Small Market Meetings January 2026

MAKING MEETINGS ACCESSIBLE | COASTAL DESTINATIONS | MONTGOMERY, MARYLAND JANUARY 2026

s ’ a c i r e m A artland He MEETING MOMENTS IN

MOREHEAD CONFERENCE CENTER

CO

L

LA

C

O

BO RATE

NN

CE

LE

ECT

BRATE Discover the perfect blend of modern amenities and small-town charm at the Morehead Conference Center— your destination for unforgettable meetings, vibrant events, and lasting connections.

moreheadconferencecenter.com

ON THE COVER: Meeting attendees enjoy cocktails and conversation on a terrace at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.

Photo courtesy Margaritaville Lake Resort

VOLUME 27 | ISSUE 1

11

IDEAS Coastal Destinations

18

D E PA R T M E N T S

FROM US 6 NEWS Jewell named CEO & Executive Editor

MEETING GUIDE America’s Heartland

8 MANAGING Accessible Meetings

TO ADVERTISE CALL TELISA RECH SMALL MARKET MEETINGS is published ten times a year by Pioneer Publishing, Inc., 301 E. High St., Lexington, KY 40507, and is distributed free of charge to qualified meeting planners who plan meetings in small- and medium-sized cities. To subscribe to the magazine or enewsletter, please go to smallmarketmeetings.com/subscribe.

Phone (859) 253-0503. Copyright SMALL MARKET MEETINGS, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of editorial or graphic content in any manner without the written consent of the publisher is prohibited.

Brian Jewell Donia Simmons Rachel Crick Ashley Ricks Sarah Sechrist Rachel Carter

859-356-5128

CEO & Executive Editor Creative Director Associate Editor/Project Manager Print & Digital Publishing Manager Controller Copy Editor

smallmarketmeetings.com

telisa@smallmarketmeetings.com

Telisa Rech Ashley DeLucia Brady Wine

Advertising Sales Manager Advertising Sales Manager Sales Coordinator

Mac T. Lacy Herbert Sparrow

Founder & Partner Founder & Partner

Courtesy Wilmington and Beaches CVB

16

TOWN Montgomery, Maryland

Why leave your event up to chance?

Kearney, Where the Heartland Gathers.

Forget predictions—the answer’s already clear. In Kearney, great events aren’t left to chance. With superior facilities, top-notch event and catering staff, plus unbeatable affordability and convenience, you’ll get “YES” every time.

If you’re looking for a host city for your next event, make sure you look at Kearney, Nebraska.

MeetInKearney.com

|

308-237-3178

Visit

EARNEY N E B R A S K A

JEWELL NAMED CEO & EXECUTIVE EDITOR

B

BRIAN JEWELL

6

rian Jewell has been named CEO and executive editor of Pioneer Publishing Inc., the parent company of Small Market Meetings, effective January 1.

Jewell is a longtime employee of the company and has served as its vice president and editor since 2020.

The company has owned and published Small Market Meetings since creating it in 2000.

Pioneer Publishing also produces custom publications for clients, operates OnSite familiarization tours for meeting planners and creates extensive digital content for many meetings industry clients.

“Brian is the right person to assume the top management role in our company at this exciting time for its future,” said co-founder and partner Mac Lacy. “Brian is an accomplished journalist and editor, has a keen understanding of business principles and is one of the brightest minds in this industry.

We’re fortunate to have him accept this position.”

“Brian brings a wealth of institutional knowledge of the company, where he started 22 years ago as a writer and worked his way up the ranks,” said Herb Sparrow, co-founder and partner with Lacy.

“He has been a key contributor to the company’s success over that time, especially in the growth of Small Market Meetings’ digital products, its fastest-growing segment. He has become a well-known and respected figure in the meetings industry and will be a continued asset for Pioneer Publishing.”

“When I started out as a travel journalist in the early 2000s, I had no idea how deeply I would connect with the meetings industry,” Jewell said. “Meetings and events are among the most dynamic elements of today’s travel and hospitality business, and meeting planners are some of my favorite colleagues to spend time with. I’m excited to lead our team in the valuable work of connecting meeting professionals with smaller destinations and venues around the country.”

Lacy will remain active in the Lexington, Kentucky-based company as an owner. He leaves fulltime work after 33 years as president of Pioneer Publishing Inc. Sparrow, as co-founder and owner, has been working part-time for the past 13 years after a 40-year career in journalism, public service and magazine editing, and he will continue his involvement in the company’s financial management.

smallmarketmeetings.com

MANAGING

Meetings for All

MEETING PROS SHOULD THINK HOLISTICALLY ABOUT ACCESSIBILITY

M

BY R ACHEL CRICK

ore than one-quarter of Americans — about 70 million people — live with some type of disability, according to a 2022 study by the Centers for Disease Control. That number reflects a broad spectrum of experiences, from visible disabilities to those that are not outwardly apparent. Creating a truly accessible event requires planners to think beyond the standard practices of ADA checklists.

Here are some points to improve event accessibility in 2026 and beyond, according to industry experts.

COLLECT RELEVANT INFORMATION Creating an accessible event requires asking questions, even though asking them can feel difficult, invasive or awkward. But it’s a mistake to let those feelings stand in the way; there’s a way to tactfully get all the necessary information without invading attendees’ privacy.

“It’s just in how you ask it,” said Katie Kulp, owner of Picture Me Traveling Events Services.

“You’re not asking the question, ‘What’s your disability?’ It’s, ‘What special needs do you need us to be able to accommodate?’”

Registration forms are a great place to ask about attendees’ needs. Rather than just offering a checklist, planners should ensure that attendees have a text box to input specific needs, especially if they have several.

“Let’s say I’m in a wheelchair, I’m blind, and I have a service animal,” said Stephen Cutchins, senior manager of accessibility at Cvent. “There is no way that clicking a yes or no button is sufficient enough for you to know how to accommodate me.”

It’s also a great idea to have a person on your team who is trained in accommodating disabilities acting as an accessibility coordinator, whether that’s a paid consultant or a member of the event planning team who receives training. They can act as a point person for attendees to contact about their needs before and during the event.

An accessibility coordinator can also double check that each venue can truly accommodate people with disabilities. Some venues claim to be accessible but have lackluster or ineffective accommodations, which a trained eye can spot. Planners should add a section on the event website or app with contact information for the accessibility coordinator

8

“The biggest thing that people could be doing that they’re not is having that specific person, an accessibility coordinator.”

Katie Kulp OWNER

Picture Me Traveling Event Services Experience: 15 years

smallmarketmeetings.com

“It’s 26% of adults in the U.S. that have a disability. When you accommodate them, you’ve now opened up your event to 26% more people. And I’ve never met a planner who’s like, ‘Nope, we have enough attendees.’

They would always rather have a larger conference.”

and any important information attendees with disabilities should know.

Following up after the event is important, too.

