Visit Brookings Meeting and Event Planning Guide

MEETING AND EVENT Planning Guide

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CONTACT US

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1321 6th Street Brookings, SD 57006

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605.692.7444

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Info@VisitBrookingsSD.com

WELCOME

Visit Brookings is dedicated to helping you plan your next event. Whether you’re a professional or first-time meeting planner, this guide is designed to help you get started. We are your event planning experts and look forward to assisting you in creating a successful event.

who we are

Get to know the team at Visit Brookings! We each bring a different aspect and talent to the event planning process. Contact us today!

LAURA SCHOEN CARBONNEAU Executive Director

Laura@VisitBrookingsSD.com 605.696.7555

BRIDGIT BURGHARDT Director of Operations and Sales

Bridgit@VisitBrookingsSD.com 605.696.7556

KATE SOLBERG Marketing Coordinator

Kate@VisitBrookingsSD.com 605.696.7557

DON’T KNOW WHO TO CONTACT? FEEL FREE TO EMAIL

INFO@VISITBROOKINGSSD.COM AND OUR TEAM WILL TAKE CARE OF YOUR REQUEST.

VISITBROOKINGSSD.COM 3

BRING YOUR EVENT T0 BROOKINGS Brookings is conveniently located at the intersection of Interstate 29 and Highway 14 on the east side of South Dakota. We’re just 50 minutes from the Sioux Falls Regional Airport and about 20 miles away from our Minnesota neigbors.

From the Sioux Falls airport, simply head north on Interstate 29 and take exit 132 for Brookings.

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TRANSPORTATION Getting around Brookings is pretty simple. We average a 13-minute commute no matter the destination.

Whether traveling from afar or in-state, our transportation options accommodate individuals and groups.

Charter Service

BROOKINGS REGIONAL AIRPORT

Get Around Brookings TAXI LYFT lyft.com

RENTALS BROOKINGS AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY brookingsareatransit.com B&B AUTO SALES bnbautosales.com EINSPAHR AUTO PLAZA einspahr.com

The Brookings Regional Airport caters to charter business travel providing a safe, first class airport for regional residents and the flying community. The airport works diligently with the South Dakota State University Aviation Program and other local entities to provide flying instruction and other community activities related to aviation.

Phone: 605.697.8664 Address: 509 West 2nd Street South, Brookings SD 57006

Passenger Service

SIOUX FALLS REGIONAL AIRPORT (FSD) Five airlines provide scheduled passenger service to the Sioux Falls Regional Airport. Connections can be made to over 200 domestic cities as well as many international destinations. Sioux Falls is just a 50-minute drive on I-29.

WATERTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT (ATY) United Airlines, operating as SkyWest, offers daily service to Denver International Airport (DEN) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD). Watertown is a 40-minute drive north of Brookings on I-29.

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VENUE CHART Brookings is a great place to meet with a mix of large convention space, small meeting rooms, and outdoor venues. This is just a sampling of our meeting spaces. For more details, check out:

VISITBROOKINGSSD.COM/PLAN-YOUR-EVENT

SQUARE FOOTAGE

BREAKOUT ROOMS

SEATING CAPACITY

Brookings Inn Convention Center

5,400

4

Up to 700

McCrory Gardens Education & Visitor Center

3,000

4

Up to 300

Dacotah Bank Center

30,000

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Up to 5,700

Wilbert Square Event Center

10,800

4

Up to 1,000

SQUARE FOOTAGE

BREAKOUT ROOMS

SEATING CAPACITY

Club 71

12,000

7

Up to 500

Old Sanctuary Reception, Lecture and Banquet Hall

3,870

1

Up to 400

CONVENTION CENTERS

EVENT HALLS

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ONSITE PLANNER

ONSITE CATERER

ONSITE PLANNER

ONSITE CATERER

EVENT GRANT PROGRAM The Event Grant Program is a great resource for community members and event planners. The grant program awards funding to organizations hosting events in Brookings, SD. It can be a critical tool in the development of your next meeting or tournament. The grant program is designed to help support first-time events, as well as foster event growth in our community.

The grant program runs year-round with four submission deadlines annually: January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1.

Contact us at GRANTPROGRAM@VISITBROOKINGSSD.COM for a grant application and funding criteria.

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BROOKINGS INN CONVENTION CENTER The Brookings Inn Convention Center takes great pride and pleasure in offering you and your guests a comfortable atmosphere with warm, friendly service from our staff. From large weddings to small meetings, bridal showers, graduations, reunions, and more! We offer great service and will accommodate your needs to the best of our abilities to make your event special. Our hotel has 119 cozy guest rooms, on-site restaurant/bar and the Splashzone Waterpark.

