Small Market Meetings March 2022

PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARIES | ATLANTIC CITY, NJ | TENNESSEE MEETING GUIDE

Citie s

AT YOUR SERVICE

MARCH 2022

Meet at the crossroads of south Georgia

t hin k tifto nga .c o m Tifton is a small town that makes a big impact on meetings! Our easy-to-get-to location, first class facilities and unique attractions makes us an appealing alternative for conventions and meetings of all sizes and types. Just off I-75, Tifton offers a wide array of unique meeting facilities, countless historic sites, authentic downtown charm, southern cuisine, and affordable lodging.

University of Georgia, Tifton Campus Conference Center With over 95,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, we will skillfully manage your event from 20 to 2,000 attendees.

Unique Meeting Venues From the Georgia Museum of Agriculture to an array of memorable locations, you’ll find a one-of-a-kind space for your group.

229.382.8700

ON THE COVER: Illustration by Kathryn Holloway

INSIDE VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 3

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MANAGING CVB Services

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IDEAS Presidential Libraries

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Courtesy The Chattanoogan

CITY Atlantic City, New Jersey

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TOWN Springfield, Illinois

D E PA R T M E N T S

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PROFILE 6 INSIGHTS 8 CONFERENCE 10Kimberly Fort Worth Janes

Historic Honors

MEETING GUIDE Tennessee

prepares for Small Market Meetings Summit

SMALL MARKET MEETINGS is published monthly 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 size towns and cities. All other meeting industry suppliers may subscribe by sending a check for $39 for one year to: Small Market Meetings, Circulation Department, 301 East High St., Lexington, KY 40507. Phone (866) 356-5128 (toll-free) or (859) 253-0503. Fax: (859) 253-0499. 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.

TO ADVERTISE CALL KYLE ANDERSON 866-356-5128

kyle@smallmarketmeetings.com

Mac T. Lacy Publisher/Partner

Brian Jewell VP & Managing Editor

Kelly Tyner VP, Sales & Marketing

Donia Simmons Creative Director

Herbert Sparrow Executive Editor/Partner

Ashley Ricks Graphic Designer

Kyle Anderson Director, Advertising Sales

Christine Clough Copy Editor

Sarah Sechrist Controller/Office Manager

Rena Baer Proofreader

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

We finally get to use the giant scissors.

(We’re also opening a brand new conference center.)

Kearney, where the Heartland gathers.

When you have the best meeting and event facilities between Omaha and Denver, there’s only one thing to do...get even bigger and better. The region-leading Younes Campus has added an additional conference center and a brand-spanking-new hotel to go with it. Every year Kearney hosts more than 1,350 events (we all agree 2020 doesn’t count). Everything from large conferences to regional sporting events, as well as hundreds of smaller professional and educational meetings, all host their events in Kearney.

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

WheretheHear tlandGathers.com

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INSIGHTS WITH VICKIE MITCHELL

A HERITAGE OF HOSPITALITY History never gets old at these hotels

KING AND PRINCE RESORT

Courtesy HHA/King & Prince

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ach year, Historic Hotels of America, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, recognizes a handful of its roughly 300 members. Carefully preserved, these hotels and resorts are a colorful lot: Some are large; some are small. Some inhabit urban street corners; others sit in forests or by the sea. What they have in common are lively personalities, pleasing accommodations and, almost always, interesting and inspiring meeting spaces. Here are a few of 2021’s HHA award winners and the awards they received.

Beachfront’s a Bonus

BLACKBURN INN

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Courtesy HHA/Blackburn Inn

Close to the Capital

Work weeks spent in the nation’s pressure cooker of a capital make two meetings properties in small-town Virginia extra enticing. Airlie (Sustainability Champion), in tiny Warrenton, 50 miles from Washington, was a rich man’s farm before it became a conference center in 1961. It maintains its rural feel but meets all the modern needs. Designed to feel like a village, Airlie’s 149 guest rooms and 17 meeting spaces are scattered and accompanied by lawns, trees, gardens, a lake and a stream. Personable meeting spaces have fireplaces, big windows, skylights, terraces, decks and balconies.

The white-columned, red-brick 1828 colonial that houses Blackburn Inn and Conference Center (Best Historic Hotel Under 75 Guest Rooms) spent most of its history as a hospital and prison. Five years ago, it became a 49-room hotel, drawing meetings to Staunton, three hours from the Beltway. A recently added conference center has 10,000 square feet of meeting space; 80 surrounding acres and a 3,000-square-foot tent bring events outdoors. airlie.com blackburn-inn.com

Staking an early claim next to the seaside has paid off for the King and Prince Beach Resort (Best Historic Hotel, 76-200 Guest Rooms).

The Spanish colonial-style property opened on Georgia’s St. Simons Island in 1935, and although most of what guests see today came after that, the oceanfront Delegal Room, considered the resort’s historic heart, is lovingly preserved. It’s a pleasant choice for meetings, with 11 stained-glass windows that tell the island’s history and views of the sea beyond them. The resort’s meeting spaces almost always include ocean views, from the massive bay windows of the Retreat Room to an oceanfront lawn and a new paved plaza. Pools gleam next to the sea, and many of the 146 guest rooms, suites and villas look out at the waves, too. kingandprince.com

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

ALISAL GUEST RANCH

The wake-up call at Alisal Guest Ranch (New Member of the Year), near Solvang, California, is a chorus of whinnies from 100 quarter horses and crows from resident roosters.

This luxury dude ranch is an old hand at welcoming guests; it made the shift from cattle ranch to guest resort in 1946.

The 10,500-acre spread has plenty of space for pastures, as well as two 18-hole golf courses. Guests can choose from 73 accommodations in cottages, suites and guest rooms. Five indoor meeting spaces seem pulled from a Western movie set, with timber and stone fireplaces, large windows, Western artwork, Navajo rugs and heavy wood furnishings. Outside, a wealth of spaces welcome events: a large lakeside deck, a terrace with views of the Santa Ynez mountains, even a rodeo arena for roping and riding contests. alisal.com

Historic hotels have long stood tall and handsome in downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Greenville, South Carolina. Both the Skirvin (Best Historic Hotel, 201-400 Guest Rooms) in Oklahoma City and the Westin Poinsett (Best City Center Historic Hotel) in Greenville were built by wealthy men, the Skirvin in 1911 and the Poinsett in 1924; both attracted the rich and famous before falling on hard times. A new century and millions in investment brought restoration: The Poinsett reopened in 2000, and the Skirvin, in 2007. The two hotels are now popular meeting properties. At the 225-room Skirvin, nearly 17,000 square feet of meeting space and other spaces retain English Gothic and Art Deco touches. Guests are entertained by stories of resident ghosts and long-ago gun fights. The Poinsett, a AAA Four-Diamond award winner, has 200 modern guest rooms and 9,669 square feet of meeting space. Both hotels are operated by major chains. skirvinhilton.com westin.com/westin/greenville

March 2022

SKIRVIN HILTON

Courtesy HHA/Skirvin Hilton

Urban and Urbane

Courtesy HHA/American Club

Courtesy HHA/Alisal Guest Ranch

Wide-Open Spaces

THE AMERICAN CLUB

Hats Off to Super Staff

Historic hotels are often blessed with devoted staff. That is the case at the Hotel Bethlehem in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and the American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin, both recognized by the HHA for dedicated employees.

The Hotel Bethlehem has been a downtown hub since it opened in 1921. The 125-room hotel’s towering arched windows connect guests with the city and the city to the hotel. Crystal chandeliers, balconies and murals painted in 1936 add sparkle to ballrooms; in addition to meeting spaces inside the hotel, a 5,000-squarefoot conference center is a block away.

The Hotel Bethlehem wins many “best of” awards, as does the American Club in Kohler, which has earned top honors from AAA and Forbes. Built in 1924 to house immigrant workers, the historic property became a resort hotel in 1981. Its 240 guest rooms vary in size and style; 20,000 square feet of meeting space is scattered about the property and includes the Grand Hall of the Lakes, which seats up to 750. At the hotel, which is owned by the Kohler Company, maker of bath and kitchen products, guests can experience the latest in showers, tubs and toilets. hotelbethlehem.com destinationkohler.com

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SMALL MARKET

MEETINGS SUMMIT

FORT WORTH PREPARES FOR SMALL MARKET MEETINGS SUMMIT

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BY DAN DICKSON

he second annual Small Market Meetings Summit will be coming to the Lone Star State this year. This important gathering of top meeting planners and destination providers will be presented in Fort Worth, Texas, May 2-3. The event will take place at the Dallas/Fort Worth Marriott Hotel and Golf Club at Champions Circle. About two dozen meeting planners who are looking for new and interesting destinations to book for their meetings will gather to hear pitches during the day-and-a-half Summit.

