Small Market Meetings May 2024

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AN IDEAL SPOT FOR MEETINGS

And when the workday is done, find lively dining and nightlife, world-class golf, outdoor recreation, and premier events to enjoy.

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Puzzled Where To Meet?

Puzzled Where To Meet?

ACROSS

2. Hike and bike trails pass through here.

3. Has the best facilities between Denver and Omaha.

6. 1,350 of these happen every year.

DOWN

1. Downtown Hub for eats and drinks.

4. Historical monument on 1-80.

5. A campus of conference, events and hotels.

7. Every year 1 million of these migrate through

8. HS FB All-Star game.

(We’ll give you a hint: Kearney.)

(Planning your next event in Kearney is no gamble.)

Kearney, Where the Heartland Gathers.

Kearney, where the Heartland gathers.

Kearney, where the Heartland gathers.

The solution is simple, Kearney is a fantastic place for your next meeting. Where superior facilities, top-notch event staff, affordably, & ease for attendees come together to make your event a success!

Why? Because Kearney has the best facilities between Denver and Omaha, and experienced staff that make sure every event is a win!

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

Every year, Kearney hosts more than 1,350 events. From the Nebraska Shrine Bowl to conferences large and small, top-notch entertainment – heck, even a million Sandhill Cranes make sure to meet in Kearney every year. Why? Because Kearney has the best facilities between Denver and Omaha, experienced staff, and wonderful volunteers that make sure every event that comes to town is taken care of.

EARNEY Visit NEBRASKA

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

WheretheHeartlandGathers.com | 308-237-3178

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

MeetInKearney.com

| 308-237-3178

POWERFUL PLACES

Remember your school days?

Didn’t American history feel a little flat coming from a textbook, even one with maps and illustrations? But board a bright yellow bus and head to the nearest historic site, and suddenly, history got three-dimensional and a lot more interesting.

Meeting planners can leverage the power of historic places to make their events more memorable. Events akin to school field trips can add new dimensions to meetings and conferences, especially when a city’s own history plays a big role in the history of the nation as a whole.

If you’d like to plan a meeting in a city where people can think deeper about important moments in U.S. history, here are five to consider.

Planners can leverage historic sites to create memorable meetings

Live like a colonist Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg is a thoroughly modern city wrapped around the incredibly preserved and reconstructed Colonial village, Colonial Williamsburg. A visit to what is the world’s largest living history museum is the closest one can come to feeling like a colonist, and the experience is so authentic visitors will want to start working at a loom or marching in the fife and drum corps. Guests can stay in historic homes throughout the village, and Colonial Williamsburg also has a collection of four hotels, including an early-1900s inn, as well as varied meeting spaces, a spa, two golf courses and other resort-style amenities. There’s dining in both contemporary restaurants and historic taverns, including Christiana Campbell’s, where George Washington would recognize the tasty seafood because he often ate there. Groups can tour and enjoy Colonial Williamsburg without staying there, of course, and nearby resorts like Kingsmill and Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg might be better fits for some conferences.

visitwilliamsburg.com

The fight for Civil Rights Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham does not back away from talking about the painful role it played in the Civil Rights Movement. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute reminds visitors of how peaceful protestors at a nearby park were met with firehoses and snarling police dogs. The 16th Avenue Baptist Church memorializes young girls killed in a bombing by white supremacists. The fight for equality is examined in tours and historic sites and shows how Alabama’s largest city was changed in positive ways as fair-minded people banded together for a better future. Today’s Birmingham is a cosmopolitan charmer, with a convention center complex and attached 700-plus room hotel, boutique downtown properties, barbecue joints, James Beard award-winning chefs and diverse leaders and business owners. It’s a city that seems to open its doors to all, as it reminds how far it — and the country — have come.

birminghamal.org

Lincoln’s lessons in leadership

Springfield, Illinois

If you want to learn about Abraham Lincoln without reading the more than 15,000 books already written about him, Springfield is the place. Not only is it the capital of Illinois, but it’s also the capital of all things Lincoln. Groups can visit sites such as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, with its high tech exhibits and interactive displays; New Salem, a reconstruction of the village where Lincoln grew up and worked; the Lincoln home, where he and his young family lived; and the Old State Capitol, where he argued cases and later declared, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” Springfield is also the site of Lincoln’s tomb, where visitors often rub the nose of his bronze bust for good luck. A conference in Springfield can leverage Lincoln’s story to teach lessons about leading in the face of extreme adversity and division. As the seat of state government, Springfield was a meeting place decades before Lincoln’s day, and today, its downtown has more than 800 hotel guest rooms, including two operated by major chains, near its BOS Center.

visitspringfieldillinois.com

Cultures converge in the high desert

Santa Fe, New Mexico

When many cultures converged over time in the high desert of New Mexico — the Pueblo nations, the Spanish, Mexicans, French traders, American pioneers — a colorful and creative city was born.

Santa Fe was founded in 1610 and is the oldest capital in the United States. Its charming tangle of streets, multitude of museums, abundant art and historic plaza remind visitors that blending cultures brings beauty and creative excitement. Thanks to zoning and other protections, most hotels, even new ones, look like the many hotels and inns that actually are old and historic. The Santa Fe region is also tied to another defining moment in American history. Some 40 miles northwest, through scenic desert, Los Alamos National Laboratory, the birthplace of the atomic bomb, sits behind tall fences. At the visitor’s center, the National Park Service shares the story of why the site was chosen for the lab and how the bomb was built.

santafe.org

Study Black history where the Civil War began Charleston, South Carolina

No blood was shed during the battle at Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor on April 12, 1861, but it did launch the Civil War, the most deadly conflict ever waged on American soil.

Today, those turbulent times can seem far away, but wander narrow shaded streets, past historic homes and enviable gardens, and you’ll find reminders of the enslaved people whose freedom was gained by the war. Excursions like those offered by Frankly Charleston Black History Tours delve deeper into Black history. A special tour at Middleton Place plantation details the lives of slaves who labored there.

Charleston today has a wealth of Black-owned businesses, all listed in the Black Charleston Guide available from the CVB. Many are businesses that meeting planners need, like venues, restaurants, caterers, meeting planners and transportation companies.

Downtown Charleston is packed with inns and hotels, often housed in historic structures. In North Charleston, the city’s convention center has some 2,000 hotel rooms nearby.

charlestoncvb.com

MEETING LEADERS

SHAWN STIDHAM

“In hospitality, it’s about taking care of people, about operating from a mindset of answering their questions and making genuine connections with people.”

SBY REBECCA TREON

hawn Stidham thought his dream job would be on the radio. But then he discovered hospitality.

As a kid, Shawn Stidham was obsessed with sports and radio. He dreamed of being a disc jockey and studied broadcast journalism at the International College of Broadcasting in Dayton. But radio stations and DJ jobs were changing; consolidation, fewer jobs, and inconvenient moves became commonplace. So Stidham parlayed his love for sports into working at an athletic club. He befriended a member who worked at a Doubletree hotel in Cincinnati who approached him about taking a sales role at a Doubletree in Dayton. Stidham had an aversion to being a “salesman,” though.

“My first thought was, ‘I don’t want anything to do with sales’ — I didn’t want to be one of those stereotypical ‘I’m here to change your life’ used car salesmen,” said Stidham. “I ended up meeting with one of the general managers. We hit it off, and he was an incredible mentor to me. He helped me change my mentality about what sales was. In hospitality, it’s about taking care of people, about operating from a mindset of answering their questions and making genuine connections with people.”

In his role at the Dayton Doubletree, Stidham cut his teeth as a SMERF sales manager and had the opportunity to host NCAA teams and entertainers like Chaka Khan and Rick Springfield.

“It was a fun time and was really great for my development,” he said. “Hosting so many celebrities was a memorable experience.”

After a few years, Stidham was recruited to be director of sales at the AmeriSuites Cincinnati North. He made connections with people who were influential in his career and began training other sales managers across Ohio. When AmeriSuites came under new ownership, he followed his general manager, Mike Dyer, to a smaller hotel company called Middletown Hotel Management, which operates properties like Hampton Inn and Hilton Garden Inn. He worked there for three years before connecting with Raleigh-based Concord Hospitality, which was opening a Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Hamilton, Ohio.

