2011 facilities & destinations mid-market review

&FacilitiesFacilities

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BEDROCK COMMUNICATIONS, INC.152 Madison Ave., Ste. 802, New York, NY 10016 2011

For Association & Corporate Meeting Planners

TM

U p f r o n t : I n d U s t r y t r e n d s , C o n v e n t I o n & t r a d e s h o w w a t C h , w h a t ’ s n e w

planner tools: expanded sites & Cities directory

F&D Mid-Market ReviewValue Destinations & the Planners who use themF&D Mid-Market ReviewValue Destinations & the Planners who use them

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Mid-MarketColumns Caffin’s Corner....................................................................................2Viewpoint ...........................................................................................4Planner Perspectives .........................................................................6Meeting Perspectives ........................................................................8

2012 Awards of Excellence Ballot ...................................................51

Upfront ....................................................................................... 10-20Meeting Watch, Tradeshow Watch, Exhibition Watch, Convention Watch, Community Events Watch, Conference Watch, Leading Edge Managers, What’s New, Industry Trends

Hot ListConference Centers: Multi-Functional Yet Intimate Meeting Spaces ................................................................21

F&D Mid-Market Review Mid-Market Cities: Competitive Packages Come in Smaller Sizes .................................................................222011 Mid-Market Gallery Akron .............................................................................................30Albuquerque .................................................................................31Charlotte .......................................................................................32Hartford .........................................................................................33Milwaukee .....................................................................................34Mississippi Gulf Coast ..................................................................35Norfolk ...........................................................................................36Saint Paul .......................................................................................37Tallahassee ...................................................................................38

F&D: Sites & CitiesIndex .................................................................................................40Directory ..................................................................................40 – 50

Facilities & Destinations Buyer’s GuideProducts & Services Directory ........................................................51

Ad Index ...........................................................................................52On The Cover.....................................................................................2

2 Facilities & Destinations 2011 Mid-Market

2011 Volume 20 No. 2

Chief Operating OfficerDavid Korn

Editorial Director Timothy Herrick

Associate PublisherMichael Caffin

Creative Direction & DesignScott-Goodman Associates

Circulation ManagerTherese Larger

Business OperationsNadia Derelieva

© Copyright 2011 by Bedrock Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed in by-lined articles and advertising copy are not necessarily those of the publisher. Advertisers are responsible for all costs, damages and claims regarding advertising insertions.

Facilities & Destinations is published three times a year by Bedrock Communications, Inc., 152 Madison Avenue, Suite 802, New York, NY 10016. Telephone: (212) 532-4150. Fax: (212) 213-6382.

POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Bedrock Communications, Inc., 152 Madison Avenue, Suite 802, New York, NY 10016. Printed in U.S.A.

Cover ad space is available by contacting a Facilities & Destinations advertising account executive at 212-532-4150 x103.

MEMBERS OF:

ON THE COVERThe 2011 F&D Mid-Market Review Destination Gallery, Top Row (left to right): Akron (page 30), Albuquerque (page 31), Charlotte (page 32), Hartford (page 33), Milwaukee (page 34), Mississippi Gulf Coast (page 35), Norfolk (page 36), Saint Paul (page 37), Tallahassee (page 38).

Site selection is the most important part of planning a meeting or tradeshow. This statement is the underlying premise behind everything that appears in this and upcoming issues of Facilities & Destinations.

Exemplifying this concept is our recently redesigned and renamed “Sites & Cities” Directory. The directory section of our magazine – one of the most all inclusive directories in the industry – has been part of our publications since the inception of the Facilities Media Group, in 1988. Its latest incarnation, Sites & Cities, is an amazing source of key information, truly an essential tool for better site selection. Our new format results in a more comprehensive and accessible directory, enabling us to give planners more options to consider.

Another new addition to Facilities & Destinations sure to enhance the planner’s site selection process is our Upfront Section, which makes its debut here (pages 10-20), in the 2011 Facilities & Destinations Mid-Market Review. This newsy pastiche features recent and noteworthy meetings, conventions, tradeshows and other events, industry trends and pulse-of-today interviews from industry leaders. Upfront includes: Meeting Watch, Tradeshow Watch, Exhibition Watch, Convention Center Watch, Community Events Watch, Conference Watch, What’s New, Industry Trends and Leading Edge mini-profiles. Upfront is an informative, fun-to-read snapshot of the current state of the Meetings Industry.

Look for the Upfront section in our upcoming 2011-2012 Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide (winter) and 2012 Facilities & Destinations SuperBook (spring) issues. If you have any suggestions for events or executives to be featured in Upfront, please email our Editorial Director, Timothy Herrick – [email protected]. Keep us informed so we can keep the industry informed.

Along those lines, please take note of our 2012 Awards of Excellence ballot on page 51. We are taking votes for our Prime Site (convention centers) and Top Destination (CVBs) Awards through January, so please take the time to fill out and send back to us your votes and thoughts. Help us recognize your business partners that have made your recent events (and your own site selection process!) a success.

The Meeting Industry is not just about the venues or the cities, but the meetings, conventions, tradeshows and other events they host, but the people who plan the events, the personnel who make them happen, and the events themselves. Site Selection is only the beginning; Facilities & Destinations is the best place to begin that process.

Giving Planners all elements that help make the Site Selection process more effective and efficient, so your event is successful and achieves its objectives. That is our mission.

Michael Caffin, Associate [email protected]

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sometimes nomenclature falls short of fully explaining the Meetings Industry. We call the Mid-Market a segment — and segment implies a part, or just a fraction of something — not the whole. Obviously, 2nd and 3rd tier cities are parts of the whole, the whole of

course being all the meetings, conventions and tradeshows that planners organize, in which attendees participate and all strata of destination hosts.

Another “segment” are 1st tier cities. Many associations and other organizations will only hold their annual conventions in large, high-profile destinations. But here is where the limitations of nomenclature are apparent. The bulk of Meeting Industry supply (facilities & their destinations) and demand (planners & their organizations) occurs outside the 1st tier segment. Both the destinations in the 2nd and 3rd tier and the associations and other organizations holding their events in this Mid-Market significantly outnumber 1st tier destinations or the events they host. Thus, the term segment seems somewhat misleading when it comes to designating the importance of the Mid-Market.

The vast scope of the Mid-Market, and the amount and diversity of the players doing business in these destinations, not only more than justifies this special issue of Facilities & Destinations, but makes this segment a true bellwether of the entire industry. From simple inquiries about what’s hot/what’s not to more complicated concerns about the state of the economy, when it comes to the Meetings Industry there’s no better place to ascertain answers than the Mid-Market.

Segment implies that the Mid-Market is just a sample. It is more than obvious that the Mid-Market is no mere canary in the coal mine; the Mid-Market is most of the coal mine.

The 2012 Facilities & Destinations Mid-Market Review is divided into two sections. A comprehensive overview of the Mid-Market – Mid-Market Cities: Competitive Packages Come in Smaller Sizes – begins on page 22. The Mid-Market Gallery, pages 30-38, our annual collection leading 2nd & 3rd tier destinations, shines the spotlight on a Mid-Market city as well as on a Meeting Planner whose event that city hosted.

ViEWPOiNT

MiD-MarkeT ciTies as MeeTing inDusTry inDicaTors: Moving

BeyonD noMenclaTure

So how are things in the Mid-Market segment, and what do these trends mean for the rest of the coal mine? Besides the easy wisecrack: go read it for yourself! – It is apparent the economy is still worrisome and no softened phrasing (again, the limits of nomenclature) such as “Cautious Optimism” can change that immutable fact.

That being said, the Mid-Market is exhibiting an energy that seems unique given today’s business climate. Noticeable, albeit often small, up-ticks in event bookings and meeting attendance are being recorded. Perhaps this is due to the cost-effective packages being devised, the new facilities and other hospitality infrastructure improvements 2nd and 3rd tier destinations have invested in, or the fact Mid-Market CVB professionals, adapting to new realities, have become more aggressive in their marketing. Some might say those things were true in 2008 and 2009, which most analysts agree was the height of our current economic crisis. True enough, but the difference might be the audience for those messages – Meeting Planners – have become receptive to the Mid-Market message. The attitude among 2nd & 3rd tier industry professionals is noticeably more upbeat now than it was then. At the very least, the general consensus is the worst is over.

As far as being a bellwether, maybe the Mid-Market is not just an indicator of the Meetings Industry as a whole, but the economy as a whole. People are eager to get back to business. Meetings, Conventions and Tradeshows are where industries and professions realize ideas and fulfill ambitions; what takes place at these events will often determine the parameters of how near-term business is conducted within the many sectors of the economy.