“Visit Fort Worth, the local convention and visitors bureau, has been attending various conferences staged by [Summit organizer] The Group Travel Family for a while, so when we had the chance to host one, we were excited,” said Stefanie Schaffner, the national sales manager for Visit Fort Worth.

Fort Worth is described as the city “where the West begins.” It was the jumping-off point for early settlers who wanted to cross the American wilderness. Visit Fort Worth wants to show off its Western heritage and modern delights to groups of visitors.

Because of an overflow of participants at the annual Small Market Meetings Conference each fall, organizers decided to host a smaller, handpicked group of 25 meeting planners for the spring Summit.

“The Summit focuses on building relationships,” said Charlie Presley, a partner in the conference and summit. “Meeting planners will meet destinations and venues that value medium and small events. The travel industry reps will enjoy the controlled registration. The Summit only accepts 75 travel industry delegates to create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere to develop relationships with meeting planners.”

At the Summit, the planners will meet in pods of destinations.

Rather than a planner meeting one-on-one with a single vendor from a city, each planner will talk with three individuals from that location.

During the appointment, the planner could be seated across from a representative of a CVB or a city, state or regional tourism official; a hotel or resort salesperson; a spokesperson from a specific attraction; or any combination of those professionals.

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FORT WORTH BOTANICAL GARDEN IS ONE OF MANY NOTABLE VENUES AND ATTRACTIONS AROUND FORT WORTH, WHICH WILL HOST THE SMALL MARKET MEETINGS SUMMIT IN MAY.

All photos courtesy Visit Fort Worth

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

A DAILY CATTLE DRIVE IN THE FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS

NATIONAL COWGIRL MUSEUM

This format helps planners target the locations in which they are most interested while collecting a load of information. To help that process, the scheduled marketplace meetings will be 12 minutes, twice the length of the usual Small Market Meetings Conference sit-downs.

Presley often reminds planners how important the travel industry is to booking attractive meeting sites.

“They’re the backbone of our industry,” he said. “Because they understand meeting planners and know exactly what they need. They’re going to support you.”

SUMMIT RUNDOWN The Summit begins on Monday, May 2, at the Dallas/Fort Worth Marriott Hotel and Golf Club at Champions Circle. The staff that will be taking care of everyone during the meetings will hand out badges and materials and answer questions. It is also a time for comradery as planners reacquaint themselves with colleagues they met at other Small Market Meetings events.

At this time, planners will also be able to stop by a few of the sponsor booths stationed around the marketplace room and get an early start learning about the destinations that are helping to sponsor the Summit.

March 2022

FINCHER’S WHITE FRONT WESTERN WEAR

FORT WORTH’S SUNDANCE PLAZA

Monday evening will be a fun time. Visit Fort Worth will be the host and promises to dazzle everyone with a Western-themed dinner and entertainment.

Tuesday is a full workday for delegates. Breakfast will feature travel speakers who are bound to spark ideas for potential meeting sites. Keynote speaker Dan Jaspersen will amaze the delegates with messages on how to deliver hospitality to clients. He will also be displaying his powers of telepathy and magic. His suggestions will hit home with delegates and make his stage time fun.

Then it will be time for the real purpose of the Summit: meeting planners and destination providers sitting down together to exchange information and see if they might strike a deal for future meetings. After lunch, it is back to work as buyers and sellers finish their list of appointments.

For those who are staying overnight or do not have far to travel, there will be a happy hour right after the conclusion of the Summit.

The city of Fort Worth hopes to make a lasting impression on meeting planners.

“Fort Worth is a city that will create memories for people,” said the CVB’s Schaffner. “We like to say that once visitors come here, they will get it. It is a special town to come to, a hidden gem.”

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“Every destination wants to have great food and great shopping and great experiences, but I think it’s uncovering the story behind those businesses that really helps people connect to that place.”

MEETING LEADERS KIMBERLY JANES

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BY REBECCA TREON

imberly Janes has been with Visit Chandler for almost 20 years. As tourism program manager, she knows just about everything there is to know about the destination.

A lifelong Arizona resident, Janes always knew she wanted to work in hospitality. She got her bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management from Northern Arizona University and later followed that with a master’s degree in tourism administration from The George Washington University, focusing on sustainable tourism management. She first landed on the CVB side of the business when one of her college instructors who worked at the organization urged her to apply for an open position.

“It’s hard to believe when you think about how many years it’s been — but I have always been proud to work for a destination because it’s all about building relationships,” said Janes. “It’s very much hands-on with everyone from many different perspectives. That’s the rewarding side of being in this industry: You get to help everyone in some aspect.”

Janes enjoys working with local businesses, as well as people, planning events and has watched Chandler go from a town with just 1,300 hotel rooms to one with roughly 4,000.

Along the way, one thing she loves most about her job is getting to know the stories behind area restaurants and businesses, as well as sharing the planning of special events for visitors.

“Those little nuggets of information are always helpful, especially when you’re trying to connect people or get them to really experience the community,” said Janes. “Every

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destination wants to have great food and great shopping and great experiences, but I think it’s uncovering the story behind those businesses that really helps people connect to that place.”

For those who are considering a career in hospitality, Janes has some simple yet profound words of wisdom: Follow your passion. She says that within the industry, there is an endless variety of roles, and the key is to dial into what motivates you and what draws you in. Spend some time learning who the different partners are in a destination and building relationships with them, and doors will open to you.

“It’s more than just being a people person; it’s understanding what motivates a person to travel and knowing how to share information with them,” said Janes. “You almost have two different roles: one where you are trying to make locals aware of what’s happening in the community to be proud of it and understand the uniqueness, and then one for the travelers coming in and making sure that they understand what they’re experiencing and making the most of their visit.”

The fact that no two workdays are the same is something that Janes loves about her job.

“There’s a lot more information out there about destination organizations now than there used to be where the goal is to share that, and a large part of it is being flexible and being accommodating,” she said. “Some destinations are big enough that they have specialized sales staff, for example. In smaller destinations, you wear many hats; you have to come at something from all angles.”

One of Janes’ favorite things is to connect visitors with unexpected treasures in Chandler that are tucked away, something that after 20 years she can practically do with her eyes closed.

EXECUTIVE PROFILE NAME Kimberly Janes TITLE Tourism Program Manager ORGANIZATION Visit Chandler LOCATION Chandler, Arizona BIRTHPLACE Albuquerque, New Mexico EDUCATION • Bachelor of Science in hotel and restaurant management, Northern Arizona University • Master of Tourism Administration, The George Washington University CAREER HISTORY Restaurant management, hotel front desk, reservations/revenue management, event management, convention services, sales

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

TIPS FROM

KIMBERLY JANES • Build relationships early with the destination experts. The destination marketing organizations have a wealth of information about their community.

• Be open about your wants and needs.

Convey all the details, including what has and has not worked in the past.

• Stay in contact. We’re looking to build a lasting relationship with you.

KIMBERLY JAMES STOPS FOR A PHOTO WITH HER HUSBAND, MICHAEL, AND SON, DANIEL, DURING A TRIP TO ALASKA IN 2021.

Where

Meets

BUSINESS

ADVENTURE

Trek along hundreds of miles of trails. Cruise or cast a line on the waters of Lake Mead. Paddleboard, jet pack, or kayak at Lake Las Vegas. Play at one of our nine championship golf courses. All of this, March 2022 just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.

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MANAGING

Call in the Experts

CVBS OFFER MEETING PLANNERS EXTENSIVE SERVICES AND LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

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BY RACHEL CRICK

eeting planners have a lot on their plates: From the initial stages of choosing a destination and venue to managing hurdles on the day of the event, there are a lot of moving parts to keep an eye on.

Luckily, planners don’t have to do it alone.

Convention and visitors bureaus can be incredibly valuable assets at every stage of the planning. Most CVBs offer a wide range of complimentary or discounted services before, during and after meetings to help planners execute successful events. And since CVB staff are local experts, they can ensure planners and attendees alike get the most out of a meeting or event in their city.

“At the heart of what we do is making that event planning process for a planner as easy as possible,” said Jim Mahon, vice president of marketing and brand management for the Akron/ Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau.

We spoke to Mahon and two other CVB leaders to find out more about the services their organizations offer to meeting planners.

On the importance of using CVB services: “We’re their ear to the ground and boots on the ground.”

SHORTENING YOUR TO-DO LIST When it comes to making meeting planning a little more manageable, CVBs are a planner’s best ally to help save time and energy.

The first step in meeting planning is choosing a venue. This includes generating a request for proposal, or RFP. CVBs can work with planners to generate one and send it to local hotels or similar venues for bidding. Some CVBs even organize RFP responses for planners. The Akron/Summit CVB can create a consolidated RFP presentation as a digital flipbook to help planners choose their best option in a simple, easy-to-understand format.

Visit Park City doesn’t just send out RFPs to every venue in the area; they analyze which ones make the most sense given a planner’s needs and send out RFPs to those specific venues, which cuts down on the planner’s workload.

