Meet Express Winter ‘23/‘24

Breathtaking Branson

THE CITY MIXES OLD CHARM WITH MODERN AMMENITIES.

Minnesota

ROY EDMONDSON

CEO

AUVIS COLE Director of Association & Diversity Hosted Buyer Development

JEFF DYREK

ROB COGGIN

JENNIFER ROTHMAN

DARIN SCRUGGS

Welcome to our 2023/2024 Winter Editiion of Meet X

The Magascene

As I look back at 2023 and all the highs and lows, I can’t escape the thought of losing my good friend John Gibbons.

John was the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Sports Commission and we have known each other for many years. Our great relationship allowed us to disagree with each other but always maintained the highest level of mututal respect. He was a good man that was always willing to assist anyone in the Sports Industry as well as volunteer to raise money for the Sports ETA Annual Symposium.

Like myself, John was very opinionated but extremely skilled in expressing his opinion without coming off as mean-spirited. Whenever we were at the same conference, we would be sure to share a meal and/or find a poker game to join.

The world took John from us way too soon and unexpectedly. I will miss my friend as will many others. Especially his wife, children and grandchildren.

Please remember life is too short. Tell your loved ones how you feel about them. Don’t postpone that next planned vacation or dinner party. Cherish the time you get to spend with your family, friends, and colleagues.

Our industry is very small. Many of those you meet at one of our conferences or others events will not just be clients but quite possibly friends for life. I love everything about our amazing industry and realize how lucky we are to do what we do.

Have fun and remember: you never know if the next person you meet will be your John Gibbons.

CONTENTS

FOOTBALL FANATICS

Cheering on the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium.

Bakersfield Scores Big In Venue Options.

Bakersfield is known for its warmth, hospitality, country music, Basque cuisine, Mexican food and so much more! The city also boasts lots of sunshine so that means countless ways to enjoy the outdoors.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT BAKERSFIELD

EVANGELINA MEDINA

evmedina@visitbakersfield.com

661.852.7235

Senior Sales Representative

Welcome to Bakersfield, a city of sports. With one of the west coast’s largest sports complexes, four Olympic-sized pools, Mechanics Bank Arena, Kern County Soccer Park and Bakersfield Sports Village, we’re sure to have a venue just right for your event.

Each year we welcome thousands of participants, spectators, and fans from across the nation who come to Bakersfield for a variety of sporting events. Being the 9th largest city in California and the 52nd largest city in the U.S. (our population is larger than Honolulu, St. Louis, or Pittsburgh) means Bakersfield has the hotels, restaurants, amenities, and attractions to ensure every event is memorable.

LOCATION

Bakersfield is located near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley with the southern tip of the Sierra Nevada just to the east.

LOS ANGELES IS LESS THAN 2 HOURS

AWAY BY CAR.

LOCAL AIR TRAVEL

William M. Thomas airport serves the entire Bakersfield community.

AMERICAN AIRLINES AND UNITED AIRLINES OFFER DAILY SCHEDULED NON-STOP FLIGHTS.

ACCOMODATIONS

Bakersfield has the perfect lodging accommodations for you.

THE CITY OFFERS MANY VALUE-BRAND AND BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN THE AREA.

Our city was founded on hospitality. Bakersfield began as a place where weary travelers could rest overnight. They would plan in advance to meet and rest in “Colonel Baker’s field.” Today, more than 155 years later, many planners return with their events year after year and cite the warm welcome that Bakersfield gives them.

We are located within a four hour drive of about 90% of California’s population and our hotel rates are nearly 40% below the state average.

Remember, with “field” in our name, sports is our game.

FAMILY TIME. Evangelina enjoys spending time with her family.

Rochester With A Healthy Side Of Mayo.