If that is the case, what the 2012 Facilities & Destinations Mid-Market Review indicates the Meetings Industry possesses a renewed vigor.

Timothy Herrick, Editorial [email protected] Me on Facebook.

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Planner Perspectives Planner Perspectives Planner PerspectivesPlanner PerspectivesPlanner Perspectives

Today’s meeting planner has to wear many different hats. Probably the most visible is budget manager, aka bean counter, savings guru, tightwad, etc. With budgets decreasing and costs increasing, getting your budget manager hat to fit is trickier than ever. Here are four things to know to make this

hat fit. 1) Know your destinationMost destinations offer ways to reduce your costs, but you have to know those destinations, what they offer, and when. I planned a conference in Portland for a “budget-challenged” client. We chose Portland over other destinations for one over riding reason: no sales tax (this was several years ago). That was a HUGE savings on a conference of 700 people where 2/3 of the guest rooms as well as all catering went to the Master Bill. We also found additional savings by holding the conference in September, which is shoulder (off season) season in Portland, helping us get the most favorable room rate possible.

2) Know your venueResearch venues, their seasonal pricing structures especially, before you begin negotiating a contract. If you’re considering a Pasadena hotel blocks away from the Rose Bowl for a weekend program during football season, you are going to pay peak season rates and receive few concessions. However, if you can consider that same venue for a Sunday-Tuesday pattern before or after the football season, when the demand is lower, you will see a dramatic difference in the room rates and other charges. If your group requires a government per diem rate, you should consider an Orlando resort in July knowing that they can come closer to your budgetary needs.

3) Know your group Knowing your meeting attendees, their demographics, history and preferences helps you understand where you can cut back and where you should splurge. I organized an event for travel agents who wanted a travel agent room rate and many concessions. The venue refused at first. But, the travel agents had a history of being “festive,” so I pointed out that the bar outlets would see at least a 50-percent increase in their drinks revenue during the conference. Once the sales manager

confirmed this data, he went to the revenue manager and got us our rate. None of that would have been possible without a detailed understanding of your attendees distinctive characteristics.

4) Know your meeting Knowing your meeting set up and attendance numbers may sound general, but cost savings is always a matter of details and taking nothing, no matter how obvious, for granted. If your group wants a 24-hour hold on their general session room and all of their breakout rooms, find out why. If they have proprietary information or an elaborate set up in the rooms, then reserve the space that way. However, if they want a 24-hour hold on the space simply because they have always had a 24-hour hold on the space, recommend dropping it as a cost savings measure. You can often find savings in areas when the only justification is that the organization “has always done it that way.” Leveraging your knowledge of an event to find cost savings is an effective way to add value for your client and get the best rates since you will now exactly concessions to ask for or to give into during negotiations.

Jennifer Beam Johnson is president of the Johnson Meetings Group in Raleigh, NC. A boutique, third party planning firm, the Johnson Meetings Group specializes in leadership programs, advisory boards, and association programs. Visit them online at www.JohnsonMeetings.com.

Planner Perspectives

M a k i n g y o u r B u D g e T M a n a g e r h a T F i T : 4 T h i n g s T o k n o w

By Jennifer Beam Johnson

Planner Perspectives Planner Perspectives Planner PerspectivesPlanner PerspectivesPlanner Perspectives


Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectives

when choosing a suburban meeting facility, there are several key factors to

consider:• Location• Accessibility• Service levels• Meeting space flexibility

In today’s economy, selecting the most appropriate facility to host your meeting or event is critical to help ensure participants receive maximum value by attending.

So how do you choose the best facility?

Ensure the facility is easily accessible to the meeting attendees, taking into account their means of travel – for example, will they be driving or flying to your meeting? Parking, sales and occupancy taxes tend to be higher near airports and major cities, which can account for increased costs for attendees.

Couple this with the potential for additional fees often associated with large exhibit halls, and meeting in suburban properties can often reduce a meeting owners’ costs by 30-40 percent. In addition to the location, a facility that offers a wide variety of flexible meeting space and other activities for attendees to experience will often create a more memorable event. This flexibility can allow you to provide a varied environment that sets the proper tone for your meeting audience.

Plus, having a facility that can offer a large number of meeting options is key to controlling costs – as attendance

in our uncertain economy can vary. Having your event in a large space will often incur increased costs if attendance suddenly drops or is lower than originally anticipated and contracted. Facilities that have large amounts of diverse space to offer are often less affected compared to those with only a limited number of meeting rooms. Other key factors to consider are the facility’s technology capabilities,

lighting, service levels and consistency of service. Longevity in the marketplace is a bonus for any meeting program since it showcases an ability to adapt to shifts in economies and marketplaces that occur over many years.

Whether it is a buyer’s or seller’s market, suburban locations will always provide the best options for a wide variety of meetings and events. The next time you consider meeting downtown, take a step back, jump on the web and search for suburban meeting locations. You may just be surprised by how much there is to offer for your event and your attendees – and everyone is sure to enjoy the change of pace.

Tim Hobbs started his career in hospitality management nearly 30 years ago. His professional career has kept him in the Midwest serving as Director of Sales, Director of Marketing for Sheraton, Hilton, Omni, Hyatt and nearly 10 years of Strategic Meeting Management with a Chicago based Fortune 100 company. He has contracted meetings across all continents and specializes in customized contracting terms and conditions for both planners and hoteliers. His current role as Director of Business Development at Oakbrook Hotels, brings him back to his roots of helping clients create memorable meetings and events at outstanding value.

Meeting Perspectives

e n h a n c i n g T h e a T T e n D e e e x p e r i e n c e w i T h s u B u r B a n M e e T i n g F a c i l i T i e s

By Tim HobbsDirector of Business Development at Oakbrook Hotels

Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectives

Rhode IslandConvention Center

Lots of ChoicesOne Decision

From Mozart to Monster Trucks, basketball to business meetings, the Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment Complex has the flexibility to make your next convention or special event one to remember. Our experienced staff will work with you to choose the facilities and services that best fit your objectives. There are lots of options but only one decision – book your next event at the Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment Complex.

401.456.0200 | [email protected] | GoProvidence.comThe Dunk and Convention Center are managed by SMG and The Vets by PFM.

Photo: Steven Schwartz

Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau

UpFront

Leading Edge: Eleuterio “Luther” VillagomezChief Operating OfficerGeorge R. Brown Convention CenterHouston, Texas

Bio: Employed at the GRB for 25 years, in July was named COO.

Exciting Event: The NCAA Final Four was a great event for the city. Final Four events filled the convention center, Discovery Green

park, and Reliant Stadium. Houston was showcased to the millions of people watching the games and other activities.

What are Planners Looking For: Meeting planners increasingly are placing a premium on convenience, cost effectiveness, and friendly atmosphere. The trend toward “green” meetings continues unabated.

Industry Forecast: Social media will continue to change the way meeting planners and convention attendees function. Nothing remains static in this business and you have to be willing to adapt to the ever-changing needs of meeting planners. What worked this year is not necessarily the blueprint for success next year.

Why Houston? Houston has dramatically increased the amenities for convention and tradeshow customers in the last 10 years. Houston offers new hotels, more restaurants, more green space, more attractions, and all at affordable prices.

Management Philosophy: 1) Listen to your customers and be committed to their needs; 2) Give them what they want and partner with them – their success is our success; 3) Develop lasting relationships by providing superior performance; 4) Challenge staff and contractors to develop new ideas and techniques to meet increasing customer demands and future challenges; 5) The word NO is not part of our vocabulary.

The annual meeting of Experience Columbus, the Convention & Visitors Bureau of Columbus, Ohio had an appropriately high-profile setting, the facility’s stunning Battelle Grand, the new 74,000-square-foot, multi-purpose grand ballroom, which opened in 2010.

Thousands of educators, counselors and other Youth Camp Professionals gathered at the Atlantic City Convention Center for the American Camp Association’s Tri-State CAMP Conference held in March.

Meeting Watch

As a result of the expanded size of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the True Value Company was able to hold their convention in Philadelphia for the first time September 23-25. During the convention, Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter, second from the left, toured the exhibit floor, which featured, for the first time, a 5,000-square-foot hardware store. Joining Mayor Nutter on the tour were, from left: Lyle Hindemann, president & CEO, True Value; Susan Katz, director of corporate events and travel, True Value and Jack Ferguson, president & CEO, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau.

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When you book your next meeting at the Austin Convention Center, we also

throw in 300+ days of sunshine. Lady Bird Lake and the Hike & Bike Trail are just

steps from our door, with the Highland Lakes and elite golf courses only a short

drive away. Here in Austin, after the wrap-up, it’s time to wind down.