“We’re actually doing the legwork for the meeting planner,” said Tonya Sweeten, vice president of group sales at Visit Park City. “We’ll find what we deem to be the best fit.”

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Tonya Sweeten VICE PRESIDENT OF GROUP SALES Visit Park City Experience: 40-plus years

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

On providing CVB services to planners: “It’s about saving time; it’s about saving resources; and it’s about making the event planner’s life a little easier.”

Another way CVBs lighten the planner’s load and take some of the guesswork out of planning meetings is through arranging site tours of prospective venues and off-site destinations. This allows meeting planners to see for themselves what the city has to offer before they decide on booking. For those who can’t travel to a destination, the Akron/Summit CVB offers virtual tours and site visits through a website created to showcase some of the area’s attractions.

Some CVBs, like Visit Park City, offer complimentary transportation and hotel stays for planners considering a venue in their area and even reimburse them for airfare if they book their event at one of those venues. Other CVBs provide similar incentives for booking; the Akron/Summit CVB offers planners an Amazon gift card for booking at one of the CVB’s hospitality partners.

In addition to arranging site tours and helping planners secure venues, CVBs often provide event planning guides, which ensure that planners have the most up-to-date and accurate information to map out the specifics of their event.

“We're a one-stop shop for proposals, site tours and resources,” said Amy Rivera, group sales manager at the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau.

ADDING A PERSONAL TOUCH

Jim Mahon VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING AND BRAND MANAGEMENT

Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau Experience: 32 years

March 2022

CVBs have the tools to assist planners with creating a memorable, one-of-a-kind event. They can provide welcome materials such as signage, information tables, maps, lapel buttons, name badges and information kits. Many offer custom details, such as company logos on name badges, which add style and professionalism to events.

The Akron/Summit CVB offers a popular service known as personalized concierge service, meaning they create custom materials for meeting attendees using information provided by planners, such as profiles on keynote speakers or the event’s agenda. It can be offered in a digital or physical format and also features information on local attractions and event accommodations.

“To have that visitors guide embedded in a digital concierge that's going to be answering specific questions to that group is where that customer service and attention to detail is elevated,” Mahon said.

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CVBs can help give attendees a personalized experience from the moment they arrive. The Fox Cities CVB can arrange for an address from local officials or a color guard appearance to give attendees an unusual and entertaining welcome to the area.

Event promotion is another area where many CVBs are happy to offer customized assistance to planners. Services such as press release creation and distribution and connecting planners with local media outlets help an event get the publicity it requires. Using a CVB for help with advertising and media makes sense because they’ve been part of the planning and already have a sense of the event’s goals and objectives.

The Akron/Summit CVB has an in-house advertising agency to best cater to the individual needs of every planner and event.

“There’s a little more synergy than trying to bring a true outside party to design a flyer or write a press release,” Mahon said.

On the help that CVBs offer to planners: “We’re very willing to go above and beyond and help as much as we can.”

CREATING A SEAMLESS EXPERIENCE An important part of event planning is making sure things run smoothly during the event itself. Because they’re local experts, CVBs can help planners anticipate and avoid problems with their events.

Their knowledge of the area’s weather, sports, updated business hours and other events can be extremely helpful for planners who are hoping to avoid surprises on the day of their meeting.

“It’s a really good starting point, especially if you’ve never been to the area,” Rivera said.

CVBs also ensure that meeting planners are connected with the best resources in the area, which makes for a memorable experience for attendees.

CVB staff are trained to recommend the best caterers, restaurants, shopping, entertainers, keynote speakers and local attractions. They can also design group tours and activities for attendees to enjoy during downtime or as part of a meeting or conference’s agenda. Visit Park City offers itinerary building and team-building activity planning so attendees can get the most out of their event.

“A lot of these can't be found on Google,” Rivera said of local activities and attractions in the Fox Cities area.

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Amy Rivera GROUP SALES MANAGER

Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau Experience: 20 years

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

There’s nowhere quite like it.

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Now offering special rates for 2022 and 2023 bookings.

CENTER

Contact Amy Rivera at arivera@foxcities.org to plan your original event.

FoxCities.org/originals

On the day of the event, most CVBs are willing to lend a hand with everything from greeting attendees at the airport or host hotel to helping out with event registration. They’re also there to help when things don’t go as planned and can keep the meeting or event on track even in the face of obstacles such as venue closures or technology issues. This assistance means planners have less to worry about when it comes to running their events.

For large groups, the Fox Cities CVB provides volunteers to assist with registration and wayfinding. They will also provide printers for last-minute event materials, such as name badges.

Though the event’s planning, promotion and execution are extremely important, there’s another aspect of meeting planning that contributes to its success: post-event feedback. Some CVBs, such as the Akron/Summit CVB and Fox Cities CVB, offer custom surveys for attendees to fill out. This feedback can then be analyzed and shared with the meeting planner, which can be used to plan more successful events in the future. This is especially important if the event is held annually.

“If we can be there after the event and help mine some of that information in a way that's going to be useful when they go back to planning the next year's event, we just think that's invaluable,” Mahon said.

PUT MEANING

“If we can be there after the event and help mine some of that information in a way that's going to be useful when they go back to planning the next year's event, we just think that's invaluable.”

— Jim Mahon, Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau

Travel with Purpose Across North America.

As travelers, we all want rich, authentic, and meaningful travel experiences. As travel professionals, we want to ensure we use travel as a force for good. Through the

ON THE MAP.

Meaningful Travel Map of North America, visitors can connect to locally owned social and environmental impact experiences and opportunities, unique and hands-on cultural experiences, products, and services.

www.meaningfultravelplatform.org/main/map Pictured: Take a cooking class with The League of Kitchens, to build cross-cultural connection and access to traditional cuisine.

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www.smallmarketmeetings.com

LIVE it up

WANT A BETTER VACATION? Raise your expectations.

VisitLakeCharles.org March 2022

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IDEAS

Courtesy Reagan Presidential Library

PRESIDENTIAL PRESTIGE These museums command attention for meetings and events

F

BY RACHEL CRICK

or a venue that’s as prestigious as it is historic, planners should consider a presidential library for their next meeting destination.

First established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939, these libraries serve as important national archives and museums dedicated to documenting the administrations and displaying the legacies of great American leaders. In addition to housing important information and artifacts from chapters of American history, they can serve

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as elegant, distinguished backdrops for a range of meetings and events.

Planners can make history come alive at their next meeting by choosing any of these presidential libraries.

RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY

SIMI VALLEY, CALIFORNIA Opened in 1991, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and museum chronicles the life and political career of the 40th president. The 300-acre campus is renowned for its picturesque views of Simi Valley and the Pacific Ocean. It serves as the final resting place for President Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan. In addition to its vast collection of documents, photographs and footage from the Reagan administration, this library features an array of notable artifacts related to his presidency, including the Boeing 707 that Reagan used as Air Force One and a piece of the Berlin Wall.

Those interested in military history will be impressed by the museum’s collection of military artifacts, including a Nighthawk stealth fighter jet.

Above: The Air Force One Pavilion at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library offers views of both a presidential aircraft and the surrounding California countryside.

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

Guests of the library can even check out the museum’s hologram of Reagan to hear the president’s words for themselves.

“Reagan Library is one of California's most unique venues,” said Deanna Baker, director of the event group at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute.

Meeting attendees can enjoy a self-guided tour of the library and museum’s exhibits and artifacts. The

library offers distinct spaces for meetings and events of all sizes. The Air Force One Pavilion can accommodate groups as large as 2,000 for reception-style events and can seat up to 1,400. For smaller meetings, planners can reserve the Air Force One Board Room, which offers theater seating for 130. For an outdoor space, attendees can enjoy the manicured lawns of the White House Rose Garden or the Air Force One Overlook. The museum’s exclusive onsite caterer provides food and beverages for every event, from plated dinners to cocktail receptions. reaganfoundation.org/library-museum

“It’s the only place in the world where you can dine beneath a retired Air Force One plane and get a picture at the door.”

GEORGE H.W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY

— Deanna Baker, Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, on the campus of Texas A&M University, opened in 1997 and tells the story of the 41st president’s life while promoting his values of civic literacy and community.

Photos courtesy Reagan Presidential Library

March 2022

Reagan Presidential Library scenes, clockwise from left: A banquet in the Air Force One Pavilion; elegant table settings; a sunset event on the terrace.

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IDEAS

The library and museum are home to numerous exhibits and artifacts that detail the lives of the president and his family, including family photos and letters. The museum also displays a restored 1944 TBM Avenger exactly like the aircraft Bush flew during World War II during his time in the U.S. Navy. Other exhibits and artifacts, such as a piece of the Berlin Wall, a replica of the Oval Office and a replica of the White House Situation Room, document Bush’s political career from his time as director of the CIA to his time in office. Library guests can also pay their respects at the Bush family gravesite, the final resting place of the former president and first lady.

