in history andGuadalupe host a diverse selection toHill see,Country’s do, tastedo, and Nestled along theRich banks the River is oneselection of of thethings Texas best secrets. inof history and to host to a diverse of things to see, experience, Kerrville isina history must-see.

Only 60-mile scenic drive west from Antonio best kept RichKerrville hosta to aOnly diverse selection of things to see, do, taste and secrets. experience; is and a must-see. a 60-mile scenic drive San west from andAntonio home toand a variety of to choose in the scenic area, skywest isthe truly taste and experience; Kerrville isspaces a must-see.

Onlyfrom ato60-mile drive from San home to event a variety of event spaces choose from the in area, sky the is limit on limit the and type of meeting or entertainment possibilities one would have to choose San Antonio to aofvariety of or event spaces to choose from inone area, the sky truly the on home the type meeting entertainment possibilities would haveis from to plan oron attend. truly the limit the of meeting or entertainment possibilities one would have to choose from to plantype or attend.

The Inn of the Hills Hotel & Conference Center The inn of theplan Hills &The Conference and Y.O.ofRanch Hotel to choose from to or Hotel attend.

InnCenter of theCenter Hillsyou Hotel & Conference Center and the Y.O. Ranch Hotel & Conference give thethe luxury booking not & Conference Center give theyou luxury of booking only your event space but also and the Y.O. Ranch Hotel & Conference Center givenot you the luxury ofovernight booking not only your event space butyou allow to accommodate your attendees needs allow you to accommodate youryou attendees overnight needs one convenient location. only your event space but allow to accommodate your in attendees overnight in one convenient location.

Both properties provide ample house amenities toneeds properties provide ample in-house amenities tosessions, notinonly keep your attendees inBoth one convenient location.

Both properties provide ample house amenities to not only keep your attendees entertained when not in but accompanying entertained inwell. sessions, children as well. not onlyand keepwhen yournot attendees entertained when not inspouses sessions, but accompanying spouses children as The but Hillaccompanying Country Youth Event and Center provides a The Hill Country Youth Event provides a highly versatile multi-event space with spouses and children as well.Center The Hill Country Youth Event Center provides a any highly versatile multi-event space with a scenic Hill Country backdrop to make a scenic Hill Country towith make any affair memorable.

With showcases, their ability highly versatile multi-event a scenic Hill Country to make anyto affair memorable.

Withbackdrop theirspace ability to play host to an array ofbackdrop expo’s, playmeetings; host to an array oftheir expo’s, showcases, and to meetings, event will be sure to affair memorable.

With host an array of showcases, and your event willability sure totobeplay a success among allyour of expo’s, your attendees.No be aunderstands success among all ofwill yoursure attendees.

No one understands importance of your and meetings; your be ameeting’s success among ofthe your attendees.No one theevent importance oftoyour successallbetter than the Kerrville meeting’s success better than theWe Kerrville Convention & Visitors Bureau!

WeKerrville pride ourone understands the importance of pride your meeting’s success better thaneach the Convention & Visitors Bureau! ourselves in comprehending group’s selves in comprehending each group’s individual needs, and then tailoring our services Convention & Visitors Bureau!

We pride ourselves comprehending each group’s individual needs, and then tailoring our services toin optimize everyone’s experience to optimize everyone’s experience while visiting our beautiful city.

Regardless of your individual needs, then tailoring our services to events optimize experience while visiting our and beautiful city. Regardless of your sizeeveryone’s or needs our sales event’s sizestandby orour needs, sales staff is on standby to assist you in or finding while beautiful city. of right your events size needsthe ourright salesfit. staff isvisiting on to our assist you inRegardless finding the fit. staff is on standby to assist you in finding the right fit.

KerrvilleTexasCVB.com

KerrvilleTexasCVB.com 2108 Sidney Baker • Kerrville, Texas 78028 2108830.792.3535 Sidney Baker••cvbsales@ktc.com Kerrville, Texas 78028 830.792.3535 • cvbsales@ktc.com

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MEET IN KERRVILLE MEET MEET IN IN KERRVILLE KERVILLE

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HILL COUNTRY

M E ET U S I N

GEORGETOWN, GEORGETOWN, TX TX Georgetown is a quick 30-minute drive from Georgetown is a quick 30-minute drive from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, ensuring Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, ensuring that your attendees will be near the hustle but far that your attendees will be near the hustle but far enough away from the bustle. Allowing for serious enough away from the bustle. Allowing for serious connecting and easy commuting. connecting and easy commuting.

