Small Market Meetings March 2024

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CHEERS TO MORE VOLUNTEERS

Ateam of reliable volunteers is like a team of Clydesdales, always ready to pull the load. But if your organization is like others in this country, you’ve probably lost a good number of volunteers these past few years.

A report compiled by the Census Bureau and AmeriCorps noted that from September 2020 to September 2021, about 23% of Americans volunteered, the lowest percentage in 20 years. The pandemic had a hand in the decline, as people avoided contact with others and then didn’t return to pre-COVID activities for a lot of reasons. Now though, as concerns about COVID wane, you might want to consider rejuvenating your efforts to recruit and retain volunteers, especially if you plan events for a nonprofit association or host events on behalf of a destination. Here are some ideas.

Don’t stop recruiting

Are you always recruiting volunteers? If not, it’s time to make your efforts “ongoing” instead of “as needed.” If you haven’t already, add a volunteer section to your website. Stack it with all sorts of information. Include a section that breaks out volunteer opportunities by the amount of time required or that lists them by skills needed. Pop a bright banner and link on your home page with an upbeat message like “Volunteers are our special sauce.” Do Q&A interviews with volunteers and publish them on the site and post them on Facebook. Use social media to spread the word about specific needs: “Hey, how’d you like to meet people from 20 countries? We need greeters at the airport Tuesday.” Invite current volunteers to bring a friend or two when they are volunteering. Welcome these friends and their questions about volunteer commitments. And above all, remember what an expert on volunteering told the Washington Post recently: “The most commonly cited reason why people volunteer, period, is because people ask them to volunteer.”

Consider these tactics for recruiting great help

Deliver the details

Don’t be vague. Let potential volunteers know exactly what volunteering for your organization entails. Do they need to have particular skills? Will they be trained? How much time — per week, per month, per year — is involved? Is the work flexible, or is there a set schedule? Is the volunteer position a short stint or long term? Take the time to put all the important information about every volunteer job in writing. It’s time well spent, and going forward, you’ll be able to hand over the info or email it to prospects. After you compile the descriptions, run them by current volunteers or leadership so they can catch any details you might have left out. Top off these descriptions with information about how volunteering benefits the volunteer. For example, “You’ll meet fellow citizens with similar interests,” or “You’ll help our nonprofit save X amount of dollars that can be put toward our mission.”

Say thanks again

As the world turns, add new spins

The world is always changing, and if we are wise, we change the way we do things to adjust. It might be time to look at new approaches to putting your volunteers to work. Working from home is huge now, and while some people like volunteering because it gets them out of the house, others might be just as happy to help you out from home. And why not? With a phone and a laptop, there’s a lot that they could do from their kitchen table. Or maybe they are short on time but would consider devoting their lunch hour to help you if they could do the work virtually. Virtual volunteering is a natural for organizations whose members and supporters are scattered about the country or world. Micro-volunteering is another way to give people a way to get involved in a way that fits their schedule. These might be short-term commitments and involve volunteers with specific skills, like the master gardener who can suggest plants for the ballroom, the lawyer who reviews a contract pro bono or the editor who proofreads a conference website.

Of course, you will lose volunteers along the way as lives and situations change, but you will retain a good number if you treat them right. Remind them frequently why the work they do is valuable with messages like, “Our attendees talked about how much they appreciated the care you took in answering their questions” or “Because of you, we got our gala invitations out in record time and are already seeing an increase in attendance from last year.” Make sure that volunteers feel connected, both to people in the organization and to other volunteers. A sense of belonging is critical to a longstanding commitment. Have multiple thank-you options on hand to express appreciation to your volunteers: special helper happy hours; volunteer recognition breakfasts; volunteer awards; little gifts. Small tokens of thanks can be big hits. Just ask one nonprofit whose volunteers loved — and quickly devoured — bags of Swedish Fish they were given after they helped set up for a dinner with an undersea theme. It was a sweet thank-you, literally.

Treat volunteers like pros

More than a few volunteers have bowed out after feeling left adrift by the organizations that recruited them. As one responder, a self-described volunteer addict, put it on Reddit, managing a volunteer should be no different from managing an employee. Volunteers need to have a manager, someone who will reach out to answer questions and concerns, makes sure they understand tasks and also reinforces the organization’s appreciation of their work. To ensure volunteers are knowledgeable about your organization, have an orientation session and a tour. Ask several leaders to talk to them. Add volunteers to your mailing lists. Loop them in on important news in whatever way you communicate with others involved in your organization. And provide them with training. Uninformed volunteers don’t reflect well on your organization, and that’s not their fault. It’s yours.

MOUNTAIN Majesty

MEETINGS

SMALL MARKET CO NFERENCE

The Greater Zion area will thrill attendees of the Small Market Meetings Conference

BY RACHEL CRICK

If the red rocks of Greater Zion seem otherworldly to meeting attendees, that’s because Greater Zion is almost another world.

Comprising one of the nation’s most popular national parks, four state parks and countless geological wonders, the region’s beauty is enough to shift perspectives. Visitors can cross items off their travel bucket lists, feel reprieve from the chaos of daily life and draw new inspiration from the natural world here. But that’s not to say the towns peppering the region aren’t equally inspirational, with their lively arts and culture scenes and delicious cuisine.

“The Greater Zion area really encompasses what we call Washington County,” said Joy Schroeder, meeting and convention sales manager at Greater Zion Convention and Tourism Office. “Everyone has a little bit to offer.”

Greater Zion will host the 2024 Small Market Meetings Conference, September 25–27, to show planners what makes the region a shoo-in for meetings, from its breathtaking natural setting to its range of amenities, venues and lodging.

DESTINATION APPEAL

The biggest appeal of the Greater Zion area is the national park for which it’s named. Zion National Park was Utah’s first national park, established in 1919. Zion sometimes means “sanctuary” or “refuge,” and the landscape lives up to the name.

GOLFING IN ST. GEORGE

THE PETRIFIED DUNES AT SNOW CANYON STATE PARK ARE JUST ONE OF THE MANY NATURAL WONDERS ATTENDEES CAN TAKE IN WHILE IN GREATER ZION.

All photos courtesy Greater Zion Convention and Tourism Office

MEETINGS

With its towering red cliffs strikingly set against the blue sky, dramatic arches and peaks, and rushing rivers carving their way through deep canyons, the park takes beauty to a new level. Popular hikes take park visitors through picturesque slot canyons, windy riverbeds and up steep slopes for once-in-a-lifetime views.