“It's such a unique experience and unique venue,” said Tracy Paine, programs and events director at the library. “It has a certain status about it.”

The library’s unusual location in a college town and on a college campus makes a vibrant setting for meetings. Attendees can enjoy a guided tour of the museum to learn about the rich life and history of Bush and his administration. The museum’s ro-

Bush Presidential Library scenes, clockwise from left: A sculpture of President George H.W. Bush; a complete re-creation of the Bush Oval Office; a White House facade

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tunda offers an elegant setting for receptions and dinners and can seat up to 150. An auditorium can seat 150 theater style and has audiovisual capabilities for presentations or lectures, and the library’s classroom can seat up to 50. Because it is part of the Bush school, planners may be able to secure prominent keynote speakers, such as former ambassadors or CIA agents, to speak at their events. The library is also open to most outside caterers for events. bush41.org

ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum opened in 2005 to educate the public on the life and legacy of one of the nation’s most famous presidents.

Its exhibits examine the life of Abraham Lincoln while displaying artifacts from his administration and the Civil War. In addition to the archival collections, the museum

Photos courtesy George H.W. Bush Presidential Library

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

Above: An exhibit on George Bush’s political career at the Bush Presidential Library in Texas

The library’s unusual location in a college town and on a college campus makes a vibrant setting for meetings.

Attendees can enjoy a guided tour of the museum to learn about the rich life and history of Bush and his administration.

MEET WITH YOUR PEEPS IN LINCOLN, NEBRASKA

LIN C O LN .O R G/SMM

March 2022

It’s worth meeting about.

Plan stress-free events to share ideas and shape the future.

21

IDEAS

also offers a variety of interactive programming and exhibits for guests, such as theater productions.

“The fact that they have the ability to learn more about Lincoln's life and legacy is a terrific opportunity,” said Britta Brackney, venue rental manager at the library.

Both the library and the museum buildings offer a variety of award-winning venues from which planners can choose. In the library, the multipurpose room can seat 100 classroom or banquet style and includes a reception room for catering. The Lincoln Reception Room in the library’s picturesque rotunda is great for up to 100 guests reception style and can accommodate up to 60 attendees for a banquet.

For smaller meetings or events, conference rooms and classrooms are available. The museum’s notable rental spaces include its plaza, which can seat 300, and the Union Theater, which can seat 250.

The library offers a choice between its in-house catering service and other local catering companies.

Add-ons, such as scavenger hunts, history lessons and actor performances can add an exciting and entertaining twist to any event. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov

CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS Featuring gorgeous west-facing views of Little Rock and the Arkansas River, the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum opened in 2004 and houses the largest number of artifacts and archival holdings of any presidential library. President Clinton’s political career and presidency are documented with over 100,000 artifacts for library guests to view, including Clinton’s presidential limousine and thousands of gifts sent to Clinton during his time in office. Exhibits that detail the Clintons’ early years and the president’s political campaigns allow guests to learn about the Clinton administration and the world surrounding it.

By Jill Gum

Lincoln Presidential Library scenes, clockwise from left: The library and museum entrance; an event in the museum plaza; the Stevenson Room set up for a small meeting

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Photos courtesy Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

CO-WORKERS CONNECT BETTER AT

60 MILES OF BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER Nothing boosts team morale like meeting in Myrtle Beach.

With 60 miles of coastline, over 1,800 restaurants and endless opportunities for fun, you’ll find everything you need to plan the perfect work trip. Connect with our team to discover why big meetings go best at The Beach.

MyrtleBeachMeetings.com

IDEAS

“A presidential center is already a spectacular building, is already a historic site,” said Paige Thurmond, catering manager at the Clinton Foundation, “and ours is exceptionally beautiful with its placement on the river and convenience to downtown Little Rock.”

The library offers several spaces for meetings and events, including its Great Hall. This 5,000-squarefoot space offers attendees spectacular sunset views for evening events. It can accommodate 500 for a reception-style event, 250 seated at tables and over 350 theater style. Classroom space is available in a second building on the Clinton Foundation’s campus. The library’s on-site restaurant, 42 Barn Table, also provides space for events, including two outdoor spaces well suited to evening happy hours and small receptions. This restaurant provides exclusive on-site catering for events. clintonlibrary.gov

PLANNING YOUR NEXT EVENT IS OUR TOP PRIORITY -Remarkable meeting venues -Unique dining & entertainment -Convenient lodging

“A presidential center is already a spectacular building, is already a historic site, and ours is exceptionally beautiful with its placement on the river and convenience to downtown Little Rock.”

— Paige Thurmond, Clinton Foundation

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

HYDE PARK, NEW YORK Dedicated in 1941, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum was the first presidential library to be created. Its purpose of

DUSK ON A TERRACE AT THE CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY IN ARKANSAS

www.visitgreaterlima.com

MEET IN

Lima

OHIO

24

By Eli Murray, courtesy Clinton Presidential Library

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

STAY ON THE RIVER • WALKABLE DOWNTOWN AWA R D -W I N N I N G R E S TA U R A N T S • M U C H M O R E

Discover the perfect place for your next safety-conscious conference, large-scale event, and much more at meetinaugusta.com March 2022

25

IDEAS

preserving and documenting a president’s time in office set a precedent of transparency by allowing the public access to the documents and artifacts from FDR’s administration.

In addition to appreciating the library’s historic significance, visitors are also sure to enjoy the vast collection of letters, documents and personal possessions of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. History enthusiasts will be fascinated by the exhibits detailing American life and presidential leadership during the pivotal 1930s and 1940s.

“Because Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt lived and often worked here, the visitor center facility offers a unique place for today’s corporate and nonprofit leaders to meet and learn about these influential Americans,” said Clifford Laube, public programs specialist at the library.

The library offers several venues for meetings and events, including its multipurpose room, which accommodates up to 175 people; an auditorium that

“Because Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt lived and often worked here, the visitor center facility offers a unique place for today’s corporate and nonprofit leaders to meet and learn about these influential Americans.”

— Clifford Laube, Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum

seats 150; and a conference room that holds 24. Catering is available on-site or through local vendors. Attendees can also enjoy free admission to the library and museum, and planners can arrange for staff experts to speak to groups on a variety of historical topics. fdrlibrary.org

#MeetInChandler 1 Located minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

2

Award-winning hotels at a variety of hotels and price points to fit your budget

3

Near-perfect weather with 330+ sunny days for outdoor activities and exploration

AN EXHIBIT AT THE ROOSEVELT PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY IN NEW YORK Courtesy Roosevelt Presidential Library

26

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

The Brookfield Conference Center: Ready for Your Next Event!

Signature Food and Beverage

Fast Facts: • 40,000+ total sq ft of flexible meeting and event space • 18,000 sq ft. Connect Ballroom • 6,000 sq ft Collaborate Ballroom • 8,000 sq ft Celebration Atrium • 9,000 sq ft Celebration Plaza • On-site catering & beverage service Ideal Location • In-house chef • Complimentary surface parking • Attached Hilton Garden Inn • Convenient access from I-94

Flexible Function Space

Marquette Iron River

Minneapolis Wausau

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Rochester

From small meetings to galas, the Brookfield Conference Center provides the perfect backdrop for any corporate or social function. Featuring modular ballrooms, elegant pre and post function space, and an experienced staff to make sure every event is a success.

Appleton

Dubuque

Madison

Milwaukee

General Mitchell Field

BROOKFIELD

Kenosha

Des Moines

Rockford

Chicago

Ideal Location

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Grand

ALONG THE

k l a w d r a o B

CITY

Expansive beaches and exciting venues await in Atlantic City

W

BY ROBIN ROENKER

ith its sparkling casino lights, picturesque beachfront and historic and beloved boardwalk, it’s easy to see why Atlantic City has long been dubbed America’s Playground. The city has been a go-to destination for visitors wishing to recharge, refresh and unwind since at least 1870, when the first section of its historic boardwalk was completed.

Today, visitors to Atlantic City can enjoy the finest modern entertaining and dining amenities while soaking in the resort town’s charming seaside history. And for groups looking for a suitable meeting space, Atlantic City delivers. Few other U.S. cities of the same size can match its wide array of meeting center amenities and hotel room accommodations.

“Atlantic City has a wide variety of venues to accommodate any meeting, conference, trade show or board retreat,” said Jessica Kasunich, communications manager for Meet AC: Atlantic City Convention and Group Sales. “From the Atlantic City Convention Center to Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall or one of the city’s spectacular casino or nongaming properties, Atlantic City offers something to meet just about every need.”

