privately owned Superman collection), this super-town is super-fun for everyone! Visit Springfield, home of one of our nation’s most famous leaders, Abraham Lincoln. Take a tour through the only home he ever owned, which is in close proximity to the Abraham B E Y O N D C H I C A G O ’ S S K Y L I N E
Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and Lincoln’s Tomb. Come to Illinois to experience the diverse culture that inspired President Lincoln to make America the country it is today! If you are looking for memorable experiences, take a ride down legendary Route 66 to the entertaining city of Chicago! The Windy City offers hundreds of exciting activities that are sure to interest visitors from all walks of life. Watch the beloved Chicago Cubs play at legendary Wrigley Field, stare in awe at one of the nation’s largest skyscrapers, the Willis Tower, or go on a shopping spree at the Magnificent Mile! Whatever your interests, your trip to Illinois is guaranteed to provide you with fun-filled, life-long memories.
Previous page: Superman Statue, Metropolis Above: Fountain at the Peoria Riverfront, Peoria
Find them here…
Bloomington-Normal Area CVB CVB...... 66 Chicago Southland CVB ................ 69 Chicagoʼs North Shore CVB .......... 67 Classic Party Rental ....................... 68 Decatur Area CVB ........................ 71 DePaul University .......................... 80 Downers Grove VB ....................... 70 Effingham CVB .............................. 72 Galena/Jo Daviess County CVB..... 68 Heritage Corridor CVB .................. 69 Ivy Hotel ...................................... 73 Kankakee County CVB .................. 65 Lisle CVB ...................................... 73 Naperville CVB............................. 74 Peoria Area CVB .................... 78, 79 Ramada Galena ........................... 80 Springfield, IL CVB ....................... 75 Starved Rock Lodge ...................... 76 The State House Inn ...................... 80 TeamBonding .......................... 68, 74 Tinley Park Convention Center ....... 76 Visit Champaign County ................ 70 The Wit Hotel ............................... 77 Woodfield Chicago Northwest CB.. 72
WWW.MIDWESTMEETINGS.COM
Fall 2013 65-96.indd 65
REMARKABLE
REMARKABLE
B E YO N D C H I C AG O ’ S S K Y L I N E
TO M E E T I N D U PAG
MEETINGS
REASONS
Just 20 miles west of downtown Chicago, DuPage County combines the convenience, accessibility and value of the suburbs with the excitement and allure of the nation’s third largest city.
L O C AT I O N , L O C AT I O N , L O C A
BENEFITS OF HOLDING YOUR NEXT MEETING I N D U PA G E C O U N T Y:
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
•
Easy access to O’Hare and Midway International Airports, major interstates and regional mass transportation.
•
Nearly 2 million square feet of combined meeting space.
•
More than 16,000 guest rooms in 100+ hotels and resorts scattered throughout our 38 communities.
•
Countless attractions, restaurants, entertainment and shopping choices.
•
An abundance of rich culture, heritage and landscape.
Just a few miles west of Chicago, with Midway Airports, major interstates, and
Allure of a major metropolitan area com convenience and value of the suburbs. SO MUCH TO SEE & DO
World-class shopping and dining, with and events. L O A D S O F M E E T I N G S PA C E
Nearly 2 million square feet of combin sizes and locations.
VA R I E T Y O F A C C O M M O D AT I O
Over 100 hotels and resorts of every typ to boutique hotels with 16,000+ total
Let the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau help you create your best meeting yet in the Chicago area.
DuPage County
Dave & Busters .........................D-IBC Ditkaʼs Restaurant ...................... D-26 Drury Lane Theater .................... D-29 Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hilton Garden Inn Chicago/Oak Brook
CLUSTERS OF CONVENIENCE
Several areas where meeting venues, ac and restaurants are all within walking d each other.
Discover why meeting planners consistently rank DuPage County as a premier Midwest destination for groups of 5 to 5,000.