More than 4.6 million people visited the park in 2022, making it the third most visited park that year, just behind the Grand Canyon. It has become a travel bucket list item for many.

“Zion National Park will fit into your itinerary for the conference however you need it to,” said Schroeder. “Some people will come before and do a pre- or post-visit to Zion on their own. Hiking the Narrows is very popular — you would probably want a group guide for that.”

A few of the park’s other can’t-miss sights include its Emerald Pools, the Canyon Overlook trail and Petroglyph Canyon.

In addition to the splendor of the popular national park, the communities of the Greater Zion area each have distinct offerings. St. George is a hub of museums, restaurants and shops, as well as its own outdoor offerings.

Another major draw for Greater Zion is the weather. While some higher elevations see snow, the Greater Zion area doesn’t tend to get much. Like many other destinations in the southwestern U.S., it enjoys milder winters, making for an ideal destination for meetings taking place during the colder seasons.

“It’s kind of the best of both worlds,” Schroeder said. “You’re seeing these beautiful rock formations and this beautiful scenery, but you can look up to the mountains and see they’re covered with snow.”

MAJOR MEETING SPACES

The largest meeting space in Greater Zion area is the Dixie Convention Center, located in St. George. With 100,000 square feet of meeting space, the convention center provides ample space for meetings and events surrounded by the idyllic natural scenery of the area. It also offers free parking, like many of the other venues in the region.

The Dixie Convention Center offers 46,000 square feet of column-free exhibit space, as well as a 13,000-square-foot ballroom (divisible into six sections) that can accommodate up to 1,500 attendees for a reception. With plenty of additional meeting rooms, pre-function spaces and a large parking lot, the center can host events of all sizes.

“For exhibitors, having that column-free space can be a really big plus depending on how they’re laying things out for their show,” Schroeder said.

The St. George area has several hotels with meeting and event space. The Hilton Garden Inn, adjacent to the Dixie Convention Center, offers 9,600 square feet of total event space and 150 guest

HIKING THE NARROWS IN ZION NATIONAL PARK

rooms. The Best Western Plus Abbey Inn, a 154-room hotel with 5,000 square feet of meeting and event space, can host up to 280 for a banquet. The Courtyard by Marriott has 7,600 square feet of meeting space, including a ballroom that can seat 300 for a banquet.

The opening of a hotel property at Black Desert Resort will eventually add to the area’s meeting and event space. When it’s completed, the resort will include a 19-hole golf course designed by the late pro-golfer Tom Weiskopf, several villages with shopping and attractions, a waterpark, a spa, many restaurants, and a hotel with meeting and event space. The resort will host the PGA Championship in the fall of 2024.

OFF-SITE VENUES

In addition to all the natural backdrops the Greater Zion area provides for meetings, it also has quite a few interesting venues for receptions, social events and other off-site events.

Tuacahn Amphitheatre is a gorgeous outdoor amphitheater surrounded by the red rocks of the region presents holds Broadway-style performances from May to October. Included in the complex is a 300-seat indoor theater, which can work perfectly for general sessions. Post-meeting, attendees can watch a performance in the amphitheater, which is expanding to include 2,400 seats by May.

“It’s not only a gorgeous setting with great talent, but I’ve promoted it to do some unique meetings,” Schroeder said. “It lends itself to something unique.”

AutoCamp Zion offers high-end glamping opportunities not far from

Zion National Park. It lets guests experience a proximity to nature not generally found in hotels. Guests can stay in cabins or in Airstream trailer suites featuring high-end modern amenities, and an onsite kitchen and general store provide plenty of food options for guests. A 1,200-squarefoot event space with floor-to-ceiling windows provides beautiful views of the red rocks surrounding the camp, making it perfect for events.

“People get creative and do general sessions in that space, then they go on a breakout session on a hike,” Schroeder said.

Another elegant off-site venue is the Holmstead Ranch, which is just a quick drive from St. George and is perfect for retreats, business meetings and seminars. It offers overnight accommodations at several cabins, glamping cabins and wagons, and a lodge. Its indoor spaces include the pavilion, which can host up to 180 for a banquet or 200 classroom-style. For smaller meetings, the ranch’s clubhouse has a capacity of up to 60 attendees.

AFTER-HOURS FUN

Zion may be the area’s biggest draw for visitors, but that doesn’t mean the rest of Washington County isn’t jampacked with opportunities for recreation and leisure.

“If you want to do some hiking but Zion doesn’t fit into your itinerary, we have four state parks within Washington County you can go take advantage of,” Schroeder said.

Hiking, biking and e-biking are all exceptionally popular at these state parks in the Greater Zion region. Gunlock State Park and Sand Hollow State Park each have a gorgeous reservoir, where attendees can try paddleboarding, kayaking, boating and a number of other activities on the water. Quail Creek State Park is also no stranger to fun water activities.

Snow Canyon, in close proximity to Zion National Park, is often called Zion’s little brother. Snow Canyon rivals Zion in beauty but is much less crowded. It’s a popular spot for horseback riding, hiking, canyoneering, biking and seeing petroglyphs carved into a slot canyon by Native Americans hundreds or thousands of years ago. These stunning archaeological wonders make the hike worthwhile.

SPRINGHILL SUITES IN GREATER ZION

THE DIXIE CONVENTION CENTER

MEETINGS

SMALL MARKET CO NFERENCE

If indoor activities appeal more to attendees, they’ll find a variety of museums, historic sites and entertainment venues to explore. Ranging from the Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum, which is located in the Dixie Convention Center, to the Hurricane Pioneer Museum to the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm, the varied collection of distinct museums ensures attendees will learn something new during their stay in the region.

Attendees can check out several art galleries, museums and studios in their spare time, including the St. George Art Museum, Kayenta Art Village and the David J. West Gallery. Each of these displays fascinating collections of art across many mediums, from photography to pottery made by Indigenous artists.

The food scene in the Greater Zion Region is extremely varied.

“We have restaurants with all levels of dining in St. George,” Schroeder said.

That includes casual cafes, delis and bakeries where attendees can fuel up before a hike, as well as fine-dining restaurants where they can relax with breathtaking views of the landscape, such as Cliffside, an American restaurant overlooking St. George. Its menu includes delicious surf and turf options, and it also offers space for private dining.

greaterzion.com

Scan the QR code to register for the 2024 Small Market Meetings Conference in St. George, Utah.