“My name came up because I had always lived in Butler County, where Hamilton is; I had family that lived there and knew the area well,” said Stidham. “Hamilton was not really known for having any hotels, but this Courtyard by Marriott project was different because they were working with the Hamilton Community Foundation and ultimately were part of revitalizing the city.”

At the time, Hamilton didn’t boast many attractions, but with the construction of the hotel, the city had a new venue to host events and conferences. That attracted additional development and businesses, as well as the construction of a huge indoor sports complex, among other attractions.

“Taking that position turned out to be

one of the best things in my career — Hamilton’s amazing revitalization has brought in great leadership, great people, companies, businesses, events and attractions, and I got to be a part of that,” Stidham said. “I was part of a small team, but Hamilton is continuing its incredible trajectory of being a cool place to live, work and play. It remains something I’m very proud of.”

Stidham was at the Courtyard by Marriott for roughly 11 years, during which he was promoted to the role of general manager. Later, he was given the opportunity to go to Dayton to be the director of sales for the Marriott at the University of Dayton (also a Concord property). After only a couple months in Dayton, though, he was approached by Travel Butler County to be its vice president of sales in 2019.

“It was the dream job, because it was an opportunity to be back in Butler County, which includes several cities I know. And I’d be in a position where I’d be working with all the hotels,” said Stidham.

Though Stidham joined the Travel Butler County team just before the COVID pandemic, the organization was able to pivot and reorient its direction temporarily without having to lay off or even furlough any of its staff, while still serving the community and its businesses. Stidham has been in his role for almost five years now and couldn’t be happier.

“I said when I got hired that it was a dream job, and that’s still true — I absolutely love it.”

TIPS FROM SHAWN STIDHAM

• Bring a CVB in early when planning an event. Share what the goals are, and a CVB will be able to advise on which partners would best help achieve those goals and have creative suggestions on ways to enhance the event that you had not thought of.

• Take care of people. It’s the basic mission of hospitality. When you operate from a mindset of being a resource and genuinely wanting to help someone without expecting anything in return, it builds trust and strengthens relationships.

• Plan for the unexpected. Every event will have something happen that you did not plan for. Expect it. Take care of it and then breathe. Plus, it will likely give you a great story to share down the road!

EXECUTIVE PROFILE

EDUCATION

International College of Broadcasting, BA Communication Arts, 1992

CAREER HISTORY

• Prime Hospitality: director of sales (2000–2005)

• Middletown Hotel Management: director of sales (2005–2008)

• Concord Hospitality: director of sales/general manager (2008–2019)

• Travel Butler County: vice president of sales (2019–present)

SHAWN STIDHAM, BACK, POSES WITH FAMILY MEMBERS AT HIS DAUGHTER’S RECENT WEDDING.

RETURNS ON DIVERSITY Chase Brunson

DIRECTOR OF BRANDING AND EVENTS

Project Management Institute

Chase Brunson is an event manager who has worked for the Project Management Institute since August 2023. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in sports management. He is both a certified meeting planner and digital events strategist. He’s also a diversity, equity and inclusion strategist and expert.

Why is it important for planners to ensure their events are inclusive?

A: Most companies are looking for event attendance numbers, so if we’re not integrating inclusiveness into an event to begin with, we’re losing numbers. It’s not something to use as an afterthought. If we’re not planning ahead, we’re already singling out or telling people they’re not welcome. We’re automatically excluding them and hurting our attendance.

QDoes the newest generation of planners face any challenges or have any advantages when it comes to planning inclusive events?

A: Our new generation has challenges in the sense we are fighting an uphill battle. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard in my career, ‘this is the way we’ve always done it.’ We have a little bit of a struggle to try to get them to understand why this is important, why these changes need to happen, and why this will give us better events and a better world. We also have a lot of advantages. We’re already existing in these communities, so we’re more aware of them. We’re paying attention to this, and it matters to us.

When it comes to the logistics of event design, from registration to venue choice to catering, how can planners make events more inclusive?

A:

Starting with registration is a great example. When we’re asking for information during registration, we’re always trying to collect data, but we have to look at what we’re going to do with the information and how we’re going to use it. For events, I do need people’s legal names, but I can give the option for attendees to enter their preferred names. From an LGBTQ perspective, we need to ask what we can do for bathrooms, pronouns on name badges and preferred names. I take into consideration cultures, too. You should probably have a meditation or prayer room, but they’re also dual purpose in that they give someone time to step away. From a gender perspective, when we’re holding these conferences, men walk around with suits, and they have pockets. At receptions, women are trying to juggle a drink, a plate and a purse, so having a coat check at your event is good. It’s also looking at accessibility of a venue, hiring a disability expert to come with you, so they can say this is or isn’t accessible. There are things like countertop height for check in, how much carpet versus hardwood floors. There’s a whole lot to look at.

How can planners make the content at their events more inclusive?

A:

Your content matters a lot. People want to come to events [where] they know they’re going to be welcomed. It’s the same with your event marketing. People want to see themselves, so immediately excluding one group of people is going to make them not want to come. I would make sure your speakers and your content reflect the crowd you’re trying to draw. Same with activities. For example, if you have a 5K and nothing else is going on, you’ve just excluded every person with mobility issues. And I’m a huge proponent that if you have a live event, it should have a virtual component for accessibility. Hybrid events are more complicated but worth it, because you can reach folks [who otherwise] couldn’t come.

If you’re not an expert in planning inclusive events, how can you ensure your event is inclusive?

A: There are people who do trainings. You can hire specialists in certain areas, such as disability specialists. You can have someone come who understands the nuances of what you’re looking for. Use your network and resources to find them. Even though it can cost a little more, the ROI is going to be tenfold. It’s worth putting extra money in your budget to make sure that the event is inclusive. I do think if an event manager doesn’t have experience doing this, they should check out PCMA or MPI. PCMA offers a certification over it. You’ll learn a lot about this. Also, DMOs can be really good allies. You can ask them what vendors are diverse and ask venues who they work with.

Website Insights

EXPERTS SHARE TIPS FOR BUILDING AN ATTRACTIVE ONLINE PRESENCE

BY RACHEL CRICK

In the digital age, an event’s website may be the first point of contact. So how do planners make sure prospective attendees like what they see?

Planners have many factors to consider when it comes to building an effective website for their conference, trade show or other event. They’ll need to determine a timeline, design and platform for starters. And what about influential concepts looming over all things tech, such as artificial intelligence and mobile-first design?

Here’s what three event tech leaders had to say about what matters in the world of event websites.

PLANNING IT OUT

Mapping out the logistics of an event website is the first step toward building it.

Consider what needs to be included. An event planning website should list the basic details of an event, including the date, the location, speakers and any important deadlines. Functional components, such as registration and appointment scheduling, are also integral.

However, an often-overlooked purpose of these websites is to sell the event in addition to providing its key details. Traveling to conferences can be expensive and takes time away from an attendee’s work and their family, so attendance depends on persuasive content.

“It’s more about convincing them,” said Liz King Caruso, CEO of Liz King Events, Ignite Consulting Program and Techsytalk. “It’s understanding the problem they have that will be solved if they go to your event.”

Jonathan Kazarian, founder and CEO of Accelevents, an event tech platform, said websites should be geared toward new attendees, people who “don’t know the ethos of [the event], the culture of it or the content; the value proposition should be focused on that audience.”

By including details such as company mission, whom the event is for and the value proposition, planners can ensure the event’s site is a hook for new, prospective attendees.

As with all sectors of event planning, an event planning website needs to adhere to deadlines. The event itself will determine when the website needs to be active, although sooner is always better.

“[Event websites] should speak to why a person wants to go and what they’ll get out of it.”

Liz King Caruso CEO

Liz King Events, Techsytalk Experience: 17 years

“The most important thing is communicating value proposition. Who is it for, why do they need to be there, and what will they leave with?”