ATLANTIC CITY AT A GLANCE LOCATION: New Jersey coast ACCESS: Atlantic City International Airport or Philadelphia International Airport, 60 miles away; Atlantic City Expressway HOTEL ROOMS: 17,500 CONTACT INFO: Meet AC: Atlantic City Convention and Group Sales 844-855-6338 meetac.com MEETING SPACES ATLANTIC CITY CONVENTION CENTER: Nearly 500,000 square feet of exhibit space across 45 meeting rooms BOARDWALK HALL: A 141,000-square-foot main arena can seat 14,700 guests MEETING HOTELS Harrah’s Atlantic City GUEST ROOMS: 2,590 MEETING SPACE: 125,000 square feet Hard Rock Hotel and Casino GUEST ROOMS: 2,000 MEETING SPACE: 150,000 square feet Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa GUEST ROOMS: 2,800 MEETING SPACE: 88,000 square feet WHO’S MEETING IN ATLANTIC CITY New Jersey League of Municipalities ATTENDEES: 22,000 attendees

DUSK SETTLES OVER STEEL PIER, A POPULAR AMUSEMENT AREA ON THE ATLANTIC CITY BOARDWALK. All photos courtesy Meet AC (Atlantic City Convention & Group Sales)

March 2022

Triple Play REALTORS Convention ATTENDEES: 8,255 attendees

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MEETING SPACES

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

Major Meeting Spaces

A

MEETING SPACES

Atlantic City Convention Center

tlantic City boasts 2.2 million square feet of meeting space.

At the Atlantic City Convention Center, a favorite destination for meeting planners, groups can enjoy nearly 500,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space across 45 meeting rooms that range from 700 to 11,880 square feet.

The historic Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, built in 1929 along the Atlantic City Boardwalk, has hosted the Miss America Pageant and generations of America’s A-list entertainment acts, including The Beatles. Its 141,000-square-foot main arena can seat 14,700 guests, while its smaller Adrian Phillips Theatre has a capacity of 3,200.

Each of the city’s casinos and nongaming resort hotels offers a wealth of meeting possibilities, to the point that the most difficult decision about hosting a meeting here may be simply selecting from the available site options.

Among the possibilities, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino offers 150,000 square feet of meeting space, which includes the 63,000-square-foot Estes Arena that seats 7,000 for theater-style seating. The nearby Harrah’s Atlantic City offers 125,000 square feet of meeting space that includes eight large ballrooms, each able to host more than 700 attendees for receptions.

The Borgata Hotel Casino Event and Conference Center offers 88,000 square feet of meeting space across a range of room sizes that can accommodate small conferences of 16 people up to receptions of more than 1,000 attendees. The facility offers dedicated meeting planners and an audiovisual services team.

Bally’s Casino, which has announced more than $100 million in planned renovations, has a total of 80,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 10,000-square-foot grand ballroom able to accommodate 800 people for reception-style seating.

Other area casinos and resort hotels, including Caesars Atlantic City, the Claridge Hotel, the Golden Nugget Atlantic City, the Ocean Casino Resort, the Resorts Casino Hotel, the Seaview, the Sheraton Atlantic City, the Showboat and the Tropicana Atlantic City, host events as well, offering between 27,000 and 400,000 square feet of meeting venues each.

MEETING SPACES

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Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

Distinctive Venues

DISTINCTIVE VENUES

Beachfront at Resorts Casino Hotel

B

eyond the wealth of resort-based meeting venues, Atlantic City offers a range of non-hotel meeting options that are excellent for small gatherings.

“Unique restaurants, lounges and beach bars are often booked for meetings or off-site events such as opening and closing celebrations,” said Kasunich. “Many of these sites are situated on the stunning shore with spectacular views, making them especially attractive options for groups.”

Restaurants that are suitable for meetings include Angelo’s Fairmont Tavern, which can seat groups of up to 100 for sit-down dinners; Doc’s Oyster House, which can accommodate groups of up to 60 for sit-down dining ordered from its famed seafood menu; and the historic Knife and Fork Inn, which can host cocktail receptions for up to 120 and sit-down dinners for up to 80 attendees.

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March 2022

2/22/2022 9:36:53 AM

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Destination Highlights

DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS

The Atlantic City boardwalk

DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS

The Wheel at Steel Pier

T

he possibilities for fun are limitless in Atlantic City, a place where guests can try their luck at slots or cards in one of the city’s famed casinos or simply channel their inner child with a handful of saltwater taffy on the boardwalk or a ride on the Ferris wheel at Steel Pier.

For water lovers, Atlantic City offers a doorway into ocean sports of all kinds. A fun, full day of sailing, surfing, fishing, kayaking, parasailing or windsurfing — or just sunbathing — can be had at one of the city’s many public beaches.

Shopping fans can find reasons to smile at the city’s Tanger Outlets, home to dozens of high-end brands, and history buffs will want to set aside time to climb and explore Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse, which was built in Atlantic City in 1857.

Groups can enjoy splendid views of the Atlantic City skyline and beachfront on a sightseeing cruise with Atlantic City Cruises and, with luck, get close to dolphins that call the area home. And for golf enthusiasts, the city offers access to more than 20 championship-level courses within a 30-minute drive.

Of course, the boardwalk, the world’s first and longest, is a must-see destination. Along its four miles, visitors can enjoy both high-end shopping and dining and fun attractions such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum, miniature golf and arcades.

For added fun, guests can rest their feet and rent a ride in one of the boardwalk’s famed “rolling chairs.”

Culture abounds in the city as well via the Atlantic City Ballet and a steady stream of top-notch performers who headline the various casino and event-venue theaters. The sounds of live music frequently enliven the evenings here, since it’s common to see performers sharing their talents along the boardwalk.

And, in the summer, free outdoor concerts and festivals are a frequent draw for residents and visitors alike.

After the Meeting

M

AFTER HOURS

32

Tanger Outlets Atlantic City

eeting attendees won’t have to look far for entertainment here, since each of the city’s nine casinos offers myriad options for gaming, fine dining and live entertainment.

But for options beyond the casinos, groups can look to team-building activities like a night at Top Swing Golf or a scheduled tour and tasting at the city’s Little Water Distillery, makers of a line of craft spirits.

Attendees traveling with young children will especially enjoy a trip to the city’s Steel Pier, where carnival rides and games are plentiful.

To end the evening, guests can stroll through a section of the city known as the Orange Loop — located just off the boardwalk — along Tennessee Avenue and extending toward St. James Place. Here, an array of unique coffee shops, bars, craft breweries, live music venues and specialty stores offer a fantastic way to unwind after a day of eventful meetings.

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

TOWN

d l e i f g n i r p S ABE LINCOLN’S

D

BY KATHERINE TANDY BROWN

uring the nearly 25 years he lived in Springfield, Illinois, Abraham Lincoln became a highly respected lawyer and politician who later, as the 16th president of the United States, led his country through the Civil War and saved the Union, abolished slavery, strengthened the federal government and upgraded the national economy.

Throughout Springfield, opportunities abound to learn about this remarkable, self-taught man and why he’s so revered, with such attractions as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and the Lincoln Depot, where he boarded a train in 1861 to assume the presidency and to where his body was returned for burial after his assassination in 1865.

Among Springfield’s downtown historic gems are the Illinois State Capitol and the Old State Capitol. On the grounds of the latter, then-state Sen. Barack Obama announced his candidacy for president in 2007 and in 2008 declared Joe Biden his presidential running mate.

Pure Americana, Route 66 passes through the city. Noteworthy among numerous local sites on the famous thoroughfare is the Dana-Thomas House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1912 and considered the most luxurious, best preserved of his houses.

In 1840, brothers Jacob and John Bunn, with the advice of their legal counsel, Abe Lincoln, started a Springfield institution that thrives today. At Bunn Gourmet, guests can sip espresso, wine or craft beer while watching gourmet chocolate candies being made.

“It’s not every location you go to where you can incorporate a historical site of the caliber we have,” said Terry Truman, sales manager for Visit Springfield Illinois. “So a visit to Springfield is bound to be memorable.”

Nirvana for hungry, thirsty visitors, downtown is rife with hotels, restaurants, breweries and wineries. One local favorite, Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery and Eatery, is famous for its Signature Horseshoe Sandwich: Texas toast topped with meat and cheese sauce, with french fries piled on top. Heated in winter, the restaurant’s year-round beer garden welcomes corporate gatherings.

“Along with stellar customer service, we have a longstanding hospitality community with folks who’ve been in the industry for many years,” Truman said. “We’re all interconnected. That allows a smooth transition for our customers from booking until they’re in the hotel. We never really let them go.”

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A BALLROOM AT THE DOUBLETREE

Courtesy Visit Springfield IL

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

GROUPS CAN HOLD EVENTS IN FRONT OF A RE-CREATED FACADE OF LINCOLN’S WHITE HOUSE AT THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM IN SPRINGFIELD.