Eaglewood Resort and Spa ........ D-21 Elmhurst Park District .................. D-25 Elmhurst Visitor & Tourism Department .............................. D-28 Hilton Lisle/Naperville ............... D-20 Hotel Arista ..........................D-16, 17 Hotels of Oak Brook .................. D-31 Hyatt Place Chicago/Lombard/ Oak Brook ............................... D-28 IIT School of Applied Technology .............................. D-28 K1 Speed .................................. D-30 Marriott Hotels .....................D-18, 19 Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament .......................... D-26 NIU Naperville Conference Center ..................................... D-22 Oakbrook Terrace Hotels ...........D-BC Odeum Expo Center .................. D-24 Phillips Flowers & Gifts ............... D-30 Pinstripes .................................. D-30 Westin Lombard Yorktown Center ..................................... D-27 WhirlyBall ................................. D-30 Willowbrook Hotels ................... D-32 Wyndham Lisle-Chicago Hotel & Executive Meeting Center ...... D-27 Zapatista Restaurant .................. D-23
GOLF COURSES & RESORTS
Nearly 50 public and private golf cours golf resorts with excellent meeting faci
IACC-APPROVED PROPERTIES
Perfect environments for training with and CMP pricing. I N T E R N AT I O N A L A P P E A L
Hotels, resorts and entertainment venu audience and meet international tour c
TOP NOTCH CVB SALES TEAM
Credentialed local experts with many y a host of meetings and events in the C
C O M P L I M E N TA R Y S I G N AT U R E
Hotel and venue searches, prompt prop and hosting, visitor information and m
65
8/15/13 2:39 PM
DPMPG Fall 2013ALH.indd 65-96.indd2 82
Find them here…
Belterra Casino & Resort ........................................ 48 Best Western Lafayette Executive Plaza & Conference Center ................................. 124 The Centre - Evansville .......................................... 124 Charley Creek Inn ................................................ 128 Clarion Inn & Suites ............................................. 120 Columbus Area Visitors Center.............................. 124 French Lick Resort ................................................ 125 Grand Wayne Convention Center ..................126, 127 Radisson Hotel Star Plaza..................................... 123 Ramada Jasper & Conference Center ................... 120 Steuben County Tourism Bureau .............................121 Visit Fort Wayne CVB ........................................... 122 WestGate at Crane Technology Park ..................... 128 Wyndham Indianapolis West ................................ 120
Watch” and “#1 in Minor League Sports,” by SportsEvents Magazine and Street and Smith’s Business Journal respectively. From Minor League Baseball’s TinCaps to the NBA D-League Mad Ants, sports fans can catch a great game any time of year. For the sports enthusiasts that would rather participate, Fort Wayne offers world-class golf courses and many other top-notch recreation facilities. In Evansville, be sure to stop at Angel Mounds State Historic Site and the Garden of the Gods, both voted local favorites. Nationally recognized as one of the best preserved prehistoric Native American sites, Angel Mounds features a model museum that tells the story of the Middle Mississippian culture. Garden of the Gods, located in the Shawnee National Forest, is famous for its unique rock formations and spectacular views. “The place to be in Indiana” is Tropicana Evansville. Located at Riverfront Park on the Ohio River in downtown Evansville, Tropicana Evansville features a 2,700 passenger riverboat casino, retail shops, restaurants and much more. With a world of opportunities, Indiana has something for everyone making it the perfect destination for your next
Previous page - University of Notre Dame, South Bend This page top- Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Lake Michigan Middle - Stream Cliff Herb, Comminsky Turkey Run State Park, Marshall Right - Oldfields-Lilly House and Gardens, Indianapolis
event. WWW.MIDWESTMEETINGS.COM
Fall 2013 113-128.indd 119
119
8/15/13 11:44 AM
8/15/13 2:40 1:56 PM
DPMPG ALH.indd 1
One of the biggest factors involved is insurance liability. Alexander emphasizes: “As a promoter, you need to find special event coverage. Gun shows are somewhat unique and there is one that is sponsored through the National Rifle Association (NRA) where you can basically fill out a sheet that has a checklist. There are questions, like will there be alcohol allowed onsite, will you be checking firearms outside, will you offer private sales, etc.” The main difference between gun shows and other meetings and events lies in the extra safety measurements needed for the attendees, exhibitors and general public. It is highly recommended that all sales are properly documented to protect the sellers and buyers. Gun show promoters and planners develop relationships with the local law enforcement and generally invite their input and presence. Security and law enforcement (via the show promoter’s encouragement) is crucial in making sure that local and federal laws are being followed to ensure a safe and successful show. WWW.MIDWESTMEETINGS.COM
21
A Day in the Life of
Missy Schrupp, CMP
M
issy Schrupp, CMP, has been with In-
joy - her family, that now includes two grandsons, ages 4 and
ternational Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ) for
2. Missy shared with us a view into the sometimes-crazy life
36 years. Since 1994 she has been in the
she loves.