“Anyone that said they were going to need some special services should have been surveyed later,” said Rosemarie Rossetti, owner and accessibility consultant at Rossetti Enterprises. “It was time to go back to those people and say, ‘Did you get what you wanted? Is there anything that we could have improved upon?’”

CONSIDER HIDDEN DISABILITIES

When people think about accessibility for individuals with disabilities, they often think about accommodating service animals or wheelchairs, but not all disabilities are visible or obvious. In many cases, attendees have hidden disabilities.

“There’s like a hundred different hidden disabilities out there,” Rossetti said. “That means it’s unseen. It’s not evident when you look at that person.”

These can include everything from physical disorders like epilepsy, diabetes and autoimmune disorders to mental health and neurological disorders like Tourette’s, autism, ADHD or PTSD. Some elements of event design can present problems for hidden disabilities — think loud noises and bright flashing lights at a conference kickoff.

If you must incorporate these into your event, make sure to provide a warning to everyone in advance.

Similarly, long, uninterrupted sessions can be taxing for neurodivergent attendees. Providing fidget toys or breaking up sessions can be a great way to accommodate them, but it’s something that all attendees are likely to benefit from.

It’s becoming an increasingly standard practice for large venues like convention centers to have quiet rooms with dim lighting and low noise levels where attendees can recharge. Again, even neurotypical attendees tend to benefit from using these spaces to get away from the sensory overload of most conferences.

“You might have autism, ADHD, or you are just overwhelmed. Everybody needs the chance to get away,” Cutchins said.

One way to offer attendees the chance to voluntarily self-identify that they have a hidden disability is with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, an international concept launched in 2016 for public spaces. It signals to others in a discreet SENIOR MANAGER OF ACCESSIBILITY manner that someone has a hidden disability and Cvent may need extra care or attention. Offering stickers Experience: 20 years with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower at check-in can make all attendees feel welcomed and seen.

Stephen Cutchins

January 2026

9

MANAGING

MOST URGENT CHANGES While the conversation surrounding accessibility has certainly grown, there are still some areas where event organizers are consistently missing the mark. Addressing some of the urgent needs can help planners craft more inclusive and accessible events for all, draw “I see that the industry is more attendees and even save organizations from legal headaches.

The first most urgent need to address is having detailed emergetting more aware of it as gency evacuation procedures in place for people with disabilities. good business. It is a business “I would like them to focus on the emergency evacuation because I don’t think plans are in place,” Rossetti said. “I think, imperative. It’s not just an ‘How would you get out of a hotel or a convention center if there ADA compliance; it’s what you was a fire?’ We have to have better signage and better direction and better emergency evacuation chairs at every stairway.” need to do in order to attract Selecting venues that not only have accessible sleeping your members and to retain rooms, but also have well-planned emergency measures is critical for the safety of all attendees. your members.”

Other commonly missed accessibility measures include not having enough sign language interpreters and small details like table heights that are incompatible with wheelchair users.

Another urgent development on the accessibility front involves digital accessibility — and there’s a legal imperative for change.

In April 2026, updates to the ADA Title II will mandate public entities serving more than 50,000 people must make sure their websites, apps and all digital content meet digital accessibility compliance standards, like screen-reader compatibility for sight-impaired individuals. That means government bodies, certain higher education institutions and even some nonprofits must ensure their content meets these updated conditions, including at their meetings and events. Another deadline for entities serving less than 50,000 will come in 2027. Failure to comply could result in legal consequences.

“It’s not just events — it’s the PDFs, the online training materials and their videos, all that’s going to have to be accessible,” Cutchins said. “You can’t get much more urgent than that.”

The conversation around accessibility is likely to keep growing. To ensure an organization is always prepared to address accessibility as it shifts, training event staff in accessibility is critical.

“It doesn’t have to be their only job, but you should have a designated person who is basically an accessibility coordinator,” Kulp said. “If there is more of that, it would open up the world and a lot OWNER AND ACCESSIBILITY CONSULTANT of conferences to a lot more accessibility.”

Rossetti Enterprises Accessibility coordinators can fill this need, Experience: 29 years or event staff can take training courses through event organizations like PCMA and MPI.

Rosemarie Rossetti

10

smallmarketmeetings.com

IDEAS

Courtesy Wilmington and Beaches CVB

COASTLINE CONFERENCES These seaside destinations boast major appeal for meeting groups

S

BY R ACHE L CRICK

alt, sand and sun make hosting meetings a breeze.

Whether they’re trying to beat cold winter weather or simply adding a vacation onto their meetings, attendees flock to coastal destinations like few other places. Their abundance of maritime activities and attractions inspire a laid-back feel that simultaneously refreshes and inspires, and planners will love having plenty of options for stunning waterfront venues, hotels and attractions.

From seafood capitals to charming seaside cultural hubs, here are five incredible meeting and event destinations from coast to coast.

January 2026

WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA

With access to three nearby beach towns teeming with resorts, Wilmington, North Carolina, combines a laid-back feel, a historic downtown and plenty of capable venues, making it a phenomenal East Coast meetings destination.

At 107,000 square feet, the downtown Wilmington Convention Center is the largest convention center on the state’s coast. Managed by ASM Global, the facility offers river views and indoor-outdoor spaces for up to 2,000 attendees. There are 900 hotel rooms within walking distance, including the Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center, with 125 guest rooms and a 7,300-square-foot ballroom; the Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront, with a 4,000-squarefoot rooftop bar, 186 guest rooms and seven total meeting rooms; and the Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, with 20,000 square feet of meeting space and 272 guest rooms. Three additional properties provide excellent overflow accommodations.

Wilmington’s maritime setting is great for offsites. The Pier at Port City Marina, at the end of Wilmington’s Riverwalk, can accommodate everything from large concerts to small cocktail parties, and local food trucks can be reserved to cater private

Above: The Pier at Port City Marina can accommodate every type of event, from large concerts to small cocktail receptions.

11

IDEAS events. For an event or off-site on the water, Cape Fear Riverboats offers sunset and sightseeing cruises for groups. For something historic, the Bellamy Mansion Museum can host up to 150 people in a historic and elegant setting. In their downtime, attendees can peruse the city’s other historic attractions with a walking tour of the downtown historic district or a visit to the Battleship North Carolina. wilmingtonandbeaches.com

BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI

Biloxi is one of the largest of 12 cities making up the Coastal Mississippi region. Sometimes called “the Secret Coast,” the area is known for its fresh seafood, numerous world-class casinos and lots of barrier islands to explore.

“We’re a super affordable destination and very easy to get to,” said Ari Covacevich, director of sales and business development for Coastal Mississippi. “We have golf, gambling, fishing, aquariums, museums, art, history and culture. We’re not just a regular beach town.”

Biloxi is home to many of Coastal Mississippi’s meeting venues. The Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center is a 400,000-square-foot beachfront venue popular for hosting concerts and rodeos as well as conferences and conventions. It features over 130,000 square feet of exhibit space and several large ballrooms that can be broken down into smaller

Biloxi scenes, clockwise from left: The Biloxi Lighthouse; Maritime Seafood Museum Tour; the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center

12

meeting rooms with dozens of configurations.

