2012 Meeting Planners Guide

©Patrick J. Endres/AlaskaPhotoGraphics.com

MEETING P LA N N E R GUIDE

WWW.EXPLOREFAIRBANKS.COM

GREEN LIGHTS.

Todd Paris

GO.

If you’ve been waiting for a signal to show you where to hold your next meeting or convention, we’re giving you a green light. As the hub for Alaska’s Interior and the Arctic, Fairbanks is a perfect meeting destination for planners and attendees from around the state, the region, and the world.

For much of the year the northern lights shine brightly here. In summer the midnight sun will boost your energy when the day’s work is done.

No longer a little mining town, today Fairbanks is sophisticated enough to provide a full range of meeting, sports, dining, shopping, and multi-cultural experiences while it retains the warmth and friendliness you hope to find.

Meetings and Conventions Department 101 Dunkel Street, Suite 111, Fairbanks, AK 99701-4806 (907) 459-3765 or (907) 459-3768 877-551-1728 x3765 Toll-free • 907-459-3787 Fax meetings@explorefairbanks.com • www.explorefairbanks.com/meetings

Table of Contents

Convention Services: Put our ENERGY to work for you

2

Planner Toolkit: Let our tools assist you

3

List of services offered by the Fairbanks Convention & Visitors Bureau Meetings & Conventions Department

Checklist, reference materials, calendar and optional excursion ideas

Meeting Spaces: Our inviting spaces WARMLY welcome you

11

Meeting Facilities Grid: The right place for every meeting

21

Things to Do & Conference Services: Contacts for work and play

29

Fairbanks, Alaska 101: Become ENLIGHTENED about Fairbanks

34

Find your way around town

36

Additional Features: Top Ten Reasons to Meet in Fairbanks University of Alaska Fairbanks Eielson Air Force Base Fort Wainwright Army Post

20 25 26 27

In-depth details and pictures of featured meeting venues, with and without accommodations

Easy-to-use meeting facilities grid, separated by venues with lodging and venues without lodging, organized by total square feet of meeting space

Listings of support services, activities and transportation providers

Information on the arts, sports, northern lights, accessibility and what to pack

Discover what’s where with this map

On the cover: “Good Omen” is an award-winning ice sculpture lit with colored lights.

Each February and March, Fairbanks hosts the World Ice Art Championships. Ice artists from around the world compete by sculpting art from local ice; some sculptures reach over 30 feet in height.

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Convention Services

Put our ENERGY to work for you!

FCVB

The Fairbanks Convention & Visitors Bureau (FCVB) is a not-for-profit corporation. Many services are offered to event planners at little or no charge.

Requests for Proposals (RFP) • Make one call to us or fill in a form online at www.explorefairbanks.com/meetings.

• We distribute the information and gather the responses.

• Receive an easy-to-read, customized bid packet.

• This means that you don’t have to make all of those phone calls to check availability and pricing.

Online Registration • We provide you with low-cost access to an online registration platform.

• FCVB manages the secure financial account and remits registration funds upon receipt of invoice.

• You can customize your own pages and content.

• This platform gives you access to financial and registration reports.

Bid Presentation Assistance • We are here to help you market Fairbanks as the perfect spot for your event.

• We can provide multiple bid packets and create customized PowerPoint presentations.

• In some cases, we even accompany you and assist with the bid presentation itself.

Convention Support Services • FCVB works with you to make planning a Fairbanks meeting easier!

• We provide you with contact information for whatever additional services you may need.

• We assist with requesting rail and air transportation discounts.

• We produce and distribute “Welcome” signs that are posted around town to greet your attendees.

Promotional and Welcome Materials • We help gather welcome letters from Fairbanks area officials.

• We provide Visitors Guides and Winter Guides.

• FCVB provides a link to our website, www.explorefairbanks.com • We maintain an online photo bank for your promotional materials.

• In some instances, our staff may travel to the prior year’s event to promote attendance.

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Golden Heart Greeters • These community volunteers are the embodiment of Fairbanks’ warm welcome.

• They greet people upon arrival at the airport.

• They can be scheduled to stuff delegate bags.

• They assist with distribution of materials at registration.

• They can staff an information booth at your event to answer all Fairbanks-related questions.

FCVB

Familiarization Trips (FAMs) and Site Visits • We show your decision makers the highlights of Fairbanks.

• Full itinerary planning for your decision makers includes: accommodations, meeting facilities, dining options, activities and attractions.

• Are you a local planner? This service is available to you as well!

• We want all planners to be captivated by Fairbanks’ light, energy and warmth and have an opportunity to see everything that Fairbanks has to offer their event.

Planner Toolkit

Let our tools assist you In the Meetings & Conventions Department, our goal is to make your job easier!

As a meeting planner, your first step to success is to contact the experts at the Fairbanks Convention & Visitors Bureau (FCVB). We have established the relationships, gathered the information and ordered supplies. Take advantage of our services – we will be your partner and go the extra mile to offer assistance before, during and after your event. We want to make it easy for you to meet in Fairbanks, so you’ll come back over and over again!

Meeting Planner Checklist

4

What color is your meeting?

6

How much space do you need?

7

Calendar of Events

8

Todd Paris

What else is there to do?

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Planning a conference in Fairbanks? Have the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau pros help you plan: facilities, accommodations, logistics, and even freebies and volunteers! The terrific FCVB assistance helped make the recent joint “Alaska Historical Society” and “Museums Alaska” conference successful! Thanks FCVB! Ron Inouye

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Meeting Planner Checklist Every event has its own timeline. We’ve put together the following general checklist for your use. The timing of your event will dictate when each of these steps should be taken. No matter what size your meeting, when it is, or at what stage you are in the organizational process, FCVB is here to lighten your workload. Call us to discuss the needs of your event! q

Entertainment and speaker fees

Identify all income q Registration fees

q

Additional staffing

q

q

Travel – speakers and staff

q

VIP gifts, cordials, turn-down gifts

q

Supplies

q

Printing and signage

Budget

Revenue from functions

q Contributions/sponsors q

Program advertising

q

Exhibit space rental

q Grants q

Other financing

Identify all expenses q Exhibit and meeting space q

Meals, snacks and beverages

q Decorations/flowers q

Audio/Visual needs

q Postage

Establish overall budget and registration fees

Timing

Remember that sometimes certain days of the week will provide you with more availability and lower rates. Special events

in the host community can enhance your attendees’ experience, but be sure to take into consideration events that could conflict with your attendees’ schedules (school vacations, holidays, meetings that would compete for your attendee base, etc.). Contact FCVB for the most current information with regards to the dates you are considering. q

Determine length of meeting

q

Choose days of the week

q

Check for potential conflicts

q

Set meeting dates

Determine Your Meeting Needs The FCVB Request for Proposal (RFP) can assist with every step in this process. Once your meeting needs have been established, one call to FCVB or a visit to our website, www.explorefairbanks.com/meetings, starts the process by informing our members of your needs and allowing them to provide proposals. We will gather all of the responses and send them to you in one easy-toread, customized bid packet as a .pdf attachment. This will allow you to compare the offers you receive and select the businesses that will best suit your particular meeting. Let us provide you with this information so you can focus on the remaining details of your event.

Guestrooms and Function Rooms

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q

Estimate the size of your guestroom block

q

Determine number and size of your function rooms

q

Establish A/V and equipment requirements

q

Decide on room set-ups to be used (see page 7 for examples)

q

Establish exhibit/vendor space needs

q

Prioritize preferred amenities

Food & Beverage Special/Optional Activities q Evaluate needs for optional Requirements q

activities

Decide on the number of group meal functions

q

Organize companion activities

q

Estimate attendance of each

q

q

If off-site locations will be utilized, consider transportation needs

Determine pre-/post-convention tours

q

Consider group transportation needs

q

Obtain costs, select menus

q

Decide on host/no-host/combination bar

q

Select & schedule entertainment

q

Arrange for a welcome from dignitaries

q

Plan decorations

Meeting Planner Checklist Meeting Content q

Determine meeting objectives

q

Establish committees

q

Establish overall meeting theme

q

Create a tentative program

q

Decide on session topics

q

Select entertainers, speakers & presenters

Exhibits

Registration

FCVB can help facilitate online registration, provide free and low-cost materials for your delegate bags, supply low-cost badges and printable inserts, and arrange for our Golden Heart Greeter volunteers to welcome your conference attendees and supply you with free assistance.

Pre-registration q Arrange for online registration through FCVB q

Create online registration pages

q

Use this format to design hard copy pages if needed

q

Invoice FCVB for registration fees collected based on reports generated through online system

International Meetings q

Determine passport/visa requirements

q

Determine special mailing requirements

q

Arrange for currency exchange service (or)

q

Prepare list of currency exchange locations

q

Arrange for alternate payment for online registration

q

Investigate customs regulations

q

Arrange for translator(s)

q

Translate printed materials

q

Establish need for attendee orientation program

q

Mock up layout of booth space

q

Establish exhibitor policies

q

Prepare exhibitor contracts

q

Determine pricing

q

Coordinate with facility on shipping/receiving, set-up/tear-down

q

Discuss facility limitations

q

q

Determine power and Internet requirements

q

q

Distribute information to potential exhibitors

Arrange for Golden Heart Greeters to distribute materials

q

Arrange for Golden Heart Greeters to staff a Fairbanks information booth

q

Define registration procedures

q

Establish attendance goals

q

Have additional registration materials on hand

q

Create or purchase mail/email lists

q

Designate on-site registration area

q

Produce pre-meeting advertisements

q

Organize registration system

q

Produce meeting announcements

q

Obtain equipment/supplies

q

Activate social media notices

q

Prepare registration mailer/emails

q

Send initial & follow-up mailing/ emails

On-site registration Arrange for Golden Heart Greeters to stuff delegate packets

Publicity FCVB can provide you with local media contact lists, assistance with press release distribution, photos for your publications – paper and electronic, and “Welcome” window signs that are distributed around town to publicize your meeting and offer a warm greeting to your attendees. q

Procure local media contact lists

q

Prepare news releases for media

q

Arrange for photographer at key events

q

Determine social media needs

Transportation

FCVB can assist with requesting discounted fares and put you in touch with local providers.