meeting department, planning and ex-
ecuting meetings of all sizes. For the past few years, she has also taken over the role of managing the travel department
26
5:00 am: Alarm goes off. Get up and get ready. 6:00 am: Leave for work. Have a 50 mile commute which takes me about 45 minutes if I leave early.
and is now Director of Meetings, Events and Travel for IDQ.
6:45 am: Arrive at the office. Start up my computer and
In her role, she handles their largest meetings, one of which
open Outlook. Amazing how many emails come in after I go
is the DQ Expo with 2,000+ attendees, oversees national ac-
to bed because I’m checking at home at night too! Get an-
counts and negotiates various contracts relative to meetings
other cup of coffee! Start in on emails until approximately
and corporate travel. Schrupp also oversees the travel agen-
7:30 am when the rest of the office starts arriving. Our hours
cies of record for the US, Canada and International in addi-
are technically 7:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday.
tion to many other responsibilities. When she’s not at work or
7:30 am: Provide revised copy of the DQ Expo brochure
traveling for her job, she spends all her time with her greatest
(this is for my large 2,000+ people meeting), which was
MIDWEST MEETINGS FALL 2013
proofread one more time over the weekend, to the creative
Expo for 2,000+ people, the Summit meeting for 300 people
department for another proof.
and a smaller program for about 50 people. The Summit pro-
9:00 am: Meeting with the president regarding our exhibit hall layout and design for the 2014 DQ Expo being held
gram is approved and final. Ready for this one to go live. Still working on the other two, making revisions and reviewing.
in Honolulu, HI, in January 2014. Meeting goes until approxi-
3:00 pm: Finalizing the Summit invite, which will be
mately 10:15 am with approval provided on the development
emailed to all attendees on Tuesday the 2nd. This invite will
area, which was the main focus of the meeting.
contain all the details on the meeting, as well as the links to
10:30 am: Conference call with the manager of the group
online registration and the link to hotel reservations.
division at our travel agency of record. Discuss procedures for
3:45 pm: Preparing the necessary detail for our travel
how drivers vs. flyers will be handled in terms of comparison
agency group department regarding a specific group of attend-
on air costs vs. mileage costs and the backup needed to sup-
ees who will also be sent their invite for the Summit, but will
port this. Come to a workable solution for both parties.
be booking their airline reservations through our group desk.
12:30 pm: Receive the good news that the main final
4:30 pm: Emailing with our entertainment agency regard-
night entertainment we’re hiring for our upcoming DQ Expo
ing possible opening act for our main final night entertain-
has accepted our offer. Now it’s time to go to contract and
ment. Expecting to hear an offer by Tuesday or Wednesday.
complete the final steps. 12:30 pm: Working on car rental agency contract as our current agreement expires the end of July. Throughout the Day: Building three online registration sites for three upcoming programs including our large DQ
WWW.MIDWESTMEETINGS.COM
5:00 pm: It’s crazy how fast the day goes by. I’m still going through emails and getting caught up on miscellaneous items from the day. It’s quiet though as most have gone home at 4:00 pm. 6:00 pm: I head out.