Meeting Spaces

Pure state-of-the-art, the Bank of Springfield Convention Center offers 65,000 square feet of meeting space in historic downtown, a short walk to attractions, restaurants and the Illinois State Capitol Complex. Gathering spots include a concert hall, terraces and 8,300-square-foot BOS Plaza for warmer-weather outdoor events.

The center is adjacent to the 369-room Wyndham Springfield City Centre and the 310-room President Abraham Lincoln Springfield: A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, which together add another 65,000 square feet where groups can meet.

With 70,626 square feet of meeting space, the Crowne Plaza Springfield - Convention Center has 288 rooms and a rooftop terrace for 200 standing.

Off-site Venues

By DMS Photography, courtesy Lincoln Presidential Library

SPRINGFIELD ILLINOIS

Remarkably comprehensive, the 200,000-square-foot Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum explores Lincoln’s life and times through living-history performances and intriguing special-effects movies. A popular program, “Ghosts of the Library,” eerily connects past and present. Its 4,500-square-foot center rotunda, where lifelike figures of Lincoln and his family in a White House backdrop greet guests, can accommodate 500 for a reception.

Organized in 1900, Springfield’s 2,500-acre Park District boasts 35 parks and four golf courses and, at Southwind Park, the 5,000-square-foot Erin’s Pavilion, with a multitude of event spots.

LOCATION

Central Illinois, 200 miles from Chicago and 100-plus from St. Louis

ACCESS

PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN SPRINGFIELD DOUBLETREE BY HILTON

Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport; interstates 55 and 72; historic Route 66; Amtrak

MAJOR MEETING SPACES

Bank of Springfield Center, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Wyndham City Centre, President Abraham Lincoln Springfield: A DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton

HOTEL ROOMS 4,000-plus

OFF-SITE VENUES

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Erin’s Pavilion at Southwind

CONTACT INFO

Visit Springfield Illinois 800-545-7300 visitspringfieldillinois.com Courtesy Visit Springfield IL

March 2022

35

TOWN

d l e i f g n i Spr

ERIN’S PAVILION AT SOUTHWIND

Courtesy Visit Springfield IL

Team Building

Meeting Incentives

A terrific way to immerse groups in Springfield’s abundant history is on Abe’s Hat Hunt. Teams collect stickers at eight of 12 historic sites, including the home of illustrious poet Vachel Lindsay; Lincoln sites, such as circa 1833 Edwards Place; and the Illinois State Capitol.

Once collected, stickers are put in half of a passport booklet for an “Abe-mazing” prize.

Another experience, the Living Legends Tour, features a map of Route 66. Teams gather stickers at its legendary businesses, such as the Cozy Dog Drive-In, a favorite local watering hole and 1949 home of the original corn dog.

New for Visit Springfield is its Legendary Meeting Incentives Program.

Anytime this year, planners can book for 2022 and 2023 at a variety of properties that can accommodate small meetings and large conventions.

One of the plan perks is the opportunity for a group to follow its passion with team building that assists a local charity.

“These days, groups want to be good stewards of the community they’re visiting,” said Truman. “Our CVB offers a list of organizations to help and follows the project with a presentation ceremony.”

Another option is adding a refresh-stretch break to a meeting for attendees’ well-being.

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www.smallmarketmeetings.com

Grand Wayne Center is a stunning work of architecture with easy access to hotels, restaurants and entertainment. Our members were impressed with how clean, modern, walkable, and friendly downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana, proved to be.

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O N E - S T O P D E S T I N AT I O N

Coeur d’Alene Calling

F

BY KATI HYER

ondly referred to as The Lake City, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is iconic for its endless blue waters, pine-studded hills and world-class Coeur d’Alene Golf Resort and Spa. Straddling Coeur d’Alene Lake and the city’s downtown, the resort guarantees on-site play, relaxation and endless potential for event planners looking for an outdoor paradise, a lively small-city feel or both.

Planners can take advantage of the resort’s tailored spaces for groups of all sizes. Offerings run the gamut from intimate rooms built for small C-suite groups to expansive venues designed for jam-packed, blow-out conferences, with breakout rooms, vendor spaces and exhibit halls. And on-site resort staff are equipped to support event planners and outfit any meeting from start to finish.

As for dining options, the Coeur d’Alene Resort’s many on-site eateries promise welcoming atmospheres with lakeside views or downtown people-watching and menus to satisfy every palate.

Rest and recreation abound in and around the resort as well.

For the rejuvenation-driven, the secluded private beach, infinity pool and award-winning spa are blissfully relaxing options. After a meeting, adventure-seekers can book water activities through the resort’s marina or take a short trek into the nearby hills for hiking, horseback riding or winter sports.

Last, but not least, booking a tee time at the Coeur d’Alene Golf and Spa Resort, one of the most enthusiastically recommended courses in the nation, is a must.

And when’s the best time to go? With sunshine in the summer, fall-kissed leaves in autumn, fresh powdered snow in the winter and a rainbow of blooms in the spring, meeting planners will delight attendees any time of year with events at the Coeur d’Alene Resort.

Thanks to an open embrace of the outdoors, completely renovated furnishings and amenities, and one of the top golf courses in the world, guests will find that this resort at the playground of the Northwest is a fantastic place to gather, relax and play.

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A TERRACE AT THE RESORT’S HAGADONE EVENT CENTER

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

M E E T I N G S PAC E S

COEUR D’ALENE GOLF RESORT AND SPA IS IDEALLY SITUATED ALONGSIDE A MOUNTAIN LAKE IN IDAHO.

The resort boasts 32,000 square feet between six distinct event spaces. Lobby-level cabins are great for intimate gatherings, and the resort’s Bayview spaces accommodate up to 260. Expansive lake views and an open-air deck make the seventh-floor executive boardrooms a good fit for business retreats.

The Hagadone Event Center is the resort’s flagship venue; it features retractable floor-to-ceiling windows, robust sound and lighting capabilities, and more. An impressive conference center accommodates up to 1,800.

No matter the space desired, planners will find full event support on-site. “Clients can plan the perfect event of nearly any size,” the resort’s Courtney Rainer said. “Sound, seating, logistics and catering are all handled by our talented events team.”

M I XO LO GY A N D M E A L S The sights and flavors of the Pacific Northwest will tempt meeting attendees at any of the resort’s seven unique on-site bars and restaurants.

Crowd-pleaser Dockside caters to everyone. “Finish a meal with one of our famous Gooeys there,” Rainer said. “But Beverly’s is the fine-dining showstopper: Chefs prepare innovative cuisine, and its location offers the best views of the lake.”

Savor a martini with a view at Whispers, or enjoy a golf-side meal at the Floating Green Restaurant. Tito’s Italian Grill and Taphouse Unchained offer downtown people-watching in the resort’s Plaza Shops. For panoramic views, head to Cedars Floating Restaurant by boat and dine on the Spokane River.

COEUR D’ALENE GOLF RESORT AND SPA

AN EVENT IN ONE OF THE BAYVIEW MEETING ROOMS

LOCATION

Coeur D’Alene, Idaho

SIZE

338 guest rooms and suites

MEETING SPACE

32,000 square feet of flexible event space

ACCESS

Spokane International Airport, Interstate 90

CONTACT INFO 855-703-4648 cdaresort.com

All photos courtesy Coeur d’Alene Resort

March 2022

39

O N E - S T O P D E S T I N AT I O N

FUN ON THE LAKE Guests can fill up on sunshine and fresh air on the lake, in the hills or at the resort’s private beach and infinity pool. Since there’s no better way to explore the lake’s pristine waters than by boat, resort staff will assist in booking jet skis and boats right out of their Boardwalk Marina. Stand-up paddleboarding, whitewater rafting, fly-fishing and cruises are other popular options resort staff can schedule.

“We have our own marina, and cruises are extremely popular,” Rainer said. “Scenic dinner cruises, cruises with cocktails, eagle-watching cruises and even holiday light cruises are all popular for groups.”

GOLF THE COUER D’ALENE GOLF COURSE’S FAMOUS FLOATING GREEN.

On every serious golfer’s bucket list is the Coeur d'Alene Resort’s floating green — and for good reason. The 14th on the course is the world’s only floating hole. To access the world-famous floating green, “golfers ride over on a mahogany boat across the lake,” Rainer said.

Other holes offer stunning views as well, and the clubhouse has one of the largest pro shops in the United States. Players will relish the course, superb staff support and unbeatable player experience.

Get down to business.

HOST YOUR NEXT MEETING AT OUR 40,000 SQ. FT. VENUE.

Book your 2022 meeting and receive • Two complimentary suite upgrades for group meeting planner (subject to availability) • One complimentary room night for every 20 rooms booked and actualized • a $150 credit toward ground transportation costs to and from Spokane GEG International Airport • And so much more!

TO BOOK OR FIND OUT MORE INFO CALL 1 800-523-2464 Valid Sunday – Thursday for groups of 20 or more

W O R L E Y, I D A H O 37914 SOUTH 1 800-523-2464

40

“We have our own marina, and cruises are extremely popular. Scenic dinner cruises, cruises with cocktails, eagle-watching cruises and even holiday light cruises are all popular for groups.”