Attendance Promotion

FCVB has a number of tools for you to use to promote your meeting, from Visitors Guides to customized PowerPoint presentations.

In some cases, if the potential impact warrants it, an FCVB employee will attend the prior year’s event to promote your Fairbanks meeting!

Obtain schedules/prices for all carriers q Airlines q

Railroad

q

Motorcoach services

q

Rental cars

5

What color is your meeting?

The Convention Industry Council defines a green meeting or event as one that incorporates environmental considerations to minimize its negative impact on the environment.

Green meetings can save money, are good for the environment and underscore your corporation’s or association’s commitment to social responsibility. Your event can make a promise to protect Profits, People and the Planet, as well as to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. There are a number of things that you can do to “green up” your meeting: The First Step: Write it down. Establish an environmental statement or policy for the meeting. Share the policy with the host facility, suppliers, delegates and speakers. Enlist support for your green meeting and encourage everyone to be part of the effort. Example: “We commit to minimize our environmental impact by using recycled materials and reducing the amount of solid waste from our meeting.”

Basics (warm up to green): • Use online registration to reduce paper usage. FCVB can connect you with a low-cost platform that you can customize for your event.

• Create a website for the conference; email notices and confirmations; prominently display your “Green Policy” here.

• Print materials on both sides of recycled paper. Ask speakers & vendors to limit the number of hand-outs.

• Choose a facility with green practices.

• Use bulk dispensers, not individually wrapped packages, during meal service for sugar, salt, pepper, cream, etc.

• Use water pitchers and glassware, not bottled water.

• Use coffee cups, linen napkins, and silverware or compostable products instead of disposables.

• Collect name badge holders after the meeting for reuse.

FCVB offers reusable and inexpensive name badge holders.

The Next Step (light green): • Fully utilize technology – distribute all presentation notes on jump drives, have them available for download onto PDAs or have them available to conference attendees on your website.

• For materials that must be printed, utilize a local printing company. Email your files to a local supplier and eliminate shipping costs.

Information was gathered from various on-line green meeting sites including: www.thejuicesstudios.com, www.SimplyGreen.biz, www.SaveTheWorld AtWork.com, www.conventionsouth.com, www.conventionindustry.org and www.bluegreenmeetings.org.

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• Require attendees to sign up for each meal they will attend. Guarantees for food & beverage can be more accurate resulting in lower meeting costs and less waste.

• Offer vegetarian and healthy menu options; request locally grown food when possible.

• Use conspicuous recycling containers in meeting rooms and public spaces; make announcements reminding attendees to use them.

• Have the facility provide you with their eco-friendly policies and practices; distribute this information to attendees & vendors.

Extra-Green: • Weigh the waste associated with each session and report it to the attendees.

• Donate leftover flowers, hotel room amenities and trade show give-aways to local charities.

• Partner with a local non-profit to create a team exercise that provides value to the host community.

• Calculate the carbon foot-print of your event and purchase carbon off-sets to neutralize your meeting’s ecological impact.

Post-Event: Wrap it up! Survey your attendees to get their feedback on your efforts. Provide an emailed & online report of the results of your efforts. Let people know that they made a difference! Share your success with delegates, speakers and the media. Green efforts are contagious!

Theater Rows of chairs facing the front of the room, usually with a center aisle.

Standard set up for sessions that do not require extensive note-taking.

Maximizes room occupancy, but is not recommended when food is being served.

Classroom Rows of tables with chairs facing the front of the room, usually with a center aisle.

More comfortable than theater-style seating for longer sessions, but allows for fewer attendees. Useful when presenters distribute materials, attendees take notes or have workbooks, and when food and beverages are being served.

Hollow Square Rectangular tables placed end to end to form a square (or rectangle) with chairs placed around the outside. Facilitates communication within the group when there is no presenter. One side of the square may be left open for a U-shape. U-shape is more useful if there is a presenter. Tables may be arranged with no hollow space in the middle for smaller groups. This is called Conference or Boardroom.

250 16 20 27 15 12 26

300 24 20 33 21 15 32 350 24 20 38 24 18 37 400 32 30 44 27 21 42 500 40 40 55 33 27 53

550 40 40 61 36 30 58

600 48 50 66 39 33 63 700 56 50 77 48 39 74

800 64 60 88 54 45 84 900 72 70 100 60 51 95 1000 80 80 111 69 57 105 1100 88 90 122 75 63 116

1200 96 100 133 81 69 126 1300 104 100 144 90 72 137 1400 112 110 155 96 78 147

1500 120 120 166 102 84 158 1600 128 130 177 108 90 168 1700 136 140 188 117 96 179

1800 144 150 200 123 102 189

1900 152 150 211 129 108 200

2000 160 160 222 138 114 211 2100 168 170 233 144 120 221 2200 176 180 244 150 126 232

2300 184 190 255 159 129 242

2400 200 200 266 165 135 253 2500 208 200 277 171 141 263 2600 216 210 288 177 147 274 2700 224 220 300 186 153 284

2800 232 230 311 192 159 295

2900 240 240 322 198 165 305 3000 248 350 333 207 171 316 3200 264 260 355 219 183 337 3400 280 280 377 234 192 358 3600 296 300 400 246 204 379

3800 312 310 422 261 216 400 4000 328 330 444 276 228 421 4300 352 350 477 297 246 453 4600 376 380 511 315 261 484 4900 408 400 544 336 279 516 5200 432 430 577 357 297 547 5500 456 450 611 378 312 579 6100 504 500 677 420 348 642 6400 528 530 711 441 363 674

Hollow Square

Reception

30" Tables

18" Tables

Theater

Banquet 72"Round 10 person

60" Round 8 person

square feet

Room Size

Banquet Round tables with 8 or 10 chairs set around them. May or may not have staging and/or a head table. Used for meal functions. Two to four chairs may be removed so that no one’s back faces the front of the room; this is called Half-Moon or Crescent Rounds. This arrangement is more conducive to functions with extensive programs, but will seat fewer attendees.

Classroom Straight

How much space do you need?

10 10 12 14 14 14 16 18 20 24 30 32 36 38 40 42 46 48 50 52 52

Note: This grid should be used as a guideline only. Exact room capacity will depend on each individual property and considerations such as the actual shape of the room, obstructing columns, stages, audiovisual needs, number of exits and local regulations.

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Calendar of Events

•

•

February

Guided Nature Walks—learn more about the wonders of Interior Alaska at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge First Friday Events—many art galleries, specialty stores and the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center participate, offering special shows or receptions on the first Friday evening of each month

•

Iron Dog—longest, toughest snowmobile race in the world

•

Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race—1,000-mile-long International sled dog race

•

World Ice Art Championships begin

Seasonal

•

Dec-Mar Sled Dog Events & Races— skijoring, 4-, 6- and 8-dog and open classes.

Free indoor and outdoor spectator viewing at Mushers Hall

•

International Curling Bonspiel

•

Arctic Man Ski & Sno-Go Classic

•

Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge—birds start arriving for spring

May •

Alaska Visitor Industry’s Walk for Charity—raises money for local charities on a 3k walk and munch

•

Chena River Run—the first 5k run of the season

June •

Midnight Sun Run—10k run starting at 10pm

•

Midnight Sun Festival—celebrate Summer Solstice with music, crafts, shopping, entertainment and a downtown street fair

•

Nenana Ice Classic Tripod Days— take a chance and try to guess the time when ice breaks up on the Tanana River

•

Festival of Native Arts—celebrate Alaska Native culture with traditional singing, dancing, and arts

•

GCI Open North American Championship Sled Dog Race

•

Midnight Sun Baseball Game—the Alaska Goldpanners start playing at 10:30pm without artificial lighting

May-Sept Tanana Valley Farmers Market—Alaska-grown produce, art, baked goods and more. Saturdays and Wednesday at the Corner of College Rd and Caribou Way

For more events and up-to-date information, call (907) 456-INFO for our events hotline, visit www.explorefairbanks .com or visit the individual event websites. Please confirm event dates prior to making travel plans.

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•

March Nicole Blizinski/Santa Claus House

Nov-Apr Cross Country Ski Races— interval, mass and relay starts; free, classic and mixed techniques at Birch Hill Cross Country Ski Center

Bob Wilkinson

•

April

Mushers Challenge Series Races begin—skijoring, 4-dog, 6-dog, 8-dog, and open classes

Festival of Native Arts—March

Jade Frank/FCVB

•

January

Music & Theater Performances— local and internationally renowned talent can be seen throughout the year

Craig Cheledinas: Ice Art Joust, sculpted by Craig Cheledinas, Kevin Roscoe and Steve Brice

•

Kara Nash, Downtown Assn of Fairbanks

Year-Round

Calendar of Events •

Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival—celebrate the thousands of cranes on their southbound migratory route

•

Rookie Bonspiel—curling for new players

•

Yukon Title Cash Bonspiel

•

•

September

Golden Days—five days of activities including the largest parade in Alaska

•

World Eskimo-Indian Olympics—indigenous peoples compete in traditional athletic games and celebrations

• Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival— multi-discipline studyperformance festival with free concerts every day (2 weeks)

Equinox Marathon—runners from near and far face the challenge of the marathon deemed to be the second toughest in the U.S.