27
Watch the full YouTube video here.
“Ladies and gentlemen in the boarding area, I am a Southwest customer and I’m here to recognize a Southwest employee for an outstanding act of service.” Chad’s jaw dropped in sheer surprise while I recounted what he did for me that winter night.
kindness with a simple act of my own: bringing him the article and thanking him personally. Just as he had no idea how his act would resonate, I had no idea how mine would. How many people in the gate area that day went home and told someone about the unusual occurrence? How many readers of the Huffington Post were inspired to perform an act of kindness of their own? Because of that
coffee or you can be truly welcoming and an ambassador to that person who may attend one meeting per
year - and he couldn’t be happier to be standing there. You can focus entirely on details instead of people
or you could go through your day looking for opportunities to perform acts of unexpected kindness.
day, Lisa and I have connected and her book has changed the way
Instead of grumbling on that business trip, go out of your way to
I think about SPIN and our noble purpose. The ripples continue…
say nice things to three people for no other reason than to generate
We are in the hospitality industry, which is all about service and
a smile.
gestures of kindness, yet how often do we go about our day in a
You never know the ripple effects.
numb fog, just going through the motions and waiting for 5:00 to
Shawna Suckow, CMP, is a veteran planner and the Founder and
roll around (or 6:00, or 7:00 or midnight)?
President of the Senior Planners Industry Network (www.spinplanners.
Even the smallest act can change someone’s life - it’s the ripple
com). She’s the author of Planner Pet Peeves, and her new book, Sup-
effect. Our lives touch so many others, especially in our industry.
plier Pet Peeves, both available on Amazon or at www.shawnasuckow.
We have the rare opportunity through meetings and events to
com. She speaks to audiences worldwide on supplier-planner relations
come into contact with so many people and each interaction is full
and other meetings industry topics.
of possibility. You can yawn your way through your thousandth
half-hearted site tour on auto-pilot (I speak from ex-
Find links to the articles and video referenced here in the online version of this article at www.MidwestMeetings.com
perience) or you can truly connect with all the wonderful people trying to put their best foot forward to impress you.
You can work that registration desk in a contagious
bad mood because your feet hurt and you’ve had no WWW.MIDWESTMEETINGS.COM
31
If a group is allowed to host its own tournament, there is usually a minimum or maximum number of players. submit the guestimate on number of players and times, allow 60-
meeting.
90 days lead time and report the days, hours, prizes and winners
• Be persistent - it may take time to get answers.
to Iowa’s Gaming Commission. bettendorf.isleofcapricasinos.com/
• Suggest the concept if the casino has not put on one before.
tournament game
• Allow enough time to plan.
• Turtle Creek Casino/Grand Traverse Resort & Hotel, MI The casino and resort are both owned by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Thus, the group playing at
• Ensure all proper reporting is completed before and after. • Check on where food and beverage can be served and who pays. • Inform players about all rules and buy-in amounts. • Take lots of photos!
Turtle Creek may be staying at Grand Traverse. J. Michael DeAgostino, Public Relations Manager, related that Turtle Creek Casi-
Sally Magallanes, CMP, has been a freelance writer and editor for
no accommodates private group tournaments for up to 100 people
over 15 years. She wrote extensively for MPI-Chicago Area Chapter’s
as follows: Poker in multiples of 10, Blackjack… 6 and Slots… 12.
former print piece, News & Views. Other specialties include proofread-
The tournament takes place on the gaming floor, with the casino
ing, research pieces, biographical profiles, website content, marketing,
providing a coordinator to help the group set it up. turtlecreekca-
e-newsletters and developing mission statements. She has been a full-
sino.com www.grandtraverseresort.com
time and freelance meeting professional for over 20 years, working with
Take Aways • Determine how important a private tournament is to the
40
corporate, medical and non-profit groups. Ms. Magallanes has a BS in Hospitality Management, Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL.