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ACON_FacilitiesDestinations_2011.indd 1 10/13/11 1:13 PM

Leading Edge: Kathleen CanningDeputy General Manager Orange County Convention CenterOrlando, Florida

Bio: With the Orange County Convention Center since 1985, promoted to her current position in 2002. Supervised planning and development for the Center’s three expansion projects.

Most Exciting 2011 Events: SAP Global Marketing (Sapphire is a beautiful interactive show floor with exceptional use of technology, dynamic spaces and creative food & beverage opportunities). I was impressed with the development of the technology that was presented, the international dynamic, the building of an actual broadcast center on the show floor; every part of the show floor is carefully choreographed and coordinated.

What Planners Want: Up-to-date technology, good value and exceptional customer service.

Industry Forecast: The convention/tradeshow industry will continue to provide face-to-face meetings and remain the economic stabilizer as attendee’s meet to assess their industry’s economic climate. Attendance in 2011 was exceeded by many of the larger conventions and the international attendance seemed to be stronger. Face-to-face meetings continue to bring events together; exhibits are remaining flat but are growing in attendance.

Management Philosophy: Collaborative communication and the team approach with all customers as the main focus.

OCCC’s Best Feature: The welcoming attitude of our employees is the best, plus the flexibility of over 2 million square feet in total exhibition space.

UpFront

The Central Plains Dairy Association, which represents the dairy industry throughout Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and North Dakota, hosts the Central Plains Dairy Expo, a trade show and conference each March, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

Motown is called the Motor City for good reason. Detroit is the capital of America’s automobile industry and home of the COBO Center, Michigan’s world-class, 2.4-million-square-foot-meeting and convention complex, which hosts the North American International Auto Show, attended by tens of thousands each year.

Photos: Bill Bowen

The Religious News Writers Association met at the Durham Convention Center in Durham, North Carolina in September. Although a relatively small event – 260 attendees – the 33,000-square-foot convention center, which features 15 meeting rooms, offers planners flexibility and accommodates concurrent events.

Exhibition Watch

Meeting Watch

Tradeshow Watch


You’re meeting on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.YYou’re meeting on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.ou’re meeting on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.Wonderful destination. Great facility. Smooth registration. Happy delegates. Now, you can relax.

We offer a wide variety of services designed to make life easier for you. Attendance-building brochures and destination photos. Computer-generated name tags and on-site registration. Local promotional items to fi ll your welcome bags.

The Mississippi Coast Convention Center is a fully fl exible facility offering 400,000 square feet of newly expanded and renovated exhibit and meeting space. This facility offers all the modern amenities meeting planners desire. The facility offers a wide range of services including Meeting Matrix.

There’s plenty to do on breaks. We offer twenty-six miles of beach. World-class casino resorts. Stunning accommodations. Fine cuisine. Signature golf courses. Shopping in exclusive boutiques and factory outlets.

Wish you were here? Quit wishin’ and start relaxing. Call us today about adding the Misssissippi Gulf Coast to your itinerary and plan to relax.

and renovated exhibit and meeting space. This facility

Call Crystal JohnsonDirector of SalesMississippi Gulf Coast CVBPh: 888-467-4853 (Ext. 215)Email: [email protected]

Mississippi Coast Convention Center

MGC 2011 Fac&Dest.indd 1 2/18/11 12:05 PM

The 2010 Loaf ‘N Jug Annual Conference, attended by 400 managers was hosted by the Pueblo Convention Center in Pueblo, Colorado. Loaf ‘N Jug is a convenience store chain with locations in Colorado, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.

Conference Watch

Leading Edge: Ted BallwegAsst. Center Manager - Director of Sales & MarketingAlliant Energy CenterMadison, Wisconsin

Bio: With the Alliant Alliant Energy Center since 1995. The venues in the complex are Exhibition Hall (convention center), Coliseum (performance facility) and Willow

Island (outdoor festival grounds). Prior experience – 10 years in Marketing, Event Management, International Sales and Customer Service.

Exciting Event: Our most exciting convention is the annual World Dairy Expo, which has more than 700 exhibitors and 75,000 attendees from 90 countries, and hundreds of seminars, banquets and virtual tours.

Meeting Planner Expectations: Today’s meeting planners are primarily looking for: (1) Great Value (for themselves and attendees), and (2) Venue partners with a solid foundation for providing event success.

Industry Forecast: The industry in the next year will be similar to the way it has been in 2011 – Guarded optimism with serious focus on return on investment. Small shows that fill a solid niche are growing; large shows that don’t evolve with new ideas/products or value, are not.

My Facility: Event and Meeting planners love the location of the Alliant Energy Center. Post-event surveys also indicate they appreciate all of the extra efforts we put into helping an event succeed in every way. Even when successful we seek new ways to make it better!

UpFront

The Hometown Heroes Award Breakfast is held every March at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. The event honors local individuals who have shown courage, kindness, and unselfish character by their actions and is sponsored by the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, which was founded in 1906 and serves more than 70 cities and towns throughout the region.

Community Events Watch

14

Leading Edge: Nicholas A. Langella Senior Vice President/ General Manager St Louis Convention & Visitors Commission/America’s Center

Bio: 30+ years in facility management; two years at his current position with the America’s Center.

Most Exciting Event: The American Society of Association Executives Annual Meeting & Expo, which is the Super Bowl of the meetings industry. It’s a convention of 4-5000 meeting planners each with their own potential business for your city. We spent the past year and half getting ready, undergoing a $50-million renovation of the convention center. We are already beginning to see an increase in business as a result.

Industry Forecast: The industry as a whole will improve over the next few years. Our book for the next few years is steadily increasing not only with conventions and tradeshows but also we are seeing special event and corporate business coming back. As money begins to free-up the need to market becomes more evident, we expect growth in the size of shows, exhibits, and ancillary services associated with those events.

Management Philosophy: Building managers set the tone for customer service. Be well-educated and knowledgeable in your product and have the ability to make instantaneous decisions which benefit our customers. Be willing to take a risk, be innovative, technology savvy and find ways to do business better and more efficiently.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 Mid-Market

Columbus: Discover Battelle Grand – the new place to be!

The SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center is celebrating the transforma-tion of an existing exhibition/concert venue into Battelle Grand - a magnificent multi-purpose ballroom that is the largest in Ohio and one of the biggest in the Midwest. The $40 million renovation adds the finishing touches to an already beautifully unique facility.

Battelle Grand features:• 74,000-square-foot ballroom• 50,000 square feet on the main floor; 24,000 on the mezzanine• Floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the city• Divisible into 5 configurations• LED “fin” lighting capable of 65,000 different color combinations

Experience these Greater Columbus Convention Center amenities:• Winner of consecutive Prime Site Awards annually since 1998• 1.7 million square feet of total space• 410,000 square feet of exhibit space, including 336,000 contiguous• 65 meeting rooms• Exhibitor friendly facility with affordable labor rates • Located in midst of Columbus High Five vibrant entertainment and arts area• Columbus ranked second-most affordable U.S. trade show destination by Tradeshow Week Affordable flights and close to airport Affordable hotels and parking connected to facility

Call us toll-free at(800) 626-0241 to discover what

the Greater Columbus Convention Centercan offer you.

Ellen Dallager, Dallager Photography


Leading Edge: Judy GoldbarGeneral ManagerSacramento Convention Center Complex

Bio: Eight years in the catering industry, 27 in meeting & event industry; with Sacramento since 1981; General Manager since 2005.

Exciting Event: The Unified Wine and Grape Symposium. Their show covers all facets of the wine industry, from growing,

bottling, blending, education, consuming and collecting. They also provide a huge positive economic impact to the City’s hospitality industry.

What Planners Want: Hands down, meeting planners are looking for the best value for their client.

Industry Forecast: The convention business will remain flat, while association, conference, entertainment and food and beverage business will show increases in the neighborhood of 3-5 percent.

Smaller or Bigger: Unique shows such as the Reptile Show, Scrapbooking Expo, and children’s clothing consignment shows are growing. Home Shows are getting smaller because it is too costly for small vendors to take time from their business to participate.

Sacramento: Our staff is committed to providing excellent customer service. They make each client feel as though their event is the most important event we do. Coupled with Sacramento’s enjoyable and friendly atmosphere, make us a hit!

Management Philosophy: Make sure you and your staff have a well a defined vision, purpose, and strategy, then get out of their way so they can achieve success!

UpFront

DealCenter, LLCTake the work out of trade show networking340 Royal Poinciana Way-Suite 317/#345Palm Beach, FL 33480(866) 430-3023; Fax: (201) 624-7316www.deal-center.com

The DealCenter is a turnkey product for trade show, conference or expo organizers. DealCenter, LLC works with trade show, expo or conference management companies to provide an online meeting system that enhances the peer-to- peer networking at the event for attendees and exhibitors. The DealCenter team also provides on-site management of the physical DealCenter or meeting area as well as all technical and customer support.