Biloxi is also home to several casino hotels, which can double as meeting venues. The Beau Rivage Resort & Casino features 1,740 guest rooms and 50,000 square feet of meeting space. IP Casino Resort Spa has about 1,100 rooms and 65,000 square feet of meeting space, and the Golden Nugget Biloxi Hotel & Casino offers 22,000 square feet of meeting space and over 700 guest rooms.

Biloxi’s popular attractions double as fascinating venues for off-sites, team building or social events.

The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, Ground Zero Blues Club and The Grand Sofia, a new beachfront event venue, are popular options. coastalmississippi.com

PORTLAND, MAINE

Coastal towns in the Northeast region have a charm all their own. While they might not have the tropical feel of other coastal destinations, they make up for it with stunning scenery, incredible seafood, quaint beach towns and lots of culture. Portland, Maine, lives up to this reputation with its focus on arts throughout its historic downtown.

Portland has several downtown hotels with meeting and event space, including The Westin Portland Harborview, with an on-site spa, 16,000 square feet of meeting space and 289 guest rooms; The Press Ho-

Photos courtesy Coastal Mississippi

smallmarketmeetings.com

tel, Autograph Collection with 110 sleeping rooms and just over 2,300 square feet of event space; and the 130-room Hyatt Place Portland Downtown, with a 1,050-squarefoot meeting room.

In the heart of downtown, Merrill Auditorium is a 1,908-seat theater that is used for concerts and performances and can also be rented for corporate functions. For an event right on the water, planners should look to Ocean Gateway, a venue with floor-to-ceiling windows that can accommodate up to 250 for a banquet. Just outside of downtown, the Portland Exposition Building is a multipurpose venue that can host larger events like concerts, conferences and trade shows.

When they’re done with their meetings, attendees can visit the Portland Museum of Art, check out the city’s emerging craft brewery scene or explore the Old Port, the historic district of renovated warehouses that have been converted to restaurants and breweries. visitportland.com

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Known as “The Queen City,” Charleston, South Carolina, has plenty of Southern hospitality to dole out — and just as much charm. While leisure travelers love strolling through the Charleston City Market and along Rainbow Row, and visiting its beautiful plantation homes and gardens, the city can also be a stunning backdrop for coastal meetings and events.

The Charleston Area Convention Center in North Charleston is a 20-minute drive from downtown and features 77,000 square feet of exhibit space. The adjacent Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Airport Hotel & Convention Center has 255 guest rooms, but there are over

MEETINGS WITH A SIDE OF VITAMIN SEA From corporate retreats to big time concerts to antique car shows, and everything in between, it’s no wonder year after year meeting and event planners choose the Wildwoods Convention Center!

• 75K square foot exhibit arena, a 12K square foot Ballroom and 10-Meeting Rooms • 380 – 10’ x 10’ exhibit booth space or seating for up to 7,500 • Modern amenities / State-of-the-art communication systems • Full in-house Catering/Concession services • Adjacent to the world-famous Wildwoods Boardwalk and 5 miles of FREE white sand beaches • On-site parking for over 700 vehicles • 30K square feet of pre-function space • Free Wi-Fi for attendees

To schedule your next meeting or event, January 2026

800-992-9732 | WildwoodsCC.com 13

IDEAS 2,000 hotel rooms within a mile of the convention center. Many hotels also feature additional ballroom space, such as the Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Airport and the Crowne Plaza Charleston Airport Convention Center, each of which has 5,000 square feet of meeting space.

If they’re looking to host a meeting in downtown Charleston, planners should consider the Charleston Gaillard Center, a historic venue with an 1,800-seat theater and a 13,000-square-foot ballroom. It’s within walking distance to other popular attractions in the historic district. Other off-site options include the Gibbes Museum of Art, which can accommodate banquets of up to 350 in its garden or 70 in its rotunda; the South Carolina Aquarium, which can host banquets for up to 200 attendees; and The Carolina Girl, a private events yacht that can hold up to 125 passengers. meetcharleston.com

MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA

Close enough to the tech hubs of Silicon Valley and the Bay Area, but far enough from the overwhelming crowds and high costs, the coastal California city of Monterey offers just the right blend of innovation and relaxation. It’s also a good fit for those looking to plan more sustainable meetings and events, thanks to its modernized venues, its green planning initiatives and

Scenes from the Monterey area, clockwise from left: Monterey Bay Aquarium’s exterior; an outdoor event at Carmel Valley Ranch; The Lodge at Pebble Beach

14

its location near Salinas Valley, an agricultural region nicknamed “America’s Salad Bowl.”

“Monterey is known for its close proximity to major metropolitan areas, but with more of an inspirational, coastal atmosphere,” said Teresa Savage, senior vice president of business operations for See Monterey.

“We like to say the sun shines differently here.”

In Monterey, planners will find several top venues right next to the wharf, including the Monterey Conference Center, which is attached to two hotels: the Portola Hotel & Spa and Monterey Marriott. Of its 40,000-plus square feet, the conference center’s largest space is a ballroom with just over 19,000 square feet, divisible into two smaller rooms. There’s also the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa, with 550 guest rooms and 40,000 square feet of event space. Nearby communities in the Monterey area are home to resorts like the Bernardus Lodge & Spa and Carmel Valley Ranch, which each have their own meeting and event facilities.

What really makes an event stand out in Monterey is the area’s off-sites and attendee activities, which are sure to boost attendance. These include the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, which can host events for up to 2,000 attendees, as well as the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Links. Nearby wineries, parks and even drives along the coast create an unforgettable attendee experience. seemonterey.com

Photos courtesy See Monterey

smallmarketmeetings.com

Riverfront to Oceanfront: Meetings Look Best Here

Only one meetings destination offers the best of the Carolina Coast.

With a historic riverfront town, island beaches and walkable Convention District, Wilmington is the perfect backdrop for an event your attendees will remember. Discover four waterfront towns in one destination.

NCCoastalMeetings.com | 800.650.9064

s ’ d n a l y r a M TOWN

CULTURAL CAPITAL

A

BY BRIONA L A MBACK

s Maryland’s “cultural capital,” Montgomery County’s blend of history, culture and community makes it a standout in its own right, especially in the bustling Washington, D.C., metro area. Just over 20 miles from the nation’s capital, Montgomery County is a convenient meeting point for groups that want to enjoy its small-town feel while still experiencing landmark attractions in D.C. Affectionately nicknamed MoCo, the region is ideally situated near three major airports — Washington Dulles International Airport, Baltimore Washington International Airport and Ronald Reagan International Airport — allowing convenient access with hundreds of daily flights and less than an hour’s drive between all three airports and the county. Once in town, accessibility to the Metro transit system allows for ease of travel across Montgomery County and into D.C. “We are one of the most culturally diverse counties in the country,” said Leticia Engel, senior marketing manager for Visit Montgomery. “When we say cultural capital, we’re talking about the cultural diversity of our communities, but also the experiences you’ll find here.”