P H OTO : A D O B E STO C K / L E E K R I S

Ready to plan your next event?

Ready to plan your next event?

Let our experts in planning help you Let our experts in planning help you enhance your meeting and greeting enhance your meeting and greeting experience in Georgetown. experience in Georgetown.

Cari Miller Cari Miller

Tourism Manager Tourism Manager 512-930-3585 512-930-3585 cari.miller@georgetown.org cari.miller@georgetown.org

VISITGEORGETOWN.COM VISITGEORGETOWN.COM MeetTX22.indb 47

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SOUTH TEXAS PLAINS THERE’S NOTHING PL AIN about the South Texas Plains region. It’s where you’ll find the Alamo, Natural Bridge Caverns, historic Spanish missions, World Birding Center and the famed King Ranch. The landscape varies from rugged brush to lush woodlands, and residents who call it home include Texas tortoises, Texas horned lizards and green jays (in fact, the lower Rio Grande Valley is the only place this colorful bird can be found in the United States).

With all that to explore, picture your group’s post-meeting possibilities!

MEET, LEARN AND PLAY IN SAN ANTONIO

Meetings.VisitSanAntonio.com 317 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205 210.244.2000

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There is a reason more groups meet in San Antonio. A central location, mild weather, and welcoming locals make it a great place to learn and play. The 1.6 million-squarefoot Henry B. González Convention Center accommodates groups of all sizes and makes it easy to inspire, instruct and share information.

San Antonio is a warm, welcoming community that invites you to experience the city like a local. Immerse yourself in our booming culinary scene—a celebration of our diverse culture—and discover why San Antonio was named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. The city’s rich culinary scene celebrates our Mexican, Spanish, German and French influences through preservation and innovation.

Much of the city’s unforgettable landscape has grown along the banks of the River Walk where stone paths run alongside the San Antonio River connecting hotels, restaurants, shops and the state-of-the-art Henry B. González Convention Center.

The 15-mile River Walk links the World Heritage Spanish Colonial Missions, museums, public art and the Pearl, a former brewery reborn into an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants and entertainment.

Unique and authentic experiences are our specialty, and our award-winning destination experience managers will help you create a truly unique and authentic San Antonio meeting.

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SOUTH TEXAS PLAINS

For an extraordinary meeting choose a truly unique destination.

When you meet in San Antonio, you will have an unforgettable experience that stretches beyond the conference room. Centrally located and basking in year-round mild weather, San Antonio blends rich history and contemporary amenities, as well as spacious venues and outdoor spaces for hosting safe and productive meetings and events. Here, your team has all the resources to tap into new and inspired ways to avoid “business as usual.”

Meet, learn and play in San Antonio today!

To learn more, go to meetings.visitsanantonio.com.

©2022 Visit San Antonio

P H OTO : I STO C K / D S ZC

Meet learn Play

Meetings.visitsanantonio.com 2022-2023

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GULF COAST TEX AS’ GULF COAST ENCOMPASSES 624 MILES of coastline that extends from Louisiana to Mexico. It’s here, during the 1800s, where the French pirate Jean Lafitte is said to have hidden away a treasure trove that has yet to be found. And it’s here where NASA’s mission control did the seemingly impossible by placing a man on the moon. Imagine what treasures will inspire meeting and convention attendees in the Gulf Coast region.

CORPUS CHRISTI

If you’re searching for a new destination to host your next small meeting, event or retreat look no further than Pearland. Located in the Gulf Coast region of Texas within 10 miles of Hobby airport and downtown Houston, in Pearland you’ll find over 80,000 square feet of venue space including 12 trusted, name-brand hotels.

Host a teambuilding activity at a craft brewery, play disc-golf in a park, test your skills at a high-tech video game arena, or play golf at one of three championship courses.

Pearland pairs personalized service with exceptional planning support for your next off-site meeting, prePEAR to love it.