UrbanRide421 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10001 (800) 525-5750; Fax: (212) 202-9638 www.urbanride.net

Chief Executive Officer: Jeremy MilikowSenior Vice President: Mitch Bornstein, SVP

‘Leading Global Provider of Meeting & Event Transportation’

UrbanRide is a global provider of ground transportation for meetings & events, and uses the top-of-the-line sedans, SUVs, vans, minibuses and motorcoaches. We provide our clients with IMS, our software that enables meeting planners to better manage transportation for their meetings, conferences, conventions, tradeshows & other events. We work exclusively with meeting & event planners and our customer service is the best in the business. UrbanRide is a one-stop solution for meeting & event transportation.

Keppler Speakers4350 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22203(703) 516-4000; Fax: (703) 516-4819www.kepplerspeakers.comSenior VP for Sales and Marketing: John Truran

With Keppler Speakers, creating memorable meetings never felt so easy. With over 25 years of experience, we provide you solid, seasoned expertise, making speaker selection stress-free by managing all of the details. Keppler Speakers saves you precious time by matching you with speakers who are right on target. From proven performers to dynamic rising stars, our speakers bring fascinating, real stories and a gift for inspiring audiences.

93Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

Yo u r P r o d u c ts & S e rv i c e s R e s o u r c eB u y e r’s G u i de

Don’t Get Stuck in a Fishbowl!The Facilities Media Group

Facilities & DestinationsFacilities • Conference • Planner Guide

Facilities LIVE • Booking GuideFacilities & Event Management

www.Facilitiesonline.com

POTHOS, Inc.2260 El Cajon Blvd. #474San Diego, CA 92104 (619) 546-0621: Fax: (413) 723-7838www.pothos.usPresident & CEO: Michael Patton, CMM

“Our company ethos is Integrity, Clarity and Reliability. POTHOS works in a forthright manner that considers transparent communication as the cornerstone to a successful relationship with our guests and travel partners.”

POTHOS, Inc. is a globally recognized strategic meeting management company and corporate travel agency that specializes in using cutting-edge technology and resources to compete with much larger companies at a value, offering clients cost savings and efficient personal event planning services. POTHOS, Inc. specializes in the following 3 core competencies: 1. Full Service Strategic Meeting Management; 2. Full Service Corporate/VIP Travel Management; 3. Logistics – Freight & People. POTHOS, Inc. is your ONE source for meeting, travel and logistics. Achievement of goals and objectives, ROI and ROO are the basis of our strategic approach.

The C.W. Allen Group, LLC 5130 Cyrus Circle, Birmingham, AL 35242(205) 263-0555 Fax: (205) 263-0557www.cwallengroup.comDirector of Industry Relations: Jackie Jones

Brighter Ideas… Better Results ™

The C.W. Allen Group is North America’s leading event marketing consultancy delivering the industry’s leading exhibitor education and training program, Exhibiting ROI-Q Academy™, which has consistently proven to greatly increase exhibitor success/ROI, to significantly increase exhibitor “retention rates”… and to dramatically increase event sponsorship sales. It is the exhibition industry’s leading and fastest growing exhibitor education, training, and full time/full service “consulting” solution and is fully supported by the International Economic Alliance – conceived at Harvard University, TSEA, BPA Worldwide and ECEF. The C.W. Allen Group delivers the exhibition industry’s leading network quality, global television productions on a risk-free and revenue-generating basis.

The Facilities Media Group

Don’t Get Stuck in a Fishbowl!The Facilities Media Group

Facilities & Destinations SuperBook Facilities & Destinations Mid-Market Review

Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide Facilities & Destinations CONFERENCE

Facilities SuperBook • Facilities Booking Guide Facilities & Event Management

Facilitiesonline.com

In 2010, this Milwaukee convention center was renamed the Frontier Airlines Center and that same year, in keeping with its new moniker, hosted the 35th Annual RAA (Regional Airlines Association) Convention & Tradeshow. Attended by nearly 1,500, including Airline executives and employees as well as Airline Industry product suppliers, who took up 200 booths, this four day meeting showcased regional airlines and new aviation technology. Regional Airlines, which fly between smaller airports and hubs, make up more than half of all daily departures in the United States.

Convention Watch

100 Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

Adventure Aquarium .........................15Akron/Summit CVB ............................53Albuquerque Convention Center.....69Alliant Energy Center of Dane County ......................................54Austin Convention Center ................71Baton Rouge CVB ..............................37Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex ........................39Boston Convention & Exhibition Center ...............................19Branson Convention Center .............55Charleston Civic Center ....................35Cox Business Services Convention Center ............................75Colorado Springs CVB ......................73Daytona Beach Area CVB .................40Fairplex ...............................................77

George R. Brown Convention Center ...........................C2Greater Boston CVB ..........................17Greater Columbus Convention Center ............................59Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center ..............C3Hawaii Convention Center ................81Jacob Javits Convention Center ......21Kansas City Convention Center ........60Lake George NY’s Adirondacks ........27Meadowlands Exposition Center .....23Miami Beach Convention Center .....43Midwest Airlines Center ...................C4Mobile Convention Center .................3Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center .....................63Morial Convention Center ................45Norfolk CVB .......................................33

Oklahoma City CVB ...........................83Oncenter ............................................24Orange County Convention Center ............................47Oregon Convention Center ..............85Positively Cleveland ...........................57Providence Warwick CVB ..................25Puerto Rico Convention Center .......91Rapid City CVB...................................65Rhode Island Convention Center .......9Rochester Riverside Convention Center ............................29Sacramento Convention Center .......87Salina Bicentennial Center ................62Savannah Area CVB ...........................49Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center ..............................7SMG ......................................................5Valley Forge Convention Center ......31

Facilities & Destinations SuperBook Advertiser Index

32 Facilities 2010–2011 Booking Guide

Reliant PaRkOne Reliant ParkHouston, TX 77054(832) 667-1400; Fax: (832) 667-1748www.reliantpark.comAssistant General Manager: Jeff Gaines

Snapshot: Reliant Park is the premier entertainment, sports, convention, trade-show and special event complex located in Houston’s South Main corridor. The complex features three distinct facilities – Reliant Stadium, Reliant Center and Reliant Arena. Reliant Park encompass-es 350 acres has 26,000 parking spaces and hosts more 600 events per year.Capacities: Reliant Stadium (71,500 seats and 125,000 sq. ft. of space for general sessions, catered functions and/or exhibits).Reliant Center (1.4 million gross sq.ft/706,213 sq. ft of single level contiguous exhibit space divisible into 11 separate halls also has 61 meeting rooms).

Reliant arena (approximately 8,000 seats and a 2,000-seat pavilion and 350,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space).the key feature of the Reliant Park complex is its flexibility. With four unique and adaptable venues, the Reliant Park complex has the versatility to accommodate any variety of events rang-ing from corporate meetings and team building seminars, to employee apprecia-tion and holiday parties! Backstage areas: 4 meeting rooms and 20,000 sq. ft backstage floor space 2 Locker rooms with showers and 15,000 sq. ft of catering/hospitality area.Marketing: An email database of 170,000 for pre-sales and special offers.Parking: 26,000 spaces.Demographics: Houston is the fourth most populous city in the United States. The greater Houston metropolitan area has a population of approximately 4 million people. The Houston City Statistical Area (CSA) covers 12,476 square miles. Houston is also a major media market, ranking 10th in size.