One of the most unique experiences in Montgomery is the access to outdoor spaces and attractions.

“One-third of our county is designated as an agricultural reserve,” Engel said. “So many don’t realize that there’s a lot of farm heritage here.”

There are more than a dozen breweries, wineries and distilleries located in the county, featuring farm-chic tasting rooms and cozy urban wineries. Meeting attendees who are coffee lovers will also appreciate visiting Mayorga Coffee, the largest organic coffee roaster in Maryland, which has spent 23 years roasting specialty coffee in Montgomery County.

16

SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN VINEYARD

Photos courtesy Visit Montgomery, MD

smallmarketmeetings.com

Major Meeting Spaces

THE BETHESDA NORTH MARRIOTT HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER OFFERS NEARLY 62,000 SQUARE FEET OF TOTAL EVENT SPACE.

The 455-room Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center is the largest conference center in Montgomery County. Its conference space spans 50,000 square feet, featuring a 23,000-squarefoot Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 2,500 guests, an intimate 4,000-square-foot Junior Ballroom, and some of the highest ceilings in the area.

Off-Site Venues

Located along Montgomery’s Tastemakers Trail is Waredaca Brewing Company, a working horse farm that’s open year-round.

The brewery has recently added pavilions with space for up to 100 guests and stunning views of the farm. Small, adult-only meetings and events can use the indoor space within the industrial-style Brew House. Slightly larger groups with up to 30 seated guests can spread out in the outdoor orchard space.

After the Meeting MONTGOMERY MARYLAND LOCATION

Central Maryland within the Washington, D.C., metro area ACCESS

Washington Dulles International Airport, Baltimore Washington International Airport, Ronald Reagan International Airport MAJOR MEETING SPACES

Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center HOTEL ROOMS

8,800+ OFF-SITE VENUES

Waredaca Brewing Company, Loan Oak Farm, Marriott Bethesda Downtown CONTACT INFO

Visit Montgomery 240-641-6752 visitmontgomery.com

January 2026

Planners can organize group tours for up to 40 people to visit Glenstone, the largest privately funded museum in the U.S. Thriving at the intersection of art, architecture and nature, it’s a place for art lovers and novices alike to immerse themselves in the elements that inspire the artwork. After exploring the free admission galleries and exhibits, visitors can walk the Woodland Trail to view outdoor sculptures.

For a history-focused tour, Engel suggests organizing a visit to Josiah Henson Museum & Park, which is where Henson, an influential author, abolitionist and public speaker, was born and enslaved in 1789. Henson’s legacy includes leading over 118 enslaved people to freedom as a conductor on the Underground Railroad as well as his autobiography, inspired by Harriet Beecher Stowe’s famous novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”

Explore the Outdoors

Sugarloaf Mountain, a Registered Natural Landmark, has long been a geological wonder situated on the border of Montgomery County and Frederick County. At an elevation of 1,282 feet and standing 800 feet tall, the mountain is home to more than 500 species of plants that bloom in the warmer months, as well as wildlife like white-tailed deer, black bears and flying squirrels. As someone who isn’t an avid hiker, Engel loves that it’s a great place for a leisurely hike. At the base of the mountain is the award-winning Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard, the perfect post-hike spot.

“It’s fun to see everyone come down the mountain and hang out at the winery, just chill and listen to live music,” Engel said. “It’s a really nice outdoor experience.”

17

HEARTLAND MEETING GUIDE

MACKINAC ISLAND IS ONLY REACHABLE BY FERRY AND HAS SEVERAL RESORTS FOR MEETINGS AND EVENTS.

Lakefronts Great and Small Meetdieng Gui

BY PAU L A AV E N G L ADYCH

S

tates in America’s Heartland may not offer oceanfront property, but these five waterfront meeting destinations take advantage of their proximity to the Great Lakes and smaller lakefront destinations, from Minnesota, Michigan and Ohio to Iowa and Nebraska.

18

Courtesy Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau

MACKINAC ISLAND, MICHIGAN

The only way to reach Mackinac Island in Michigan is via passenger ferry, and cars have been banned since 1898.

Once they arrive, groups can take horse-drawn carriages to their lodging.

Mackinac Island State Park covers 84% of the island, which is 8.2 miles around.

The 388-room Grand Hotel, which opened in 1887 as a summer retreat, is known for its expansive covered porch, lined with rocking chairs, that overlooks Lake Huron. It has 22,000 square feet of meeting space and plenty of fun things to do on-site, including lawn games, golf and its own horseback riding stables. It is also known for its tours and lectures.

The 243-room Mission Point Resort is on the sunrise side of Mackinac Island. It has 38,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including 13 breakout rooms, an

smallmarketmeetings.com

Meetieng Guid amphitheater and a light-filled atrium. Its largest room can seat 300 guests at rounds or 780 theater style. The resort offers several team-building activities, including a 5K run or walk, rental of the Greens of Mackinac Putting Course for group tournaments, sunrise hikes, scavenger hunts, craft classes or private history tours.

Smaller groups can host events at the Murray Hotel downtown or Island House Hotel.

For fun, groups can organize horse-drawn carriage tours of the island, visit Fort Mackinac, which still features 14 original buildings, or explore 70 miles of trails. mackinacisland.org

A PICNIC AT VOYAGEUR BREWING

GRAND MARAIS, MINNESOTA

The Minnesota village of Grand Marais is tucked between Lake Superior and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the largest protected wilderness in the U.S. Visitors to the area are surrounded by lakes big and small, four state parks and one national park.

To take advantage of the water, groups can book guided kayaking tours of the harbor or along the North Shore of Lake Superior, or charter a sailing excursion out of Grand Marais Marina. During warmer months, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming and guided canoe tours, either at inland lakes or within the Boundary Waters, are great ways to explore the area’s natural beauty.

Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, hiking and biking are also popular along hundreds of miles of trails.

Downtown Grand Marais features locally owned businesses and galleries. It is a short walk from downtown to Artist’s Point and the Grand Marais Lighthouse.

The majority of meeting spaces in Grand Marais are at local resorts, including sister properties Bluefin Bay and Surfside on Lake Superior, which can host groups of up to 80, and Caribou Highlands Lodge in the Lutsen Mountains, which can host groups of 75. Lutsen Mountains is the largest ski resort in the Midwest. Grand Portage Lodge & Casino on Lake Superior can accommodate 250 for a conference, and Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters on Gunflint Lake can host 95 for an event.

Spring, which is considered waterfall season in Cook County, and winter are great times to book retreats in Grand Marais because the area is not overrun with visitors. visitcookcounty.com

By Al and Lyndsey Johnson, courtesy Visit Cook County Minnesota

THE GRAND MARAIS LIGHTHOUSE

OKOBOJI, IOWA

Perched on the edge of Lake Okoboji in Iowa, Okoboji is a small-town community with big-city amenities. The area is known for its watersports, boating, fishing and swimming. Meeting groups visiting the area can rent kayaks, canoes and standup paddleboards or book a ride on the Queen II excursion boat, which gives historical tours of the lake and offers many themed cruises. Queen II is also available for private functions and has a capacity of 150 passengers or 90 guests for a banquet.