TERRACE DINING AT THE ADVENIRE HOTEL IN ST. GEORGE

AN EVENING EVENT ON CABLE MOUNTAIN LODGE’S EVENT LAWN

MEETING LEADERS

MICHAEL VESCIO

MBY REBECCA TREON

ichael Vescio, director of sales at Discover DeKalb Convention and Visitors Bureau, started working in the hospitality industry on a whim.

“I just thought it sounded like fun to work at a hotel,” Vescio said. “I started at the front desk, then learned to do the audit, and that led to starting their sales department. I became the regional director of sales, which is a role I’ve held twice.”

Vescio grew up in Satellite Beach, Florida, and attended Brevard Community College and Florida State University in Tallahassee, where he got a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater management. He’s been an actor, taught theater classes and worked on behind the scenes projects. Vescio’s bubbly, outgoing, “theater kid” personality makes him a natural in the hospitality industry.

Over the past four decades, Vescio has worked as the regional sales director for Days Inn, managing sales for 30 hotels, and Amerihost Inn and Suites, where he worked on brand expansion, developing relationships with the city they were expanding into, hiring staff and managing grand openings.

“I understand the hotel business very well, so it’s easy for me to speak their language because of all the onboarding I’ve done before,” he said. “Currently, at Discover DeKalb, we have over 7,000 rooms in over 70 hotels in five cities, and each city has a different focus. My job is to get people excited about coming to our county.”

Vescio moved over to the destination marketing organization arena about 25 years ago, working at the Brookhaven CVB for 15 years and then moving over to Discover DeKalb 10

years ago. He has channeled his energy into developing creative ways to attract visitors, like creating the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Food Truck Roundup event in Brookhaven or helping to develop the Eastside Hops Trail in DeKalb. He loves highlighting the area’s various offerings to attract visitors.

“DeKalb is very diverse, and the communities we represent are very diverse,” he said. “Even though we get a lot of people who will go downtown for various attractions, DeKalb has its own attractions, like Stone Mountain Park, which is the second-most-visited attraction in the Southeast. In general, staying in DeKalb is more affordable than the downtown area. We get a lot of reunions, motorcoach travel, students and sporting events here, too.”

Vescio and his staff attend roughly 36 trade shows, conferences and conventions of travel professionals each year. But that’s not the only thing that keeps him busy: He’s been the recipient of numerous industry awards for his outstanding work and sits on the board of several organizations.

Vescio has won numerous awards throughout his 40-year career, including a national award for a marketing effort from Ramada Inn, the 2023 President’s Award from Georgia Motor Coach Operators Association (one of several for that organization), the Shining Example Award from the Southeastern Tourism Society, and Corporate Ally of the Year Award for the OUT Georgia Business Alliance.

Of his long and illustrious career, Vescio insists he’s still having fun.

“I got involved in this because I just thought it would be fun,” he said. “Once you really get into hospitality, you just don’t want to get out of it.”

“I got involved in this because I just thought it would be fun. Once you really get into hospitality, you just don’t want to get out of it.”

EXECUTIVE PROFILE

NAME

Michael Vescio

TITLE

Director of Sales

ORGANIZATION

Discover DeKalb Convention and Visitors Bureau

LOCATION

Tucker, Georgia

BIRTHPLACE

Fulton, New York

EDUCATION

Florida State University — bachelor’s degree in theater management

CAREER HISTORY

• Imperial Investment Group, director of sales and catering, 1999–2006

• Global Management and Investment, regional director of sales, 2006–2008

• First Call Hospitality, sales manager, 2008–20213

• City of Brookhaven, Georgia, tourism manager, 2013–2015

• Discover DeKalb Convention and Visitors Bureau, director of sales, 2015–present

TIPS FROM MICHAEL VESCIO

• Be prepared and do your research before talking with a planner.

• Offer a FAM to showcase your area and discuss new hotels and attractions in your market.

• Create a unique and memorable experience for all to enjoy.

MICHAEL VESCIO REPRESENTS DISCOVER DEKALB CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU AT DOZENS OF TRADESHOWS AND EVENTS EACH YEAR.

THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF CREDIBILITY

Mary Kate McBurney

EVENT MANAGER With Intelligence

Mary Kate McBurney has both a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from the University of West Florida. She worked as an event manager at Etherio for two years before accepting a position as corporate event manager for With Intelligence, an investment technology group. She is a CMP and a member of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) 20 in their Twenties, Class of 2023. She spoke to Small Market Meetings about the process of building credibility as a new meetings professional.

What is the importance of building your credibility in the meetings and events industry?

A: Your credibility and reputation are everything. They speak to who you are as you’re building your career. I’ve been very lucky to be surrounded by people who wanted to lift up young professionals. I feel very thankful over the past two-and-a-half years I’ve been taught by excellent event planners how to build trust, how to build relationships and how to show my work and what I’m executing. I’ve been able to do that by being part of different organizations, including PCMA, where you get to know others across the world who are doing what you do.

Do you think emerging professionals face any specific obstacles on this front?

How do you build your credibility through the process?

A: I would say developing relationships is something I’ve realized early on is key. I work with a lot of clients and a lot of personalities. I can be adaptable, and what shows your credibility is being able to be flexible with the kind of person you’re working with. When I speak to people, they can see I care about what I do and the outcome I’m presenting to them. It’s also building trust through the work you’re executing. All of those small things really matter and can pile up and snowball. You also have to take opportunities; you’re always going to take the chance and say yes.

A: I think with the different generations in the workforce, there can be a lack of trust in our generation. I’m a on the cusp of millennial and Gen Z, and there’s certain attributes that are tacked onto each generation. People think of Gen Z and millennials, and they think they’re lazy or not going to work as hard or too young to understand. You have to surround yourself with other generations. I’ve been working with those who have been in their career longer than me, but they want to see us succeed. Who you’re networking with can be an accelerant to your career depending on who is in your ear. You have to have people who are excited.

How do certifications contribute to building your credibility?

A:I think that’s a really important step. There are a lot of factors and a lot of layers. I recently got my CMP. It was something I identified almost day one. I worked really hard over seven months studying and taking classes. But I think it’s a good way to say, ‘I care about my profession and this industry, and I want to better myself through continuing education.’ For young professionals, if the people they’re working with and those organizations they’re part of promote continuing education, that says ‘better yourself by getting this certificate because growing and learning is so important.’ I’m a big proponent of getting those certificates. It’s not an ‘end all, be all’ by any means, but it’s definitely helpful.

What advice would you give to other young professionals who are trying to build their reputation in the industry?