October •

International Sled Dog Symposium—workshops on sled dogs, mushing, and skijoring topics

•

International Friendship Day— celebrate the cultural diversity found in the local community

Rüediger Fessel

November •

Athabascan Fiddlers Festival—Alaska Native musicians gather in Fairbanks for a musical celebration

•

Turkey Day Ski Relays

•

North Pole Winterfest

•

North Pole Candle Lighting—ceremonial lighting of the North Pole City candle

•

The Nutcracker Ballet

•

Winter Solstice Celebration—riverfront lighting, sleigh rides, caroling, music, and winter fun

•

Christmas in Ice—Christmas-themed ice art sculptures and Kids Park by local and international sculptors in North Pole

•

New Year’s Eve Sparktacular—join the University of Alaska Museum of the North staff for hot chocolate and cookies before and after the Sparktacular fireworks

Lara Poirrier/Northern Horse Photography

July

Casey Thompson

Nicholas Jacobs/FCVB

December

August

UAF Photo by Todd Paris

Tanana Valley State Fair—Alaska’s oldest fair!

Courtesy Tanana Valley State Fair

•

Yukon Yukon Quest Quest International International Sled Sled Dog Dog Race—February Race—February

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What else is there to do?

Fairbanks is alive with things to see and do, from visiting with a dog musher and her team to enjoying Shakespeare in an open-air theater. Music and dance, concerts and symphonies, art classes, flightseeing, walking tours, visiting a rural village where you’ll be met by Alaska Native people, bird watching or golf beneath the midnight sun. The question is not “What is there to do?” but “How can I decide what to do?”

You’ll soon come to realize Fairbanks is not a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, but rather a destination that you’ll want to visit again in order to see all of those things you missed the first time!

Wintertime

10

Courtesy of UAF

FCVB

• Take a dip in hot springs! This activity is available year-round, but the experience is magical in the winter.

• View the northern lights – Fairbanks is known as one of the best locations in the world to see this fascinating phenomenon.

• Go skiing – there are downhill and world-class cross-country options available.

• A snowmobile ride is a great way to spend an afternoon – travel into country that few people get to see.

• Sled dog races are big Fairbanks sporting attractions.

• Try a dog sled ride – whether riding in the basket or driving the team yourself, the experience is unforgettable!

• Snowshoe through the forest – experience the special quality of the light as it bounces off the snow and throws shadows on the ground.

Year-Round

• Visit the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center.

• Take a city tour of Fairbanks.

• Visit Santa Claus in North Pole – a leisurely 16-mile drive south of Fairbanks.

• Visit a museum to learn about our natural and cultural history.

• See musk ox and reindeer. Look for moose, beavers, birds and more. Fairbanks is bursting with wildlife habitat!

• Sled dog kennel visits are a great way to spend an afternoon – meet the dogs and hear stories from the mushers.

• See the trans-Alaska pipeline, an engineering marvel of the modern world.

• Shopping opportunities abound! Look for a polar bear sticker (Made in Alaska) or a Silver Hand tag (Alaska Native Made).

• Go on an Arctic Circle adventure! You’ve come this far north, you might as well check this experience off your life-list. You can go by plane, by road or by a combination of the two.

More summer itinerary ideas can be found in the Fairbanks Visitors Guide. A complete list of winter offerings is located in the Fairbanks Winter Guide. Call us at 1-800-327-5774 or go online at www.explorefairbanks.com to request these publications.

FCVB

• Get gold fever! Gold history activities are a great way to acquaint yourself with Fairbanks’ history.

• Set out on a cruise aboard an historic sternwheeler.

• Golf anyone? You can play all night long under the light of the midnight sun.

• Denali National Park, with all of its wildlife, scenery and adventure, is only a short drive away.

• A nature walk through the boreal forest can introduce you to the environment in this land of contrasts.

• Raft the whitewater of Denali or enjoy a leisurely float down one of the rivers in the Interior.

• See ice sculptures – imagine the most detailed intricate carvings, some up to three stories tall, all carved out of solid blocks of ice.

After hundreds of hours of work, these ethereal creations are all destined to melt away. Ice sculpture displays begin in December and culminate in March.

Ed Malen/FCVB

Summertime

Meeting Spaces

Our inviting spaces WARMLY welcome you!

Select your meeting site from Alaskan rustic, upscale lodges, full-service hotels, scenic bed and breakfasts, or spacious arenas. In this section you will find detailed information about featured meeting facilities including photographs, floor plans and amenities.

Meeting Facilities with Lodging Alpine Lodge, 18 Chena Hot Springs Resort, 12 Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge, 13 Pike’s Waterfront Lodge, 16 Regency Fairbanks Hotel, 20 River’s Edge Resort, 19 Sophie Station Suites, 14 SpringHill Suites by Marriott® Fairbanks, 20 Wedgewood Resort, 15 Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center, 17

Meeting Facilities without Lodging Carlson Center, 18 University of Alaska Museum of the North, 19

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Denise Ferree

Shuttle Service, Fee-Based In-Room Coffee Makers On-Site Catering On-Site Restaurant & Lounge Free Local Calls Cable TV, Limited Gift Shop In-Room Hairdryers Swimming Pool Whirlpool Laundry Facilities Free Parking WiFi

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Denise Ferree

PO Box 58740 Fairbanks, AK 99711 Mile 56.5 Chena Hot Springs Rd (907) 451-8104 Fax:(907) 451-8151 frontdesk@chenahotsprings.com www.chenahotsprings.com Total Guest Rooms: 80 Accessible Rooms: 2 Amenities:

Treat your staff to a great destination by booking your next meeting or retreat at Alaska’s only authentic 100+ year old hot springs resort. The meeting space can accommodate various group sizes from 15 to 150 persons. 80 lodge rooms provide comfort for everyone and come with unlimited swim passes during each stay. The Resort’s full service restaurant and lounge provide delicious food and beverages daily from 7am to 10pm with a variety of catering choices for your meetings. The outdoor natural hot springs adult (ages 18+) rock lake is open daily from 7am to midnight. Book an Aurora Ice Museum tour, free renewable energy tour or any activity at our Activity Center.

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception

Arctic Celebrations 1,260 30x42 100 128 64 150

Chena 1,058 23x46 50 40 40 75

Above Combined 2,318 30x88 150 160 100 200 Conference 800 20x40 40 - 30 Activity Center 2,100 70x30 125 140 90 200 Aurorium 400 20x20 25 - - Aurora Borealis 441 21x21 25 20 16 35 Dance Floor 400 20x20 - - - Outdoor Tent 400 20x20 30 25 - Outdoor Tent 4,000 40x100 150 200 - -

4477 Pikes Landing Rd Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 455-4477 Toll Free: (800) 426-0500 Fax: (907) 455-4476 yhebard@princesstours.com www.princesslodges.com Total Guest Rooms: 325 Accessible Rooms: 13 Amenities: Free Shuttle Service In-Room Coffee Makers On-Site Catering On-Site Restaurant & Lounge Business Center Free Local Calls Exercise Room Gift Shop In-Room Hairdryers Sauna Laundry Facilities Free Parking Free WiFi

The Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge is ready to host your group or meeting comfortably and smoothly. Located minutes from downtown Fairbanks and the airport, this beautifully appointed lodge sits on the banks of the Chena River.

The Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge is able to help you organize a worryfree event. From early-stage planning to last-minute changes, we can assist with meals, meeting room layouts and any special audiovisual equipment you might need. Transportation to and from the airport is complimentary.

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception

Edgewater 4,800 80x60 370 360 220 400

Jade 2,200 50x44 185 160 100 200

Copper 1,240 40x31 100 100 50 125

Marble 527 31x17 40 30 22 55 Boardroom 368 16x23 25 20 18 20

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1717 University Ave Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 479-3650 Toll Free: (800) 528-4916 Fax: (907) 479-7951 fb@fdifairbanks.com www.fountainheadhotels.com Total Guest Rooms: 150 Accessible Rooms: 4 Amenities: Free Shuttle Service In-Room Coffee Makers On-Site Catering On-Site Restaurant & Lounge Business Center Free Local Calls Cable TV Exercise Room Gift Shop In-Room Hairdryers Laundry Facilities Free Parking Free WiFi

Sophie Station Suites, just minutes from the airport, downtown & UAF, is your solution for small meeting & catering needs in Fairbanks. Featuring 4 meeting spaces to choose from, catering from Zach’s Restaurant & 150 full suites, your meeting worries are over.

The latest in AV technology & high-speed Internet combine to make Sophie Station perfect for small business meetings & presentations, with complimentary parking. Zach’s Boardroom & the Express Room Lounge are ideal for intimate gatherings & receptions. When your meeting is larger, reserve Zach’s Restaurant for your private gathering.

From delicious food to excellent service, the outstanding catering staff at Sophie Station Suites will make sure your next small meeting or gathering is worry free & successful.

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception Boardroom 595 17x35 30 24 24 30 Express Room Lounge 1,944 54x36 - 45 - 45

Presidential Suite 220 11x20 - - *

Zach’s Restaurant 920 20x46 - 70 - 70

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* Conf. Table for 12

212 Wedgewood Dr Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 452-1442 Toll Free: (800) 528-4916 Fax: (907) 451-8184 catering@fdifairbanks.com www.fountainheadhotels.com Total Guest Rooms: 306 Accessible Rooms: 6 Amenities:

Free Shuttle Service In-Room Coffee Makers On-Site Catering On-Site Restaurant & Lounge Business Center Free Local Calls Cable TV Exercise Room Gift Shop In-Room Hairdryers Laundry Facilities Free Parking Free WiFi

Fairbanks’ premier choice for meetings, conferences, & banquets. With over 9,300 sq ft of flexible meeting space & 306 residential-style suites, it’s the perfect location for any event. Bordering its own wildlife sanctuary, Wedgewood is only minutes from downtown, Ft. Wainwright & UAF. The latest in AV technology & state-of-the-art high-speed Internet are available for business meetings & conferences, while the elegantly appointed meeting rooms ensure that every wedding & reception is special.