Groups also can bike or hike along 40 miles of public trails or enjoy popular swim beaches. There are multiple golf courses in

January 2026

INSIDE BLOOMINGTON’S FAMOUS MALL OF AMERICA

By David Johnson, courtesy Visit Cook County Minnesota

19

Meetieng Guid BRIDGES BAY RESORT

Okoboji where groups can organize golf tournaments, or planners can book lakeside yoga classes.

The Waterfront Event Center offers 9,700 square feet of indoor event space that can seat up to 350 for a banquet. It offers multiple breakout rooms and a waterfront gazebo. The Waterfront is connected to Bridges Bay Resort, which offers 212 hotel rooms plus short-term rental properties. The resort has an indoor water park with attached private party rooms, a zip line, arcade, outdoor pool with swim-up bar, water volleyball and basketball.

Bridges Bay is a short drive to Arnolds Park Amusement Park, which features the 9,000-square-foot Roof Garden Ballroom that can seat groups of 500 with a stage, and the 5,000-squarefoot Majestic Pavilion, with a seating capacity of 300. Lake Okoboji Resort & Conference Center offers 100 guest rooms, an 1,800-square-foot hospitality suite and nearly 30,000 square feet of flexible meeting space for groups of up to 500. vacationokoboji.com

LAKESIDE CHAUTAUQUA, OHIO

Courtesy Vacation Okoboji

Lakeside Chautauqua is a waterfront destination on the shore of Lake Erie in Ohio, about an hour from Toledo and the Cleveland suburbs. Groups hosting events in the community can include kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing or lake cruises on wooden boats. The community has a 700-foot dock that juts out into the lake, where

INSPIRED MEETINGS BEGIN IN STORIED SPACES Why settle for ordinary meeting spaces when you can host your event where American history was made? From historic Victorian mansions to museums to landmarks, you’ll find memorable places to inspire your attendees.

Start planning today at stjomo.com

20

smallmarketmeetings.com

visitors can go for a swim. There’s also a beach, miniature golf, shuffleboard, basketball, volleyball, pickleball and tennis courts, and a 4,000-square-foot swimming pool with water slides, a sun deck and meeting rooms overlooking it.

There are two hotels in the community: Hotel Lakeside, which is 151 years old and has 70 guest rooms, and Fountain Inn with 47 rooms. There are also cabins and bed-and-breakfasts in the area. In total, the community can accommodate 25 to 200 guests in local lodging.

Lakeside has several meeting spaces, including the 2,600seat Hoover Auditorium and Orchestra Hall, Lakeside’s historic movie theater, which can host 225 attendees and features a small stage, projection screen and A/V capability. Wesley Lodge is in the downtown business district. It has 4,750 square feet of space with 20-foot cathedral ceilings and two areas that can be rented separately or together. It can accommodate up to 350 classroom style or 250 for a banquet.

Outdoor spaces include Chautauqua Park, which can host groups of 200 or more, and the lawn in front of Hotel Lakeside, which offers 9,000 square feet of waterfront green space for 250 guests. Attendees can also plan getaways to Kelleys Island or Put-in-Bay. lakesideohio.com

WHERE CITIES MEET...

AND PEOPLE DO, TOO.

G ROU P FUN FOR TEAMS

Discover Why Waukesha Pewaukee is Where People Meet!

With ample space for your gathering and exciting team activities to keep everyone engaged, we make meeting planning easier.

Conveniently located directly off I-94 in Southeast Wisconsin we’re ready to help you create a great experience for you and your team.

LET’S GET PLANNING! MARBLEHEAD LIGHTHOUSE STATE PARK

visitwaukesha.org/meet-more

Courtesy Lakeside Chautauqua Ohio

January 2026

21

Meetieng Guid

THE SHORES OF LAKE MCCONAUGHY Courtesy Nebraska Tourism

LEMOYNE, NEBRASKA

FIVE-STAR TREATMENT

L I NC O L N . O R G / S MM2 5

22

IN LINCOLN, NEBRASKA Lincoln is on the menu for your next meeting or get together. Show your guests the meaning of “getaway” and let the fun begin.

Lemoyne is a small township on Lake McConaughy in Nebraska. It is the only community on the lake’s shoreline, making it a prime swimming, fishing and boating destination in the state.

Businesses in the area are only open seasonally.

The man-made irrigation lake has 37 miles of shoreline. It was formed with the building of the Ogallala Dam, which was the first one built after the Hoover Dam. Admiral’s Cove Resort is the only resort on the water. It has 18 cabins that can hold up to 50 guests and also offers RV and tent camping right on the beach. The resort has event spaces for up to 200 between its restaurant and bar as well as a spacious patio overlooking the water.

Cove Restaurant & Lounge offers family-friendly dining and catering for on-site events. In the evening, the Cove transforms into a lounge serving signature cocktails and wine. Bands perform on the patio every weekend from May to September.

The cabins have various layouts, from standard motel rooms with two queen beds to family suites with two bedrooms. All of them include full bathrooms, kitchenettes, living rooms and televisions equipped with Roku.

Groups that want to get out on the water can rent kayaks from the general store, or guests can bring their own boats with them to the resort and tie them up at the dock. admiralscoveresort.com

smallmarketmeetings.com

CUSTOM CONTENT

Bloomington bursts with new possibilities as convention center expands

BY VICKIE MITCHELL

I

n St. Augustine, Florida, all it takes is a sip from the Fountain of Youth to feel young again. To drop a few decades in Bloomington, Indiana, all that’s required is a walk around the downtown square of one of America’s best college towns. “We kind of jokingly say ‘Come here and feel like a college student again,’” says Shaun Ballard, convention sales manager for Visit Bloomington.

The key to Bloomington’s youthful vibe is Indiana University’s main campus and its nearly 50,000 students. They account for a substantial portion of the city’s population of 85,000, creating a tight town/ gown bond.

IU’s 1,960-acre campus flows right into Bloomington’s downtown, full of restaurants, bars, live music venues, clothing stores and other local shops.

Students — and everyone else — eat well, as the 150 restaurants located downtown serve up the expected burgers and pizzas at places like Hinkle’s Hamburgers and Mother Bear’s Pizza, as others whip up dishes from Tibet, Thailand, India, South Korea and many of the other 160 countries that students call home. The result — a small town with international flair that’s home to a Big 10 university — appeals not just to college students, but also meeting goers.

CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION IS UNDER WAY

In 1991, the community cleverly turned a 1923 Model T Ford assembly plant and showroom located just off the square into Monroe Convention Center (soon to be called Bloomington Convention Center).

It is a bustling place, managing some 500 events a year.