A:I would say keep going. It’s going to take time; it’s not going to happen overnight. You have to look for opportunities and take advantage of them. It could mean taking on an extra work project or coming up with ideas or solutions. It shows this person’s serious about what they’re doing, they’re passionate, and that is a great way to build credibility and trust. If those around you aren’t recognizing it, it’s a good time to move on to people who do fuel that. Look to surround yourself with people who want to build you up.

What Friends Are For

CULTIVATING CVB RELATIONSHIPS HELPS PLANNERS GET BUSINESS DONE

EBY RACHEL CRICK

vent planning is like life — we get by with a little help from our friends. And the greatest friend to any meeting, conference or event planner is the local convention and visitors bureau (CVB).

Sometimes they prefer the title “destination management organization,” or DMO, but no matter what they’re called, they streamline the event planning process, answer questions and act as a one-stop shop for planners. But how can planners make sure they’re capitalizing on every opportunity a CVB offers? Check out these tips from industry experts to learn what to look for and how to make the most out of CVB relationships.

GET INVOLVED RIGHT AWAY

To maximize a relationship with the local CVB, it’s important to seek their assistance right away.

“As soon as you know you’re considering a location, reach out to them,” said Brandie Putnam, senior convention services manager at Choose Lansing. “They can lighten the load.”

In addition to answering any initial questions and providing information for the city, the CVB can help arrange a site visit.

“Once the shortlist is created and we’re going to a site visit, that’s when we’ll reach out and get the CVB involved,” said Mike Ferreira, founder, owner and CEO of Meetings Made Easy, a meeting services company consisting of meeting brokers and event planners. “They would help me then with the agenda for the client, including restaurants, off-site activities, hotels and the best way to show them around.”

These site visits are a great way to determine if a venue will ultimately be the best fit for an event. And CVBs will usually be more than happy to provide transportation around the city, free or discounted hotel rooms and sometimes even reimbursement for a planner’s airfare.

Another reason to get involved early is minimizing the points of contact for planners. They won’t have to waste their time coming up with venue lists, vendors in the area or off-site activities, because that’s something the CVB can

“Especially if a planner is not familiar with the community, it is a one-stop shop to help them get familiar with what we have to offer. The CVB or DMO can help keep you from recreating the wheel.”

Brandie Putnam

SENIOR

CONVENTION SERVICES MANAGER

Choose Lansing Experience: 24 years

On why planners should connect with CVBs — “It’s a free resource that knows all the new up-and-coming events, contacts and connections, and will streamline the process for the event planner. It’s a nobrainer to get them involved.”

provide. Their lists can be specialized too, from local voluntourism initiatives to diverse businesses to patronize.

“If you start from the beginning, you get that seamless service with the CVB all the way through,” said Michelle Guevara, director of destination experiences at VisitGreenvilleSC. “Engaging a CVB from the start of a planning process can also maximize a funding incentive.”

However, Guevara also noted there isn’t a bad time to involve CVBs; they can be brought into the conversation to help at any point.

CREATE A BETTER ATTENDEE EXPERIENCE

A CVB can help attendees have a good time outside of the meeting, and that will ultimately help a planner by boosting attendance and overall satisfaction with the event.

“If a CVB knows your event is coming into town and we’ve worked with you closely, we’ll do what we can to make your attendees feel welcome,” said Putnam.

This can include letting local destinations know the group will be in town, so they can offer discounts or special services to attendees. Many towns have tourism ambassador programs, which engage qualified locals in tourism-related tasks, such as holding welcome signs and giving recommendations for restaurants and attractions.

“They know the places to eat, things to see and do, festivals, concerts and whatever local pieces can tie into your event,” Putnam said.

Some of the least known perks a CVB can provide planners are financial in nature, which quickly add up and benefit the attendee experience in a roundabout way.

These promotions benefit the group’s budget, Ferreira said, and “will ultimately allow them to spend some of their dollars on group outings or receptions. That creates a better experience for the attendee.”

Meetings Made Easy

Experience: 21 years

CVBs already offer planners huge savings in time and resources and because most of their services are free. But many of them offer packages as incentives to book meetings in their cities. These can range from room rebates to venue

Mike Ferreira

OWNER, FOUNDER, CEO

sponsorships to discounted deals on transportation or venue rentals.

“Newer planners are often surprised by the ability to receive financial incentives,” Guevara said.

Additional financial perks include savings on things like marketing and promotional materials. To help market an event, many CVBs provide free social media content, images and video in their meeting planner toolkits.

“They want you to have the best attendance, so many will help design save the dates or digital ads,” Putnam said.

Some CVBs provide microsites, a unique branded web page or collection of pages that can be created to promote an event. These sites often have their own domains and URLs, so an attendee can quickly find information about the event or the city where the event is being held. These are a great, paperless tools to engage attendees, and like many additional CVB resources, they’re free.

MODERN PROBLEMS REQUIRE CVB SOLUTIONS

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Changes in the meetings and events industry in recent years have yielded a consistent set of problems. Planners have noticed staff shortages, both on their end and on the supplier side. There’s also the issue of businesses closing unexpectedly, vacated positions, supply chain issues and high turnover rates.

CVBs can help planners tackle all these newfound industry problems. If a certain venue is struggling with staffing or hours, they can both prepare planners for this reality or even assist them in finding a solution.

“CVBs often have really strong relationships with local hotels and other venues,” said Guevara. “They understand what’s needed on the planner side and what the hotel has to offer, and can initiate those conversations and identify areas where they can get ahead of potential challenges.”

Guevara gave the example of attendees arriving late to a hotel where the hotel restaurant doesn’t stay open late. In that case, a CVB could act as a liaison and communicate that need to the hotel and

On how her CVB approaches planners — “We don’t have a one size fits all. We focus on the planner’s specific needs and what success looks like for them so we can connect them to right resources.”

Guevara

DIRECTOR OF DESTINATION EXPERIENCES

VisitGreenvilleSC

Experience: 10 years

AN D PEOPLE DO, TO O.

PLANN ING

Michelle

work out a solution, whether that’s scheduling additional staff to keep the restaurant open late or suggesting a nearby restaurant as an alternative. Either way, the attendees would be prepared.

In some cases, the CVB can help provide staff, either with their connections to local staff agencies or by enlisting their city’s tourism ambassadors. Whether it’s manning a registration booth, assisting with event setup or helping guests with wayfinding, these additional hands can be extremely beneficial.