MIDWEST MEETINGS FALL 2013
Whether you are hosting an intimate get-together or a conference for 1,000 guests, Potawatomi Casino Hotel has sophisticated and modern rooms to meet your every need. And, our professional catering managers are ready to help make your event a success. Coming in late summer of 2014…an 18-story, 381-room hotel. Visit paysbig.com or call 414-847-7891 to start planning. 1721 WEST CANAL STREET • MILWAUKEE, WI 53233 • 1-800-PAYSBIG • PAYSBIG.COM • AGE RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY • MANAGEMENT RESERVES ALL RIGHTS ©2013 FOREST COUNTY POTAWATOMI COMMUNITY, WISCONSIN
The North Star Mohican Casino Resort has a reputation as
Summary
the Midwest’s “friendliest casino.” It is owned and operated by
From breath-taking natural environments, specialty F&B ven-
the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of the Mohican Indians, between
ues, children’s centers to multi-purpose space and professionally
Green Bay and Wausau, WI. Mario Conte, Hotel Director/Director
trained staff, tribal-owned casinos are transforming. Both exterior
of Food and Beverage/Casino stated they, “Concentrate on one-
and interior architecture reflects key elements important to the
on-one service, working hard to keep a balance between casino
tribe. Hotel rooms are designed for comfort and peace with upscale
players and locals that come primarily for a good meal at an afford-
amenities.
able price.” Family-friendly could mean an ice cream parlor, special
If your group wants to go golfing, take in some top-name enter-
Mother’s Day buffet or the Mohican RV Park, open all-year round.
tainment, learn more about a Native American tribe or be able to
www.NorthStarCasinoResort.com
bring the whole family on a trip, there are options. Restful, peaceful
Just north of Topeka, KS, is the Prairie Band Casino & Resort,
surroundings might be the main reason to come. Do research or call
owned by the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. Besides great con-
to know the offerings, dates, policies and specials to fit your group.
vention space, special entertainment and gaming action, groups can come just to “Play and Stay” at the Firekeeper Golf Course,
Sally Magallanes, CMP, has been a freelance writer and editor for
designed by four-time Native American PGA winner Notah Be-
over 15 years. She wrote extensively for MPI-Chicago Area Chapter’s
gay III. Sheryl Blue, Advertising Director, stated that, “Our su-
former print piece, News & Views. Other specialties include proofread-
perb team assists with planning every detail, working with a very
ing, research pieces, biographical profiles, website content, marketing,
talented culinary staff, which results in personally and flawlessly
e-newsletters and developing mission statements. She has been a full-
executing each event.” Outstanding customer service and formal
time and freelance meeting professional for over 20 years, working with
hospitality/casino training are definitely prized in all areas of Prairie
corporate, medical and non-profit groups. Ms. Magallanes has a BS in
Band’s operations. www.PBPgaming.com
Hospitality Management, Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL.
44
MIDWEST MEETINGS FALL 2013
AH Deadwood.pdf
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
1
8/14/13
10:10 AM
WWW.MIDWESTMEETINGS.COM
51
Arrow Alex 2011 Fall Midwest Mtgs Ad.outlines.pdf
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
1
8/1/13
11:43 AM
Chicago’s North Shore CVB
IllInoIs
Kimberly Wright, Director of Sales
8001 Lincoln Ave, Ste 715, Skokie, IL 60077 847-763-0011 Ext 23 • Fax: 847-763-0022 www.visitchicagonorthshore.com • meetings@cnscvb.com
Our service is personalized and complimentary and we will work within your budget needs to arrange every aspect of your special event–whether small or large.