But because of its small size — 24,000 square feet on two floors — the center

can’t handle groups of more than 250 people. That will change just over a year from now, in early 2027, when a $71 million expansion and renovation will more than double its space to 60,000 total square feet, allowing Bloomington to pursue conferences of 500 to 700 people.

A new convention venue is being constructed across the street with a sky bridge to connect the two buildings. The plan allows the current center to remain open as the new building is constructed.

The new structure will echo the red brick and limestone façade of the old but includes some important features that the current one lacks, like a 26,000-square-foot exhibit hall with 30-foot ceilings and an outdoor space that overlooks downtown as well as several small meeting spaces. Like the original center, the new one will be enlivened with art, much of it by local artists.

The current convention space will primarily serve as breakout rooms as it connects to the expansion’s large exhibit hall. The Bloomington Convention Center is also connected to the 117-room Courtyard by Marriott, and there are plans for a second convention hotel.

Even without it, downtown Bloomington has nice hotels, several recently

renovated, within a few blocks of the convention center. The closest, a block away, is the Hyatt Place Bloomington, with 172 guest rooms. Two blocks farther up College Avenue, the Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington has 168 guest rooms. And, on the campus side of the square, the Graduate Bloomington has 149 rooms, all turned out with IU memorabilia and touches of its crimson school colors. A new boutique property, the locally owned Posh on Kirkwood, promises to be the town’s most lux property to date, opened in what was previously a downtown bank building. The 45-room hotel is “the most upscale property we have in Bloomington.

It’s nothing like I have seen in Bloomington.” said Ballard.

With the convention center expansion on the horizon, and all that it likely will bring in terms of new developments, that might be a statement Ballard finds himself making quite often.

GETTING THERE

Bloomington is about 50 miles south (1 hour) of Indianapolis, 105 miles north (2 hours) of Louisville, Kentucky, and 128 miles west (2.5 hours) of Cincinnati.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: VISIT BLOOMINGTON Shaun Ballard Convention Sales Manager O: 812-330-4304 C: 815-451-2801 shaun@visitbloomington.com visitbloomington.com

HEARTLAND MEETING GUIDE

WINGSPREAD RETREAT & EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE CENTER WAS DESIGNED

BY FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT IN 1938 AND CAN HOST MEETINGS AND EVENTS.

Heartland Originals Meetdieng Gui

BY PAU L A AV E N G L ADYCH

T

he agricultural heritage, natural beauty and remarkable history of America’s Heartland make it a wonderful place to find unique meeting and event venues. The variety of fun on-site activities and nearby attractions at these five venues help meeting planners entice people to attend their events.

26

Courtesy Wingspread Retreat & Executive Conference Center

WINGSPREAD RETREAT & EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE CENTER

Wind Point, Wisconsin Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1938 as the family home of Herbert Fisk Johnson Jr., the president of S.C. Johnson, Wingspread sits on 36 acres in Wind Point, Wisconsin.

Completed in 1939, the Johnson family lived in the home through the 1950s but eventually donated it to The Johnson Foundation to be used as a conference facility. A second home on the property was converted into a 1,200-squarefoot conference center, which can hold 55 attendees, but most social events and dinners are held in Wingspread.

The facility specializes in small board meetings, executive retreats and leadership workshops. Surrounded by ponds and woods, Wingspread is a perfect spot to get away from daily distractions and focus on business. Groups that host events on the property must have a defined goal and

smallmarketmeetings.com

Meetieng Guid

purpose in mind for their functions in order for the foundation to keep its tax-free status.

Small groups can stay in the 40-room Sam & Gene Johnson Guest House, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

All meals are chef’s choice. A breakfast buffet bolsters groups in the morning, and a private meal space is set aside for lunch and dinner.

Wingspread and the Guest House both have full kitchens. Groups interested in learning more about Wingspread can take a complimentary architectural tour of the building followed by a cocktail reception.

The facility backs up to Lake Michigan, and guests will find hiking and biking trails nearby. Visitors often leave the property out the back gate to catch the sunrise at the historic Wind Point Lighthouse. wingspread.com

PUNDERSON MANOR LODGE & CONFERENCE CENTER

Newbury, Ohio Punderson Manor Lodge in Newbury, Ohio, began construction in the late 1920s and was completed by the state of Ohio when it was awarded ownership of the property. The resort opened in 1956 and has continued operating as a destination ever since. The lodge is surrounded by the 741-acre Punderson State Park.

In the past four years, many areas of the manor have been renovated, with care and attention given to maintaining the building’s historic integrity. The lodge sits on the shores of Ohio’s largest kettle lake, which is a wonderful spot to kayak, paddleboard or fish. Whether on the manor property or in the state park, guests will find plenty of recreation activities, including an 18-hole championship golf course; 18-hole disc golf course; indoor and outdoor swimming pools; tennis, basketball and volleyball courts; an archery range; boat rentals; and 14 miles of trails for hiking, fat tire biking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and dog sledding. A sledding hill and chalet on the property can double as an indoor/outdoor event venue for up to 75 guests, and the nature center by the campground is a great place to learn more about the wildlife that calls the park home.

There are 31 lodge rooms in the manor and 26 two-bedroom cabins with full kitchens on the grounds. The manor has 4,000 square feet of banquet and meeting space for groups of 10 to 120. Several outdoor venues can serve as event spaces.

The facility welcomes corporate, social and church groups that want to incorporate outdoor activities into their events. Full-service catering and team-building activities are available. pundersonmanor.com

PUNDERSON MANOR LODGE Courtesy Punderson Manor Lodge & Conference Center

BLOOMSBURY FARM

Atkins, Iowa Bloomsbury Farm in Atkins, Iowa, is a fifth-generation family-owned corn and soybean operation that has expanded over the years to include a flower shop, greenhouse and gift shop, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, corn maze, private events and many family-friendly activities.

January 2026

A PHOTO-OP AT BLOOMSBURY FARM

INSIDE BLOOMINGTON’S FAMOUS MALL OF AMERICA Courtesy Bloomsbury Farm

27

Meetieng Guid The farm can host groups of up to 2,000 guests, but its sweet spot is groups with 300 to 500 attendees. Groups can rent barn space for a catered meal or meeting and then give attendees free rein to experience the farm’s fun activities, from hayrack rides and a corn pool to the giant jumping pillow. Team-building activities include apple shooters, target games, pumpkin bowling and corn maze races. The farm also hosts movie nights for groups by projecting films onto the side of the giant corn pool.

The Harvest Barn is the largest event space on the farm and can fit 275 seated. It can be heated, but it does not have air conditioning. The Party Barn can host 140 for a banquet. The loft upstairs can fit an additional 100 attendees. Some groups choose not to rent barn space and instead buy out the property to allow their guests time to explore the farm at their leisure.

The catering staff serve buffet-style meals, and the farm has many picnic tables throughout. The covered beer garden can fit 150 guests and is an ideal spot to set up outdoor buffets for visiting groups.