76 Facilities SuperBook 2009The West

AMERICANBANKCENTER901 N. ShorelineCorpus Christi, TX 78403(361) 826-4100; Fax: (361) 826-4905www.americanbankcenter.comGeneral Manager: Marc Solis

Corpus Christi’s Premier Event CenterSnapshot: AmericanBank Center islocated downtown in the Sparking Cityby the Sea, along the beautiful CorpusChristi bayfront. The architecturallypleasing building includes an Arena,Auditorium, and Convention Center.From sparkling glass to Texas lime-stone, the center’s improved facilitiesare a pleasure to see and experience.The AmericanBank Center Arena ishome to the CHL’s Corpus ChristiRayz hockey team, the Corpus ChristiSharks arena football2 team, and theTexas A&M University-Corpus ChristiSouthern Conference IslandersBasketball teams. The AmericanBank

Center Selena Auditorium, originallybuilt in 1979, has earned an OutstandingAcoustical Rating and has been one ofthe most attended venues for entertain-ment in the Coastal Bend area.Seating Capacities: AmericanBankCenter Arena – 9,000 +; SelenaAuditorium – 2,500.Exhibition Space: 76,500 sq. ft. (total);Bayview Ballroom – 20,000 sq. ft.;Watergarden Room – 25,366 sq. ft.Staging: StageRight brand stage, fullcapabilities for any size event.Sound/Lighting: State-of-the-art arenalighting system and arena sound system.Backstage Areas: 5 dressing rooms, 2 pro-duction offices, 2 loading docks, 2 separateload in/out doors, secure loading dock.Food & Beverage: Award-winningCenterplate provides in-house cateringand concessions.Parking: 2,000-2,500 parking spaceswithin five blocks of the building. Up to6,500 spaces available for large events.Marketing: full-service, in-houseMarketing Department.Demographics: Serves a market ofmore than 500,000; Located just twohours from San Antonio, 3 hours fromHouston.See ad on page 65

TEXAS

DODGE ARENA2600 North 23rd Street (Hwy 336)Hidalgo, TX 78557(956) 843-6688; Fax: (956) 843-5547www.dodgearena.comGeneral Manager: James Bricker

Snapshot: The Dodge Arena is locatedin Hidalgo, Texas, just minutes from theU.S.-Mexico border. Since its openingin October 2003, this $23-million multi-purpose complex is one of its kind in thearea and has consistently ranked in thetop 100 venues worldwide. PermanentDodge Arena tenants include the CHLRio Grande Valley Killer Bees, AF2 RioGrande Valley Dorados, and the NBA-DLeague Rio Grande Valley Vipers.Capacities: 6,800-seat arena that willconfigure up to 5,500-seats for ice hock-ey, football and soccer and a center stageconcert capacity of 6,800-seats.Backstage Areas: 2 main artist dressingrooms; 3 locker rooms that also serve asdressing rooms; private catering room;production office; accounting office.

Food & Beverage: 3 concessions areas;lounge/meeting room in the VIPentrance for club and suite holders; full-service bar off the concourse; suite levelfeatures a small bar exclusively for suiteholders.Audience Amenities: 508 luxury clubseats and 26 private suites, complete withVIP parking passes, and access to exclu-sive VIP bars and lounges.Parking: 2,200 surface parking spaces,with one designated VIP parking lot forsuite and club seat holders.Marketing: full-service in-house market-ing department that offers assistance withthe production and placement of tradi-tional media in both the United Statesand Mexico; marketing tools offeredinclude: email blasts, web advertising,street team advertising, and advertisingon Arena’s closed circuit television,Jumbotron, and outdoor marquee.Demographics: The Dodge Arena has acustomer base of more than 2.7 millionpeople (1 million along the U.S. side ofthe border, 1.7 million along theMexican side of the border), and is locat-ed in an area of South Texas known asthe Rio Grande Valley. The Valley is inthe top 100 television markets, and is the10th largest Hispanic DMA (86% of thepopulation is Hispanic).See ad on page 66

TEXAS

FAIR PARK, DALLAS1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd at Grand AveDallas, TX 75210P.O. Box 159090 Dallas, TX 75315(214) 670-8400; Fax: (214) 670-8907www.fairpark.orgExecutive General Manager: Daniel HuertaSales Manager: Steven Flores

Snapshot: A 1930’s Art Deco Culturaland Entertainment Venue, a nationalhistoric landmark since 1986, and hometo the 1936 World’s Fair, Fair Park isconveniently located two miles east ofdowntown Dallas and one of the mostunique venues in the country. Duringthe last 10 years a number of the exhi-bition styled buildings have been reno-vated and restored to their original1936 grandeur including restoring thebeautiful Art Deco murals and basrelief ’s on the Centennial Hall, Food &Fiber Building, Automobile Buildingand Tower Building. In addition to the

façade of the Band Shell, an open airamphitheater, the unique lighting hasbeen restored as well as the bench seats.Capacities: over 850,000 sq. ft. ofrentable space including seven exhibi-tion halls ranging in size from 25,000sq. ft. of space to 94,500 sq. feet. ofspace; 6 performance facilities includingthe Music Hall. The Cotton BowlStadium has 90,000+ permanent chair-back seats; Fair Park Coliseum—28,000sq. ft. arena floor with 9,552 seats; TheBand Shell is an open-air amphitheaterwith 3,800 permanent seats and a seat-ing capacity of 4,500; AutomobileBuilding—84,500 sq. ft.; CentennialHall—94,500 sq ft.; Food & FiberPavilion—25,000 sq. ft.; Grand PlaceBuilding—50,000 sq. ft.; TowerBuilding—40,000 sq ft.; EmbarcaderoBuilding—27,000 sq. ft.Parking: 9,251 parking spaces insidethe park and 7,250 formal parkingspaces immediately adjacent to thepark.Market: visited by over 7 million peo-ple each year; site for more than 1,200special events and cultural festivals.See ad on page 67

TEXAS

RELIANT PARKOne Reliant ParkHouston, TX 77054(832) 667-1400; Fax: (832) 667-1748www.reliantpark.comAssistant General Manager: Jeff Gaines

Snapshot: Reliant Park is the premierentertainment, sports, convention,tradeshow and special event complexlocated in Houston’s South Main corri-dor. The complex features three distinctfacilities – Reliant Stadium, ReliantCenter and Reliant Arena. Reliant Parkencompasses 350 acres has 26,000 park-ing spaces and hosts more 600 eventsper year.Capacities: Reliant Stadium (71,500seats and 125,000 sq. ft. of space forgeneral sessions, catered functionsand/or exhibits).Reliant Center (1.4 million grosssq.ft/706,213 sq. ft of single level con-tiguous exhibit space divisible into 11separate halls also has 61 meeting

rooms).Reliant Arena (approximately 8,000seats and a 2,000-seat pavilion and350,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space).The key feature of the Reliant Parkcomplex is its flexibility. With fourunique and adaptable venues, theReliant Park complex has the versatilityto accommodate any variety of eventsranging from corporate meetings andteam building seminars, to employeeappreciation and holiday parties! Backstage areas: 4 meeting rooms and20,000 sq. ft backstage floor space 2 Locker rooms with showers and15,000 sq. ft of catering/hospitalityarea.Marketing: An email database of170,000 for pre-sales and special offers.Parking: 26,000 spaces.Demographics: Houston is the fourthmost populous city in the United States.The greater Houston metropolitan areahas a population of approximately 4 million people. The Houston CityStatistical Area (CSA) covers 12,476square miles. Houston is also a majormedia market, ranking 10th in size.See ad on page 71

TEXAS

West v1 1/13/09 8:43 AM Page 76

texas

76 Facilities SuperBook 2009The West

AMERICANBANKCENTER901 N. ShorelineCorpus Christi, TX 78403(361) 826-4100; Fax: (361) 826-4905www.americanbankcenter.comGeneral Manager: Marc Solis

Corpus Christi’s Premier Event CenterSnapshot: AmericanBank Center islocated downtown in the Sparking Cityby the Sea, along the beautiful CorpusChristi bayfront. The architecturallypleasing building includes an Arena,Auditorium, and Convention Center.From sparkling glass to Texas lime-stone, the center’s improved facilitiesare a pleasure to see and experience.The AmericanBank Center Arena ishome to the CHL’s Corpus ChristiRayz hockey team, the Corpus ChristiSharks arena football2 team, and theTexas A&M University-Corpus ChristiSouthern Conference IslandersBasketball teams. The AmericanBank

Center Selena Auditorium, originallybuilt in 1979, has earned an OutstandingAcoustical Rating and has been one ofthe most attended venues for entertain-ment in the Coastal Bend area.Seating Capacities: AmericanBankCenter Arena – 9,000 +; SelenaAuditorium – 2,500.Exhibition Space: 76,500 sq. ft. (total);Bayview Ballroom – 20,000 sq. ft.;Watergarden Room – 25,366 sq. ft.Staging: StageRight brand stage, fullcapabilities for any size event.Sound/Lighting: State-of-the-art arenalighting system and arena sound system.Backstage Areas: 5 dressing rooms, 2 pro-duction offices, 2 loading docks, 2 separateload in/out doors, secure loading dock.Food & Beverage: Award-winningCenterplate provides in-house cateringand concessions.Parking: 2,000-2,500 parking spaceswithin five blocks of the building. Up to6,500 spaces available for large events.Marketing: full-service, in-houseMarketing Department.Demographics: Serves a market ofmore than 500,000; Located just twohours from San Antonio, 3 hours fromHouston.See ad on page 65

TEXAS

DODGE ARENA2600 North 23rd Street (Hwy 336)Hidalgo, TX 78557(956) 843-6688; Fax: (956) 843-5547www.dodgearena.comGeneral Manager: James Bricker

Snapshot: The Dodge Arena is locatedin Hidalgo, Texas, just minutes from theU.S.-Mexico border. Since its openingin October 2003, this $23-million multi-purpose complex is one of its kind in thearea and has consistently ranked in thetop 100 venues worldwide. PermanentDodge Arena tenants include the CHLRio Grande Valley Killer Bees, AF2 RioGrande Valley Dorados, and the NBA-DLeague Rio Grande Valley Vipers.Capacities: 6,800-seat arena that willconfigure up to 5,500-seats for ice hock-ey, football and soccer and a center stageconcert capacity of 6,800-seats.Backstage Areas: 2 main artist dressingrooms; 3 locker rooms that also serve asdressing rooms; private catering room;production office; accounting office.