For a truly memorable event, reserve the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, 25,500 sq ft of wonder & enchantment.

The professional & experienced catering staff at Wedgewood is known for superior guest service, great food & its dedication to making every event a success.

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception

Borealis 2,726 47x58 250 225 140 225 Taiga Center 2,640 44x60 200 - 100 200

Gazebo 1,833 39x47 150 80 60 150

Garden 1,365 35x39 80 48 24 60 Boardroom 667 18x37 50 32 40 50

Auto Museum 25,500 45x60 - - - 400 to

95x240 - - - 600

15

1850 Hoselton Rd Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 456-4500 Toll Free: (877) 774-2400 Fax: (907) 456-4515 info@pikeslodge.com www.pikeslodge.com Total Guest Rooms: 208 Accessible Rooms: 9 Amenities:

Aveda Products Free Shuttle Service In-Room Coffee Makers On-Site Catering On-Site Restaurant & Lounge Business Center Free Local Calls Cable TV Exercise Room Gift Shop In-Room Hairdryers Sauna Laundry Facilities Free Parking Free WiFi

On the Chena River, Pike’s Waterfront Lodge offers a unique mix of dining, meeting, and sleeping options with five meeting rooms and 208 sleeping rooms, including standard rooms, deluxe river cabins, suites, Jacuzzi rooms, and fireplace rooms. Amenities include: Aveda products, an exercise room, free wireless Internet access, cable, laundry, sauna/steam room, in-room coffee/tea service, hairdryers, ironing boards, microwaves, and refrigerators. For meetings, we provide catering and dining options including the Captain’s Lounge, Binkley Room, and Pike’s Landing. We specialize in small- and medium-size meetings, and will take good care of you and your guests.

Certified green

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception

Binkley I 875 25x35 80 50 40 80

Binkley II 1,925 55x35 160 70 80 150

Binkley, full 2,800 80x35 240 160 120 250

Copper 1,210 60x21 80 50 40 70

Alyeska Boardroom 546 21x26 - 15 15 -

16

813 Noble St Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 459-7706 Toll Free: (800) 764-0016 Group Sales

(800) 544-0970 Reservations Fax: (907) 459-7736 psilva@hollandamerica-princess.com www.westmarkhotels.com Total Guest Rooms: 400 Accessible Rooms: 24 Amenities: In-Room Coffee Makers On-Site Catering On-Site Restaurant & Lounge Business Center Free Local Calls Cable TV Exercise Room Gift Shop In-Room Hairdryers Laundry Facilities Free Parking Free WiFi

Conveniently located in downtown Fairbanks, the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center offers the most meeting space of any hotel in Fairbanks. Designed with the needs of the meeting planner in mind, the hotel is able to handle groups from 10 to 400 with ease.

There are 13 function rooms totaling over 16,000 square feet available for your meeting, banquet or event. Our prestigious 5,400 square foot Gold Room Ballroom, which can be subdivided into smaller spaces, offers 16 foot ceilings, which makes it ideal for audio/visual presentations, staged events, and production of large-scale events.

Relax in one of the Westmark’s 400 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites.

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception

Gold, full 5,400 60x90 550 400 250 450

Gold, 2/3 3,600 60x60 300 250 175 300

Northern Latitudes* 3,300 54x58 - 220 - 150

Tanana Trade Center* 1,884 46x41 - - - Gold, 1/3 1,800 30x60 120 100 80 150

Yukon 1,760 32x65 100 80 60 100

Minto 1,536 32x48 100 80 60 100

Rampart 828 23x36 50 40 30 50 Harper Board Room 721 30x24 - - **

Chena 480 20x24 40 30 18 40

#108 263 14x19 15 - 12 25

#110 263 14x19 15 - 12 25

#112 263 14x19 15 - 12 25 *Available October-April

** Conf. Table for 18

17

Patrick Endres

Free Shuttle Service In-Room Coffee Makers On-Site Catering On-Site Restaurant & Lounge Business Center Free Local Calls Cable TV Exercise Room Gift Shop In-Room Hairdryers Sauna Whirlpool Laundry Facilities In-Room Refrigerator/Microwave In-Room Iron/Ironing Board Free WiFi, Free Parking

Patrick Endres

4920 Dale Rd Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 328-6300 Toll-Free: (800) 455-8851 Fax: (907) 328-0914 smccool@akalpinelodge.com www.akalpinelodge.com Total Guest Rooms: 115 Accessible Rooms: 6 Amenities:

The award-winning Alpine Lodge welcomes groups from 2 to 200. Convenient location, free airport/rail shuttle, on-site restaurant & lounge, WiFi, A/V equipment rentals, full-service catering department, adjacent to National/ Alamo car rental, 100% smoke free.

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception

Glacier 2,800 50x60 300 180 150 250 Yukon Quest 1,305 45x29 70 60 30 75 Finish Line Restaurant 1,400 47x30 - 96 -

Room 302 437 23x19 40 - 15 40

Room 324 437 23x19 40 - 15 40 Poker Lounge 169 13x13 20 - - -

Located on the banks of the Chena River, the Carlson Center features complete event services ranging from event coordination, catering and decorating to technical production service and equipment. The professional and experienced staff is ready to assist you with your event planning.

2010 2nd Ave Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 451-7800 Fax: (907) 451-1195 info@carlson-center.com www.carlson-center.com Accessible Free Parking

WiFi Meeting facility without lodging

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception

Arena Floor 32,480 140x232 1,600 1,400 1,000 2,500 North Star & Pioneer

18

6,220

67x91

550

240

300

500

Pioneer 3,850 64x67 450 150 200 200 Prow

3,000

63x75

150

80

100

200

North Star 2,370 27x75 150 100 80 150

Patrick Endres

Patrick Endres

4200 Boat St Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 474-0286 Toll-Free: (800) 770-3343 Fax: (907) 474-3665 info@riversedge.net www.riversedge.net Open May through September Total Guest Rooms: 94 Accessible Rooms: 3 Amenities:

A village of charmingly decorated private cottages in a secluded riverfront setting minutes from the airport and downtown provides perfect meeting facilities for groups up to 200.

Offering full catering services. Our motorcoach can be reserved for special events and activities.

Free Shuttle Service In-Room Coffee Makers On-Site Catering

On-Site Restaurant & Lounge

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception Business Center

Miner’s Hall 1,995 57x35 220 160 140 160 Cable TV

Dining Room (winter) 1,500 50x30 110 80 70 110 Gift Shop In-Room Hairdryers Courtyard (summer) 1,400 20x70 150 100 - 150 Laundry Facilities

Miner’s Hall North 980 28x35 110 80 70 105 Free Parking

Miner’s Hall South 980 28x35 110 80 70 105 WiFi Prospector 484 22x22 50 40 30 30

Gold Nugget 357 21x17 24 16 20 30

Gold Pan 320 20x16 24 16 20 30

Patricia Fischer/UA Museum of the North

Patricia Fischer/UA Museum of the North

PO Box 756960 Fairbanks, AK 99775 907 Yukon Dr (907) 474-7505 Fax: (907) 474-5469 museum@uaf.edu www.uaf.edu/museum Accessible Parking Free WiFi Meeting facility without lodging

The UA Museum of the North offers an unforgettable, elegant venue perfect for receptions, dinners and presentations. Enjoy the dramatic architecture, award-winning exhibit galleries and spectacular views of Fairbanks and the Alaska Range. Multimedia equipment, trained event staff and on-site catering available.

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception

Entire Museum 21,000 - - - - 500 Main Lobby 2,300 - 100 - - 200

Auditorium 1,900 36x55 140 100 140 150 Classroom 794 28x28 50 - 30 -

19

95 10th Ave Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 459-2700 Toll Free: (800) 348-1340 Fax: (907) 459-2720

Our centrally located hotel, modern on-site restaurant and spacious meeting rooms create the perfect environment for whatever needs you may have while visiting the Golden Heart City.

Top Ten Reasons to Meet in Fairbanks 1. Plentiful meeting space

Over 175,000 square feet of meeting space, from rustic to modern.

2. Abundant sleeping rooms

More than 3,300 year-round guest rooms.

catering@regencyfairbanks.com www.regencyfairbankshotel.com

3. Affordability

Total Guest Rooms: 128 Accessible Rooms: 2

Lower bed tax, no state tax, no city tax, lower service charges, lower rates, free WiFi, and free parking.

Amenities:

4. Accessibility

Free Shuttle Service In-Room Coffee Makers On-Site Catering On-Site Restaurant & Lounge Business Center Free Local Calls Cable TV Exercise Room In-Room Hairdryers Whirlpool Rooms Laundry Facilities Free Parking Free WiFi

Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) handles almost one million passengers annually and is serviced by Alaska Airlines, Frontier, Delta, United, Condor, and many regional aircraft.

5. Our services

Most of FCVB’s services are provided at no charge.

6. Options

Extensive dining opportunities – from fine dining to coffee shops – your conference attendees will find whatever they are craving.