ROOM NAME

DIMENSIONS

SQ FT

BANQUET

THEATER

CLASSROOM

CONFERENCE

Meeting Room A

30 x 30

900

40

75

35

22

Meeting Room B

30 x 30

900

40

75

35

22

Meeting Room C

30 x 60

1,800

125

180

80

N/A

Meeting Room D

30 x 60

1,800

125

180

80

N/A

A&B

30 x 60

1,800

125

180

80

N/A

A, B, & C

60 x 60

3,600

250

360

200

N/A

C&D

60 x 60

3,600

250

360

200

N/A

A-D

60 x 90

5,400

500

700

350

N/A

Seating capacity varies by room depending on setup, buffet, registration tables, etc.

Two poolside hospitality rooms are available for small meeting groups of up to 10 individuals.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A/V equipment, business center, personal computer, wifi, restaurant, and indoor aquatic center.

A

B C D

Co n Ar ven tio ea n En tra nc e Coat Room

Service Hallway Maint.

Banquet Area

Rest Rooms

Convention Center Lobby

Storage Room

2500 EAST 6TH STREET• BROOKINGS, SD 57006 • 605.692.9471 • FRONTDESK@BROOKINGSINN.COM BROOKINGSINN.COM

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MCCRORY GARDENS EDUCATION & VISITOR CENTER

ROOM NAME

DIMENSIONS

SQ FT

BANQUET

THEATER

CLASSROOM

CONFERENCE

Great Hall

55 x 52.6

2,893

200

324

188

N/A

Meeting Room West

21 x 20

420

N/A

N/A

24

20

Meeting Room East

21 x 20

420

N/A

N/A

24

20

Combined Meeting Rooms

42 x 20

840

N/A

N/A

56

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McCrory Gardens is a 25-acre botanical garden, plus 45-acre arboretum perched on the edge of the South Dakota State University campus. In addition to being one of the prettiest places in Brookings, it’s a one-of-a-kind meeting and event destination.

Small gatherings, weddings, special events and meetings fit comfortably inside with breathtaking views at every glance.

ADDITION INFORMATION: Projectors & screen, DVD player, HDMI, VGA, RCA, IPOD hookups, laser pointer, podium and half podiums available in all rooms, microphones available in Great Hall, whiteboards in East and West meeting rooms.

631 22ND AVENUE • BROOKINGS, SD 57007 • 605.688.6707 • SDSU.MCRORYGARDENS@SDSTATE.EDU SDSTATE.EDU/MCCRORY-GARDENS

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DACOTAH BANK CENTER Dacotah Bank Center (formerly the Swiftel Center) is an international award-winning event center. Whether you’re hosting a meeting, banquet, annual conference or something entirely new, our flexible spaces can accommodate all your event needs. Featuring state-of-the-art technology and equipment, on-site event managers, and delicious in-house catering. Contact our team for your complimentary event estimate.

ROOM NAME

DIMENSIONS

SQ FT

BANQUET

THEATER

CLASSROOM

CONFERENCE

Arena

255’x114’

30,271

1,800

5,700

1,664

*

Concourse

23’x147’

4,124

240

540

240

*

Daktronics Conference Center - Room AB (combined)

48’x125’

6,085

360

688

370

*

Daktronics Conference Center - Room A

48’x72’

3,498

200

417

200

80

Daktronics Conference Center - Room B

48’x53’

2,588

160

272

152

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Daktronics Conference Center - Room CD (combined)

46’x100’

5,023

300

568

252

*

Daktronics Conference Center - Room C

46’x40’

1,966

100

192

80

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Daktronics Conference Center - Room D

46’x60’

3,057

180

346

144

80

Daktronics Board Room

20’x21’

430

10

50

22

16

Daktronics Conference Room

20’x28’

540

20

70

32

24

Mezzanine Board Room

16’x28’

420

20

49

24

24

Mezzanine Conference Room

16’x25’

400

20

49

21

24

Lobby A

28’x48’

1,380

80

132

56

*

* Available space is very large and better suited for an alternative seating arrangement.

All seating is approximate. Numbers will vary based on each specific event requirements.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: LCD projectors, screens, house sound system, corded and wireless microphones, portable displays and monitors, staging, podiums, easels, pipe and drape, customizable color linens, and specialized lighting including bistro lights and LED uplights. Full-service WiFi capabilities throughout facility. Full staffing services including in-house catering, security, housekeeping, operations and dedicated on-site event managers.