“If you’re dealing with an event planner that has a short staff and they’re a one-man show, they can reach out to the CVB,” Ferreira said. “As far as short staffing, they can help speed up the process of finding the solutions.”

A CVB can also help planners get ahold of local venues and vendors if they’re having trouble reaching them due to changed business hours or business closures.

“We might know the person or someone else at the facility,” Putnam said. “We’ve said ‘let us go over there and see if their doors are still open.’”

Labor shortages and higher turnover in the industry mean that some industry professionals may lack expertise or experience. A CVB can pick up the slack by being the expert in their area. They’ve seen countless meetings and events held at their destinations, so they’ll know the usual pain points to watch for, as well as the most effective strategies to ensure success.

“There’s an element of being an expert in the community and having all that background information,” Putnam said. “We know the easier or more constructive things to recommend, and we have new ideas that we can pull from our bank of knowledge.”

“If you start from the beginning, you get that seamless service with the CVB all the way through. Engaging a CVB from the start of a planning process can also maximize a funding incentive.”

— Michelle Guevara, VisitGreenvilleSC

M EETIN G

Located at the crossroads of the northeast, Albany is easily accessible by plane, train, or automobile and is a short jaunt from major metropolitan areas such as Boston, New York City, and Montreal.

There are a variety of convention, special event, sports, and creative venues for your next event. Including the Capital Complex made up of four different venues: The Albany Capital Center, The Empire State Plaza Convention Center, The Egg Performing Arts Center and MVP Arena. Connected via enclosed walkways, these venues combine to make up the largest meeting space in Upstate New York at 159,000 square feet.

Visit albany.org and learn how we can make your next meeting

GALAS AND GALLERIES

Art museums make memorable venues for sophisticated events

BY RACHEL CRICK

An art museum makes the perfect canvas for an event. After all, what’s more inspiring than being surrounded by creative masterpieces?

Art museum venues often feature contemporary and chic designs, while their galleries and sculpture gardens offer the perfect backdrop for supplemental meeting activities. Planners can impress their attendees with an off-site event, reception or meeting at one of these sophisticated art museums around the country.

DELAWARE ART MUSEUM WILMINGTON, DELAWARE

Known for its collection of Pre-Raphaelite art, one of the largest in the country, the Delaware Art Museum can trace its origins to 1912. Though originally built around the works of notable American illustrator Howard Pyle, the museum later added a prominent collection of works donated by the family of a Wilmington textile mill owner. Today, the museum features several art galleries and also highlights contemporary American artists.

The museum has eight event spaces available for rent, including traditional indoor spaces such as Fusco Hall, an elegant room with high ceilings and arched windows that can accommodate 150 banquet-style or 175 for receptions. East Court, another indoor space that connects several galleries and features a stylish, modern staircase, has a reception capacity of 125. The museum’s North Terrace and adjoining Sculpture Garden provide a serene setting for outdoor events, and the museum’s other indoor spaces include several smaller meeting rooms and a 169-seat auditorium.

“You can enjoy the museum, even if you’re just seeing our artwork, but we also have opportunities where we can really make a day of it for an event,” said Kim

Above: The Delaware Art Museum has several galleries and offers eight event spaces for rent.

Courtesy Delaware Art Museum

Barnhart, rental and event manager at the Delaware Art Museum.

These additional opportunities include attendee activities such as scavenger hunts throughout the museum’s permanent collections, as well as special exhibits and private art classes.

delart.org

NORTHWEST MUSEUM OF ARTS AND CULTURE SPOKANE, WASHINGTON

Located in the western Washington town of Spokane, the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture was established in 1925 and originally run out of the historic Campbell House. Locally, it’s known as “the

“You can enjoy the museum, even if you’re just seeing our artwork, but we also have opportunities where we can really make a day of it for an event.”

— Kim Barnhart, Delaware Art Museum

MAC,” but it’s also one of the state’s five Smithsonian-affiliated museums. It has the largest collection of Plateau Indian art in the world and over 1 million objects total, from fine art to cultural artifacts.

The museum campus features several stylish spaces to rent, including the Admissions Hall, which features floor-to-ceiling windows and warm wood tones, and can accommodate up to 30 banquet-style or 58 for a reception. There’s also a 163-seat auditorium, equipped with a lectern, sound system and projector, and a conference room that can hold up to 30 attendees. A gallery space showcasing Pacific Northwest art has a capacity of 50 attendees, and a large amphitheater is also available for outdoor meetings. Planners can use the caterer of their choice for events held at the museum. They can also add a variety of self-guided gallery experiences to their events.

“People who book here have the option of having the galleries open to their guests,” said Amanda Gardner, adult programs and events manager at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. “And looking across the river, there’s really spectacular views of the north side of Spokane.” northwestmuseum.org

Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture scenes, clockwise from left: artwork at the MAC; a MAC gallery; a painted mural at the museum

Courtesy the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture

By Libby Kamrowski, courtesy Visit Spokane By Libby Kamrowski, courtesy Visit Spokane

PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM

PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA

In the heart of downtown Palm Springs, the Palm Springs Art Museum is a popular contemporary museum often in demand as an event venue. The museum was founded in 1938, but its current building was designed in 1974 by prominent modernist architect E. Stewart Williams. It’s equally notable for its art and its focus on architecture and design.

The museum’s sophisticated event spaces include the atrium on the main floor, which features light wood floors and walls covered in lava rock and can accommodate 500 reception-style or 250 banquet-style. The 430seat Annenberg Theater offers spectacular acoustics for a keynote presentation or film screening, while the 88-seat lecture hall on the museum’s third floor is great for smaller presentations and meetings. It has a state-ofthe-art audiovisual system and space for catering. The museum’s outdoor spaces include the Elrod and Meyerman Sculpture Gardens, which feature a collection of sculptures and a fountain, and can host up to 120 for a banquet.

The museum provides a list of preferred caterers, though they are open to other external caterers on a case-by-case basis. A recently renovated restaurant onsite can provide in-house catering. Programming for events, including docent-guided museum tours, is available.