7. Small town hospitality

575 1st Ave Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 451-6552 Toll Free: (877) 729-0197 Fax: (907) 451-6553 Megan.Bowring@nmsusa.com www.marriott.com/faish Total Guest Rooms: 140 Accessible Rooms: 19 Amenities: Free Shuttle Service In-Room Coffee Makers On-Site Catering, Limited On-Site Restaurant & Lounge Business Center Free Local Calls Cable TV Exercise Room Gift Shop In-Room Hairdryers Swimming Pool Whirlpool Laundry Facilities Free Parking Free WiFi

20

The SpringHill Suites

by Marriott® Fairbanks offers a meeting room for small groups, which accommodates up to 45 people. Standard rooms provide separate sleeping, eating and working areas.

Fairbanksans are known for their friendliness and welcoming nature.

8. Pre- and Post-convention excursions

Pan for gold, visit Santa, mush a dog team, tee off at midnight, view giant ice sculptures, flightsee above the Arctic Circle, ride a riverboat on the Chena River . . . the list is endless.

9. Attendance boosters

We can help promote your conference with Facebook, Twitter or a blog post. Winter Guides and Visitors Guides are available for distribution.

10. Majestic wildlife and natural wonder

Our northern lights come out to play more than 200 nights per year. See the musk ox or the reindeer at the UAF campus. Take a hike through Creamer’s Field, a haven for birders.

Visit www.explorefairbanks.com for general information on Fairbanks. Feel like you need to see it all for yourself before you make a decision? FCVB can assist with arrangements to bring you here for a site visit. Call us at (907) 459-3765 or email meetings@explorefairbanks.com

Meeting Facilities Grid

The right place for every meeting Fairbanks has venues of all shapes and sizes to accommodate your meeting needs. Whether you are planning for a large international convention or a small corporate retreat, the Fairbanks Convention & Visitors Bureau can help you get started on your Fairbanks experience.

Facilities are organized into two sections: with onsite lodging and without onsite lodging.

Within these two sections they are listed in descending order by total square feet of meeting space.

Meeting Facilities with Lodging 7 Gables Inn & Suites, 24 A Taste of Alaska Lodge, 24 Alpine Lodge, 22 Chena Hot Springs Resort, 23 Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge, 22 Hampton Inn & Suites, 25 Hotel North Pole, 24 Motel Nord Haven, 25 Pike’s Waterfront Lodge, 23 Regency Fairbanks Hotel, 23 River’s Edge Resort, 23 Sophie Station Suites, 24 SpringHill Suites by Marriott® Fairbanks, 25 Wedgewood Resort, 22 Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center, 22

Meeting Facilities without Lodging Birch Hill Cross Country Ski Center, 27 Carlson Center, 26 Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, 26 Northern Lights Council of Dancers, 27 Pioneer Park, 26 University of Alaska Museum of the North, 27

21

Meeting facilities with lodging

In descending order by total square feet meeting space

Wedgewood Resort • see ad on page 15

Total square feet 34,800

212 Wedgewood Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 452-1442, Fax: (907) 451-8184 Toll Free: (800) 528-4916 catering@fdifairbanks.com, www.fountainheadhotels.com Total Guest Rooms: 306 Accessible Rooms: 6 Free WiFi, Free Parking

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception

Borealis 2,726 47x58 250 225 140 225 Taiga Center 2,640 44x60 200 - 100 200

Gazebo 1,833 39x47 150 80 60 150

Garden 1,365 35x39 80 48 24 60 Boardroom 667 18x37 50 32 40 50

Auto Museum 25,500 45x60 - - - 400 to

95x240 - - - 600

It’s all here – flexible event spaces complemented by excellent guest service, exceptional catering, latest in AV technology & 306 spacious suites.

Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center • see ad on page 17

Total square feet 16,698

813 Noble St, Fairbanks, AK 99701

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception

Gold, full 5,400 60x90 550 400 250 450 Toll Free: (800) 764-0016 Group Sales

Gold, 2/3 3,600 60x60 300 250 175 300

(800) 544-0970 Reservations

Northern Latitudes* 3,300 54x58 - 220 - 150

Tanana Trade Center* 1,884 46x41 - - - psilva@hollandamerica-princess.com, www.westmarkhotels.com

Gold, 1/3 1,800 30x60 120 100 80 150 Total Guest Rooms 400

Yukon 1,760 32x65 100 80 60 100 Accessible Rooms : 24

Minto 1,536 32x48 100 80 60 100

Rampart 828 23x36 50 40 30 50 Free WiFi, Free Parking

Harper Boardroom 721 30x24 - - ** Conveniently located in downtown Fairbanks, the Westmark offers the most Chena 480 20x24 40 30 18 40 meeting space of any hotel in Fairbanks. Our professional staff is able to handle

#108 263 14x19 15 - 12 25 groups from 10 to 400 with ease.

#110 263 14x19 15 - 12 25 *Available October-April ** Conf.

Table for 18

#112 263 14x19 15 - 12 25 (907) 459-7706, Fax: (907) 459-7736

Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge • see ad on page 13 4477 Pikes Landing Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 455-4477, Fax: (907) 455-4476 Toll Free: (800) 426-0500 yhebard@princesstours.com, www.princesslodges.com Total Guest Rooms: 325 Accessible Rooms: 13

Total square feet 9,135

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception

Edgewater 4,800 80x60 370 360 220 400

Jade 2,200 50x44 185 160 100 200

Copper 1,240 40x31 100 100 50 125

Marble 527 31x17 40 30 22 55 Boardroom 368 16x23 25 20 18 20

Free WiFi, Free Parking The Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge has nearly 9,200 square feet of meeting space and is conveniently located near downtown and the airport, making it perfect for your next meeting.

Alpine Lodge • see ad on page 18

Total square feet 6,548

4920 Dale Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 328-6300, Fax: (907) 328-0914 Toll Free: (800) 455-8851 smccool@akalpinelodge.com, www.akalpinelodge.com Total Guest Rooms: 115 Accessible Rooms: 6 Free WiFi, Free Parking Award-winning Alpine Lodge welcomes your group from 2 to 200. Free airport/ rail shuttle, on-site restaurant & lounge, WiFi, catering dept., 100% smoke free.

22

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception

Glacier 2,800 50x60 300 180 150 250 Yukon Quest 1,305 45x29 70 60 30 75 Finish Line Restaurant 1,400 47x30 - 96 -

Room 302 437 23x19 40 - 15 40

Room 324 437 23x19 40 - 15 40 Poker Lounge 169 13x13 20 - - -

Meeting facilities with lodging

In descending order by total square feet meeting space

Chena Hot Springs Resort • see ad on page 12 PO Box 58740, Fairbanks, AK 99711 Mile 56.5 Chena Hot Springs Rd (907) 451-8104, Fax: (907) 451-8151 frontdesk@chenahotsprings.com, www.chenahotsprings.com Total Guest Rooms: 80 Accessible Rooms: 2 WiFi, Free Parking A distinctive meeting location. Enjoy wildlife, scenery and the great outdoors.

Relax and select our one-of-a-kind destination for your next meeting.

Total square feet 6,059

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception

Arctic Celebrations 1,260 30x42 100 128 64 150

Chena 1,058 23x46 50 40 40 75

Above Combined 2,318 30x88 150 160 100 200 Conference 800 20x40 40 - 30 Activity Center 2,100 70x30 125 140 90 200 Aurorium 400 20x20 25 - - Aurora Borealis 441 21x21 25 20 16 35 Dance Floor 400 20x20 - - - Outdoor Tent 400 20x20 30 25 - Outdoor Tent 4,000 40x100 150 200 - -

River’s Edge Resort • see ad on page 19 4200 Boat St, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 474-0286, Fax: (907) 474-3665 Toll Free: (800) 770-3343 info@riversedge.net, www.riversedge.net Open May-September Total Guest Rooms: 94

Total square feet 6,056

Sq. Ft.

Size

Theater

Banquet

Classroom

Reception

Miner’s Hall 1,995 57x35 220 160 140 160 Dining Room (winter)

1,500

50x30

110

80

Courtyard (summer) 1,400 20x70 150 100

70

110

- 150

Miner’s Hall North

980

28x35

110

80

70

105

Miner’s Hall South

980

28x35

110

80

70

105

Accessible Rooms: 3

Prospector 484 22x22 50 40 30 30

WiFi, Free Parking

Gold Nugget 357 21x17 24 16 20 30

Over 6,000 square feet of meeting space available for groups up to 200 people.

Full food, beverage and catering service available.

Gold Pan 320 20x16 24 16 20 30

Pike’s Waterfront Lodge • see ad on page 16

Total square feet 4,556

1850 Hoselton Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 456-4500, Fax: (907) 456-4515 Toll Free: (877) 774-2400 info@pikeslodge.com, www.pikeslodge.com Total Guest Rooms: 208 Accessible Rooms: 9

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception

Binkley I 875 25x35 80 50 40 80

Binkley II 1,925 55x35 160 70 80 150

Binkley, full 2,800 80x35 240 160 120 250

Copper 1,210 60x21 80 50 40 70

Alyeska Boardroom 546 21x26 - 15 15 -

Free WiFi, Free Parking On the Chena River, Pike’s offers a unique mix of dining, meeting and catering options. We specialize in small to medium meetings with 5 lovely rooms.

Regency Fairbanks Hotel • see ad on page 20

Total square feet 4,207

95 10th Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 459-2700, Fax: (907) 459-2720 Toll Free: (800) 348-1340 catering@regencyfairbanks.com, www.regencyfairbankshotel.com Total Guest Rooms: 128 Accessible Rooms: 2

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception Ambassador 1,178 19x68 110 72 48 150

Embassy 750 25x30 50 40 24 50 Board Room 47 & 49* 240 12x20 20 12 12 20 Tubby’s Dining Room 2,015 65x31 - 110 - *Available September-May

Free WiFi, Free Parking Our centrally located hotel, modern on-site restaurant and spacious meeting rooms create the perfect environment for whatever needs you may have while visiting the Golden Heart City.