824 32ND AVENUE • BROOKINGS, SD 57006 • 605.692.7539 • INFO@DACOTAHBANKCENTER.COM DACOTAHBANKCENTER.COM

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WILBERT SQUARE EVENT CENTER Wilbert Square Event Center is the all inclusive event and lodging venue in Brookings. This full service venue includes 10,800 square feet of meeting and dining space with great hotel rooms on one property. A full service and attentive staff will help you host your wedding, corporate meetings, lectures, seminars, trade shows, or a family get together.

ROOM NAME

DIMENSIONS

SQ FT

BANQUET

THEATER

CLASSROOM

CONFERENCE

Grand Ballroom

100 x 108

10,800

650

1,000

600

N/A

Ballroom A

50 x 108

5,200

300

475

275

N/A

Ballroom B

80 X 108

5,200

300

475

275

N/A

Gold Room

54 X 30

1,500

68

150

72

30

Red Room

25 X 54

1,300

50

65

35

24

2,250

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Wilbert’s Alehouse

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Full service audio visual, microphones, projectors, speaker system, dancefloor, pipe and drape, all tables, chairs, linens, china, silverware on site, full service catering and bar menu and full service attentive staff, attached to full service restaurant and award winning hotel.

931 25TH AVENUE • BROOKINGS, SD 57006 • 605.692.2484 • EVENTS@WILBERTSQUARE.COM WILBERTSQUAREEVENTCENTER.COM

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UNCONVENTIONAL MEETING SPACES Break out of the box and try someting different. Brookings offers a blend of outdoor, rustic, charming, and unconventional meeting spaces. Browse the entire list at: VISITBROOKINGSSD.COM/PLAN-YOUR-EVENT

SPORTS FACILITIES

FEATURES

Bob Shelden Field

Newly renovated, regulation size baseball diamond. Infield turf, concessions, restroom, stadium seating.

Brookings County Outdoor Adventure Center

29,500 sq ft facility with Olympic-length archery range, shooting gallery and classrooms.

Fifth Street Gym

Three 84 x 50 indoor courts.

Fishback Soccer Complex

80 acres of green space which can hold 10 regulation size soccer fields.

Larson Ice Center

Two rinks, seating capacity up to 1,600, 10 locker rooms.

SouthBrook Softball Complex

Five lighted softball diamonds. Restrooms, concessions, bleachers.

THEATRE & GALLERIES Brookings Arts Council

Gallery space, art workshop.

Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center

State of the art facility, seating for 1,000, four performance spaces, dance studio, rehearsal spaces and lobby areas.

South Dakota Art Museum

Gallery space, permanent collections, small meeting room.

PARKS

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Hillcrest Park

Four picnic shelters, tennis and basketball courts, horseshoe pits, restrooms. Next to paved recreational trail and aquatic center.

Larson Nature Center

5,300 sq ft facility with small meeting room and outdoor equipment rentals. Located in Dakota Nature Park.

Pioneer Park

Picnic shelters, bandshell, restrooms. Home of the Brookings Area Community Band and Brookings Summer Arts Festival.

ON CAMPUS OPTIONS

FEATURES

Miller Wellness Center

Conference room, basketball courts, indoor pool, climbing wall.

Research Park at SDSU

Three small conference rooms, Conference phone, SMART Board.

Sanford-Jackrabbit Athletic Complex

149,384 sq feet with 8-lane indoor track, synthetic turf, sports medicine, athletic training, physical therapy, observation rooms.

Stanley J. Marshall HPER Center

Meeting rooms, 6,500 seat arena, home to SDSU Jackrabbit basketball, indoor track and swimming pool.

MEETING ROOMS & COMMUNITY SPACES Brookings Activity Center

Community room, kitchenette, tables and chairs.

Children’s Museum of South Dakota

Small meeting room, classrooms, onsite restaurant. 44,000 sq feet of exhibit space and 4 acres of outdoor prairie.

Community Life Center

Inside the First United Methodist Church. Gym, commercial kitchen, small stage.

Fika Room at Kool Beans

Small venue for up to 30 people. Both on and off-site catering available.

The Old Fire Hall

One large and three small rooms, deck space, entry space.

VFW

Large room, commercial kitchen, full-service bar.