“We can work with different groups to tailor the experience for them,” said MarJon Hudson, director of advancement operations and visitor experience at the Palm Springs Art Museum. “We’re open to ideas; if we have a group that comes with a particular theme, we can create a curriculum of what that looks like inside the museum.”

psmuseum.org

NICOLAYSEN ART MUSEUM CASPER, WYOMING

Often shortened to “the Nic,” the Nicolaysen Art Museum’s roots can be traced to 1967, when Casper, Wyoming, locals held a small art show. In the 1970s, the museum was moved into a building in town and eventually named after a local rancher who paid the

Art museum venue spaces, clockwise from left: the McMurry Gallery at the Nicolaysen Art Museum; the patio at the Palm Springs Art Museum; the exterior of the Palm Springs Art Museum

Courtesy Nicolaysen Art Museum

Courtesy Visit Palm Springs

Courtesy Visit Palm Springs

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museum’s mortgage. The museum’s current location opened in 1990. Today, it’s home to an estimated 6,300 objects and primarily focuses on contemporary art with Western and Rocky Mountains influences. It features work from local and national artists.

The Nic, housed in a large brick building in downtown Casper, is the one of the city’s premier venues for meetings and events. It offers several spaces for rent. Bryce Hall, the 2,000-square-feet room, has high ceilings and plenty of natural light. It has a capacity of 130 for cocktail receptions and 85 for banquets. Another of its most popular spaces is the 4,000-square-foot McMurry Gallery, which can accommodate up to 245 banquet-style or 300 reception-style and comes with access to two adjoining galleries. The Discovery Center, an education center perfect for hosting parties, workshops and classes, can hold 85 attendees seated.

The museum also has a conference room that seats 15 and includes a projector and screen for presentations, as well as a private backyard for events with up to 250 attendees. Rentals of Bryce Hall, the McMurry Gallery and the Discovery Center include access to the facility’s catering kitchen.

thenic.org

HUNTSVILLE MUSEUM OF ART HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA

With 14 galleries totaling 20,000 square feet, the Huntsville Museum of Art has a vast collection for visitors to explore. The museum’s core collection consists primarily of 19th and 20th century American art, with a focus on art from the Southeast, but it also houses many works from Africa, Asia and Europe. The museum opened in 1998 and was expanded in 2010. It’s located in Huntsville’s Big Spring Park.

Indoor and outdoor spaces are available to rent for meetings and events. The museum’s premier space is the Loretta Spencer Hall, which has a plenty of natural light, a stage, a patio and views of Big Spring Park. It has a capacity of 150 for banquets and 200 for receptions and includes two projection screens by the stage. Other indoor venues include the Judy and Oscar Maxwell Hall, a 2,000-square-foot venue that can accommodate 80 banquet-style or 175 for a reception and has walls of windows and patio access; the Great Hall, which features tall ceilings and can accommodate up to 200 theater-style; and the Lowe Boardroom, which comes with patio access and a private kitchenette, and is perfect for smaller meetings of up to 18.

The museum provides a list of preferred caterers for events, but all alcoholic beverage services must be provided by the Huntsville Museum of Art. hsvmuseum.org

Courtesy Huntsville/Madison County CVB

THE EXTERIOR OF THE HUNTSVILLE ART MUSEUM

Shelbyville

West BEST OF THE

All photos courtesy Visit Billings

Groups meeting in Billings can take advantage of its exceptional natural surroundings, such as the Four Dances Recreation Area overlooking the Yellowstone River.

Meeting planners will find beauty and amenities in Billings

UBY ELIZABETH HEY

nder the expansive Montana sky, Billings lies at the doorstep of outdoor adventure. The city is known as Montana’s Trailhead, and meeting groups will find experiences rich with Old West history, a vibrant downtown and award-winning cuisine, all surrounded by mountain vistas. And, as the state’s largest destinations, Billings touts big-city amenities and welcoming Western hospitality.

BILLINGS AT A GLANCE

LOCATION: Southeast/South Central Montana

ACCESS: Billings-Logan International Airport; interstates 90 and 94

HOTEL ROOMS: 4,300

CONTACT INFO:

Visit Billings 406-245-4111 visitbillings.com

MEETING SPACES

Billings Historic Depot

BUILT: 1909

MEETING SPACE: 7,500 square feet, plus smaller spaces and courtyards

MetraPark

BUILT: 1987, renovated 2011

MEETING SPACE: First Interstate Arena — 10,000 seats; Montana Pavilion — 28,000 square feet

MEETING HOTELS

Billings Hotel and Convention Center

GUEST ROOMS: 230 guest rooms

MEETING SPACE: 28,000 square feet; expansion in 2025 adding 16,000 square feet

DoubleTree by Hilton Billings

GUEST ROOMS: 289 guest rooms

MEETING SPACE: 22,169 square feet

Northern Hotel

GUEST ROOMS: 160

MEETING SPACE: 12,000 square feet

WHO’S MEETING IN BILLINGS

National Association of County Agriculture Agents

ATTENDEES: 1,100

Montana Stockgrowers Association

ATTENDEES: 600

Destination Highlights

From its beginnings as a railroad town in 1882, Billings’ natural beauty has mesmerized all who visit. Five mountain ranges span the horizon, and the Yellowstone River bisects the city’s southern section. Towering sandstone outcroppings, known as “rimrocks,” hug the city and deliver spectacular views. Atop the rimrocks, Swords Rimrock Park invites walkers and joggers to check out the paved trail. Altogether, more than 40 miles of trails weave throughout Billings and along the Yellowstone River, inviting locals and visitors to bike, Segway or hike. At the city’s Lake Elmo State Park, attendees can hike, swim, boat, sailboard and fish.

“The airport sits on top of the rimrocks, and passengers land right on top of the rims,” said Alex Sholly Tyson, executive director for Visit Billings. “Trails span the entire breadth of the rims and are super easy to access, including the almost-completed Marathon Loop trail that will circumvent the city.”

Downtown’s restaurants, a brewery district, art galleries and boutiques offer plenty of diversions. The Western Heritage Center tells the story of the Yellowstone River Valley and Northern Plains. At the Yellowstone Art Museum, visitors can venture into the vault to see works not currently on display or create art following a guided tour of the museum. ZooMontana, a wildlife and botanical park, houses grizzly bears and grey wolves. And the history of Montana’s Yellowstone River Basin is portrayed at the Yellowstone County Museum.

DISTINCTIVE VENUES

DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS

Alberta Bair Theater

Yellowstone Art Museum

Downtown dining district

DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS

DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS

The Rimrocks

Distinctive Venues

Newly renovated, the historic Alberta Bair Theater seats an audience of 1,376. This stunning space boasts impressive chandeliers and Art Deco design. Originally a Fox Theatre, it was the nation’s last Art Deco-style theater ever built. Receptions can be held in the concession area or on the second-floor mezzanine. Stage rentals are available, as is the option of attending a performance by a local group or professional tour.