23

Meeting facilities with lodging

In descending order by total square feet meeting space

Sophie Station Suites • see ad on page 14

Total square feet 3,700

1717 University Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 479-3650, Fax: (907) 479-7951 Toll Free: (800) 528-4916 fb@fdifairbanks.com, www.fountainheadhotels.com Total Guest Rooms: 150 Accessible Rooms: 4

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception Boardroom 595 17x35 30 24 24 30 Express Room Lounge 1,944 54x36 - 45 - 45

Presidential Suite 220 11x20 - - *

Zach’s Restaurant 920 20x46 - 70 - 70

* Conf. Table for 12

Free WiFi, Free Parking Experience attention to every detail. Wonderfully suited to small business meetings or intimate gatherings. Latest in AV technology & hi-speed Internet.

A Taste of Alaska Lodge

Total square feet 1,962

551 Eberhardt Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712 Mile 5.3 Chena Hot Springs Rd (907) 488-7855, Fax: (907) 488-3772 tasteak@mosquitonet.com, www.atasteofalaska.com Total Guest Rooms: 10

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception

Room 3 1,050 32x36 116 80 60 111

Room 1 456 19x24 50 32 24 47

Room 2 456 19x24 50 32 24 47

Accessible Room: 1 Free WiFi, Free Parking The award-winning A Taste of Alaska Lodge is situated on 280 acres of southfacing, panoramic view property. Exceptionally private meeting destination with full amenities.

Hotel North Pole

Total square feet 1,200

449 N. Santa Claus Ln, North Pole, AK 99705 (907) 488-4800, Fax: (907) 488-4816 Toll Free: (877) 488-4801

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception

Conference Room 1,200 28x52 180 128 - 180

reservations@hotelnorthpole.com, www.hotelnorthpole.com Total Guest Rooms: 71 Accessible Rooms: 4 Free WiFi, Free Parking Meet just steps away from North Pole’s Santa Clause House at our 100% smoke-free hotel. Complimentary continental breakfast for hotel guests. Free WiFi. Alaskan-owned and operated.

7 Gables Inn & Suites

Total square feet 720

PO Box 80488, Fairbanks, AK 99708 4312 Birch Ln (907) 479-0751, Fax: (907) 479-2229 Toll Free: (800) 478-7829 gables7@alaska.net, www.7gablesinn.com Total Guest Rooms: 45 Accessible Rooms: 1 Free WiFi, Free Parking Perfect for small groups/retreats; cathedral ceiling, granite fireplace with couches, full adj. kitchen area. Near UAF. Negotiable complimentary space with reserved rooms!

24

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception Fireside Room 720 30x24 35 30 30 40

Meeting facilities with lodging

In descending order by total square feet meeting space

Hampton Inn & Suites

Total square feet 700

433 Harold Bentley Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 451-1502, Fax: (907) 451-1503 Toll Free: (800) HAMPTON

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception Meeting Room 700 28x25 35 32 25 35

faiak_hampton_suites@hilton.com www.fairbankssuites.hamptoninn.com Total Guest Rooms: 101 Accessible Rooms: 14 Free WiFi, Free Parking Meetings for up to 35 people. Complimentary airport/train shuttle. 100% Hampton guarantee. “On the House” hot breakfast for hotel guests.

Motel Nord Haven

Total square feet 670

PO Box 458, Healy, AK 99743 Mile 249.5 Parks Hwy, Healy (907) 683-4500, Fax: (907) 683-4503

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception Taiga Room 670 26x26 50 35 25 50

Toll Free: (800) 683-4501 info@motelnordhaven.com, www.motelnordhaven.com Total Guest Rooms: 28 Accessible Rooms: 2 Free WiFi, Free Parking Quiet retreat in Healy near Denali National Park. Available for fall, winter, and spring meetings from Sept. 20 to May 20. Fireplace, deck, catering.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott® Fairbanks • see ad on page 20

Total square feet 550

575 1st Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 451-6552, Fax: (907) 451-6553 Toll Free: (877) 729-0197

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception

Conference Room 550 25x22 40 36 21 45

Megan.Bowring@nmsusa.com, www.marriott.com/faish Total Guest Rooms: 140 Accessible Rooms: 19 Free WiFi, Free Parking The SpringHill Suites by Marriott® Fairbanks offers a meeting room for small groups, which accommodates up to 45 people. Standard rooms provide separate sleeping, eating and working areas.

The campus is home to the statewide university system administrative offices, the Geophysical Institute, the University of Alaska Museum of the North, the Robert G. White Large Animal Research Station and the International Arctic Research Center. Founded in 1917 when Alaska was still a territory, today UAF is America’s northernmost Land, Sea and Space Grant institution, offering 33 certificates and 169 degrees in 128 disciplines ranging from bachelors to PhDs. Its 11,034 students come from all 50 states and 47 foreign countries. UAF hosts numerous national and international academic and science-based conferences with organizations such as the Mycological Society of America, the International Congress on Circumpolar Health and the University of the Arctic Rectors’ Forum.

University of Alaska Fairbanks Photo

by Todd Paris

University of Alaska Fairbanks

25

Meeting facilities without lodging

In descending order by total square feet meeting space

Carlson Center • see ad on page 18

Total square feet 41,700

2010 2nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception

Arena Floor 32,480 140x232 1,600 1,400 1,000 2,500

(907) 451-7800, Fax: (907) 451-1195 info@carlson-center.com, www.carlson-center.com

North Star & Pioneer

Accessible: Yes

WiFi, Free Parking Over 41,000 square feet of meeting/exhibit space available. Full service catering available. Complete event coordination capabilities.

67x91

550

300

500

3,000

63x75

150

80

100

200

North Star 2,370 27x75 150 100 80 150

Pioneer Park PO Box 71267, Fairbanks, AK 99707

240

Pioneer 3,850 64x67 450 150 200 200 Prow

6,220

Total square feet 15,812

2300 Airport Way

Alaska Centennial

Center for the Arts

Sq. Ft.

(907) 459-1087, Fax: (907) 459-1199

Exhibit Hall 6,216 56x111 425 400 250 425

pioneerpark@co.fairbanks.ak.us, www.fnsb.us/pioneerpark

Upper Level 2,467 - - - - 125

Accessible: Yes

Free WiFi, Free Parking

Pioneer Park, one of Alaska’s premier parks, offers many beautiful options for your meeting needs, making it an ideal venue for your meeting or function.

Size

Theater

Banquet

Classroom

Reception

Mezzanine 2,220 20x111 250 250 100 300 Theatre 2,193 - 384 - - Blue Room 899 29x31 75 50 50 75 Pioneer Hall Lobby

1,170

37x31

100

60

60

100

Historic First

Presbyterian Church 647 27x24 75 - - -

Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center

Total square feet 6,520

101 Dunkel St, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 459-3701, Fax: (907) 459-3702 info@morristhompsoncenter.org, www.morristhompsoncenter.org Accessible: Yes Free WiFi, Free Parking On the riverfront in downtown Fairbanks, this visitor information & cultural center offers a variety of meeting spaces, 100-seat hi-def theatre, and exhibits celebrating Interior Alaska.

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception

Main Lobby 3,120 130x24 - 100 - 250

Theatre 1,900 53x37 100 - - Classroom 900 30x29 40 40 24 Conference Room 600 20x29 - 20 30 -

SSgt Christopher Boitz

Eielson Air Force Base

26

Eielson Air Force Base is located 25 miles from Fairbanks, just south of the community of North Pole, and serves over 3,000 military members. Eielson is home to the 354th Fighter Wing which hosts multiple RED FLAG-Alaska exercises each year and the 18th Aggressor Squadron flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Eielson is also host to several tenant units including Alaska’s Air National Guard 168th Air Refueling Wing and the Arctic Survival School.

Meeting facilities without lodging

In descending order by total square feet meeting space

University of Alaska Museum of the North • see ad on page 19 PO Box 756960, Fairbanks, AK 99775

Total square feet 4,994

(907) 474-7505, Fax: (907) 474-5469

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception

Entire Museum 21,000 - - - - 500

museum@uaf.edu, www.uaf.edu/museum

Main Lobby 2,300 - 100 - - 200

Accessible: Yes

Free WiFi, Parking

907 Yukon Dr

Auditorium 1,900 36x55 140 100 140 150 Classroom 794 28x28 50 - 30 -

Signature architecture, award-winning exhibits, and breathtaking views make the museum an extraordinary destination for your next event. On UAF campus.

Northern Lights Council of Dancers PO Box 72779, Fairbanks, AK 99707

Total square feet 3,248

(907) 452-5699, (907) 455-7046

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception

Social Area 621 27x23 66 48 39 63

www.dancealaska.org

2340 Airport Way

Dance Floor 2,596 44x59 288 216 177 274

Accessible: Yes The Pioneer Park Square and Round Dance Center has a full kitchen, social area and dance floor, which can be used for meeting space.

Birch Hill Cross Country Ski Center 101 Wilderness Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 457-4488, Fax: (907) 457-4489 rborland@co.fairbanks.ak.us http://co.fairbanks.ak.us/ParksandRecreation/Facilities/BH/Default.htm

Total square feet 2,400

Sq. Ft. Size Theater Banquet Classroom Reception

Assembly Room 2,400 72x38 - 250 - 300

Park open year-round. Ski Center open November-March, Summer by reservation.

Accessible: Yes Free WiFi in the Ski Center; limited range throughout the park.