WWW.MIDWESTMEETINGS.COM
Area hotel rooms: 4,300 Attractions nearby: Chicago Botanic Garden, Illinois Holocaust Museum, Ravinia, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Northwestern University, Westfield Old Orchard, The Glen Town Center and Northbrook Court shopping centers Meeting facilities: Renaissance Chicago North Shore, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Conference Center, Crowne Plaza Northbrook, Hilton Orrington, Hilton Northbrook, Holiday Inn North Shore, Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago North Shore, Hilton Garden Inn Chicago North Shore, Sheraton Northbrook, The Glen Club
B
ordering Chicago along beautiful Lake Michigan, Chicago’s North Shore represents the most scenic communities in the Midwest that are also home to state-of-the-art meeting and event facilities. Our region proudly hosts groups from 20 to 500 people. The hotels of Chicago’s North Shore offer world-class meeting facilities – all close to downtown Chicago, O’Hare International Airport and the I-94 corridor. Our properties offer a range of amenities including rooftop ballrooms, conference centers built with IACC specifications, wireless internet connectivity, advanced audiovisual capabilities as well as a ballroom that can accommodate over 1,000. Chicago’s North Shore is a preferred destination for meeting planners who choose to offer their meeting delegates a broad and diverse range of attractions, restaurants, entertainment and shopping options. Chicago’s North Shore CVB will offer you personalized assistance in planning your meeting or event. You may also utilize the interactive planning tools on our website.
67
68
MIDWEST MEETINGS FALL 2013
70
MIDWEST MEETINGS FALL 2013
WWW.MIDWESTMEETINGS.COM
71
WWW.MIDWESTMEETINGS.COM
73
Did You Know?
• On December 2, 1942, Enrico Fermi and a small band of scientists and engineers demonstrated that a simple construction of graphite bricks and uranium lumps could produce controlled heat. The space chosen for the first nuclear fission reactor was a squash court under the football stadium at the University of Chicago. • The Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), located in Chicago, is one of the tallest buildings on the North American continent. It was the world’s tallest building from 1973 until 1996. It covers two city blocks and rises one-quarter mile above the ground. The building weighs more than 222,500 tons and it cost more than $175 million to build. • The abbreviation “ORD” for Chicago’s O’Hare airport comes from the original name Orchard Field. O’Hare Airport was named in honor of Lieutenant Commander Edward H. “Butch” O’Hare. Source: www.50states.com, www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov, www.willistower.com
74
MIDWEST MEETINGS FALL 2013
WWW.MIDWESTMEETINGS.COM
77
business ledger.pdf
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
1
8/13/13
2:21 PM
ODEUM Midwest Mtg ad July 2012.pdf
1
7/22/13
2:48 PM
SET THE DATE AND LEAVE THE REST TO US
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
5 miles SW of OʼHare Airport • Access to All Major Tollways 15 Miles West of Chicago • Full Service Food & Beverage Meeting/Banquet Rooms • Accommodates 600+ Trade Show Booths Video Conferences • Automotive Research & Training • Corporate Events Boxing/Mixed Martial Arts • Indoor Soccer & Lacrosse
REMARKABLE MEETINGS BEYOND CHICAGO’S SKYLINE
29
All Things
Gangster C
ompanies looking for that unique meeting location for groups of 20 or less can add some history to their next meeting by booking the All Things Gangster Meeting package at the Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel. The all-inclusive meeting package really brings the Prohibition-era in Chicago to life from arrival to departure. Guests will be welcomed by staff
dressed in fedoras and 1920s attire and serve up a Gangster-style meeting experience for the entire stay. Highlights include hot shaves for men and manicures for women in the room that once served as a Barbershop for Al Capone, an Untouchables Bus Tour and stylish amenities at turndown. WWW.MIDWESTMEETINGS.COM
117
120
MIDWEST MEETINGS FALL 2013
Steuben County Tourism Bureau
IndIana
Convenient Natural Choice for Meetings Lindsay Foster
430 N Wayne St, Ste 1B, Angola, IN 46703 www.lakes101.org • info@lakes101.org 800-LAKE-101 • Fax: 260-665-5461 Area hotel rooms: 650 Entertainment nearby: Pokagon State Park, Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve, Briali Vineyards and Winery, Satek Winery, The Outlet Shoppes at Fremont, 6 scenic golf courses Meeting facilities: Holiday Inn Express, Potawatomi Inn Resort and Conference Center, Ramada Inn, Trine University, Glendarin Hills Golf Course
Northern Indiana Lakes Country is conveniently located at the intersection of I-69 and I-80/90.