“If it is a recurring event that happens year after year, it should always be up and active,” said Keith Johnston, co-host of the Event Tech Pull Up podcast, founder of event blog PlannerWire and managing partner at i3 Events. “If you have a type of event where you do need an individual website, put it up as early as you can.”

Johnston added that failing to have information online, even if it’s just bare bones, can cost a company its credibility.

Another detail to consider is where to place the website. An event site should be separate from the main company website because it will be a centralized source for all things related to an event.

“The reason you want it to have its own website is that it’s your castle on the internet,” Johnston said. “It’s where you want to drive all that traffic you bring in.”

Jonathan Kazarian FOUNDER AND CEO

Accelevents Experience: 15 years

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Especially if they’re not tech-savvy, planners may wonder how to go about building the website in the first place. While it often depends on budget, manpower and skill, planners have several options when it comes to building an event website and ensuring they’re getting the best value.

Event management software often comes with the functionality to make an event website. Companies like Accelevents or Bizzabo include this feature in their software, and if a planner is already a subscriber, it would be a good idea to utilize those functions.

But if they don’t use this event software, planners don’t need to start just for the website.

“About 99% of event websites could be built on WordPress, which obviously is a great value for the money,” Johnston said. He recommends bringing in a web developer when budget allows to get the website just right. “It’s always best to bring someone in,” he said. “As a planner, you have bigger fish to fry. You can hire a really good WordPress developer in the city where you’re located, and if you hire a freelancer, it can be very inexpensive.”

Platforms such as Wix or Squarespace could be worthwhile for planners who have few internal resources and are managing the sites entirely on their own, though they will have to pay for the platform upfront.

Kazarian cautioned against a site that a planner can’t manage on their own, saying “Don’t pigeon-hole yourself into a solution where you’re dependent upon somebody else,” he said. “Make the changes you need to make on your own.”

Keep in mind changes to an event’s information can happen suddenly, and attendees need to be kept updated in real time, especially leading up to an event.

Caruso said the most important thing is ensuring tech doesn’t create more work or difficulties for planners. If they use an advanced platform with a ton of features but don’t understand how to use it or it creates more headaches, it’s not a good value.

FOCUS ON USER EXPERIENCE

As important as strong content and the right platform are for your website, another component ranks even higher.

“Lately, a lot of organizations are forgetting the most critical thing,” Johnston said. “That’s user experience.”

That includes the ease with which attendees view the website, which is often dependent on its design and functionality.

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“If you go to register for an event and it feels like you’re signing up for Myspace, how do you expect the rest of the event to go?” Kazarian said.

Instead, keep it simple, modern and visually appealing.

Another key element of user experience is considering how attendees will be seeing the site. In 2024, it’s a safe bet to assume up to half of attendees are looking at B2B event websites from their mobile device. This is often higher for consumer-oriented event websites. It’s not uncommon for developers to build event websites from a mobile-first standpoint.

“You just want to make sure the site can be properly seen on phone and tablet of any type,” Caruso said. “Text shouldn’t be getting cut off. Look at the design to make sure it works.”

Another key variable is accessibility.

“Another thing a lot of organizations aren’t doing is making their websites ADA compliant or thinking about people with disabilities and people with vision issues,” Johnston said. “Your website legally needs to be compliant.”

This includes using appropriate fonts and colors that can be read by a screen reader, among other considerations.

Another powerful tool for enhancing user experience on an event website is AI. It’s a hot-button issue today, but it serves many different functions in an event website.

“When you want to take it to the next level and personalize the experience for each attendee at scale, that’s where AI comes into play,” Kazarian said. Before they register, AI tools can be used to show attendees who in their LinkedIn network is going to the event. They can also display other relevant sessions or exhibitors based on an attendee’s network and interests.

Artificial intelligence can also be used to create website content. Johnston recommends planners use AI to write descriptions for sessions and general information. This will require some editing for accuracy and tone, but it could save hours of valuable time.

“Your website is your castle, and everything else is just an outpost. You have an event page on Facebook and LinkedIn, but you don’t own those.”

i3 Events Experience: 29 years

The premier event and meeting venue in Kentucky.

Centrally located between Louisville and Lexington, the Shelbyville Conference Center combines versatility, beauty, and modern amenities to provide a welcoming and accommodating venue for events of all types.

Flexible floorplans and state-of-the-art technology allow for groups ranging in size to intimate executive meetings to company-wide conferences to gather together in the premier event and meeting venue in Kentucky. Charming and historic Shelbyville is just steps away, offering dining, shopping, acommodations, and more for attendees to enjoy.

Visit shelbykyvenues.com to learn more.

CONSTRUCTION ON CAMPUS

These colleges and universities are building new meeting facilities

BY RACHEL CRICK

From hosting crowds at rowdy sporting events to meetings between respected researchers, higher education institutions tend to encourage gatherings of all kinds.

For many organizations, spacious and tech-savvy university campuses provide the perfect environment for a conference, convention or other event. And with meetings being booked further and further out, the time to take note of up-and-coming campus venues is now.

From brand new conference center hotels to largescale event venues, here are several new developments in the meetings and events sphere on college campuses.

LIMELIGHT BOULDER BOULDER, COLORADO

Enjoying a backdrop of breathtaking mountain views, Boulder, Colorado, is set to become even more welcoming to meetings and events. That’s thanks to the addition of a new conference hotel on the University of Colorado Boulder’s campus: the Limelight Boulder, an Aspen One property. Construction on the hotel is expected to be completed in fall of 2025. The design will utilize elements of nature to create the feel of a boutique hotel. The all-electric facility will also be built with sustainability in mind.

“The versatility of the meeting spaces, the aesthetic charm of the surrounding mountains and the amenities of Boulder combine to create the ideal venue for gatherings of all kinds,” said Alinio Azevedo, CEO of Aspen Hospitality.

Limelight Boulder is expected to have 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. That includes a 15,000-square-foot ballroom and a terrace. The hotel’s conference facilities are expected to have a capacity of up to 1,000 attendees and to offer a range of audiovisual and planning services to make meetings and events run smoothly.

The hotel will have over 250 guest rooms and

Above: Guests will enjoy mountain views at the Limelight Boulder on the University of Colorado Boulder’s campus.

Courtesy Limelight Hotels

will feature a standalone restaurant and a lounge to give guests all-day dining options. It will also feature amenities such as a pool, outdoor firepits and a coworking space.

boulderconferencehotel.com

VIRGINIA GUESTHOUSE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

Charlottesville, Virginia

Blending the classic red brick of historic Charlottesville, Virginia, with contemporary glass and wood tones, the city’s newest hotel and conference center, the Virginia Guesthouse, is slated for completion in the fall of 2025. It’s currently under construction on the University of Virginia’s campus in downtown Charlottesville, a city known for combining the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a rich history and a burgeoning wine region.

“It’s going to be something that brings demand to our market in a different way than we’ve been able to do,” said Russ Cronberg, director of hospitality at

the University of Virginia Foundation. “It’s going to elevate Charlottesville as a destination.”

The hotel and conference center will have an impressive array of features, including a 10,000-squarefoot ballroom, almost double the current largest event space in city limits. In total, it will offer 25,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including breakout spaces and additional meeting rooms. The hotel will have 214 guest rooms. In addition to the ballroom, the conference center will be very tech-forward and capable of seamlessly hosting hybrid events.

“The versatility of the meeting spaces, the aesthetic charm of the surrounding mountains and the amenities of Boulder combine to create the ideal venue for gatherings of all kinds.”

Virginia Guesthouse renderings, clockwise from left: The hotel lobby and staircase; the rooftop bar; the hotel’s exterior

Courtesy UVA Foundation

“These spaces are being designed and thoughtfully put together in a way that will lead to flexibility in how groups will use the spaces,” Cronberg said.

Cronberg expects this conference hotel to host a variety of meetings, from association business to campus events. He also expects the conference center’s audiovisual-centric meeting spaces to attract medical or continuing-education meetings.

virginia.edu

“[The Virginia Guesthouse is] going to be something that brings demand to our market in a different way.... It’s going to elevate Charlottesville as a destination.”