11200 Broadway Street, Suite 1390 Pearland, TX 77584 281.997.5970

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P H O T O : A D O B E S T O C K / H WA N G

pcvb_texas_meetings_ad_2022.indd 1

VisitPearland.com/PlanYourEvent

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GULF COAST REGION

LEAGUE CITY, TEXAS

YOUR EVENT DESERVES A

Suite View

Perched on glittering Clear Lake, South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center is minutes away from Kemah Boardwalk, Space Center Houston, NASA, chic shopping, waterfront dining, and boating galore. South Shore Harbour Resort offers 25,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, along with a team of experienced meeting planners, on-site A/V, catering, and banquet services. » » » »

25,000 sq. ft. of event space 230 spacious guest rooms Indoor & outdoor venue options Onsite transportation and party boats available SSHR.COM 281-334-1000 Learn more about additional spaces and hotels in League City including the newly opened Big League Dreams Park, Butler's Courtyard & Event Center, Walding Station Event Venue, Candlewood Inn & Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, and Hampton Inn & Suites.

P H O T O : A D O B E S T O C K / H WA N G

Chart Your Course to Clear Lake Just 30 minutes south of

Houston and 28 miles from Galveston, League City is easily accessible!

Houston’s Hobby Airport (HOU) is 20 minutes via I-45, and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) just 47 miles north.

VIS I T L E AG UEC I TY.CO M

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MEET PORTLAND, TEXAS

Meeting and event spaces in Portland, Texas, are suitable for any size group and can accommodate any seating format, including theater, classroom or reception style.

The expansive lobby area can even be used as pre-function space, allowing guests to gather and socialize before the start of the event.

Our modern audio-visual system provides oversized screens, perfect for meeting presentations or entertainment. Whether you’re looking for a venue for a lunch, wedding reception, quinceañera, business meeting or family gathering—it’s time to Meet Portland!

Room/Description/Size Room/Description/Size Room/Description/Size Room/Description/Size Capacity Capacity Capacity Capacity Theatre Ballroom – 13,000 sq. ft Ballroom – 13,000 sq. ft Ballroom – 13,000 Ballroom sq. ft – 13,000 sq. ft

1200

½ Ballroom – 6,000 sq. ft.½ Ballroom – 6,000 sq. ft. ½ Ballroom – 6,000 ½ Ballroom sq. ft. – 6,000 sq. ft.

600

2/3 Ballroom – 4,500 sq. 2/3 ft. Ballroom – 4,500 sq. ft.

2/3 Ballroom – 4,500 2/3 Ballroom sq. ft. – 4,500 sq. ft.

300

1/3 Ballroom – 2,100 sq. 1/3 ft. Ballroom – 2,100 sq. ft.

1/3 Ballroom – 2,100 1/3 Ballroom sq. ft. – 2,100 sq. ft.

150

Medium Room – 1,400 sq.

Medium ft.

Room – 1,400 sq. ft.

Medium Room –Medium 1,400 sq.Room ft. – 1,400 sq. ft.

100

Smaller Rooms 700 sq. ft.Smaller Rooms 700 sq. ft.

Smaller Rooms 700 Smaller sq. ft.Rooms 700 sq. ft.

32

Multi – Purpose Room 1,037 Multisq.

– Purpose ft.

Room 1,037 sq. ft.

Multi – Purpose Multi Room–1,037 Purpose sq. ft.

Room 1,037 sq. ft.

32

Atrium

Atrium

Atrium Atrium

22

Lobby

Lobby Lobby

15

Lobby

Hallway Section Hallway Section Hallway Section Hallway Section

10

ClassroomTheatre BallroomClassroom Theatre Classroom Theatre Classroom Ballroom 1200 600 300 150 100 32 32 22 15 10

Ballroom Ballroom

500

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800 800

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250 400 250

400 400

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200 150 200

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75 75

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100 100 60

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60 50 60

50 50

20

32 32 20

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32 32 20

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PortlandTX.gov

N/A 2000 Billy G. Webb Dr. • Portland, TX 78374 N/A N/A 361.777.4670

BEAUMONT CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Beaumont, Texas, is ready to serve with an extra portion of southern hospitality seasoned with a splash of bayou boldness and Cajun flair. Nestled on the Texas Gulf Coast, just 90 miles from Houston, Beaumont offers all big city comforts, but with the added coziness and accessibility of a small town. Convention centers, meeting venues, hotels, restaurants and attractions are eager to please and score high on accessibility. Personalized services and professionalism are both a passion and a specialty of the experienced Beaumont CVB team.