P
otawatomi Inn celebrates creating memories to treasure for over 80 years with excellent service, attention to detail and outstanding food service. Within a three-hour drive of Indianapolis, Chicago, Cleveland and Detroit, the serene, breathtaking beauty of the area is a meeting natural. Potawatomi Inn is located on Lake James, Indiana’s third largest natural lake. We offer extraordinary and personal service for meetings up to 600 attendees. Northeast Indiana’s first winery and a 400-acre buffalo preserve make us the perfect winter meeting getaway. With meeting facilities located in close proximity to one another, much larger meetings can be accommodated. Special events can be arranged at one of our beautiful golf courses, including Glendarin Hills. Call us today to begin planning your next event.
WWW.MIDWESTMEETINGS.COM
121
IndIana
Visit Fort Wayne Do it BIG, Right Here in Fort Wayne Josie O’Donnell
927 S. Harrison St • Fort Wayne • IN • 46802 800-767-7752 • 260-424-3700 www.visitfortwayne.com • josie@visitfortwayne.com
Area hotel rooms: 5,000 Entertainment nearby: TinCaps baseball at downtown’s Parkview Field, Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo (one of the top five in the nation!), Botanical Conservatory, Science Central, the Embassy Theatre, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Arts United Center, and the largest public genealogy research center in America at the Allen County Public Library Meeting facilities: Grand Wayne Convention Center and Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
From our great central location to our affordable prices, Fort Wayne is a great fit for • Indiana’s second largest city - located in the heart of the Midwest region any group. Big or small, we can host them all! • Featuring two premier world-class event facilities:
- Grand Wayne Convention Center - one of the most advanced venues in the Midwest, with over 225,000 sq. ft. of versatile space and two attached hotels - Allen County War Memorial Coliseum and Expo Center - one of the region’s most popular venues for sports events, concerts or gatherings for up to 10,000 people • Area attractions include our downtown baseball stadium, top-rated Children’s Zoo, rich theatre and arts scene, and many other great itinerary alternatives many within walking distance of our meeting facilities • Call us today at 1-800-767-7752 or visit us online at www.VisitFortWayne.com!
122
MIDWEST MEETINGS FALL 2013
Radisson Star Plaza
IndIana
It’s All Here 800 E 81st Ave • Merrillville • IN • 46410 219-757-3578 • www.StarPlaza.com • Sales@StarPlaza.com Rooms/suites: 343 Meeting space sq. ft.: 67,000 with theatre Meeting rooms: 19 Reception capacity: 1,000 guests Golf courses nearby: 5 Onsite restaurants and bars: 4 Onsite amenities: Radisson Hotel, Star Plaza Theatre, full-service Starbucks, T. J. Maloney’s Authentic Irish Pub, Wisecrackers Comedy Club, House of Bianco Day Spa services Close area attractions: Vegas-style casinos, golf courses with preferred access, downtown Chicago - only 35 miles
T
he best of the Midwest! The Radisson Star Plaza offers more meeting and confer-
For decades our Chicagoland hotel and conference center has maintained
ence space than any other property in Northwest Indiana. An impressive 67,000
sq. ft. of versatile meeting and event facilities, inclusive of two 11,000+ sq. ft. ballrooms and the 3,400-seat Star Plaza Theatre, along with unparalleled onsite amenities, first
a reputation of providing the best
class catering, and a convenient location in the heart of southeast Chicagoland, make
business meeting experiences from
a seminar, corporate retreat or trade show, Star Plaza’s functional meeting and confer-
start to finish.