— Russ Cronberg, University of Virginia Foundation

This is your breakout session.

Courtesy UVA Foundation

A RENDERING OF THE VIRGINIA GUESTHOUSE’S ROOFTOP BAR

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For more information, and to learn about the incentives available, contact: Sales at 630.575.8070 or Meetings@DiscoverDuPage.com

www.DiscoverDuPage.com/Meetings

NEW AND IMPROVED EVENT VENUES AT SACRAMENTO STATE SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

With a vibrant downtown, beautiful water features and abundant nature, California’s capital city, Sacramento, is a fast-growing hub of outdoor adventure and urban amenities. California State University Sacramento, otherwise known as Sacramento State, is known for its tree-filled 300-acre campus and for its connections to the Sacramento community. This sprawling, active campus is an excellent place for events.

In late 2023, it was announced that Sacramento State’s health and wellness facility, the WELL, had received funding for a new event center. With the addition of seating, scoreboards and new lighting, it will be able to host sporting competitions, guest speakers and arts and entertainment events while maintaining its current function. The university said the event center will be ready to host events this fall. That’s in addition to the facility’s multiple conference rooms available for rent.

This development comes on the heels of additional outdoor event spaces that were added or renovated for small-scale campus events. This included a renovation of the Serna Plaza near the campus bookstore, which hosts guest speakers, concerts and other events. Tiered seating and a beam for shade

The WELL images, clockwise from left: A rock-climbing wall; the wellness center’s exterior; in front of the WELL

Courtesy Sacramento State

Host your convention or meeting in Bloomington, IN Contact Shaun for assistance in planning your upcoming event.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO GET STARTED.

SHAUN BALLARD, CONVENTION SALES MANAGER

Host your next event

were added to the grassy spectator area, while a ramp, railings and lighting were added to the stage. Other gathering spaces on campus had pergolas or other shade-giving structures added.

csus.edu

TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY EVENT CENTER STEPHENVILLE, TEXAS

Known as the Cowboy Capital of the World, Stephenville, Texas, is a town of 21,000, about an hour southwest from Fort Worth. Its university, Tarleton State University, is a member of the Texas A&M University system and a public research university known for its business, agriculture and health sciences colleges, among others. In August 2023, the university broke ground on construction of a new event center on the Stephenville campus. The multipurpose arena will have two stories and seat up to 10,000 for concerts or 8,000 for sporting events. The arena will feature NCAA Division I basketball facilities and include a sports medicine suite and nutrition center in addition to custom locker rooms.

The $110 million facility will be 148,000 square feet and is expected to be mostly completed and functional in 2025. The facility will also feature event space for conferences, trade shows or conventions. It is expected to attract regional events, concerts and campus-wide events such as basketball games. tarletonsports.com

THE GATEWAY DISTRICT AT UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS

Lawrence, Kansas

Lawrence, Kansas, is a lively college town with plenty of history for visitors to explore. It’s home to the Jayhawks of the University of Kansas. The university

The $110 million [Tarleton State University Event Center] will be 148,000 square feet and is expected to be mostly completed and functional in 2025.

Courtesy Tarleton State University

A RENDERING OF THE TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY EVENT CENTER

with a capital M.

When you meet in Baton Rouge, you’ll create an experience that your guests won’t soon forget.

Located in the heart of Louisiana, no one hosts a meeting quite like the Capital City.

Start planning your meeting at VisitBatonRouge.com/meetings

is set to get some major upgrades with a recently debuted project known as the Gateway District. This project will include multiple phases and improvements to existing campus buildings, such as the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

According to the university’s project website, the first phase of construction will include a new build of the west and north sides of the football stadium, a new weight room and locker room renovations. Phase one will also include the building of the conference center on the stadium’s north end. This conference center is expected to total 55,000 square feet and draw meetings and events in different sectors of academia the school is known for, such as engineering and cybersecurity. It will be available year-round for nonsporting events, and during gamedays it will host fans.

The second phase will include the addition of dining, retail and additional arts and entertainment spaces, as well as lodging and office space. A live

webcam allows students and the public to keep up with the construction’s progress.

The Gateway District is expected to bring significant economic impact to Lawrence thanks to its emphasis on multi-use facilities and year-round potential for events.

kugatewaydistrict.com

The first phase of construction will include the building of the conference center on the stadium’s north end. This conference center is expected to total 55,000 square feet and draw meetings and events.

The Gateway District Renderings, clockwise from top left: The North Patio Club; David Booth Kansas Memorial stadium entrance; an aerial view of the Gateway District; the new conference center Courtesy University of Kansas

‘SummitCity’ INDIANA’S

By Molly Shutt, all photos courtesy Visit Fort Wayne

Promenade Park is a relaxing downtown retreat for travelers meeting in Fort Wayne.

Fort Wayne is a highlight of the Hoosier meeting landscape

IBY CYNTHIA BARNES

ndiana’s second largest city, Fort Wayne, welcomes visitors with warm Hoosier hospitality.

It was incorporated in 1840, and its position at the highest elevation along the Wabash and Erie Canal landed it the nickname “Summit City.” It sits in the northeastern part of the state, within 500 miles of half the U.S. population. Nonstop flights and major highways make Fort Wayne a convenient, accessible and affordable choice.

“When people come here, they really feel as if they’ve discovered the Midwest’s hidden gem,” said Marcy McKinley, director of sales and marketing at the Grand Wayne Convention Center. “They love how easy it is and all of the dining and exploring options.”

FORT WAYNE AT A GLANCE

LOCATION: Northeastern Indiana

ACCESS: Fort Wayne International Airport, Interstate 69

HOTEL ROOMS: 5,500

CONTACT INFO:

Visit Fort Wayne 260-424-3700 visitfortwayne.com

GRAND WAYNE CONVENTION CENTER

BUILT: 1985, expanded in 2006

EXHIBIT SPACE: 225,000

OTHER MEETING SPACES: 18 total breakout rooms

MEETING HOTELS

Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Center

GUEST ROOMS: 246

MEETING SPACE: 4,000 square feet

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Fort Wayne

GUEST ROOMS: 250

MEETING SPACE: 6,000 square feet

WHO’S MEETING IN FORT WAYNE

Lutheran Education Association

ATTENDEES: 1,600

North American Brass Band Association

ATTENDEES: 1,200

Midwest Fish and Wildlife Association

ATTENDEES: 1,000

Destination Highlights

Visitors can explore the city’s frontier origins at the Historic Old Fort, a faithful reconstruction of the original fort built in 1815. It has several charming historic districts, such as West Central, where beautifully restored Victorian homes line leafy streets. Many visitors enjoy the story of the city and the beautiful Richardsonian Romanesque architecture of the former city hall that is now the home of the Fort Wayne History Center.

The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is a natural oasis in the heart of downtown. The Showcase Garden features lush seasonal displays, while orchids and palms thrive beneath a cascading waterfall in the Tropical Garden. Kids of all ages will want to take in the exhibits at the nationally ranked Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, where visitors can pet a stingray, brush a goat, hand-feed giraffes and explore one of the largest red panda habitats in the U.S.

Nearly 5,000 American paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints and photographs make up the permanent collection at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, which also hosts a robust schedule of rotating exhibits. And anyone with an interest in their own family history should schedule a visit to the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center, the largest public genealogy research archive in the United States.

After the Meeting

When the presentations are over, attendees will find plenty of activities and attractions in Fort Wayne. Across from the Bradley Hotel, the Landing is a walkable pedestrian corridor on the most historic street in the city. Where canal boats once landed, visitors will find dining, shopping and boutiques. Meeting attendees shouldn’t miss a cocktail at Night Train, an under-the-stairs speakeasy that describes itself as “not your father’s basement bar.”