Food & Beverage: 3 concessions areas;lounge/meeting room in the VIPentrance for club and suite holders; full-service bar off the concourse; suite levelfeatures a small bar exclusively for suiteholders.Audience Amenities: 508 luxury clubseats and 26 private suites, complete withVIP parking passes, and access to exclu-sive VIP bars and lounges.Parking: 2,200 surface parking spaces,with one designated VIP parking lot forsuite and club seat holders.Marketing: full-service in-house market-ing department that offers assistance withthe production and placement of tradi-tional media in both the United Statesand Mexico; marketing tools offeredinclude: email blasts, web advertising,street team advertising, and advertisingon Arena’s closed circuit television,Jumbotron, and outdoor marquee.Demographics: The Dodge Arena has acustomer base of more than 2.7 millionpeople (1 million along the U.S. side ofthe border, 1.7 million along theMexican side of the border), and is locat-ed in an area of South Texas known asthe Rio Grande Valley. The Valley is inthe top 100 television markets, and is the10th largest Hispanic DMA (86% of thepopulation is Hispanic).See ad on page 66

TEXAS

FAIR PARK, DALLAS1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd at Grand AveDallas, TX 75210P.O. Box 159090 Dallas, TX 75315(214) 670-8400; Fax: (214) 670-8907www.fairpark.orgExecutive General Manager: Daniel HuertaSales Manager: Steven Flores

Snapshot: A 1930’s Art Deco Culturaland Entertainment Venue, a nationalhistoric landmark since 1986, and hometo the 1936 World’s Fair, Fair Park isconveniently located two miles east ofdowntown Dallas and one of the mostunique venues in the country. Duringthe last 10 years a number of the exhi-bition styled buildings have been reno-vated and restored to their original1936 grandeur including restoring thebeautiful Art Deco murals and basrelief ’s on the Centennial Hall, Food &Fiber Building, Automobile Buildingand Tower Building. In addition to the

façade of the Band Shell, an open airamphitheater, the unique lighting hasbeen restored as well as the bench seats.Capacities: over 850,000 sq. ft. ofrentable space including seven exhibi-tion halls ranging in size from 25,000sq. ft. of space to 94,500 sq. feet. ofspace; 6 performance facilities includingthe Music Hall. The Cotton BowlStadium has 90,000+ permanent chair-back seats; Fair Park Coliseum—28,000sq. ft. arena floor with 9,552 seats; TheBand Shell is an open-air amphitheaterwith 3,800 permanent seats and a seat-ing capacity of 4,500; AutomobileBuilding—84,500 sq. ft.; CentennialHall—94,500 sq ft.; Food & FiberPavilion—25,000 sq. ft.; Grand PlaceBuilding—50,000 sq. ft.; TowerBuilding—40,000 sq ft.; EmbarcaderoBuilding—27,000 sq. ft.Parking: 9,251 parking spaces insidethe park and 7,250 formal parkingspaces immediately adjacent to thepark.Market: visited by over 7 million peo-ple each year; site for more than 1,200special events and cultural festivals.See ad on page 67

TEXAS

RELIANT PARKOne Reliant ParkHouston, TX 77054(832) 667-1400; Fax: (832) 667-1748www.reliantpark.comAssistant General Manager: Jeff Gaines

Snapshot: Reliant Park is the premierentertainment, sports, convention,tradeshow and special event complexlocated in Houston’s South Main corri-dor. The complex features three distinctfacilities – Reliant Stadium, ReliantCenter and Reliant Arena. Reliant Parkencompasses 350 acres has 26,000 park-ing spaces and hosts more 600 eventsper year.Capacities: Reliant Stadium (71,500seats and 125,000 sq. ft. of space forgeneral sessions, catered functionsand/or exhibits).Reliant Center (1.4 million grosssq.ft/706,213 sq. ft of single level con-tiguous exhibit space divisible into 11separate halls also has 61 meeting

rooms).Reliant Arena (approximately 8,000seats and a 2,000-seat pavilion and350,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space).The key feature of the Reliant Parkcomplex is its flexibility. With fourunique and adaptable venues, theReliant Park complex has the versatilityto accommodate any variety of eventsranging from corporate meetings andteam building seminars, to employeeappreciation and holiday parties! Backstage areas: 4 meeting rooms and20,000 sq. ft backstage floor space 2 Locker rooms with showers and15,000 sq. ft of catering/hospitalityarea.Marketing: An email database of170,000 for pre-sales and special offers.Parking: 26,000 spaces.Demographics: Houston is the fourthmost populous city in the United States.The greater Houston metropolitan areahas a population of approximately 4 million people. The Houston CityStatistical Area (CSA) covers 12,476square miles. Houston is also a majormedia market, ranking 10th in size.See ad on page 71

TEXAS

West v1 1/13/09 8:43 AM Page 76

RiveRCenteR & aDleR theatRe 136 East Third Street, Davenport, IA 52801(563) 326-8500; Fax: (563) 326-8505www.adlertheatre.com www.riverctr.com Executive Director: Rick Palmer, CFE

“The Center With It All”Snapshot: Managed by VenuWorks, the classic, 2,411-seat Adler Theatre is a historic, art-deco yet also state-of-the-art PAC originally built in 1931 and most recently renovated in 2006. The Adler is part of the RiverCenter Complex, which features more than 100,000 square feet of meeting, exhibit and event space. The RiverCenter includes the Great Hall, featuring a seating capacity of 3,200 for general admissions and 2,500 reserved seats and the Mississippi River Hall, which can host 1,400 for general admis-sion and 1,100 reserved. Staging: 40’ deep from the plaster line to the back wall, 80’ wide, 38’ stage left of

center and 42’ stage right of center. The proscenium opening is 59’-4” wide. The height from stage floor to the grid is 69’. Backstage areas: 2 production offices; 800-sq.-ft. wardrobe room. 8 dressing rooms, 2 star dressing rooms; soloist room. Sound: 5 EV XLD281 Loudspeakers in the center cluster; Left and Right Clusters are (8 each side) EV XLC-127+. Soundcraft MH2 24 channel console. lighting: Balcony/Side House fills throughout the theatre. In-House Dimmers are controlled by an ETC Emphasis Server with an Express 125 faceplate.Food & Beverage: Adler Theatre has 2 permanent concession stands and the RiverCenter has 3 permanent conces-sion stands. audience amenities: Premiere Club Seating in loge; Broadway at the Adler Theatre Subscribers; Accessible seating on main floor.Marketing: Full service marketing/promotions coordination available.Parking: 750 covered parking spaces avail-able for Adler Theatre patrons. More than 2,300 additional spaces nearby. See ad on page 35

IOWa

RuShMoRe Plaza CiviC CenteR444 Mt. Rushmore Rd. N.Rapid City, SD 57701(605) 394-4115 or (800)-GOTMINEFax: (605) 394-4119www.gotmine.comGeneral Manager: Brian Maliske

The Center of It AllSnapshot: Rushmore Plaza Civic Center is South Dakota’s premier full-service performance, exhibition, convention and event complex. Since opening its doors in 1977, entertain-ment promoters, professional sports teams and business executives have all discovered that the Civic Center can meet their needs with profes-sional service and competitive pricing. The Complex features a 10,000-seat Arena, 1,746-seat Fine Arts Theatre, and 2 large Convention Halls with 12 various sized Meeting Rooms from 2,000 to 20,000. A new 6,500-seat

Ice Arena was added in Nov. 2008 to accomodate almost 7,500.exhibition Space: 180,000 sq. ft.Capacities: Arena—concerts and other entertainment: 10,000; Sports events seating: 5,700-8,500; half-house setting with seating up to 5,700 (Arena features 34,500 sq. ft. of uninterrupted space); The Rushmore Plaza Civic Center’s Fine Arts Theatre seats up to 1,746.Backstage areas: Arena has 2 star dressing rooms on the 2nd level and 5 locker/dressing rooms on the main floor; Fine Arts Theatre has 2 chorus rooms and 4 individual dressing rooms.Food & Beverage: 9 concession stands, club restaurant, and Food Court, multiple portable stands.audience amenities: Club Seating, Suites, Large Daktronics Video Screens.Parking: 4,000 Free Spaces.Demographics: 250,000 in ADI.See ad on Cover 2

62 Facilities SuperBook 2009The Midwest

ERVIN J. NUTTERCENTERat Wright State UniversitySuite 4303640 Colonel Glenn HighwayDayton, OH 45435-0001(937) 775-3498; Fax: (937) 775-2060www.nuttercenter.comExecutive Director: John Siehl, CFE

“Ohio’s premier spot for sports,concerts, and family events.”