WWW.MIDWESTMEETINGS.COM
this multi-dimensional property the region’s premier choice for meetings. Whether it’s ence facilities adapt to create the perfect venue for any and all needs and visions.
123
Lafayette Executive Plaza and Conference Center 4343 South St, Lafayette, IN 47905 Contact Alissa Morlan, Director of Sales (765) 447-0575 Ext. 163 www.bwlafayette.com or alissa.bestwestern@gmail.com
Our full-service hotel is perfect for any size group! u u u u u u
BWLafayette.indd 1
7,000 sq. ft. of meeting/banquet space accommodating groups of up to 300. 6 Breakout rooms. 124 Oversized guest rooms. Full-service Four-star restaurant and lounge. Convenient location at I-65 & SR 26E. One hour from Indianapolis Airport. Shuttle service directly from Airport (Lafayette Limo Service - Fee applies.)
8/15/13 9:16 AM
WWW.MIDWESTMEETINGS.COM
125
IndIana
Grand Wayne Convention Center Downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana Experience this Grand space.
Grand Wayne Convention Center’s flexible space and intuitive floor plans offer hundreds of convention and meeting configurations, all with comfort and convenience in mind.
G
Marcy McKinley, DOSM 120 W Jefferson Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46802 www.grandwayne.com mmckinley@grandwayne.com 260-426-4100 Fax: 260-420-9080
Rooms/suites: - 250-room attached, full-service Hilton Ft. Wayne Hotel - 250-room connecting, full-service Courtyard by Marriot Meeting space sq. ft: 80,000 Meeting rooms: 18 Reception capacity: 7,000 Largest room sq. ft.: 50,000 Golf course nearby: Yes Onsite restaurant: 1
126
rand Wayne Convention Center encompasses two city blocks of luxuriously appointed convention and meeting space with sleek styling and attention to detail in every inch. The Center’s well-deserved reputation for incomparable service and exceptional amenities is a primary reason that nearly 80% of Grand Wayne Center’s events are based on repeat business. Here, planners can capably create and manage events with the support of a full staff and in-house services. Attentive sales associates, thorough, creative event managers; amazing AV technicians, efficient, professional set-up and change-over crews, and award-winning hosts are always ready to assist in each event’s success. Among the Midwest’s most congenial, affordable and accessible facilities, Grand Wayne Convention Center provides ideal capacity, capability, creativity and comfort. Features and amenities include: • Experienced, knowledgeable staff • Full service event management • Fully-equipped, customizable, state-of-the-art AV • Free Wi-Fi • Easy move-in and accessibility • Intuitive floor plans • 225,000 sq. ft. of flexible space • Fully-carpeted convention and meeting spaces • Individual room climate and comfort control • Large public areas with natural, ambient light • Banquet seating for up to 3,000 guests • Two connected, full-service luxury hotels • Covered garage parking • Reliable, accountable staff for hassle-free events Grand Wayne Convention Center offers exceptional AV capabilities with automated remote lighting control, theatre-quality digital sound, wireless and hard-wiring options throughout, drop screens with remote operation, data and telecom options in every room and thousands of power connections. Similarly, Grand Wayne’s catering services feature an in-house chef and attentive staff operating from a 12,000 sq. ft. kitchen. We are equipped and staffed to serve up to 3,000 guests in a single setting - or handle multiple events simultaneously from breakfast buffets to gourmet dinners. We are sensitive to any special dietary needs, as well. Grand Wayne Convention Center is an ideal destination facility with convenience, comfort and capabilities built into the success of every event. For a virtual tour, visit us online at grandwayne.com or call the Grand Wayne sales team for a personal consultation at 260-4264100.
MIDWEST MEETINGS FALL 2013