One block north, Promenade Park on the Riverfront revitalized the urban outdoor scene along the St. Marys River. Visitors can stroll along the riverwalk for a breath of fresh air and a nice view of the city skyline. During a longer break, they can rent a kayak or bike from the on-site outfitter to see more of the trails and waterways. The park’s light-filled pavilion has floor-to-ceiling glass windows and garage doors that overlook the river.

On the edge of downtown, the 1883 campus that once housed General Electric is now home to a meeting space with a modern industrial design, and Union Street Market, the region’s only food hall. The 39 acres, 18 buildings and more than 1.2 million square feet of space that compose Electric Works are being revitalized phase by phase, and the space plays host to a popular weekly summer farmers market, along with special events throughout the year.

Electric Works AFTER HOURS

AFTER HOURS The Landing

Distinctive Venues

Across from the Grand Wayne Convention Center, Parkview Field is home to the Fort Wayne TinCaps and offers over 11,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, on-site A/V, full catering and beautiful views of the skyline. The stadium features six meeting areas (some accommodating up to 220 guests), including conference rooms, a suite-level lounge, an event center, and an outdoor concourse and amphitheater (all with fun baseball-themed options), as well as access to batting cages for post-meeting team building and recreation.

Opening this fall, the Pearl Arts Center will revitalize Perfection Bakery, a longtime landmark, into a state-of-the-art community arts hub. A 400-seat flexible performance auditorium will provide a unique off-site meeting option just four blocks from the convention center and across the street from the Bradley Hotel, the Landing and Promenade Park.

With its ornate interior replete with grand staircase, Italian tile floor and classic chandeliers, the Embassy Theatre has been a landmark since its debut in 1928. The historic movie palace has eight rentable spaces, including a rooftop patio, the stunning lobby, additional meeting and cocktail spaces, and of course, the theater itself. Planners will find on-site A/V, theater support, and a listing of preferred caterers.

DISTINCTIVE VENUES Parkview Field

Major Meeting Spaces

The Grand Wayne Convention Center offers 225,000 square feet of meeting space. The Convention Hall, the center’s largest space, has 50,000 square feet and can host 4,500 in theater seating and 3,000 for banquets.

There are three adjacent, full-service luxury hotels with garage parking and skywalk connectivity. The Courtyard Fort Wayne Downtown has 250 guest rooms and 6,000 square feet of event space in seven event and four breakout rooms. The Legacy Ballroom accommodates up to 475 guests for receptions. The Hampton Inn and Suites has 136 rooms and one 750-squarefoot event space. The Hilton Fort Wayne has 246 guest rooms, more than 83,000 square feet of flexible event space, A/V equipment, in-house catering and event support from expert planners.

Co-founded and designed by Barbara Bradley Baekgaard (who also co-founded Vera Bradley Designs), the Bradley Hotel is the city’s first boutique property. The 124-room luxury hotel has three meeting spaces just four blocks from the convention center. Perched atop the hotel, Birdies Rooftop offers nightlife with a view of the downtown skyline. The Bradley has three stunning gathering spaces ranging in size from 450 to over 1,000 square feet.

When attendees step out of the convention center downtown, they are within feet of the Botanical Conservatory, the historic Embassy Theatre, Parkview Field and more than 60 restaurants within walking distance.

“When people come here, they really feel as if they’ve discovered the Midwest’s hidden gem. They love how easy it is and all of the dining and exploring options.”

— Marcy McKinley, Grand Wayne Convention Center

A GEORGIA

Charmer

LBY CLAIRE HANNUM

aGrange, Georgia, is a jewel of a city about an hour outside of Atlanta and just 20 minutes from the Alabama border. With lively shops, outdoor spaces, breweries, and event venues, this cozy Southern town is anything but sleepy.

“People think all small cities are alike, and we are not like other small cities,” said Kathy Tilley, president and CEO of Visit LaGrange. “There’s a lot here in this little city.”

Every small city has a pulse of its own, and LaGrange’s runs the gamut from serene slices of wildlife to vibrant nights out in the historic city center. Its versatility makes it an ideal place to host events for groups of all sizes — and in off-hours, there’s certain to be an activity in LaGrange aligned with each attendee’s interests, no matter how diverse.

One of the city’s claims to fame is the historic home of the Callaway family, whose estate and gardens enchant hundreds of thousands of guests each year. Ely Callaway Jr., founder of Callaway Golf, spent his childhood years in LaGrange, and it’s easy to see how the area’s natural beauty could have encouraged his love of golf.

LaGrange is home to numerous top-notch meeting spaces (including one that just opened last year), as well as family gathering spots, a celebrated skate park, a packed downtown activity calendar and even a museum with one of the largest collections of biblical artifacts in the world. As a next-door neighbor to massive West Point Lake, the city is a hotspot for water sports fans and fishing enthusiasts. It’s also a university town; LaGrange College is the oldest private college in the state.

“We are home to a Great Wolf Lodge, the only one in the state of Georgia,” said Tilley. “We’ve got breweries and wineries, and we are home to Wild Leap Brew Co. We are also a city that has lots of parks for people to play in.”

AN AERIAL VIEW OF THE HILLS AND DALES ESTATE GARDEN

LAGRANGE GEORGIA

LOCATION

Western Georgia

ACCESS

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Interstate 85

MAJOR MEETING SPACES

Oakfuskee Conservation Center, Great Wolf Lodge, Del’avant Event Center, The Truitt Vanderbilt Club

HOTEL ROOMS 600+

OFF-SITE VENUES

Wild Leap Brew Co., Nutwood Winery, Pabella’s Winery, LaGrange Art Museum

CONTACT INFO

Visit LaGrange, Georgia

706-668-5555

visitlagrange.com

Eco-Friendly Meets Elegance

Oakfuskee Conservation Center is LaGrange’s newest venue, combining the sustainability of a conservation area with the elegant design and functionality of a cutting-edge meeting space. The venue offers over 25,000 square feet of event space overlooking sweeping views of forests and West Point Lake. In addition to the indoor event space, Oakfuskee’s expansive conservation center protects and celebrates the local ecosystem. It’s the new home of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, a group that educates and safeguards the state’s most famous river. The venue is surrounded by Pyne Road Park, a beautiful outdoor sanctuary where attendees can enjoy horseback riding, birdwatching, fishing and mountain biking during their downtime.

Inviting Meeting Spaces

LaGrange’s unique venues can adapt to a wide range of planners’ needs. Great Wolf Lodge includes over 18,000 feet of event space, a separate entrance from the rest of the resort, top team-building opportunities like ropes courses, and of course, the chance for attendees to add a family vacation onto their trip with ease. For planners looking for a space in the center of the action, Del’avant Event Center is a walkable venue in the heart of downtown LaGrange. The 10,000-square-foot venue is located in a historic building that oozes charm. The Truitt Vanderbilt Club, which was built in 1914, includes both event space and on-site suites that would make great options for small groups on retreats.

LaGrange

Energy About Town

Attendees won’t have to look far to fill downtime between meetings and mixers. Visitors will gravitate toward downtown LaGrange’s antique shops, boutiques, restaurants and breweries. Events like sip-and-shops, walking tours and workshops are frequent fixtures in the city center. Nearby Sweetland Amphitheatre regularly hosts world-class musicians. And history fans will love Hills and Dales Estate, the former Callaway family home, which offers tours of the property and its gorgeous gardens.

The Great Outdoors

For team-building and off-site events, LaGrange’s outdoor offerings are where it’s at. The city’s walking and biking path, known as the Thread, is expanded each year with a plan of reaching 29 miles of pathway. LaGrange is home to several golf courses and is just a stone’s throw from West Point Lake, which offers great opportunities for boating and water sports. For those who like their recreation on the extreme side, Southbend Park features a skatepark funded by Tony Hawk’s revered Skateboard Project. For groups that prefer their nature views with a side of vino, charming destinations like Nutwood Winery and Pabella’s Winery are great bets.

“People think all small cities are alike, and we are not like other small cities. There’s a lot here in this little city.”