Borough Park consisting of world-class ski trails and a public Ski Center in the Winter. Ski Center can be rented out in the Summer. 18-hole Disc Golf Course open in the Summer. Free Parking.

From a small cold-weather test station to one of the Army’s largest training areas, Fort Wainwright (or Ladd Field, as it was originally known) has come a long way. The soldiers and families that are stationed at Fort Wainwright are an integral and important part of our community. Today, Fort Wainwright is home to over 7,350 soldiers and 8,850 family members. Fort Wainwright is the home of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade (Alaska).

US Army Photo

Fort Wainwright Army Post

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why settle

for a meeting

Todd Paris

when you can have an experience?

Take a deep breath and explore the Last Frontier. Pan for gold, float the Chena River, cool off in an ice museum, go fishing, view wildlife, take a dip in a hot spring, ride in a dog sled, experience an art gallery or museum, see Alaska Native dancing or take a short drive to the town of North Pole and say “hi” to Santa Claus. Embrace the ENERGY of Fairbanks!

Located right in the middle of our great state, Fairbanks is the gateway to Alaska’s Interior and the Arctic. Let the WARMTH of our people guide you through these vast and beautiful lands. Denali National Park (home to Mt. McKinley) is a mere two hours to the south, the Arctic Circle is a very accessible four hours to the north, world class hot springs are an hour down the road, a myriad of villages, refuges and parks are a short flight away and the alluring Alaskan wilderness is literally at our doorstep.

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Things to Do & Conference Services

Contacts for work and play The businesses listed in this section provide you with professional assistance for all of your meeting needs, as well as give you ideas on what your attendees can see and do to complete their Alaska adventure. After the meeting day is done, it’s time to have serious fun! Whether your attendees want to shop, dine, hike, visit the Arctic Circle or Denali National Park, or just relax and watch the river flow by, we can connect them with the businesses that can fulfill their wishes.

Adventure, Nature & Wildlife Viewing

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Audio/Visual Equipment

30

Conference Services

31

Dining 31 Entertainment & Museums

31

Gift Shops & Specialty Goods

32

Medical & Health

32

Native Culture

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Helen Renfrew/FCVB

Transportation 33

“As hoped, our attendees came early, stayed days afterward, brought guests and took advantage of all the sights & tours available in Fairbanks and beyond! Thanks so much for helping us make sure our conference attendees were pleased with Fairbanks as their conference site!”

Cynthia Steiner, Cray User Group Conference Coordinator

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Activities & Services

Adventure, Nature & Wildlife Viewing Alaskan Tails of the Trail with Mary Shields

PO Box 80961, Fairbanks, AK 99708-0961 (907) 455-6469, Fax: (907) 455-6469 mshields@mosquitonet.com, www.maryshields.com Year-round Accessible: Yes Cash or check only Enjoy a personal visit with celebrated author/dog musher Mary Shields. Meet the dogs and learn about 40 years of northern living, the Iditarod & mushing in Siberia.

Chena Hot Springs Resort

PO Box 58740, Fairbanks, AK 99711 Mile 56.5 Chena Hot Springs Rd (907) 451-8104, Fax: (907) 451-8151 frontdesk@chenahotsprings.com, www.chenahotsprings.com Year-round Accessible: Yes Year-round Chena Kennel Tours, winter dog sled rides and summer dog cart rides. Available daily. Book your tour at the Activity Center upon arrival.

Denali Raft Adventures, Inc.

Drawer 190, Denali Park, AK 99755 Mile 238.6 Parks Hwy, in Rainbow Village RV Park, Denali Park (907) 683-2234, Fax: (907) 683-1281 Toll Free: (888) 683-2234 info@denaliraft.com, www.denaliraft.com May 20-September 10 Accessible: Yes Rafting at Denali Park - mild & whitewater, charter trips for 12 to 108 or choose one of seven daily departure times.

Denali’s first rafting company.

Northern Alaska Tour Company

PO Box 82991, Fairbanks, AK 99708-2991 (907) 474-8600, Fax: (907) 474-4767 Toll Free: (800) 474-1986 adventure@northernalaska.com, www.northernalaska.com Year-round Accessible: No 1-day & multi-day Arctic adventures featuring natural history & cultural heritage of the region: Dalton Highway, Yukon River, Arctic Circle, Coldfoot, Anaktuvuk Pass, Prudhoe Bay, Barrow, Kotzebue & Nome.

Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary

212 Wedgewood Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99701 At Wedgewood Resort (907) 458-6122 groups@fdifairbanks.com, www.fountainheadhotels.com Year-round Accessible: Yes Walk the nature trails of this 75-acre preserve bordering Wedgewood Resort. View & photograph migrating birds from observation decks at Wander Lake.

Audio/Visual Equipment Alaska Universal Productions

PO Box 81132, Fairbanks, AK 99708 (907) 451-4833 AUP@AUP-AK.com, www.AUP-AK.com Year-round Fairbanks’ premier audio visual production company.

Lighting, sound, projectors and much more. Call for your next corporate meeting, conference or event!

Fairbanks, AK Most tours begin and end at the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center (unless other arrangements have been made) (907) 328-3557 ecosegak@gmail.com, www.ecosegalaska.com Memorial Day Weekend – Early/Mid-September Explore Alaska’s immense beauty on the wheels of tomorrow.

Riding a segway is a unique, up-close, and ecofriendly way to explore Fairbanks! Come Ride With Us!

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University of Alaska Fairbanks Photo by Todd Paris

EcoSeg Alaska (Segway Tours of Fairbanks)

Activities & Services

Conference Services

Lavelle’s Bistro

575 1st Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 450-0555, Fax: (907) 450-0444 eagle@lavellesbistro.com, www.lavellesbistro.com Year-round Accessible: Yes

Interior Graphics & Printing

770 8th Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 456-4982, Fax: (907) 452-6992 sales@interiorgraphics.com, www.interiorgraphics.com Year-round, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

Wine Spectator Award recipient. Lavelle’s sets the standard for great dining. The place where the locals go. Full-service catering available.

Full-service printing company located downtown. Booklets, displays, flyers, posters, lamination, same-day service, pick up or delivery available. Graphic design and promotional products.

Pike’s Landing Restaurant & Lounge

4438 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709 Next to Pike’s Waterfront Lodge (907) 479-6500, Fax: (907) 479-6513 info@pikeslodge.com, www.pikeslodge.com Year-round Accessible: Yes Free WiFi

The Pen Guy

(907) 456-4604, Fax: (801) 382-4645 Toll Free: (888) 450-4604 fayshouse@att.net, www.thepenguy.biz Year-round Your one stop for promotional items! Order your personalized ad specialty items in advance. From pens to attendee bags, we’ve got everything for your conference attendees.

Historic Pike’s Landing on the Chena River offers delicious catering in a unique setting. Chef Jeffery “Love” Brooks will create a unique event for you.

Dining

Alaska Salmon Bake & Palace Theatre

Entertainment & Museums

3175 College Rd #1, Fairbanks, AK 99709 Located at Pioneer Park, Fairbanks (907) 452-7274, Fax: (907) 456-6997 Toll Free: (800) 354-7274 akvisit@gci.net, www.akvisit.com Mid-May through Mid-September Accessible: Yes

Chena Hot Springs Resort

PO Box 58740, Fairbanks, AK 99711 Mile 56.5 Chena Hot Springs Rd (907) 451-8104, Fax: (907) 451-8151 frontdesk@chenahotsprings.com, www.chenahotsprings.com Year-round Accessible: Yes

Join us for a true Alaskan dining experience with grilled salmon, carved beef & beer-battered cod straight from Alaska’s icy waters cooked to perfection. Nightly from 5-9pm.

The Aurora Ice Museum is open year-round! Daily tours at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm. Enjoy an Appletini at the Aurora Ice Bar watching ice chandeliers change color above your head.

PO Box 58740, Fairbanks, AK 99711 Mile 56.5 Chena Hot Springs Rd (907) 451-8104, Fax: (907) 451-8151 frontdesk@chenahotsprings.com, www.chenahotsprings.com Year-round Accessible: Yes WiFi Enjoy a delicious meal at our full-service Restaurant and Trails End Lounge. Open daily 7am-10pm for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Full-service catering.

Denise Ferree/Chena Hot Springs Resort

Chena Hot Springs Resort

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Activities & Services 212 Wedgewood Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99701 At Wedgewood Resort (907) 458-6122, Fax: (907) 451-8184 groups@fdifairbanks.com, www.fountainheadmuseum.com Year-round Accessible: Yes Over 25,000 sq ft of quality auto displays & historic fashion exhibits, this unique setting turns any function into a stylish event for up to 600 people.

Santa’s Letters and Gifts

PO Box 55762, North Pole, AK 99705 (907) 488-8118, Fax: (907) 488-7304 Toll Free: (866) 244-5448 customerservice@santaslettersandgifts.com www.santaslettersandgifts.com Year-round We specialize in high-quality, personalized Santa Letter Packages from Alaska for children, adults and pets (many choices).

We also carry and ship unique Alaskan gifts year-round.

Gift Shops & Specialty Goods

Medical & Health

201 Cushman St, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 456-7080, Fax: (907) 452-4917 arcticgifts@hotmail.com, www.arctictravelersgiftshop.com Year-round Accessible: Yes

1101 Noble St, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 459-3500, Fax: (907) 459-3583 Toll Free: (888) 459-3500 www.tvcclinic.com Year-round Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, Private Insurance

Arctic Traveler’s Gift Shop

Fairbanks’ most complete gift shop. Aurora-related gifts, jewelry, T-shirts, ivory and jade souvenirs & more. Est. 1955.

Open 7 days a week.