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HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS LODGING VENUES

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# OF ROOMS

Brookings Inn 2500 East 6th Street • 605.692.9471

119

Comfort Suites University 929 25th Avenue • 605.692.2882

100

Country Inn & Suites 3000 LeFevre Drive • 605.2882.3500

73

EconoLodge Inn & Suites 2515 East 6t Street • 605.692.3111

101

Hampton Inn & Suites 3017 LeFevre Drive • 605.697.5232

87

Holiday Inn & Suites 3020 LeFevre Drive • 605.692.9060

62

My Place Hotel 711 32nd Avenue • 605.696.3150

63

Quality Inn 514 Sunrise Ridge Road • 605.692.9566

50

Super 8 3034 East 6th Street • 605.692.6920

65

The Sonshine Inn 108 6th Street • 605.692.6345

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BUSINESS CENTER

FITNESS CENTER

MEETING ROOM

CONVENTION SPACE

Brookings has 10 hotels providing a total of 758 rooms. Enjoy complimentary breakfast, clean accommodations, and friendly staff.

FREE WIFI

CONTINENTAL RESTAURANT/ INDOOR POOL/ BREAKFAST BAR ONSITE WATERPARK

WHIRLPOOL

PET FRIENDLY

CAMPGROUNDS Get in touch with nature while still staying close to city amenities. The Sexauer Park Campground contains 18 pads for trailers, RV’s and campers. Five campsites are designated for pull-through campers. Additionally, a large grass area site is available for tents. For more information or to reserve a campsite, visit cityofbrookings-sd.gov.

• Open April-October, as weather permits • No water or sewer hookups and no firewood for sale

NEARBY CAMPGROUNDS Four state campgrounds are just a short drive away!

For information about the campgrounds, or to reserve a campsite, visit www.gfp.sd.gov.

• Lake Cochrane Recreation Area • Lake Poinsett State Recreation Area • Lake Thompson Recreation Area • Oakwood Lakes State Park

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BRING YOUR CREW

Networking is a big part of conferences and meetings. Explore the Brookings community and go beyond the board room to experience local activities and group tours.

THE BROOKINGS GREAT 8 PASSPORT & ARTFUL DOZEN

GROUP ACTIVITIES

The Brookings Great 8 is your passport to oneof-a-kind attractions in the community. Follow along the dotted trail and explore our great places and local hubs original to Brookings.

The Artful Dozen is a collection of sculptures (indoor and out) around Brookings, dedicated to individual and community initiatives.

•

VISITBROOKINGSSD.COM/THINGS-TO-DO/GREAT-8ATTRACTIONS

DOWNTOWN BROOKINGS The Brookings Commercial Historic District, or Downtown Brookings as we commonly call it, is the collective melting pot of Brookings. Local boutiques, pubs, antique stores, and restaurants fill the four blocks of Main Avenue. It’s the heart of our city and features eight large-scale art murals in what’s known as the Downtown Urban Canvas. DOWNTOWNBROOKINGS.ORG

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Tours & Tastings •

Brewery Tours/Tasting at Eponymous Brewing Company and Wooden Legs Brewing Company Winery Tours/Tasting at Schade Vineyards

Recreation & Events • • • • • • •

Take a spin and pedal your way through our historic downtown on Bums Bike & Brew Kayak adventures, bike rides, ice fishing excursions and more at Dakota Nature Park Show off your pump skills at the Single-Track Mountain Biking Trail Count the stairs up the Coughlin Campanile Take a swing at EdgeBrook Golf Course Catch a home SDSU basketball or football game Sip brews, dine on local street food, and listen to live music at Downtown at Sundown (Thursdays, July-August)

Local Goods •

Pick up local goods at the Brookings Farmers Market (open Saturday mornings, May-October)

COMPLIMENTARY VISIT BROOKINGS SERVICES Visit Brookings offers organizations, individuals, and meeting planners the tools and resources they need to plan and execute outstanding events. Our services include, but are not limited to:

• HOTEL ROOM BLOCKS • MARKETING ASSISTANCE • VENUE AVAILABILITY

• MEETING SUPPLIES • CUSTOM ITINERARIES • LOCAL CONTACTS

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DID YOU KNOW? Brookings is the 4th largest city in South Dakota with 23,577 residents.

Brookings is the first city in South Dakota to receive a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Municipal Equality Index (MEI) for LGBTQ inclusivity.

Brookings consistently ranks high for Best Place to Live in South Dakota, by Niche.

Brookings was rated 4th best city in South Dakota for Young Professionals (Niche, 2023).

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Get to know a little bit more about Brookings with these fun facts and community accolades.

Brookings has 29 acres of park land per 1,000 residents, soaring above the national average of 10.1 acres per 1,000 residents.

Ranked as the 2nd safest city in South Dakota by Safewise in 2023.

The Children’s Museum features the only permanent, animatronic T-Rex on display in South Dakota.

The SanfordJackrabbit Athletic Complex includes an 8-lane track and artificial turf. It’s so big Mt. Rushmore can fit inside.

SDSU is the largest land-grant university in South Dakota, welcoming students from every state and more than 90 countries.

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