— Kathy Tilley, Visit LaGrange

Courtesy Oakfuskee Conservation Center

Courtesy Oakfuskee Conservation Center

A

AN OAKFUSKEE BANQUET ROOM

Courtesy Oakfuskee Conservation Center

AN AERIAL VIEW OF OAKFUSKEE CONSERVATION CENTER

A new perspective for your next event.

Oakfuskee Conservation Center is open and already making waves. Now booking for Fall ‘24.

We have a different way to view your next gathering, just steps away from breezy West Point Lake. For corporate events or celebrations of any kind, you’ll find one of the most impressive new event settings in the Southeast, with space to inspire up to 400 guests. Call 706.298.3767 to schedule your event.

VisitLaGrange.com Unique

Meet Historic Mississippi

BY PAULA AVEN GLADYCH

From elegant Civil War-era mansions to a refurbished cotton mill turned event space, Mississippi serves up historic venues for any brand of event or conference. Here are five venues that can help meeting groups tap into the state’s past while experiencing the most modern of facilities.

FAIRVIEW INN

Jackson

Built in the Colonial Revival style in 1908, Fairview Inn is an impressive white mansion with six stately Corinthian columns in front and beautifully manicured grounds. Over the years, several owners have added onto the home and beautified the property.

In 1986, the Garden Room was built to connect the Carriage House with the main house. The Garden Room can host 220 for a banquet or 350 for a reception or can be split into three smaller spaces. There’s also an outdoor deck overlooking the gardens. Another space, the

Carriage Room, is bright and airy and can fit 75 for lunches or smaller events. The Roses Room and Foyer can host up to 14 people for executive retreats or board meetings.

The inn has 18 guest rooms spread among the mansion, the Carriage House and a 2001 building designed on the same architectural plans. It features 10 guest rooms, most with whirlpool tubs and fireplaces. The home’s original architect, Robert Closson Spencer Jr., was an associate of Frank Lloyd Wright and included Wright-inspired features in several spaces throughout the building.

Groups that want to reserve the entire house can host 400 for a reception and 350 for a banquet. The original library of the Fairview Mansion has been turned into a lounge that celebrates Mississippi authors. 1908 Provisions offers full breakfast for its in-house guests. A small spa is located next to the gardens. fairviewinn.com

THE MILL CONFERENCE CENTER AT MSU

Starkville

The Mill Conference Center got its start in 1902 as a cotton mill, which was the main economic driver in Starkville until it

Courtesy Fairview Inn

JACKSON’S FAIRVIEW INN WAS BUILT IN 1908 AND FEATURES A VARIETY OF MEETING SPACES FOR GROUPS OF UP TO 350.

closed in 1964. During its heyday, the mill was churning out 1.5 million yards of Starkville chambray thread annually. Eventually it began producing clothing and other items from the chambray, and by the end of World War II, the mill was producing 160,000 yards of fabric a week.

The mill, which sits on a hill with a large green space in front of it, was the hub of Starkville, surrounded by homes, a church, a hospital, a school, a grocery store and a fire station. After the mill closed, Mississippi State University purchased the 13 acre-property. It wasn’t until 2012 that the university selected Castle Properties to renovate the mill and turn it into office space and a much-needed conference center. A Courtyard by Marriott and a 450-car parking garage were built on-site to help the university host large events.

The Mill features 10,000 square feet of flexible event space, including a large ballroom that can be split into three separate rooms and accommodate up to 1,000 guests for a reception and 600 for a banquet. Five smaller spaces can host between 45 and 60 theater-style, and the Gallery can seat 120 for a banquet. The on-site hotel has 105 rooms, and two additional hotels — the Hampton Inn Starkville and Russell Inn and Suites — are within walking distance of the property.

themillatmsu.com

DUFF GREEN MANSION

Vicksburg

The stately Duff Green Mansion in Vicksburg was built in 1856, before the Civil War began, and is one of the few buildings in the city with Palladian architecture that managed to come through the war unscathed. Duff Green and his wife used the home as a hospital during the battle of Vicksburg, treating both Union and Confederate soldiers.

The mansion features beautiful front steps, iron railings on every floor, and 15.5-foot ceilings on the first and second floors. There is a central hall through the middle of the home that can be used for cocktail parties or other events. The Gentleman’s Parlor and dining room can be used for larger parties.

The home is now a boutique hotel, and visitors are often amazed by its architecture. Most homes of the era featured ballrooms on the third floor, but Duff Green, a cotton broker before the war, built his ballroom on the first floor.

The current owners of the mansion use part of the large ballroom as a Lady’s Parlor and a Victorian game room that can host meals or corporate retreats. The room can seat 24 people with furnishings or 90 without. The mansion has nine guest rooms, and eight others in two sister buildings, Steele Cottage, an 1829 house, and Halpino, a local plantation that was owned by the current owner’s family.

duffgreenmansion.com

DUNLEITH HISTORIC INN

Natchez

Built in 1856, Dunleith Historic Inn is a gorgeous example of an antebellum mansion with its 26 Tuscan columns built of brick and stucco. The property sits on 40 acres in the historic district of Natchez. Now a bed and breakfast, the property includes an original

Courtesy Duff Green Mansion

THE POOL AT DUFF GREEN MANSION Courtesy Dunleith

DUNLEITH HISTORIC INN

1790s carriage house, a dairy barn, a poultry house, a greenhouse and a three-story brick dependency. The current mansion, built in the Greek Revival style, replaced the original home that burned in 1855.

Dunleith has 22 guest rooms on-site, spread among the main house, courtyard rooms and the Dairy Barn, which was built in the 1790s and is now a three-bedroom cottage. The current owners, who purchased the property in 2019, completed a $1.5 million renovation. The original stables and carriage house were converted into the Castle Restaurant and Pub, which can accommodate events up to 150. The main house has eight guest rooms on the second and third floors, with antique beds from the period. Guests can play bocce ball or croquet in their free time.

Dunleith is about a two-minute drive to Natchez’ main street. It is a strategic location to experience the history of Natchez as part of a meeting or event. The inn can accommodate dinners or receptions of up to 500 people on the grounds. The first floor of the main house can accommodate up to 50 at rounds or 75 theater-style.

dunleithhistoricinn.com

WHITE HOUSE HOTEL

Biloxi

Biloxi’s White House Hotel began in the 1890s as a private beachfront residence where Cora and Walter White spent their summers enjoying the beach and hosting friends and family. Because its location is so desirable, acquaintances would drop in unexpectedly for long stays and expect the Whites to meet their needs. The situation became so unmanageable that the Whites decided to treat their home like a boarding house, charging guests for food and lodging.

The guest house became so popular that the Whites purchased the Victorian house next door. In 1910, the buildings were joined to create a lobby, dining room and ballroom. After sitting vacant for 30 years, the property was restored to its former glory and reopened in 2014 as a boutique hotel with 76 guest rooms and modern interior decor.

The property offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico and has several indoor and outdoor meeting spaces. The ballroom can accommodate 100 people (150 if the terrace is included). Groups of 250 can host weddings, receptions or banquets on the expansive lawn. Cora’s Restaurant handles all the catering for events.

whitehousebiloxi.com

A MEETING SPACE AT THE WHITE HOUSE HOTEL IN BILOXI

Courtesy White House Hotel

Hosting an unforgettable meeting is more than just solid presentation decks. It’s creating connections outside the conference spaces. Bring your team to Oxford, and we’ll bring them together. @VisitOxfordMS

Plan your next event at VisitOxfordMS.com/Meetings

Scenic Stays in California

BY PAULA AVEN GLADYCH

California’s resorts are epic.

From white-sandy beaches and skyhigh redwood trees to stark desert landscapes and lush mountains, the Golden State has an abundance of gorgeous natural settings, as well as an abundance of gorgeous retreats set within them. These resorts can make ideal venues for meetings and events.

No matter the natural environment, meeting planners will not be disappointed with these California resorts.

MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH

Laguna Beach

Montage Laguna Beach sits on a coastal bluff in Laguna Beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The 262-room craftsman-style resort

features waterfront accommodations and 23 privately owned Montage Residences on 30 acres.