— Courtney Rainer, Coeur d’Alene Golf Resort and Spa

N U K WA LQ W • W O R L E Y, I D A H O 8 3 8 7 6 1 800-523-2464 • CDACASINO.COM

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

THE BRISTOL HOTEL IS A HISTORIC PROPERTY IN THE CHARMING TOWN THAT SITS ON TENNESSEE’S BORDER WITH VIRGINIA.

M

Meetdieng Gui

Bristol is unusual because it encompasses two states: Tennessee and Virginia. People come to town just to walk down the middle of State Street, which straddles the state line. The city is also the official birthplace of country music.

Groups can learn about the famous Bristol Sessions that influenced many different genres of music at the Smith-

March 2022

Courtesy The Bristol Hotel

BY PAULA AVEN GLADYCH

eeting planners wanting more intimate meeting and conference destinations with a touch of history, live country music and Southern charm should check out these smaller destinations across Tennessee that offer plenty of nearby attractions and meeting venues to rival those of their larger neighbors.

BRISTOL

Small Town Tennessee

sonian-affiliated Birthplace of Country Music Museum, which also makes a wonderful off-site meeting venue. Meeting planners can host events in the performance theater, the atrium or the learning center, giving attendees an opportunity to experience the museum and its exhibits as part of their conference.

Groups can attend a NASCAR or NHRA drag racing event at Bristol Motor Speedway, which has become an entertainment facility.

Groups can plan events in the speedway’s numerous venues, including its most versatile conference space, the South Building, which has three bays that offer more than 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. The Bristol Club is a luxury skybox with all-inclusive meals and drinks and space for up to 400 people.

Delta Hotels Bristol has 20,000 square feet of event space: 14 event rooms and up to 10 breakout rooms. The largest room can host groups of as many as 700 people. The Conference Center is being renovated and is expected to be completed this month. The Bristol Hotel is in a historic building with three smaller conference spaces. The Sessions Hotel, on the Virginia side of town, features Simply Grand, an event space housed in a historic mill with wood floors, brick walls, a private bar and an outdoor cocktail space. discoverbristol.org

41

Meetieng Guid

SEVIERVILLE

A DOLLY PARTON STATUE AT THE COURTHOUSE IN SEVIERVILLE

Tucked into the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sevierville is known for its historic downtown area full of vibrant mural art, new restaurants and boutique shops. Visiting groups can take the free self-guided walking tour of downtown to see more than 40 historic points of interest, view the town’s ever-changing public art installations and take selfies next to the bronze statue of Sevierville’s hometown darling, Dolly Parton.

New attractions in the area include Skyland Ranch, which is set to open in April. Guests will take a scenic chairlift ride to the top where hours of fun await with a mountain coaster, a suspended bridge, canopy walks and a variety of rescued miniature animals, like cows and donkeys, to adore. The 50-acre Soaky Mountain Waterpark opened in 2020 and is adding a first-of-its-kind dueling water coaster called The Edge. The ride spans two football fields in length. After climbing the 70-foot tower, riders scream down a three-story drop that leads to the first valley before the competitors race to the finish line.

The world’s largest Buc-ee’s mega convenience store, a destination shopping experience, is set to open in town in December.

For meetings and conferences, the Sevierville Convention Center features nearly 150,000 square feet of customizable space, including a 108,245-square-foot exhibit hall, four ballrooms, several meeting rooms and prefunction spaces. The Wilderness at the Smokies Water Park Resort is connected to the convention center. The town has plenty of name-brand hotels and specialty resorts to choose from, many with meeting space. visitsevierville.com

CLEVELAND

Located in southeast Tennessee, Cleveland has much to offer in the way of urban amenities, like shopping and dining, but is surrounded by mountains and rivers. The Cherokee National Forest is 15 minutes from town. Groups can take a guided whitewater rafting trip down the Ocoee River or learn how to paddle on the calmer Hiwassee River. Visitors to Red Clay State Historic Park and the Hiwassee River Heritage Center in Charleston can learn more about the Trail of Tears and the forced removal of the Cherokee from their ancestral lands in the area.

Visiting groups can take the free selfguided walking tour of downtown Sevierville to see more than 40 historic points of interest, view the town’s ever-changing public art installations and take selfies next to the bronze statue of Sevierville’s hometown darling, Dolly Parton.

SEVIERVILLE CONVENTION CENTER Photos courtesy Sevierville CVB

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In town, the Museum Center at 5ive Points can host up to 400 people theater style and about 260 people seated for a banquet. The Cleveland Country Club can host about 200 people for a banquet.

The Conclave, which is set to open later in 2022, will have retail and workforce training centers in it but will also have space to host larger meetings and events. The venue will be upscale with a stage, lighting and huge screens for presentations.

Unique venues include the Johnston Woods Retreat Center, which can sleep 82 people and has meeting spaces for groups of up to 225 for a banquet, and the Old Woolen Mill, which can handle groups of 100 people. The area has several familiar chain hotels with meeting spaces for smaller groups of around 50 people, including a Hampton Inn, a Fairfield Marriott and a La Quinta. The area has 1,700 lodge rooms in total. visitclevelandtn.com

CLEVELAND’S MUSEUM CENTER AT 5IVE POINTS

FRANKLIN

Country music, whiskey and Civil War history permeate all facets of Franklin. Its beautiful historic downtown takes up 16 square blocks with locally owned shops, restaurants and live music venues.

History buffs can tour a Civil War battlefield right in the middle of Franklin and visit three well-preserved Civil War-era homes. For fans of the state’s whiskey trail, Franklin has three distilleries with a wide range of tour and tasting experiences.

By James Cocks, courtesy Cleveland Bradley COC/TD

OUR MOUNTAINS ARE EXCITED TO MEET YOU.

Once your meetings are complete, entertainment galore among the Great Smoky Mountains await. The many meeting facilities in Pigeon Forge provide space for groups of all sizes, from 20 to 12,000. These facilities are conveniently situated mere minutes from hundreds of family-friendly activities, including shows, Dollywood, unique dining experiences, museums and so many more ways to make work fun.

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Meetieng Guid With 6,000 hotel rooms in town, there are plenty of lodging options with meeting spaces to choose from. The largest, the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs, is a full-service, 300-room hotel with a 29,000-square-foot conference center that can accommodate 1,200 people for a banquet and 1,900 theater style.

Among the unique venues is Gray’s on Main, a restaurant and live music venue that takes up a three-story building that used to be a pharmacy. It has kept the pharmaceutical theme and offers midto upper-end Southern cuisine, a pre-Prohibition brandy bar and a stage where top country music celebrities have performed. Puckett’s is a famous restaurant, grocery and live music venue. Its claim to fame is that several famous country music artists, including Jimmie Allen, were discovered there.

The Factory at Franklin is a former stove factory that has been converted into a shopping, dining, entertainment and event venue.

The site has three different theater and performance halls that can be rented out for private events. For team building, Franklin offers cocktail and cooking classes. visitfranklin.com

DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN

MURFREESBORO

Courtesy Visit Franklin

A university town steeped in Civil War history, Murfreesboro offers visitors a number of important historical sites, including the Stones River National Battlefield and Cemetery, which commemorates one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, and the Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center, which teaches visitors about the importance of the U.S. Colored Troops during the war and the legacy of African Americans in the country.

The area is also known for its whiskey-making heritage. Visitors to the Short Mountain Distillery can learn about how the moonshiners distilled their illegal liquor during Prohibition and sample the sour mash moonshine distilled on-property. Mayday Brewery also offers tours, tastings, food trucks and live entertainment. Lucky Ladd Farms, the Discovery Center and the Murfree Spring Wetlands, and Earth Experience - Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History are other popular attractions.

Meeting planners can choose from two large full-service hotels: the Embassy Suites Murfreesboro Hotel and Conference Center, with 283 guest rooms and 63,000 square feet of event space, and the DoubleTree by Hilton-Murfreesboro, with 169 guest rooms and 3,840 square feet of event space. For more unusual meeting venues, smaller groups can host events at the Oaklands Mansion, the Sam Davis Home and Plantation, and Cannonsburgh Village, a reconstructed Southern village that features a town hall, a gristmill, a oneroom schoolhouse and a blacksmith shop. The Grove at Williamson Place is an old farm that was turned into an event venue with a barn and outdoor function spaces that can accommodate 450 people. visitrutherfordtn.com

OAKLANDS MANSION IN MURFREESBORO Courtesy Rutherford CVB

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Describing Gatlinburg, Tennessee is easy. Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountain Park, Gatlinburg is a quaint town filled with everything a meeting planner needs for a successful event: a beautiful, state of the art convention center, 14,000+ sleeping rooms comprised of full service and limited-service hotels and motels, cabins, and condominiums. Gatlinburg also offers hundreds of shops and restaurants as well as entertainment attractions for every age and interest.