The family helps groups plan fun activities during their events, including hiring local bands to perform, organizing tethered hotair balloon rides on property or hosting fireworks shows. bloomsburyfarm.com

MARGARITAVILLE LAKE RESORT LAKE OF THE OZARKS

Osage Beach, Missouri Located in the central part of Missouri, Margaritaville Lake Resort covers 420 acres on the shores of Lake of the Ozarks. The 520-room resort features 76,000 square feet of indoor event space that can accommodate up to 3,500 guests. There are also five outdoor venues that can host groups of 120 to 400 for a banquet.

The 23,160-square-foot Paradise Ballroom can seat 1,650 for a banquet and 2,700 theater style. Windgate Hall is 30,000 square feet and can host groups of 2,200 for a banquet and 3,300 for a reception. The deck at JB’s Boathouse Grill can host groups of 200 for receptions or dinners. Windgate Plaza, outside the resort’s main lobby, provides beautiful lake views and can host 180 for a reception.

The resort has an 18-hole golf course and driving and putting ranges where groups can host tournaments or play casually.

The clubhouse can seat 120 for an event. For fun, attendees can spend the day at the indoor water park or rent pontoon boats, paddleboats, motorized boats or jet skis at the marina.

There’s also an eight-lane bowling alley, arcade, billiards room, miniature golf course, pickleball courts, indoor and outdoor pools and a fitness center. Tropic Island Cruises takes groups out on the lake, and horseback rides are available from Thouvenel Stables. Driftwood Spa & Salon offers massages and body treatments.

Lake of the Ozarks State Park is just 10 miles from the resort, and groups can visit two nearby cave complexes, Bridal Cave and Stark Caverns. margaritavilleresortlakeoftheozarks.com

MARGARITAVILLE LAKE RESORT

Courtesy Margaritaville Lake Resort

28

smallmarketmeetings.com

YES

SAY TO LESS STRESS.

BIG CITY AMENITIES, SMALL TOWN EASE. UNLOCK A TRULY SEAMLESS EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT IN GREATER ST. CLOUD. WE COMBINE MODERN, FLEXIBLE MEETING SPACES AND PREMIUM ACCOMMODATIONS WITH GENUINE MIDWESTERN HOSPITALITY, MAKING PLANNING SIMPLE AND EXECUTION FLAWLESS. CHOOSE GREATER ST. CLOUD, MINNESOTA FOR AN INSPIRING, EASY-TONAVIGATE DESTINATION WHERE WE PARTNER WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

RIVER’S EDGE CONVENTION CENTER

THE PARK EVENT CENTER

HOLIDAY INN + SUITES

VISITSTCLOUD.COM

Meetieng Guid

EAGLE RIDGE RESORT & SPA

Galena, Illinois Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena, Illinois, is located about 30 minutes from Dubuque, Iowa, and 2 ½ hours from Chicago. The resort is in an area of Illinois that was never touched by glaciers, so it is surrounded by rolling hills, valleys, farms and waterfalls.

The resort spans 6,800 acres and boasts four award-winning golf courses. The resort offers 80 guest rooms and over 110 condos and homes that guests can rent out during their stay, and they can go boating or paddleboarding in the 22-acre lake behind the resort.

Eagle Ridge has 15,000 square feet of event space that can accommodate banquets of up to 300 people. Outdoor venues overlook Lake Galena and the Northern Illinois hills and woodlands. There are nine function rooms, three boardrooms, three private dining rooms, the 5,300-squarefoot Eagle Ballroom and the 3,300-square-foot Galena Room.

The resort offers team-building activities, meeting and conference services, full-service catering and A/V equipment. In their down time, groups can enjoy three on-site restaurants, golf, pickleball, and hiking and biking on 26 miles of trails that start at the resort. There is horseback riding, zip lining nearby and a marina with six pontoon boats that can be rented out. During the summer months, groups can host fishing tournaments and roast s’mores by the firepit. In the winter, the resort opens a Nordic center on one of its golf courses, allowing guests to go sledding or snowshoeing. There’s also an ice rink every season. eagleridge.com

THE EAGLE BALLROOM AT THE EAGLE RIDGE RESORT & SPA

Courtesy Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa

Meetings.

BUT MAKE THEM BRILLIANT. Right between Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis, Champaign-Urbana gives you room to go big—4,500+ hotel rooms, 240,000 sq. ft. of space, and a Big Ten campus full of brainpower. Add a global food scene lauded by The New York Times, a diverse community that brings a mix of cultures to life, and plenty of activities that wow. (Oh, we’re affordable, too.)

We’re brilliant on paper, even better in person, and we’d love to welcome you.

Schedule your site visit today.

30

experiencecu.org/meetings

smallmarketmeetings.com

HEARTLAND MEETING GUIDE

IN WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA, PURDUE UNIVERSITY’S CAMPUS HAS PLENTY OF EVENT SPACES TO CHOOSE FROM.

Heartland College Towns Meetdieng Gui

BY PAU L A AV E N G L ADYCH

T

ailgate parties, energetic mascots, worldclass marching bands and powerhouse sports teams infuse college towns in America’s Heartland with a sense of excitement and team spirit that carries over to conferences and events held there. These five destinations go all in with their resident college campuses while highlighting their history, attractions, dining and pub scenes.

January 2026

Courtesy Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette

LAFAYETTE AND WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA

As the home of Purdue University, the city of West Lafayette, Indiana, is steeped in Boilermaker pride, blending the energy of a Big Ten university with the welcoming atmosphere of a Midwest town. West Lafayette and its sister city of Lafayette are home to craft breweries, locally owned restaurants and coffee shops, live music venues, and community festivals.

Meeting planners have their pick of event spaces on the Purdue campus that can host groups of just about any size, including the Purdue Memorial Union, Stewart Center, Mackey Arena and Ross-Ade Stadium. The 182-room Union Club Hotel at Purdue is inside the Memorial Union and adjacent to the Stewart Center conference facility, which combined can accommodate groups of up to 6,000. There are 14 meeting rooms and two ballrooms in the Memorial Union, and 23 meeting rooms and two theaters in the Stewart Center.

To incorporate school spirit into their events, meeting planners can buy tickets to men’s or women’s basketball games at Mackey Arena, football games at Ross-Ade Stadium or a range of other varsity sports. University speakers and faculty experts are available to participate in conferences held in the area, and groups can book appearances by the Purdue All-American Marching Band, the school’s mascot, Purdue Pete, or the cheer squad to liven up events.

31

Meetieng Guid Groups that want to learn more about Purdue can take guided tours of historic landmarks, innovation spaces and athletic facilities on campus. Top attractions in West Lafayette and Lafayette include Purdue’s Horticulture Park; the Celery Bog Nature Area; Samara House, a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home; the Purdue University Galleries; and numerous public art installations. homeofpurdue.com

ENJOYING DRINKS AT FOX RIVER BREWING CO. IN OSHKOSH

OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN

The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh campus sits on the east side of the Fox River in central Oshkosh, but its influence can be felt throughout the city in many ways, from athletic events to students working and volunteering in the community. The campus is less than a mile from downtown Oshkosh, so meeting groups wanting to incorporate university events into their conferences have easy access.