• • • •

Ford Park Entertainment Complex: 83,000 square feet of contiguous meeting space Beaumont Civic Center: 41,300 square feet of space Event Centre: 16,000 square feet of space Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Beaumont Plaza: 22,000+ square feet of space and 252 sleeping rooms • The MCM Eleganté Hotel & Conference Center: 20,000+ square feet of space and 278 sleeping rooms • Holiday Inn Beaumont East Medical Center: 4,695 square feet of space and 160 sleeping rooms MeetBeaumont.com 505 Willow St. • Beaumont, TX 77701 409.880.3749 freddie.willard@beaumonttexas.gov

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Catch more than a

sunrise

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SOUTH PADRE ISLAND CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Meetings on South Padre Island, it’s nothing but Meetings Meetings are are arebetter better betterwith with withaa aview, view, view,and and and onon South South Padre Padre Island, Island, it’s it’s nothing nothing but views! views! but views!

Take your event to the next level and go tropical.

With 34 miles of beautiful white Take Take your yourevent eventtotothe thenext nextlevel level and and go go tropical. tropical.

With With 34 miles 34 miles of beautiful of beautiful whitewhite sand and clear emerald water, South Padre Island is one of the world’s most exquisite sand sand and and clear clearemerald emeraldwater, water,South SouthPadre PadreIsland Islandisisone oneofofthe theworld’s world’smost mostexquisite exquisite barrier – flock here barrier barrier islands islands islands—and – and and the the theonly only onlytropical tropical tropicalIsland Island islandin ininTexas.

Texas.

Texas.While While Whiletravelers travelers travelers flock flock here here for for sand, South Padre Island offers all essentials for thethe the sun,sun, sun, sand sand, andand and sea,sea, sea, South South Padre Padre Island Island alsoalso also offers offers all the all the the essentials essentials for for for planning an planning event that inform, inspire improve your sense planning event thatan an will event inform, that will will inspire inform, and improve inspire and and your improve organization’s your organization’s organization’s sense of camaraderie, sense of of camaraderie, both in and out of the boardroom. camaraderie, both in and out both ofin theand boardroom. out of the boardroom.

Meeting planners love Meeting Meeting planners love South South Padre Padre Padre Island’s Island’s Island’sinnovative innovative innovativevenues venues venuesand and andexcellent excellent excellenthotel hotel hotel options, making our island the perfect balance between work and play.

As “Texas’ Best options, options,making makingour ourisland island thethe perfect perfect balance balance between between workwork and play. and As play.

“Texas’ As “Texas’ Best Beach,” and than guest attendees can from wide Beach,” Best Beach,” and with with and more more with more than 5,000 5,000 than 5,000 guest rooms, rooms, guest rooms, attendees attendees can choose choose can choose from aa from wide a selection of beach and bayside hotels and vacation rentals, all perfectly situated to help selection wide selection of beach of beach and bayside and bayside hotels and hotels vacation and vacation rentals, rentals, all perfectly all perfectly situated to situated help you explore South Padre Island. you to help explore you South explorePadre South Island.

Padre Island.

The South Padre Island Island Convention The The South South Padre Convention Convention Centre Centre Centrewas was wasdesigned designed designedto totobe be beboth both bothaesthetically aesthetically aesthetically pleasing and functional, to impress attendees while serving the needs pleasing pleasing and and functional, functional, to to impress impressattendees attendeeswhile whileserving servingthe theneeds needsof ofofthe the theevent event event planner.

The Centre’s 45,000 total square feet of versatile convention and exhibit planner. planner.The TheCentre’s Centre’s45,000 45,000 total square square feet feetofofversatile versatile convention convention and andexhibit exhibitspace space space ensures ensures ensures great great greatflexibility flexibility flexibilityfor for foryou you youand and andyour your yourattendees. attendees. attendees. sopadre.com SOPadre.com sopadre.com

7355 Padre Blvd.

7355 Padre Padre Blvd.

Blvd.