Welcome to the medical mecca of the Midwest, Rochester, Minnesota — home of the world renown Mayo Clinic! Experience Rochester is Rochester, Minnesota’s CVB & DMO that promotes tourism and organizes events that draw the community and visitors from near and far. Experience Rochester works as a dual organization with Mayo Civic Center, Southern Minnesota’s premier destination for a diverse range of events, from international conventions to headlining concerts. Mayo Civic Center offers over 200,000 sq ft of versatile meeting space,

including the state’s largest Ballroom unveiled in 2017, which comfortably seats just under 1800 people at rounds. More than a venue, Mayo Civic Center is a haven for boundless possibilities. Together, Experience Rochester and Mayo Civic Center create extraordinary experiences in a city pulsating with life. Rochester, Minnesota, invites you to discover a world where conventions, entertainment, community gatherings, and sporting pursuits come together in a symphony of unforgettable moments.

Changing Their Tune.

Branson realized that it was battling outdated industry perceptions about its destination. So they decided to play the ultimate game of Show and Tell. That decision ended up being a total showstopper.

THE SHOW GOES ON. Live music shows nearly every day of the year.

REED WARNER

rwarner@bransoncvb.com

417.243.2105

Director of Meeting, Convention & Leisure Group Sales

QUICK FACTS ABOUT BRANSON

What do you think of when you hear the name Branson, Missouri?

We at Explore Branson love to ask that question and have been asking this question of planners from all markets for decades. We have also been paying close attention to the responses. Moreover, we have been paying attention to how the responses have changed.

As recently as 2018, when we posed this question to buyers, we were met with a lot of raised eyebrows and misconceptions. We embarked on a myth-busting campaign and began bringing planners in-market to show, rather than to tell.

Through our efforts nationally and the changing landscape in the meetings industry we have seen a drastic shift in perception, and now when we ask meeting planners what they think of when they hear Branson, Missouri, we hear the word “unexpected”. For those having not experienced Branson, here is some insight...

Branson has a unique geographical location, situated in the heart of the Ozark Mountains in southwestern Missouri. The Ozarks cover nearly 47,000 square miles

and are the most extensive highland region between the Appalachians and the Rockies. This scenic location offers a beautiful and rugged landscape with mountains, cliffs, rivers, and lakes, which is dotted with breathtaking lakeside resorts and world-class golf courses.

Branson has gained a reputation as “America’s Top Live Music Show Destination.” Its location attracts performers and entertainers who come to the area to showcase their talents in various theaters and venues. The city has over three dozen theaters, hosting a wide range of shows including music concerts, comedy acts, magic performances, and theatrical productions.

Branson is one of the most unique and dynamic third-tier destinations in the United States. It is the quintessential location for mixing business and pleasure. Branson features a charming historic downtown, a modern waterfront shopping & dining district, all within easy walking distance of an architectural gem that is the convention center.

When you’re looking for an unexpected destination to host your future meeting or conference, look to Branson, Missouri. Interested in luxury lakeside

LOCATION

Branson is an Ozarks town located in southwest Missouri . THE POPULATION OF BRANSON IS APPROXIMATELY 13,000 FULL-TIME RESIDENTS.

LOCAL AIR TRAVEL

Springfield-Branson National Airport is roughly 50 miles north of Branson.

ALLEGIANT AIR, AMERICAN AIRLINES, DELTA AND UNITED PROVIDE DAILY FLIGHTS.

ACCOMODATIONS

Four-star resorts, national-brand hotels, and independant inns can all be found in the immediate area.

THE

AREA BOASTS 16,500 ROOMS.

resorts? Look no further than the shores of Table Rock Lake where attendees can relax in a world-class spa or participate in a private fishing tournament. Interested in a state of the art convention center and a modern hotel steps away from a $420 million waterfront district? Looking for the best in curated and experiential meetings and events? Branson truly rises to the occasion. Amazing activities, outdoor excursions, world-class golf, and live entertainment await your attendees when you plan your meeting in Branson. Find unique attractions that give a taste of history, culture, team building and fresh air against the backdrop of the Ozark Mountains. Plus, the destination is located less than a day’s drive from one-third of the U.S. and is located 50 minutes from an airport with direct flights from 13 major cities.