Historic Convention Center From natural light flooding in through the gallery skylights to the exposed wooden beams, the Gatlinburg Convention Center has 148,000 square feet of total space and is a venue of great beauty with a warm and spacious feeling. Reminiscent of the great lodges in America’s national parks, the Convention Center is built in an Arts and Crafts style that features a generous use of mountain stone and woodwork. Also, the convention center is in the final stages of a 15-million-dollar renovation with new meeting space, flooring replacement throughout the building, digital signage, and much more.

Getting to and Around Gatlinburg is Easy Gatlinburg is centrally located in the eastern U.S., which means it is less than a day’s drive from most major cities. Once you are in Gatlinburg, getting around is easy as well. Gatlinburg is a pedestrian-friendly destination where visitors can walk or take the trolley from their accommodations and convention center to most attractions and restaurants. It is a wonderful way to soak up the sights and sounds on a fun ride aboard a nostalgic streetcar trolley.

To Experience Extraordinary Gatherings Contact The Gatlinburg CVB Sales Department 865-436-2392 | sales@gatlinburg.com | www.gatlinburg.com/info

Tennessee’s Distinctive Resorts

Meetdieng Gui

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Courtesy Marriott Meadowview

BY PAULA AVEN GLADYCH

ennessee is home to some of the most beautiful mountains, lakes and rivers in the country. Even in the larger cities, visitors don’t have to go far to enjoy the state’s beautiful natural surroundings. These Tennessee resorts offer a respite from the state’s busier destinations but are close enough to area attractions and outdoor adventures to entice attendees.

CHATTANOOGAN HOTEL, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON

Chattanooga The Chattanoogan Hotel is on the south side of Chattanooga, about a mile from downtown. Groups that host meetings at the facility can stay on-property and take advantage of many team-building opportunities that can be brought in, such as axe throwing, or get outside into

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THE MARRIOTT MEADOWVIEW IN KINGSPORT SITS ON 30 ACRES IN THE FOOTHILLS OF THE BLUERIDGE MOUNTAINS.

nature for hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or a scenic or sunset cruise on the Tennessee River.

It takes only about 15 minutes to get to Lookout Mountain, with its 125-year-old funicular incline railway system that takes passengers on a mile-long journey straight up the side of the mountain. At the top, visitors get spectacular views of the city below. They can also take a guided tour of Ruby Falls, the tallest and deepest underground waterfall in the U.S. Guests take a glass-front elevator 260 feet down into the mountain for a guided tour of the cave. The more adventurous may want to extend their stay on the mountain to enjoy High Point Zip Adventure at Ruby Falls.

Meeting planners hosting events at the Chattanoogan Hotel have their pick of 25,000 square feet of meeting space that can host groups of up to 600 people, including an 85seat amphitheater for lectures or movie nights, as well as an outdoor courtyard and a 7,752-square-foot ballroom.

The hotel has a full-service spa and a rooftop restaurant with amazing views of the surrounding area that can be rented out for smaller functions. The hotel has 199 guest rooms.

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MARRIOTT MEADOWVIEW CONFERENCE RESORT AND CONVENTION CENTER

Kingsport On 30 acres in the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Kingsport, the Marriott MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center overlooks the Cattails at MeadowView Golf Course, where meeting groups can host golf tournaments or team-building activities. Golf Amplified, on-property, is a simulated golf venue, allowing guests to play many courses virtually or practice their golf swings. The resort is only about 15 minutes away from Tri-Cities Regional Airport and partners with Visit Kingsport for unique off-site experiences for groups such as tours and community service projects.

Meeting planners have their pick of venues on-site, with 305 guest rooms and close to 90,000 square feet of flexible meeting space that includes three ballrooms, three amphitheaters, 13 executive meeting rooms and a reception area that overlooks the golf course.

The Grand Ballroom is nearly 10,000 square feet and can host banquets for up to 450 people or 1,000 for a reception. The Executive Convention Center has 34,768 square feet of space and can host 1,700 people for a banquet or 4,300 for a reception. The amphitheaters, which are suitable for lectures or intimate performances, can host groups of 60 to 150 people.

The Meadows Restaurant serves American food all day, including Sunday brunch. The Horse Creek Lounge is a great spot to relax and enjoy happy hour with friends after a round of golf at the hotel’s putting greens. A Starbucks provides attendees with their morning caffeine fix.

A BALLROOM AT THE CHATTANOOGAN Courtesy The Chattanoogan

LODGE AT FALL CREEK FALLS

Spencer The Lodge at Fall Creek Falls offers tranquility and easy access to some of the most spectacular scenery in Tennessee. Located in Fall Creek Falls State Park, right next to the lake, the Lodge is a great spot for a small corporate meeting or retreat. It features 85 guest rooms in a variety of setups, sizes and layouts, many with private balconies. There are 30 cabins in the park with full kitchens, fireplaces and private patios with grills; each sleeps six to 10 people, making them a good fit for smaller group events. There is an 18-hole golf course, and during their free time, meeting attendees can rent canoes, kayaks or paddleboards.

There are miles of hiking and biking trails in the park and group ranger programming is available. An Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool is located in the park village, and for groups that want to get a bit competitive, there is a canopy challenge course. The area has five beautiful waterfalls to explore, and fishing on Fall Creek Falls Lake is premium.

Meeting groups have their pick of meeting venues, both indoors and outdoors. The Cascades Ballroom has 3,784 square feet of space, with 2,146 square feet of prefunction space for exhibits or registration. To take advantage of the beautiful scenery, groups can rent out the large Lakeview Terrace or the smaller Lake Level Terrace. There’s also a patio, a pier and a recreation hall. tnstateparks.com/lodges/fall-creek-falls

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THE LODGE AT FALL CREEK FALLS Courtesy TN State Parks

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WILDWOOD RESORT AND MARINA

DINING AL FRESCO AT THE WILDWOOD MARINA AND RESORT

Courtesy Wildwood Marina and Resort

Granville Situated on Cordell Hull Lake, the Wildwood Resort is tucked away in the rolling hills about an hour from Nashville. The resort offers lodging options right on the lake, boating facilities, dining, live music and a retreat center for group meetings and events.

Lodging options include cabins, an inn, a lodge, vintage Airstreams for a glamping experience, houseboats and tiny cabins, depending on the type of experience your group desires. For fun, the property offers prime access to paddling, waterfalls, golfing, craft breweries, horseback riding, museums, guided fishing trips, hiking and biking trails, wineries, distilleries and group tours. Historic Granville is worth a visit to see the Sutton Homestead Historic Home, Pioneer Village and several unique museums, including the Mayberry-I Love Lucy Museum and the Ice Cream Museum. Groups can even take a free guided tour of the Cordell Hull Dam Powerhouse and Lock.

The Cordell Lakeside Event Room can host groups of up to 50 people seated at tables with 180-degree views of the lake. For larger groups, planners can rent out the event room and the South Deck Pavilion, which are separated by a glass garage door. The pavilion can accommodate 100 people seated and 150 people standing. The Wysteria Pergola sits next to the Wildwood Inn and has a brick fireplace. The space can hold up to 100 people with tenting. The Wildwood has the longest boardwalk in Tennessee, a spa and outdoor games like bocce ball, cornhole and pingpong. wildwoodresorttn.com

DANCING BEAR LODGE AND APPALACHIAN BISTRO

FINE DINING AT DANCING BEAR LODGE AND APPALACHIAN BISTRO IN TOWNSEND

Townsend The Dancing Bear Lodge is in Townsend, which is at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and just a few minutes from the nationally acclaimed Cades Cove Loop Road that takes visitors through the most iconic parts of the park. The lodge property is nestled between mountains, with cabins, meeting venues and an award-winning restaurant on-site, the Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro. Townsend is on the “peaceful” side of the mountains, away from the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg. Instead of theme parks, the area is known for its outdoor activities, such as rafting, biking, hiking and fly-fishing. Meeting planners who host events on-site can access a preferred vendors list to add some fun and adventure to their events, including horseback riding or rafting.

There are 26 one- and two-bedroom cabins on-property that can host up to 60 guests. For event spaces, the lodge can host up to 250 guests with a variety of setups, and its customizable menus take advantage of local produce and seasonal ingredients for fresh, farm-to-table cuisine.

The Dancing Bear Event Center is a corporate event space with cathedral ceilings, open wood beams and a towering stone fireplace that can accommodate up to 85 people for a plated dinner. If the restaurant next door is also rented out, the facility can host groups of up to 150 for a banquet. Larger groups can use the lodge’s lawn and deck for corporate celebrations, with a fire pit for roasting s’mores. dancingbearlodge.com

Courtesy Dancing Bear Lodge

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