Smaller meeting groups that want to host events on the property can rent out Villa Le Ciel, which features a 3,000-square-foot living space, a full gourmet kitchen, a private patio, custom Japanese artwork and a porcelain art installation by local artists. The space can sleep up to 10 guests.

The resort features the 20,000-square-foot Spa Montage and three on-site restaurants.

The property’s Grand Ballroom can seat up to 500 guests and offers access to a pre-function foyer and an outdoor courtyard. The 3,200-square-foot Gallery Ballroom offers a more intimate setting with space for 240 banquet guests. There are several smaller meeting spaces available, as well as the courtyard, which can seat 180 theater-style.

Montage Laguna Beach has three oceanfront event lawns for outdoor celebrations for up to 300 guests. Studio Restaurant, Montage’s fine-dining restaurant, is only 50 feet above the Pacific and provides 180-degree ocean views.

Courtesy Montage Laguna Beach

MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH OFFERS 30 ACRES OF ACCOMMODATIONS AND PICTURESQUE MEETING SPACES OVERLOOKING THE PACIFIC OCEAN.

For fun, the resort can help groups plan excursions, like golf outings at four nearby courses, or a small group cruise to Catalina Island. Water sports, such as paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkeling, are also available nearby. The resort’s Mosaic Pool offers stunning views of the ocean.

montage.com/lagunabeach

SENSEI PORCUPINE CREEK

Rancho Mirage

Sensei Porcupine Creek is a 230-acre desert retreat in the Coachella Valley among the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Formerly a private estate, the resort is situated in the Greater Palm Springs area. It caters to more intimate groups, such as corporate retreats or destination weddings, and offers 22 luxury accommodations for a total of 34 bedrooms, spread across individual guest rooms and two- and four-bedroom villas.

The property is an all-encompassing wellness retreat, with an emphasis on helping guests live longer, healthier lives through data-led and evidence-based wellness programs, classes, spa treatments, and a team of Sensei guides and practitioners.

There is a beautiful swimming pool, a fitness center, a spa and lush spa gardens for relaxation. The resort offers private golf and tennis facilities on-site with instruction and tournament facilitation. Private wellness consultations are also available for individuals or executive groups. Sensei by Nobu restaurant offers sushi-making classes for groups of 10.

Meeting groups can utilize the property’s Golf Clubhouse and Tennis Pavilion for their meetings or events or take over one of several spacious villas on-site for more meaningful small-group retreats. The resort can host groups of up to 16 without a buyout of the property or up to 54 with a buyout.

Nearby attractions include hiking trails, shopping on El Paseo, a BMW driving experience and natural landmarks such as Joshua Tree National Park.

sensei.com/retreats/porcupine-creek

SHUTTERS ON THE BEACH

Santa Monica

Situated on the California coast in Santa Monica, Shutters on the Beach is a seaside haven with 198 guest rooms decorated in the style of Cape Cod cottages, with shuttered doors opening onto balconies. The resort overlooks the ocean and the Malibu-to-Manhattan bike path. It offers paddle tennis, volleyball, a beautiful pool area with comfortable cabanas overlooking the beach, yoga on the sand, and ONE Spa, which offers massages, facials and signature treatments.

Shutters boasts an extensive art collection, featuring works from renowned artists Frank Gehry, Robert Motherwell and Roy Lichtenstein. Two restaurants on-site serve coastal California cuisine and casual beachfront fare.

Meeting planners will appreciate the choice of venues within the resort. The Grand Salon, which can be split into three rooms,

By Tanveer Badal, courtesy Sensei Porcupine Creek

SENSEI PORCUPINE CREEK

Courtesy Shutters on the Beach

OUTDOOR DINING AT SHUTTERS ON THE BEACH IN SANTA MONICA

can host up to 300 at rounds and 400 theater-style. The Promenade is a versatile indoor-outdoor space that can host 150 for a reception or 130 at rounds and features a lovely outdoor terrace lined with white trellises and lush plants.

The Pacific Terrace sits above the sand of Santa Monica Beach and can host up to 250 guests for an evening celebration or wedding overlooking the ocean. Groups of up to 30 can meet in the Oceanside room, where they will enjoy expansive sea views. Another on-site venue can host groups of 100. A private dining room is available for more intimate groups.

shuttersonthebeach.com

ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR BEACH

Montecito

Rosewood Miramar Beach is the only beachfront property in Montecito, on the central coast, five miles south of Santa Barbara. The 158-room resort offers amazing views of the ocean and the Santa Ynez mountains, which rise up behind it, and it is one of five resorts in the United States with a triple Five-Star designation from Forbes in 2024 for its property, spa and Caruso’s restaurant.

Sitting on 16 acres, with one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, Rosewood is a desirable place to host a meeting or an event. With more than 33,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, the property can host groups of up to 400 for any occasion. Indoor spaces feature expansive windows with coastal views and outdoor terraces, and the beach, private residence, and multiple lawns and gardens offer several beautiful locations for outdoor banquets or receptions.

Guests have many opportunities to enjoy water sports, including swimming, kayaking, surfing and stand-up paddleboarding. The resort provides chairs and umbrellas, a beach butler, beach toys and sports equipment.

Rosewood has a bocce ball court and an apiary. There is a chef’s garden, and most of the resort’s produce and seafood comes from local farmers and fishermen. Caruso’s partners with local wineries to book groups for tasting events. The resort has an adults-only pool as well as a family pool, and guests can use the resort’s electric bicycles for a ride around the area or book the resort’s open-air, chauffeur-driven Jollies for free transportation anywhere within a three-mile radius.

rosewoodhotels.com

VINTNERS RESORT

Santa Rosa

With 82 acres of vineyards and several production gardens growing seasonal fruits and vegetables, it isn’t any wonder that Vintners Resort prides itself on its farm-to-table cuisine. Depending on the season, the resort grows blackberries, raspberries, onions, spring garlic, beans, peas and other spring vegetables, summer squash, pumpkins and tomatoes. The property also produces olive oil, which it uses in the kitchen and in the spa.

ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR BEACH’S BOCCE BALL COURTS

Photos courtesy Rosewood Miramar Beach

AN OUTDOOR DINNER AT ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR BEACH

Murrieta maximizes your meeting experience while minimizing the hassles found in more highmaintenance destinations. Everything is at your fingertips here — a splendid California wine country and a budding brewery culture. This is the place to gather again and enjoy the feeling of being face to face in a place designed for in-person interaction. From small intimate corporate venues to larger conference locations, Murrieta has everything you need to take your meeting to the next level. Where

S anta Ana, CA is unlike any other destination in Orange County. Discover a community rich in culture offering attendees authentic flavors reflective of our diversity and an art scene that is a mix of funky and folk, including 200+ murals. Unique venues from historic to art deco are perfect for off-site event locations. The city’s year-round celebrations further enhance the meeting experience.

Lavender fields are harvested, dried and made into lavender bath salts for a luxury in-room experience.

The Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio grapes grown on the vineyard are shipped to partner wineries in Sonoma County, where they are made into wine. The resort serves local wines made by these partners.

Groups that host meetings at the resort can walk through the vineyards on their own or take a guided vineyard tour. There’s also an opportunity to have blending sessions with local winemakers, where attendees can blend their own wines.

Vintners has 78 guest rooms and can host up to 250 guests for a banquet in its 5,000 square feet of meeting space. The Rose Ballroom is the largest venue on property. It can be split into two smaller rooms. The Rose Ballroom Terrace is an outdoor space that can host 220 seated for a banquet. The Cypress Room and Cypress Terrace can accommodate another 220 for a sit-down dinner. There are also several smaller meeting rooms that can host groups of up to 30.

In their free time, meeting attendees can hike several nearby trails or visit Armstrong Woods, which has a cross section of 1,300-year-old redwood trees.

vintnersresort.com

Courtesy Vintner’s Resort

VINTNER’S RESORT

Connect, Grow, Create.