Visitors enter the Yellowstone County Museum via the 1893 McCormick Cabin. The museum’s spacious outdoor deck and 30-square-foot tent offer views of the Yellowstone Valley and mountain ranges. Collections include artifacts from archaeological displays and Montana Tribal Nations, and firearms and items from daily life in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Afterward, attendees can check out the museum gift shop filled with local treasures.

Camelot Ranch, outside of the city, hosts guests in its 8,400-square-foot barn. Year-round, the barn’s great room accommodates up to 300 guests with a full-service catering kitchen, indoor bar and covered patio. Tucked into the rolling hills, the ranch’s ponds, dock and pavilion add to the ambiance.

ZooMontana’s variety of venues accommodate 10 to 2,500 guests during regular zoo hours or after-hours. Available March through October, the ZooPavilion seats 250 to 300. The spacious grassy plaza at the zoo’s entrance hosts receptions for up to 2,500 guests. Catering, a bar and food trucks can be obtained separately.

“Billings has a lot of great venues because the residents value the city’s history and have done an amazing job renovating,” said Tyson. “They deliver a great experience for groups.”

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM EXPERIENCES IN JUST ONE CLICK

ZooMontana

DISTINCTIVE

Pictured: Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to explore the preservation of the traditions,

Major Meeting Spaces

The Billings Hotel and Convention Center will undergo a 16,000-square-foot meeting-space expansion, to be completed in the spring of 2025. Montana’s largest full-service convention facility, with 231 rooms, it offers nearly 28,000 square feet of flexible space, including 4,800 square feet for exhibitions and 19 breakout rooms. The convention center accommodates up to 1,200 people theater-style or 850 in banquet rounds plus full-service catering.

Downtown, the 289-room DoubleTree by Hilton Billings offers 22,169 square feet of meeting space with up to 20 meeting rooms, some featuring mountain views. The Grand Ballroom accommodates 650 guests in more than 6,800 square feet. On the 20th floor, Montana Sky invites attendees for cocktails and dining. Nearby, the historic 160room Northern Hotel delivers 12,000 square feet of flexible space for 10 to 700 attendees. Four mini-suites are ideal for appointments. Each hotel provides complimentary airport shuttle service.

The fully restored Billings Depot, built in 1909, boasts Beaux Arts architecture in four original buildings. It encompasses the 2,352-squarefoot passenger station sporting vaulted ceilings and Roman columns accommodating 125 guests for meals, 150 theater-style and 200 for receptions. The 3,948-square-foot baggage room seats up to 300 within its original brick walls. Two outdoor courtyards, a back-patio, renovated lunchroom, postal building and office space provide additional options. A catering kitchen is available.

MetraPark’s facilities include First Interstate Arena, which seats 10,000 people or can be divided for smaller groups. Montana Pavilion offers 28,000 square feet for exhibits, dinner events and receptions. The venue’s expo center affords 77,400 square feet of flexible space as the state’s largest multipurpose exhibit building.

AFTER HOURS

After the Meeting

Baseball fans will want to take in a game at Dehler Park, home of three teams: the Billings Mustangs, American Legion Baseball and Montana State University Billings. For the adventurous, courses in rock climbing, rope climbing or bouldering are available. Mountain biking reigns supreme, with numerous trails and convenient rental for attendees.

Billings Brew Trail invites sampling from nine local breweries, three distilleries, a cider mill and winery. Many of the stops are along a 1.5-mile loop through the historic downtown, while others allow exploration beyond downtown. A mobile passport offers deals and discounts. For foodies, Trailhead Treats utilizes mobile pass accesses for a self-guided tour showcasing everything from James Beard Award-nominated chefs to colossal cinnamon rolls and more.

On the banks of the Yellowstone River, Pompeys Pillar National Monument highlights the two-acre sandstone outcropping rising 120 feet with inscriptions left by visitors such as the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Nearby, the 68-mile Beartooth Highway leads to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Along the route, views of glaciers, alpine lakes and plateaus make for an impressive day trip. Less than an hour from Billings, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is famously known for Custer’s Last Stand, which took place in 1876.

“The Crow Nation runs seasonal interpretive bus tours at the monument with Native American guides,” said Tyson. “The National Park Service offers tours that visitors really enjoy too.”

Dehler Park

Billings Brew Trail

Small Town Texas

BY PAULA AVEN GLADYCH

Texas small towns have big opportunities for meeting planners.

Though the state is known for its size, some of its most charming destinations are outside its major cities. The following five small Texas towns offer beautiful main streets, world-class hotels and meeting venues, and plenty of fun group activities to boost attendance.

NACOGDOCHES

In the eastern portion of Texas, not far from the Louisiana border, Nacogdoches is the oldest town in Texas. It has also been designated the Garden Capital of Texas, with the largest azalea garden in the state, as well as flowering trails all over. Its historic downtown resembles a Hallmark movie, with brick streets and historic

buildings full of family-owned shops and restaurants. The city also has a robust food truck scene and hosts several festivals, including the Blueberry Festival and the Wine Swirl, which features wines from all over Texas, as well as vendors and entertainment.

The Fredonia Hotel and Convention Center is a boutique hotel where most of the city’s conventions are held. It features more than 13,000 square feet of indoor meeting space with high-tech audiovisual equipment and onsite catering. It can host groups of up to 1,000. It has two swimming pools and shows movies poolside. It also has an outdoor space for concerts and rodeos.

The historic Mast Hall, which was built in 1908, offers 7,000 square feet of event space that can accommodate groups of up to 200. The Nacogdoches County Exposition and Civic Center features a 78,000-square-foot arena for concerts, rodeos and large events. The Civic Center has more than 20,000 square feet of event space. The downstairs room can seat 600 to 1,100, while the upstairs can host groups of up to 500.

Courtesy Visit Nacogdoches

NEAR THE EASTERN BORDER OF THE STATE, CHARMING NACOGDOCHES IS THE OLDEST TOWN IN TEXAS.

The University Center at Stephen F. Austin State University also has multiple event spaces. For fun, groups can wander the Azalea Trail, experience the Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari, or visit Millard’s Crossing Historic Village, a reconstructed historic village of 19th century East Texas log cabins and Victorian homes.

visitnacogdoches.org

EL PASO

El Paso is known as the Sun City because it experiences 300-plus days of sunshine a year. Sitting on the western edge of Texas in the Franklin Mountains, the city predates the arrival of Spanish explorers. Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site taps into the area’s Native American past and features beautiful rock art, hiking, rock climbing, bird watching and star gazing.