Branson is sure to impress when it comes to off-agenda fun and meetings that exceed expectations and create experiences not soon forgotten. Start Planning the Vacation Your Meeting Needs. Start Planning Branson

WHIRL OF COLOR.

Nightly light show displayed on the Branson Ferris Wheel.

GLASS AND GRASS. Modern architecture and world-class golf courses elevate this Ozarks destination.

The Dynamic Sounds of Womens’ Success.

In need of some honest quality time with the most down to earth women on the planet?

The Great Girlfriends (TGG) is a personal and professional platform for women who want to supercharge their lives and their careers. Founded in 2015, TGG reaches over 20,000 women monthly through the weekly podcast and almost 75,000 women in the global community.

The podcast, ranked in the top 10% of all shows, has been featured in national media such as NBC, ABC, Essence, OWN, and other major outlets. The podcast has major national influence reaching women from 178 US markets and 101 countries each week, with over 400 interviews on record.

The in-person and virtual events reach women from over 30 states who gather for conferences, retreats, online workshops and local excursions to foster community and enhance their networks.

POWER IN NUMBERS.

Sybil enjoys bringing together sucessful women.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT TGG PODCAST

WHERE TO FIND

The Great Girlfriends can be found and subsribed to on APPLE ITUNES, SPOTIFY, GOOGLE STORE AND YOUTUBE.

RAVE REVIEWS

Listeners to The Great Girlfriends are estastic about the content. THE PODCAST HAS BEEN RECEIVED A RATING OF 4.9 OUT OF 5 ON APPLE ITUNES.

LIGHTING UP A ROOM.

Sharing a laugh with her husband Awaku Amuti.

CONNECTED CREATIVITY.

Hana is in touch with all of today’s latest trends.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT HANA APRIL, INC.

WHERE IT STARTED

I started my company in my dorm room while in graduate school.

I GRADUATED FROM HAMLINE UNIVERSITY IN ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

UNLIMITED POSSIBILIIES

Our tag lines for our company is Badass and Bold as Hell!

WE CREATE TRULY ORIGINAL AND UNIQUE EXPERIENCES FOR ALL OF OUR CLIENTS.

BREAKING THE BARRIERS.

We have almost 99% female employees. THE COMPANY IS FEMALE/MINORITY OWNED.

In a Class All By Themselves.

At the heart of the company lies a spirit that dares to defy conventions and push boundaries.

In the dynamic world of creative agencies, Hana April Inc. stands out for its audacious approach and unwavering commitment to redefining luxury experiences worldwide. Embarking on a journey that intertwines creativity, innovation, and unparalleled dedication, this global powerhouse has carved its niche as a premier destination for those seeking bespoke, interactive, and experiential designs that leave an indelible mark.

What sets Hana’s company apart is its diverse range of in-house capabilities, each meticulously honed to perfection. Whether

it’s event management, floral design, event rentals, or custom fabrication, their team of experts leaves no stone unturned in bringing their clients’ visions to life. With a seamless fusion of creativity and technical prowess, they transform even the most ambitious ideas into tangible realities, leaving clients in awe of the possibilities.

From immersive events to aweinspiring pop-up installations, the possibilities are limitless, and Hana April Inc. is leading the charge into this exciting frontier. For those who dare to dream, Hana April Inc. is not just a creative agency — it’s a passport to a world of unlimited possibilities.

HANA CHUGHTAI

"Now this is what I call a blue-sky meeting."

98 thousand sq.ft.

Conventions and vacations aren’t so different. At least not when you’re here. Enjoy downtown hotels in the heart of the entertainment hub, award-winning dining options, luxurious lakeside retreats, and make your Vaca...ahem... Convention happier than ever. Find out more at ExploreBranson.com

FLSportsCoast.com

Now open for your next training program or competition, Wiregrass Sports Campus of Pasco County is an unbeatable destination for cheer, martial arts, volleyball, basketball, soccer, wrestling and other sporting events.