7355 South Padre Island, TX 78597 South Padre Padre Island, Island, TX TX 78597 78597 South 956.761.3000 956.761.3000 956.761.3000

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MAX BOWL & THE VENUE AT PORT ARTHUR

T

he Venue at Port Arthur is where mid-county goes to party! A spacious, 8,000-square-foot event space comfortably accommodates 800-plus people, and the open-floor plan flows with any décor from intimate settings to large audiences. Whether you are looking to host a celebration, concert or reception, the possibilities are endless.

From themed decorations to customizable food and beverage menus, The Venue’s on-site party planners will turn your festivity into a party to remember. Full catering capabilities and drink packages are available for every type of event, while the on-site bar provides a premier cocktail menu that won’t disappoint, featuring a list full of craft, import and domestic brews. The Venue at Port Arthur is guaranteed to take your gathering to the next level!

Max Bowl provides revolutionized fun as the ultimate place for date nights, family fun, birthday parties and iconic corporate events. Easily maintaining crowds of 900-plus, the state-of-the-art bowling lanes are perfect for all ages and any occasion. Max Bowl’s low rates and group packages make it easy for everyone to get in on the action.

Work up an appetite defending your base in the two-story laser tag arena. A wide range of adrenaline-fueled laser tag game options, as well as all-inclusive laser tag parties and tournaments, will get attendees moving!

Whether attendees want to test their skills on the latest video game or re-live their glory days on a trusted classic, they will have a blast in the massive arcade packed with over 60 games.

After racking up points, participants can head to the prize redemption counter where they can receive awesome rewards.

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Experience SkyWalk: our exhilarating, multi-level indoor ropes course! SkyWalk is the thrill of walking a tightrope and the excitement of scaling obstacles. Feel the rush of crossing rope bridges and the challenge of balancing uneven terrain while enjoying a birds-eye view of this action-packed venue.

Available only in Humble and Baytown.

The latest addition to Max Bowl-Humble brings together a simulated golfing experience with deluxe hospitality and entertainment. The Indoor Golf Lounge is designed for all-year golf play in all weather, day or night. Our two specially designed simulation suites feature a giant screen with golf simulators offering over 500 courses, putting greens and a driving range.

Relax with your group and enjoy comfortable lounge seating featuring HDTVs, with easy access to our food and beverage service in the privacy of our VIP lounge.

MaxBowl.com Port Arthur Baytown Humble 3500 Regional Dr. 720 Ward Rd. 2390 Wilson Rd. Humble, TX 77396 Baytown, TX 77520 Port Arthur, TX 77642 409.722.8300 281.427.4771 281.540.2800

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SHOPPING FOR THE PERFECT PLACE TO MEET?

THE ‘MEET ALTERNATIVE’ OF THE STATE OF TEXAS It’s a lot easier to pinpoint Waco on a Texas map than it is to pinpoint the one thing that brings more than a million visitors here annually. Oh, there are plenty of obvious reasons people choose Waco as their meeting destination: it’s centrally located, easy to navigate, has great accommodations and is reasonably priced. But it’s the subtle things—our easygoing atmosphere, the slightly quirky downtown shops and friendly locals—that have people dismissing the notion that gatherings have to be held in big cities with lots of traffic and a fast food restaurant on every block. People are ready for something different, something more genuine. So welcome to Waco, the new “meet alternative” of the state of Texas.

WACO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU wacoheartoftexas.com

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MEET Extra In Beaumont, we don’t want you to have just any regular meeting. Our team of highly experienced meeting experts want to make sure your attendees get a taste of Beaumont and share amazing experiences with our partners. If you can’t see it all, we have opportunities for our partners to come to you. Or, if you want to get out and explore, we can plan exciting activities for you to experience the city.

MEET Memorable When hosting your meeting in Beaumont, exploring the city is something that we want you to experience. From unique museums, an active nightlife, live music, outdoor adventures, and delicious food, Beaumont offers a number of options for your attendees to enjoy.

MEET Unique It’s time to break out of the board room for good! Discover unexpected meeting spaces like the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum which is a replica 1901 oil town, or the Beaumont Botanical Gardens Center, where you will be immersed in acres of blooming flora and fauna. Beaumont is suitable for any size group or budget.

We know our city inside and out. Call or visit us for all of your meeting needs!

Freddie Willard, Director of Sales | freddie.willard@beaumonttexas.gov | (409) 880-3749

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