Snapshot: This multipurpose entertain-ment and sports complex features1,000 – 12,000 seats. The venue openedin 1990 and has been renovated toallow hockey to be played and addedreinforced steel rigging along with newmotorized lower level seating, motor-ized center arena scoreboard, renovatedluxury suites and new-look concessionstands.Capacities: Basketball: 10,400;Hockey: 9,900; End-Stage Seating:11,500; Professional Wrestling/ In “TheRound” Seating: 11,500; Extreme

(Motorcross): 9,500.Staging: Stage right 60’ W x 40’ D x4’-7’ H; 2-12’x 24’ sound wings; Stageramping: ADA approved—floor tostage; Riser stock: Variable = 12” – 32”in height.Backstage Areas: Production Office:upstage left, floor level; DressingRooms: Two Star Dressing Rooms—upstage left, floor level; Four TeamDressing Rooms- upstage left.Sound: Center Cluster Unit.Lighting: 4 Lycain 1290 XLT, 2K.Food & Beverage: Ovations is theonsite concession and catering service; 8Concession stands (including the floorportable: limited menu); 2 Hot DogNation stands; 2 Black AngusHamburger stands; 1 Pizziola Pizzastand ; 1: Houssong’s Mexican Cantina;1 City BBQ; 1 Full Service Bar; 2Dippin’ Dots stands.Audience Amenities: Padded Seatingin first six rows; Video board in middleof the arena; Guest service booth.Parking: 4,238 spaces.Marketing: Marketing Departmentand a Group Sales Department.Demographics: 1.2 million people inthe Dayton area and the Greater MiamiValley.See ad on Page 47

OHIO

RUSHMORE PLAZACIVIC CENTER444 Mt. Rushmore Rd. N.Rapid City, SD 57701(605) 394-4115 or (800)-GOTMINEFax: (605) 394-4119www.gotmine.comSales and Marketing Manager:Steve Montgomery

The Center of It AllSnapshot: Rushmore Plaza CivicCenter is South Dakota’s premier full-service performance, exhibition, con-vention and event complex. Sinceopening its doors in 1977, entertain-ment promoters, professional sportsteams and business executives have alldiscovered that the Civic Center canmeet their needs with professional serv-ice and competitive pricing. TheComplex features a 10,000-seat Arena,1,752-seat Fine Arts Theatre, and 2large Convention Halls with 12 varioussized Meeting Rooms from 2,000 to 20.A new 6,500-seat Ice Arena was addedin Nov. 2008.

Exhibition Space: 180,000 sq. ft.Capacities: Arena—concerts and otherentertainment: 10,000; Sports eventsseating: 5,700-8,500; half-house settingwith seating up to 5,700 (Arena fea-tures 34,500 sq. ft. of uninterruptedspace); The Rushmore Plaza CivicCenter’s Fine Arts Theatre seats up to 1,752.Backstage Areas: Arena has 2 stardressing rooms on the 2nd level and 5locker/dressing rooms on the mainfloor; Fine Arts Theatre has 2 chorusrooms and 4 individual dressing rooms.Food & Beverage: 9 concession stands,club restaurant, and Food Court, multi-ple portable stands.Audience Amenities: Club Seating,Suites, Large Daktronics Video ScreensParking: 4,000 Free Spaces.Demographics: 250,000 in ADI.See ad on page 51

SOUTH DAKOTA

SWIFTEL CENTER824 32nd AvenueBrookings, SD 57006(605) 692-7539: Fax: (605) 697-6393www.swiftelcenter.comExecutive Director: Tom Richter

Midwest Hospitality at its Best!Snapshot: Managed by VenuWorks,the Swiftel Center is one of SouthDakota’s premier event centers formeetings and entertainment. With a30,000-square-foot Arena, state of theart Daktronics Banquet Rooms,Concourse, County Rooms, ConferenceRooms and In-House Catering service;the Swiftel Center can plan any eventthat you can imagine. Swiftel Centerfeatures a dedicated staff to make anyevent successful from conception toreality and provide superior service witha friendly smile.Seating Capacities: Basketball – 4,300;End-stage Concert (reserved) – 5,400;End stage Concert (festival) – 7,000.Exhibition Space: 30,000 sq. ft.Portable Staging: 40’ x 60’ x 4-6’ stage;(24) ME-500 supports, 48”-78”; (63)

4’x8’ decks, reversible tech; (12) 4’x8’decks, ground pepper carpet/ tech stage;(15) 8’ guardrails; (3) 4’ guardrails; (15)8’x48”-78” black skirting; (3) 4”x48”-78” black skirting; (8) 4’x8’x 18”-24”supports; (1) 21’x21’ dance floor.Sound: BOSE Quality Systems pow-ered by Crown Amplification.Lighting: Ruud Lights, (120) 400 WattMetal Halide; manually controlled.Backstage Areas: (4) Locker rooms;(2) Dressing room bathroom; (3) meet-ing Rooms.Food & Beverage: 2 Event level con-cession stands; full catering availableon-site.Marketing: full-service marketingdepartment.Demographics: The Swiftel Centerserves the tri-state region of SouthDakota, Minnesota and Iowa.See ad on page 53

SOUTH DAKOTA

ALERUS CENTER1200 South 42nd StreetGrand Forks, ND 58201(701) 792-1200; Fax: (701) 746-6511www.aleruscenter.comDirector of Administration: Vione Jordheim

Snapshot: Managed by VenuWorks,Alerus Center, built in 2001, is theregion’s premier, full service entertain-ment and event center and features both an arena and a conventioncenter. The Alerus Center Arena wasdesigned to serve as a multi-purpose,versatile facility capable of quick conversions while maintaining theintegrity of the “entertainment experi-ence”. Seating Capacities: Total –21,389; Arena Set End Stage: 11,029;Round: 12, 914; Half-House: 8,245;Standard Theater: 2,619.Staging: The stage right portable stageallows a maximum stage of 64’W x52’D x 4’ to 6’ H. Accessories includean accessible ramp, stairs, guardrails,and skirting. The standard mix stage isa 12’W x 24’D platform with heights

ranging from 1’ to 3’.Backstage Areas: 8 locker rooms;private offices, meeting rooms and startdressing rooms are available.Sound System: custom Bose system,powered by Crown amplification, andincludes corded microphones, wirelessmicrophones, CD and cassette players,mixing boards, and a variety of otheraudio-visual equipment.Lighting: mix of metal halide andquartz fixtures with a Douglas pro-grammable controller; full black-outcapabilities via an extensive half-housecurtaining system.Food & Beverage: 8 fixed concessionstands, 7 various portable stands,20 beer domes and 6 portable liquorstands; the Alerus Center also providesexclusive on-site catering service.Parking: 3,388 on-site spaces.Marketing: full in-house marketingdepartment.Demographics: more than one millionpeople within 2-hour driving radius.See ad on page 40

NORTH DAKOTA

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sOuth DakOta

62 Facilities SuperBook 2009The Midwest

ERVIN J. NUTTERCENTERat Wright State UniversitySuite 4303640 Colonel Glenn HighwayDayton, OH 45435-0001(937) 775-3498; Fax: (937) 775-2060www.nuttercenter.comExecutive Director: John Siehl, CFE

“Ohio’s premier spot for sports,concerts, and family events.”