Meeting planners can host events in the Culver Family Welcome Center on the UW-Oshkosh campus. The facility has a 500-person ballroom featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, four well-equipped 40-person breakout rooms and a 36-person boardroom.

The 176-room Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center downtown has 28,384 square feet of event space that can host up to 1,500 people in its largest venue. Many of its rooms overlook Lake Winnebago. The Sunnyview Expo Center offers 35,000 square feet of event space, including large exhibit halls and meeting rooms, and Oshkosh Arena can accommodate up to 4,200 for concerts and events.

The Paine Art Center and Gardens offers event spaces for up to 200 guests, including The Conservatory and Carriage House. The EAA Aviation Center, which houses more than 200 aircraft, has several unique event spaces in its exhibit hangars as well as in the museum, conference center and new education center.

For fun, groups can tour The Grand Oshkosh theater, a venue that opened its doors in 1883 and continues to captivate audiences with its

KALAHARI RESORT IN WISCONSIN DELLS

THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI

Mizzou has several large meeting venues, including Jesse Auditorium, Memorial Union, MU Student Center and Missouri Theatre.

32

Courtesy Columbia CVB

smallmarketmeetings.com

The 176-room Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center downtown has 28,384 square feet of event space that can host up to 1,500 people in its largest venue. Many of its rooms overlook Lake Winnebago.

Courtesy Visit Oshkosh

architecture, programming and storied past. Downtown Oshkosh features boutique shops, local restaurants, art galleries, event venues, a summer farmers market and Opera House Square. visitoshkosh.com

FOR PLANNERS:

FOR ATTENDEES:

» Full in-house sales & event management, AV technology, F&B & complimentary host & WiFi services » 225,000 sf of beautifully appointed space » 18 versatile, fully equipped spaces & intuitive floor plans » 4500 theater; 3100 banquet; 2900 classroom » 4 downtown full service hotels with garage parking » Award winning service with a nearly 80% rebooking rate » SAVE UP TO 15% vs. comparable cities!

» Walkable, safe, enjoyable downtown » 60+ walk-to restaurants, pubs, cafes, coffee & dessert houses » Boutique shopping » Live entertainment » Vibrant arts & attractions » Riverfront parks, trails & activities for all ages & abilities » Easy Midwest drive-to destination » Easy by air via FWA

COLUMBIA, MISSOURI

The University of Missouri adds a treasure trove of art, culture and dining to the city of Columbia. The first land grant university west of the Mississippi River, Mizzou recently celebrated its bicentennial.

Meeting groups wanting to tap into the university’s team spirit can attend many different sporting events, including football, basketball, gymnastics and softball. There are multiple museums on campus, and the campus itself is a designated botanic garden. Groups hosting meetings in the city can add garden and historic tours of the campus as part of their events.

Mizzou has several large meeting venues, including Jesse Auditorium, the Memorial Union, MU Student Center and Missouri Theatre.

There are 30 hotels in Columbia. Wyndham Executive Center Columbia has 298 guest rooms and 40,000 square feet of meeting space. The 151-room Hilton Garden Inn Columbia can host groups of 600 for a banquet, and Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center has 181 rooms and 6,700 square feet of event space.

Off-site venues include The Blue Note, which can host a

January 2026

Reach out to Meagan Drabik, Sales Manager

IT'S ALL HAPPENING IN DOWNTOWN FORT WAYNE, INDIANA

33

Meetieng Guid banquet for 200 or a reception for 500, and Rose Music Hall in the North Village Arts District, which can host a banquet for 250.

Downtown Columbia, called The District, is bordered on three sides by college campuses. There are art galleries, boutique shops and a diversity of restaurants. The Arcade District has fun bars, arcades and nightlife. visitcolumbiamo.com

LAWRENCE, KANSAS

Lawrence, Kansas, is home to two major universities: the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University.

The University of Kansas Conference Center features 55,000 square feet of event space. The 15,000-square-foot main hall can be divided into eight rooms and can host groups of 1,050 for a banquet.

The conference center is attached to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, making it easy for groups to get into the college spirit by playing flag football on the field and posting their conference logo on the stadium’s video scoreboard. In the stadium, 44 suites can serve as breakout spaces, and the 1921 Field Club features a full-wall videoboard and patio access to the stadium.

KU’s mascots, Big Jay and Baby Jay, can make an appearance at conference events, or guests can take guided tours of KU athletic venues. Groups interested in KU’s sports history can visit the DeBruce Center, which honors Dr. James Naismith’s Original Rules of Basketball, and the Booth Family Hall of Athletics, a museum that delves into the history and traditions of KU Athletics.

Other event spaces in Lawrence include the 192-room DoubleTree by Hilton, with 18,000 square feet of meeting space, the Baker University Wetlands Discovery Center and The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics. In total, Lawrence has 1,400 hotel rooms, and a new hotel is planned on the KU campus by spring 2028. explorelawrence.com

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN

Top-ranked University of Michigan blends seamlessly into the heart of Ann Arbor. Many meetings and events hosted in the city tie into the university, with its diverse student population and world-class intellectual capital.

Groups can host events on campus or at nearby full-service hotels. Michigan Stadium offers several meeting and event spaces that can include behind-the-scenes stadium tours of The Big House.

The University of Michigan Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural History are wonderful spots to host receptions or individual conference sessions. The Michigan League offers several event spaces, including a large ballroom and an auditorium. The facility can accommodate up to 350 for a banquet, and about 800 hotel rooms are located nearby.

The 188-room Vanguard Ann Arbor has 11,062 square feet of meeting space. Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel has 197 rooms and can host 600 for a banquet. Graduate Ann Arbor, which sports a University of Michigan theme, has 203 rooms and more than 10,000 square feet of meeting space.

Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest is near the stadium and boasts 243 guest rooms and 40,000 square feet of event space on Ford Lake.

The city is less than 25 minutes from the Detroit Metro Airport, making it easily accessible to meeting groups. For fun, groups can canoe or kayak on the Huron River, which flows through downtown Ann Arbor; visit Matthaei Botanical Gardens or the University of Michigan Nichols Arboretum; and hike, bike, snowshoe or cross-country ski in the Waterloo Recreation Area. annarbor.org

ON CAMPUS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS

Courtesy Explore Lawrence

34

smallmarketmeetings.com

MEETINGS WITH MORE THAN AN AGENDA Meet in Chicagoland’s Best Location, less than 15 miles from downtown and both airports. 1,600+ Hotel Rooms.

Your budget goes further here...

GROUP DINING

LUXURY SHOPPING TEAM BUILDING

LOW TAX + FREE PARKING = BIG SAVINGS! PLAN YOUR MEETING OnlyinOakBrook.com

A LITTLE BIT OF A LITTLE BIT OF

Dubuque, Iowa has more than the meeting.

MEETDUBUQUE.COM