El Paso is also famous for its Spanish mission churches. Meeting attendees can follow the Mission Trail to visit the oldest working missions in the region, Ysleta and Socorro, and the chapel of San Elizario, which represents more than 400 years of history.

Other must-sees while in town include Franklin Mountains State Park and the El Paso Museum of Art.

The El Paso Convention Center is the largest meeting venue, offering 133,100 square feet of event space, including three halls, 17 breakout rooms and an 80,000-square-foot column-free exhibit space. The Hotel Paso Del Norte has 350 guest rooms and more than 32,000 square feet of meeting space.

The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park and Hotel Indigo both have meeting space and rooftop bars.

The El Paso Streetcar Transit System connects the convention center to downtown hotels and attractions, and meeting groups can take cooking classes at the Texas Culinary Institute or attend Broadway shows at the historic Plaza Theatre. Sports aficionados can take in an El Paso Chihuahuas Triple A baseball game or an El Paso Locomotive FC soccer game at Southwest University Park.

visitelpaso.com

Nacogdoches is the oldest town in Texas. It has also been designated the Garden Capital of Texas, with the largest azalea garden in the state, as well as flowering trails all over. Its historic downtown resembles a Hallmark movie.

Photos courtesy Visit El Paso

SIPPING WINE AT AN EL PASO VINEYARD

AN EVENT AT THE EL PASO CONVENTION CENTER

GRAPEVINE

Grapevine is a small city of 50,000 people in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex that has a historic main street with locally owned shops and restaurants. As its name implies, Grapevine has a rich wine history. Visitors to the city can follow the Urban Wine Trail, which includes seven Texas winery tasting rooms, or attend Grape Fest, a large wine-tasting event.

The city’s charming downtown features architecture from the 1800s, as well as public art and sculptures. The area is very walkable, and complementary visitor shuttles run Wednesday through Sunday along three different routes. Visitors can enjoy a meal at Harvest Hall, a food kitchen featuring 10 different chef-inspired international cuisines, or visit Bermuda Gold and Silver, a jewelry shop in a former bank building that was once robbed by Bonnie and Clyde.

Grapevine Vintage Railroad offers chartered group experiences, and Grapevine Glassblowing Studio-Vetro Art Gallery can host groups for glassblowing lessons.

Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, on the shores of Lake Grapevine, has 1,511 hotel rooms and more than 400,000 square feet of meeting space. The largest space can hold groups of 10,000. The resort features a 10-acre water park and plenty of family friendly activities and entertainment, making it a great

Courtesy Grapevine CVB

AN ELEGANT GRAPEVINE STEAKHOUSE

destination for groups. Hilton DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center just underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation. It has 397 guest rooms and 63,000 square feet of meeting space and is close to Legoland and Sea Life Grapevine Aquarium. grapevinetexasusa.com

GALVESTON

Galveston is an island off the coast of Texas and the fourth-busiest cruise port in the U.S. About 50 minutes from Houston, the island has 32 miles of beaches and a historic downtown district with a large concentration of Victorian and French architecture from the 1800s.

Galveston Island Convention Center at the San Luis Resort, with 140,000 square feet of event space, is located right on the Gulf of Mexico and can accommodate groups of all sizes. There is a 43,000-square-foot exhibit space and a 15,000-square-foot ballroom.

Moody Gardens, which is one of the top attractions in Galveston, has 160,000 square feet of event space. Hotel Lucine is perfect for small groups. The 1960s-era beach motel was recently remodeled in the mid-century style and is situated right across from the beach. It has 61 guest rooms and a variety of flexible event venues that can host business meetings, intimate dinners or poolside cocktail hours.

The Tremont House in Galveston’s downtown historic district can host up to 800 guests in its 17,000 square feet of event space.

For fun, meeting attendees can take advantage of the island’s group savings pass to get discounts on top attractions and events. Moody Gardens features a rainforest pyramid, an aquarium pyramid and a discovery museum. Groups also can enjoy a dinner cruise on the Colonel paddlewheel boat, explore the rides and amusements at Historic Pleasure Pier, cool off at Schlitterbahn water park, or take a local dolphin or ghost tour. visitgalveston.com

Galveston Island Convention Center at the San Luis Resort, with 140,000 square feet of event space, is located right on the Gulf of Mexico and can accommodate groups of all sizes.

Photos courtesy Visit Galveston

THE PYRAMIDS AT MOODY GARDENS

A TROLLEY IN DOWNTOWN GALVESTON

WHERE BUSINESS MEETS BLISS

HYAT T REGENCY CONROE & CONVENTION CENTER

SAN MARCOS

Situated along the San Marcos River, San Marcos is home to one of the largest outlet shopping centers in the country. Its downtown, anchored by the historic Hays County Courthouse, features boutique shops and eateries, and its bars and restaurants offer live music nightly.

One of the most quintessential San Marcos experiences is to take a Meadows Center glass-bottom boat tour of Spring Lake, which allows passengers to see all the way through crystal-clear waters to the bottom of the lake. There’s also a Wetlands Boardwalk where visitors can walk over the water to explore the area’s native flora and fauna.

The largest event space in town is the Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos and Conference Center, which has 283 suites and a 78,800-square-foot conference center. The Holiday Inn San Marcos-Convention Center Area has 108 guest rooms and 4,150 square feet of flexible function space. Hilton Garden Inn has 107 rooms and 3,000 square feet of event space for up to 180 attendees.

Texas State University has several event spaces, including the Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing, a historic 10,000-square-foot World War II wooden hangar that houses military aircraft. There’s also the Meadows Center and an 8,000-seat arena.

In their free time, groups can visit Wimberley Glassworks to watch artists blow colorful glass or take a private art class with a local artisan. Small groups can paddle clear kayaks equipped with LED lights along the San Marcos River at night, visit the LBJ Museum or journey down into an earthquake-formed cave at Wonder Cave and Adventure Park. visitsanmarcos.com

Texas State University has several event spaces, including the Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing, a historic 10,000-square-foot World War II wooden hangar that houses military aircraft.

Photos courtesy San Marcos CVB

GLASS-BOTTOM BOATS AT THE MEADOWS CENTER

CELEBRATING IN SAN MARCOS

5 Reasons to Meet in Lubbock

From public art to networking at an urban winery, Visit Lubbock mentions a few reasons why meetings are better in West Texas. Scan the QR code for more.