The Great Alaskan Bowl Company

4630 Old Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 474-9663, Fax: (907) 479-3067 Toll Free: (800) 770-4222 info@woodbowl.com, www.woodbowl.com Year-round Accessible: Yes Made in Alaska, fully personalized guest, delegate, and speaker gifts. View our manufacturing process.

Santa Claus House

101 St. Nicholas Dr, North Pole, AK 99705-7695 (907) 488-2200, Fax: (907) 488-5601 Toll Free: (800) 588-4078 info@santaclaushouse.com, www.santaclaushouse.com Year-round Accessible: Yes Alaska’s most unique gift shop and Home of the Original Letter from Santa.

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Tanana Valley Clinic 1st Care Center

Open 7 days/wk, 8am-8pm. No appt. necessary, physician always on staff. Treatment & diagnosis of minor illness & injury.

Easy access & parking. Located at 11th & Noble downtown.

Native Culture

Tanana Chiefs Conference Cultural Programs

101 Dunkel St, Ste 126, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 459-3740, Fax: (907) 459-3838 dixie.alexander@tananachiefs.org www.morristhompsoncenter.org Year-round Accessible: Yes Offering authentic Alaska Native music and dance presentations, sampling of Athabascan foods, and art workshops. Also featuring portraits in traditional Athabascan clothing.

©Patrick J. Endres/AlaskaPhotoGraphics.com

Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum

Activities & Services

Transportation

Alaska Railroad Vacations

Airlink Shuttle & Tours

1213 Dolphin Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 452-3337, Fax: (907) 452-6543 airlink@acsalaska.net, www.airlinkalaska.com Year-round Local area shuttle and luxury motorcoach statewide charters and tours at an affordable price with quality service.

Alaska Auto Rental

615 12th Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 457-7368 info@alaskaautorental.com, www.alaskaautorental.com Year-round Debit cards Well-equipped cars, vans, SUVs, and trucks for rent. Providing group rates, custom rentals, corporate accounts, local shuttle, and excellent service.

PO Box 107500, Anchorage, AK 99510 1745 Johansen Expressway, Fairbanks (907) 265-2447, Fax: (907) 265-2526 johnsonj@akrr.com, www.AlaskaRailroad.com Year-round Accessible: Yes Providing scenic transportation between Anchorage and Fairbanks, year-round.

AVIS

6450 Airport Way #5, Fairbanks, AK 99709 At Fairbanks International Airport (907) 474-1017, Fax: (907) 474-2013 conventions@avisalaska.com, www.avisalaska.com Year-round No check or debit cards accepted.

Conveniently located at the Fairbanks Int’l Airport. Discounted convention/meeting rates. Excellent We Try Harder service. We’re here to serve you!

GoNorth Taxi & Shuttle

6450 Airport Way #5 Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 474-1017 Fax: (907) 474-2013 conventions@avisalaska.com www.avisalaska.com

Conveniently located at the Fairbanks Int’l Airport. Discounted convention/meeting rates. Great cars, SUVs, mini-vans. One-way rentals in Alaska.

Excellent We Try Harder service. We’re here to serve you!

PO Box 60147, Fairbanks, AK 99706 (907) 452-9999 taxi@gonorth-alaska.com, www.gonorth-alaska.com/taxi Year-round Our car service and shuttle offer you trained drivers; our fleet includes everything from light SUVs to 15-passenger vans. We offer charter rates and can tailor your itinerary.

Premier Alaska Tours

1900 Premier Ct, Anchorage, AK 99502-1113 (907) 279-0001, Fax: (907) 279-0002 Toll Free: (888) 486-8725 Jacob@tourAlaska.net, www.PremierAlaskaTours.com Year-round Accessible: Yes Statewide escorted and custom tours and deluxe motorcoach charter services available year-round. Alaskan owned.

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Fairbanks, Alaska 101

Todd Paris

Our traditional and contemporary arts scene is brimming with energy. Fairbanks enjoys award-winning musicians, skilled visual and literary artists and artisans, the intricate beadwork of the Athabascan people, thespian productions, classical concerts and original performances.

Study-performance festivals attract instructors and students from around the world. An impressive selection of galleries and specialty stores provide extensive venues for respected painters, jewelers, sculptors, potters and photographers.

Fairbanks sets the stage for a wide variety of indigenous and contemporary art, theater and music events year-round. You’ll find enthusiastic supporters here for any gathering centered around the arts.

Sports

In the winter, Fairbanks residents and visitors can participate in or watch world-class dog mushing, skijoring, snowmobile racing, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, curling, ice fishing and the World Ice Art Championships – where competitors come from around the world to carve intricate statues out of enormous blocks of ice. Summer brings the Midnight Sun Baseball Game, boat races, softball, soccer, golf, hiking and the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics – three days of age-old indigenous games, potlatches, fiddling and dancing. Recently Fairbanks has hosted such events as: the US Curling Association Junior Nationals, the Pacific District Girls’/Women’s Hockey Tournament, and the US National Indoor Archery Championship. When it comes to sports – from the usual to the unusual – we invite you to explore the difference in Fairbanks.

Courtesy of Johnson Family

Arts

Fairbanks’ position under the “Auroral Oval” – a ring-shaped region around the North Pole – makes it one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis.

Our location offers a great balance of clear nights, occurrence frequency and activity that draws people from all over the world. These beautiful and mysterious curtains can be seen from mid-August through April, and range in color from green to red to purple, with the brightest and most common being a yellow-green. Intensity varies from night to night, with the best displays happening in the late evening to the early hours of the morning. When the nights are clear and dark enough, there will be aurora visible an average of eight out of ten nights. If you stay a minimum of three nights and are actively out during the late evening hours, your chances of seeing the aurora increase to 90%.

Many area accommodations will provide an “Aurora WakeUp Call.” No guarantees, but the longer you’re here, the better your chances of seeing a great show.

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John Dykes

Northern Lights

Fairbanks, Alaska 101 Light fills our days throughout the year from the midnight sun of summer to the northern lights of winter. Fairbanks displays a mystical beauty that will ignite the indomitable and adventurous spirit in you and your attendees. No matter what time of year your meeting occurs, you won’t leave without experiencing the light, energy and warmth of Fairbanks!

Climate

Because of its latitude, Fairbanks enjoys the summer’s midnight sun and the winter’s northern lights. The Brooks Range keeps the harsh Arctic winds at bay, and the Alaska Range keeps the wet, coastal weather to the south. Our location makes for dry weather, little wind and warm summers.

Winter brings consistent snow conditions from November through March.

Airport: Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) Fairbanks may be far away from ordinary, but it’s easy to reach! Year-round, multiple domestic and international flights connect Fairbanks to the world.

Smaller commuter airlines transport people within the state. For more leisurely transportation between Anchorage and Fairbanks, the Alaska Railroad offers an opportunity to see parts of Alaska that aren’t visible on the road system – and someone else does the driving!

Flight times between Fairbanks and:

Anchorage

Juneau

Barrow

Vancouver

Seattle

Portland

Denver San Francisco Salt Lake City Los Angeles

San Diego

Phoenix

Las Vegas

50 min.

3 hr. 30 min.

1 hr. 30 min.

6 hr. 50 min.* 3 hr. 30 min.

5 hr. 15 min.* 5 hr. 30 min.

6 hr. 15 min.* 6 hr. 45 min.* 7 hr. 45 min.* 7 hr. 15 min.* 8 hr. 15 min.* 7 hr. 10 min.*

Time Zone

The entire state of Alaska is in the Alaska Standard Time Zone (AST), four hours behind Eastern Standard Time.

Fairbanks International Airport

*Includes connections.

Approximate flight times.

May vary in accordance with revisions in airline schedules.

Cities in color are direct flights.

Alaska Railroad

Casual, comfortable clothing and shoes are acceptable for most occasions. Summer wear includes shorts, shortsleeved shirts and sandals. Winter gear should include parkas, boots, caps and mittens. If your meeting occurs in late April through May or late August through September, you’ll be here in the springtime or the fall, respectively. Mornings may start out a little chilly, but the day can warm up comfortably once the sun is out in the afternoon. Plan to pack pants, long-sleeved shirts and a light jacket. Dressing in layers is recommended, regardless of the season, as temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day.

© Ken Graham Photography.com

Dress

How BIG is Alaska?

Getting Here

35

Find your way around town

36

warm welcome

Angie Cerny/FCVB

Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center

Come and discover the ENERGY of Fairbanks, Alaska! Whether your meeting benefits from the WARMTH of the midnight sun or is inspired by the northern LIGHTS, Fairbanks invites you to experience the heart of Alaska.

Fairbanks has served as a gathering place on the banks of the Chena River for over 100 years and takes its role as host seriously. Be sure to make your first stop in Fairbanks the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. You’ll find knowledgeable and friendly staff and volunteers, racks of informative brochures, daily vacancy listings, local walking and driving tours, telephones, and WiFi and Internet access, in addition to an exhibit hall featuring 9,000 square feet of museum-quality interpretive displays and dioramas depicting Interior Alaskan people, landscapes and seasons.

Fairbanks’ excellent infrastructure offers over 3,300 hotel rooms, 175,000 square feet of meeting space, many local restaurants and access to a wide variety of things to do and places to go. Explore the Last Frontier.

www.explorefairbanks.com/meetings The Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau (FCVB) has made its best effort to provide accurate information but does not guarantee accuracy, service or quality of the listings presented. FCVB is not responsible for goods or services provided by firms or organizations listed in this guide. All listings in this directory are paid listings, with information provided by each organization.

Project Coordinators: Helen Renfrew, Allison Thompson, Angie Cerny, Kasey Gillam, Amy Geiger Design by: Jill Marshall, Marshall Arts Graphic Design, Fairbanks