Greater Ontario California offers a unique and connected meeting experience with its vibrant community, countless activities and authentic charms. Picture your attendees day hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains, engage with locals in an urban garden and share high fives when nightlife comes alive at the Toyota Arena. For fun, adventure, value and purpose, connect with our team to learn about competitive rates and ways to stretch your budget further to create a truly memorable event.

California’s Suburban Sites

BY PAULA AVEN GLADYCH

Some of California’s best destinations for smaller meetings are just outside its bigger cities.

California is home to several of the most recognizable cities in the country — from Los Angeles and San Diego to Sacramento and San Francisco — that pull in visitors from all over the world. Meeting planners wanting to have easy access to these large urban neighbors but with a more boutique experience should explore these five California suburbs.

CARLSBAD

About 40 minutes up the coast from San Diego, Carlsbad works closely with its larger neighbor when it comes to group planning. Carlsbad representatives take advantage of the instant recognition they get

when mentioning their destination’s proximity to San Diego but emphasize that Carlsbad is its own destination, with plenty of amenities to accommodate meeting groups.

The city is a hub of golf manufacturing, with local companies making drivers, balls and other golf paraphernalia. It is also known for its colorful Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, which bloom in April and May. Legoland California is another big draw to the area, especially for families with children or anyone who loves playing with the classic toys.

The city has 4,400 hotel rooms and more than 300,000 square feet of event space. Omni La Costa Resort and Spa is the largest hotel with 600 rooms and 110,000 square feet of event space spread over 45 rooms. The Costa Del Sol Ballroom is 18,000 square feet and can host 1,400 for a banquet or 1,700 for a reception. The Park Hyatt Aviara Resort has 78,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. Additional venues include Cape Rey, a Hilton Resort that sits directly across from the ocean and features unobstructed views; Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa; Carlsbad by the Sea Resort; and the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort and Hotel. visitcarlsbad.com

Courtesy Visit Carlsbad

ABOUT A 40-MINUTE DRIVE FROM SAN DIEGO, CARLSBAD ENJOYS A NUMBER OF UPSCALE HOTEL PROPERTIES AND MEETING SPACES.

PETALUMA

Petaluma is a historic destination that is easily accessible from San Francisco and Santa Rosa. Groups visiting the city can take the SMART train to Santa Rosa or catch a ferry to San Francisco. A river runs through its walkable downtown, which is full of historic architecture, artisans and award-winning restaurants. Visitors can easily visit the coast and the redwoods, but for fun closer to home, The Floathouse gives meeting attendees an opportunity to get out on the river in pedal and paddle kayaks, standup paddleboards, water bikes, Oarboards canoes and rowboats.

The Courtyard by Marriott Petaluma, Hotel Petaluma and Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country Petaluma offer traditional meeting venues. The Sheraton, which is the largest hotel in the area, offers 16,082 square feet of meeting space, including a ballroom that seats up to 550.

Petaluma, which has 700 hotel rooms, is most known for its unconventional meeting spaces, including Brooks Note Winery and Tasting Room, which can host 150. It has an on-site prep kitchen, projection screen and state-of-the-art sound system.

McEvoy Ranch, a 550-acre olive farm, has several unique venues, including a Victorian house, pavilion, and outdoor spaces for events of up to 100 guests. Lagunitas Tap Room and Beer Sanctuary has a loft that can host smaller groups of 30, and the Yard, which can host events of 50 to 200. Star Wars fans will enjoy Rancho Obi-Wan, which claims to have the largest collection of Star Wars memorabilia in the world and has event space for up to 120 guests.

visitpetaluma.com

SANTA MONICA

The end point of Route 66, Santa Monica is famous for its pier, its pristine beaches and its proximity to Los Angeles.

Santa Monica Beach is 3.5 miles long and offers year-round beach activities, paved walkways, restaurants and shops. Groups visiting the city will want to spend time walking on the beach, swimming in the ocean or trying their hand at surfing. The historic Santa Monica Pier features Pacific Park, an amusement park with an over-water Ferris wheel that offers mind-blowing views of the ocean, beach and surrounding area, as well as a five-story rollercoaster and the Pacific Plunge tower ride. The pier also has restaurants, souvenir shops and an arcade with more than 200 games.

Santa Monica features over 120,000 square feet of meeting space, including Shutters on the Beach, with 198 sleeping rooms and reception capacity of 400, and Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows, which sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific and has 297 rooms, 62 suites and a reception capacity of 900.

Hotel Casa Del Mar, originally built in 1926, is a beach club hotel adjacent to Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade, a popular upscale shopping and dining area. Also nearby are the gardens, walking paths and ocean panoramas of cliff-top Palisades Park. The hotel has 129 guest rooms and a full-service spa. For meetings, the hotel’s Colonnade Ballroom can host 360 for a banquet. Colonnade Terrace can seat 60 at rounds or 75 for a reception.

santamonica.com

Courtesy Visit Petaluma

Courtesy Santa Monica Travel and Tourism

PETALUMA’S BROOKS NOTE WINERY AND TASTING ROOM

THE SANTA MONICA PIER

SAN MATEO

Just 15 minutes south of San Francisco and home to San Francisco International Airport, San Mateo is one of 18 cities that make up the Bay Area on the San Francisco Peninsula. The area is known for its pristine beaches and beautiful redwood forest.

San Mateo has three full-service hotels: Hilton Garden Inn San Mateo, with 156 guest rooms and enough meeting space to host 110 for a banquet or 140 theatre style; Holiday Inn and Suites San Mateo-San Francisco SFO, with 172 guest rooms and 2,204 square feet of meeting space that can host 70 for a banquet; and San Mateo Marriott San Francisco Airport, with 476 guest rooms and 32,265 square feet of meeting space.

San Mateo County Event Center is one of the largest event venues on the peninsula, with 195,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space on 48 acres. It can host large trade shows, meetings, festivals and sporting events and can accommodate 6,000 for a banquet. Par 3 at Poplar Creek is a golf course restaurant that can seat 100, and its event space, located at the end of a fairway, can host dinners for up to 250. An outdoor terrace can host 100 for a reception.

For fun, groups can visit Hiller Aviation Museum or Filoli, a former country estate with a 54,000-square-foot Georgian revival-style mansion and 16 acres of English Renaissance gardens. thesanfranciscopeninsula.com

DAVIS AND YOLO COUNTY

Davis and Yolo County are a 20-minute drive away from Sacramento, making them a great destination to handle overflow for events in the area. The largest concentration of meeting spaces in the city are on the UC Davis campus, including the University of California Davis Conference Center, ARC Ballroom and Memorial Union. But the city has an abundance of unconventional venues, including wineries and farms.

Great Bear Vineyards is a boutique winery that also produces olive and lavender oil. The property has several locations where groups can host events for up to 150, including the Great Barn, a winery terrace and three gardens. The Hive Tasting Room and Kitchen is about 20 minutes north of Davis in Woodland. It offers a honey-tasting room and a small amount of outdoor meeting space adjacent to the beehives and honey warehouse. The property has a small indoor auditorium for events.

River Fox Train is a steam locomotive that runs tourist excursions along the Sacramento River. The train station has a large open space for a variety of events, and groups can book smaller events on the train, either while it is stationary or while it is moving.

Cache Creek Casino Resort is a destination in the area, with 659 hotel rooms, a large gaming area, 11 restaurants, full-service spa, an 18-hole golf course and a 1,375-seat event center. It has a large ballroom that can seat 210 for a banquet and two smaller rooms for breakout sessions.

Hotel Winters is the only four-star, full-service hotel in the area that can host groups of up to 300.

Courtesy San Mateo County & Silicon Valley CVB

RITZ-CARLTON, HALF MOON BAY Courtesy Visit Yolo County

AN OUTDOOR TASTING AREA AT A YOLO COUNTY WINERY

Breathtaking breakout sessions? This isn’t a meetings mirage.

Whether it’s our stress-free airport, our mesmerizing venues and outdoor spaces, or our endless rejuvenating sunshine, in Greater Palm Springs, dreams become reality and meetings are anything but ordinary.

MeetingsInPalmSprings.com

La Quinta Resort & Club