Snapshot: This multipurpose entertain-ment and sports complex features1,000 – 12,000 seats. The venue openedin 1990 and has been renovated toallow hockey to be played and addedreinforced steel rigging along with newmotorized lower level seating, motor-ized center arena scoreboard, renovatedluxury suites and new-look concessionstands.Capacities: Basketball: 10,400;Hockey: 9,900; End-Stage Seating:11,500; Professional Wrestling/ In “TheRound” Seating: 11,500; Extreme

(Motorcross): 9,500.Staging: Stage right 60’ W x 40’ D x4’-7’ H; 2-12’x 24’ sound wings; Stageramping: ADA approved—floor tostage; Riser stock: Variable = 12” – 32”in height.Backstage Areas: Production Office:upstage left, floor level; DressingRooms: Two Star Dressing Rooms—upstage left, floor level; Four TeamDressing Rooms- upstage left.Sound: Center Cluster Unit.Lighting: 4 Lycain 1290 XLT, 2K.Food & Beverage: Ovations is theonsite concession and catering service; 8Concession stands (including the floorportable: limited menu); 2 Hot DogNation stands; 2 Black AngusHamburger stands; 1 Pizziola Pizzastand ; 1: Houssong’s Mexican Cantina;1 City BBQ; 1 Full Service Bar; 2Dippin’ Dots stands.Audience Amenities: Padded Seatingin first six rows; Video board in middleof the arena; Guest service booth.Parking: 4,238 spaces.Marketing: Marketing Departmentand a Group Sales Department.Demographics: 1.2 million people inthe Dayton area and the Greater MiamiValley.See ad on Page 47

OHIO

RUSHMORE PLAZACIVIC CENTER444 Mt. Rushmore Rd. N.Rapid City, SD 57701(605) 394-4115 or (800)-GOTMINEFax: (605) 394-4119www.gotmine.comSales and Marketing Manager:Steve Montgomery

The Center of It AllSnapshot: Rushmore Plaza CivicCenter is South Dakota’s premier full-service performance, exhibition, con-vention and event complex. Sinceopening its doors in 1977, entertain-ment promoters, professional sportsteams and business executives have alldiscovered that the Civic Center canmeet their needs with professional serv-ice and competitive pricing. TheComplex features a 10,000-seat Arena,1,752-seat Fine Arts Theatre, and 2large Convention Halls with 12 varioussized Meeting Rooms from 2,000 to 20.A new 6,500-seat Ice Arena was addedin Nov. 2008.

Exhibition Space: 180,000 sq. ft.Capacities: Arena—concerts and otherentertainment: 10,000; Sports eventsseating: 5,700-8,500; half-house settingwith seating up to 5,700 (Arena fea-tures 34,500 sq. ft. of uninterruptedspace); The Rushmore Plaza CivicCenter’s Fine Arts Theatre seats up to 1,752.Backstage Areas: Arena has 2 stardressing rooms on the 2nd level and 5locker/dressing rooms on the mainfloor; Fine Arts Theatre has 2 chorusrooms and 4 individual dressing rooms.Food & Beverage: 9 concession stands,club restaurant, and Food Court, multi-ple portable stands.Audience Amenities: Club Seating,Suites, Large Daktronics Video ScreensParking: 4,000 Free Spaces.Demographics: 250,000 in ADI.See ad on page 51

SOUTH DAKOTA

SWIFTEL CENTER824 32nd AvenueBrookings, SD 57006(605) 692-7539: Fax: (605) 697-6393www.swiftelcenter.comExecutive Director: Tom Richter

Midwest Hospitality at its Best!Snapshot: Managed by VenuWorks,the Swiftel Center is one of SouthDakota’s premier event centers formeetings and entertainment. With a30,000-square-foot Arena, state of theart Daktronics Banquet Rooms,Concourse, County Rooms, ConferenceRooms and In-House Catering service;the Swiftel Center can plan any eventthat you can imagine. Swiftel Centerfeatures a dedicated staff to make anyevent successful from conception toreality and provide superior service witha friendly smile.Seating Capacities: Basketball – 4,300;End-stage Concert (reserved) – 5,400;End stage Concert (festival) – 7,000.Exhibition Space: 30,000 sq. ft.Portable Staging: 40’ x 60’ x 4-6’ stage;(24) ME-500 supports, 48”-78”; (63)

4’x8’ decks, reversible tech; (12) 4’x8’decks, ground pepper carpet/ tech stage;(15) 8’ guardrails; (3) 4’ guardrails; (15)8’x48”-78” black skirting; (3) 4”x48”-78” black skirting; (8) 4’x8’x 18”-24”supports; (1) 21’x21’ dance floor.Sound: BOSE Quality Systems pow-ered by Crown Amplification.Lighting: Ruud Lights, (120) 400 WattMetal Halide; manually controlled.Backstage Areas: (4) Locker rooms;(2) Dressing room bathroom; (3) meet-ing Rooms.Food & Beverage: 2 Event level con-cession stands; full catering availableon-site.Marketing: full-service marketingdepartment.Demographics: The Swiftel Centerserves the tri-state region of SouthDakota, Minnesota and Iowa.See ad on page 53

SOUTH DAKOTA

ALERUS CENTER1200 South 42nd StreetGrand Forks, ND 58201(701) 792-1200; Fax: (701) 746-6511www.aleruscenter.comDirector of Administration: Vione Jordheim

Snapshot: Managed by VenuWorks,Alerus Center, built in 2001, is theregion’s premier, full service entertain-ment and event center and features both an arena and a conventioncenter. The Alerus Center Arena wasdesigned to serve as a multi-purpose,versatile facility capable of quick conversions while maintaining theintegrity of the “entertainment experi-ence”. Seating Capacities: Total –21,389; Arena Set End Stage: 11,029;Round: 12, 914; Half-House: 8,245;Standard Theater: 2,619.Staging: The stage right portable stageallows a maximum stage of 64’W x52’D x 4’ to 6’ H. Accessories includean accessible ramp, stairs, guardrails,and skirting. The standard mix stage isa 12’W x 24’D platform with heights

ranging from 1’ to 3’.Backstage Areas: 8 locker rooms;private offices, meeting rooms and startdressing rooms are available.Sound System: custom Bose system,powered by Crown amplification, andincludes corded microphones, wirelessmicrophones, CD and cassette players,mixing boards, and a variety of otheraudio-visual equipment.Lighting: mix of metal halide andquartz fixtures with a Douglas pro-grammable controller; full black-outcapabilities via an extensive half-housecurtaining system.Food & Beverage: 8 fixed concessionstands, 7 various portable stands,20 beer domes and 6 portable liquorstands; the Alerus Center also providesexclusive on-site catering service.Parking: 3,388 on-site spaces.Marketing: full in-house marketingdepartment.Demographics: more than one millionpeople within 2-hour driving radius.See ad on page 40

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www.gotmine.com

Facilitiesentertainment/sports/Performances/exhibitions/Concerts/Competition/

shows/special events

the FaCILItIes MeDIa GROuPessential Planning tools

UpFront

Clockwise from upper left: The Colorado Convention Center adopted eight acres of land as an employee volunteer program, where the employees take care of this open green space. Lindsay Arell, Sustainability Director of the Colorado Convention Center designed SMG Green Impact and conducts onsite facility visits to implement its protocols.The Palm Springs Convention Center in Palm Springs, California is one of the pilot facilities for SMG Green Impact. Michael Godoy, Executive Director of Operations, oversees SMG’s Green Impact program. The Atlantic City Convention Center’s 2.36 megawatt solar array, now producing 30 percent of the Center’s energy.

W ith green meetings fast becoming the exception and not the rule for conventions and trade shows, more and more meeting venues have

implemented environmentally sustainable policies. Taking what is already occurring on a facility-by-facility basis, SMG has launched a new program that may eventually result in a company-wide greening of building policies and practices.

The company, one of the world leaders in venue management – operating more than 10 million square feet of convention and event space – including 68 convention centers, has implemented SMG Green Impact, an acronym that stands for Innovation, Mindfulness, Participation, Accountability, Consistency and Transparent. Green Impact has developed a range of environmentally sustainable policies and protocols that can be customized to fit any venue under the SMG operational umbrella.

According to Michael Godoy, Executive Director of Operations, who oversees the program, Green Impact responds to the noticeably proactive attitude among meeting planners towards environmental issues. “Planners aren’t just inquiring about green practices, they’re demanding that facilities have policies in place,” he said. “More than three quarters of the RFPs we receive now mention sustainable practices. Some are writing it into their contracts.”

Lindsay Arell, Sustainability Director of the Colorado Convention Center, designed SMG Green Impact and is working with individual venue directors and staff to implement the program. “We take a step-by-step approach to sustainability,” said Arell. “Our clients love it.”

Arell conducts an onsite inspection of a facility, documenting the sustainability programs in place as well as seeing what areas exist, including energy usage and waste management, where either a program can be implemented or where an existing program can be improved or expanded. “If for instance, a facility wants to have a recycling program, we have a template they can use,” she said. “We customize the template to their specific facility, but the venue manager doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel.”

The Palm Springs Convention Center and the Cox Convention Center were selected as pilot facilities for the program, and 12 facilities – about one a month – are expected to participate in 2012. The best practices developed for SMG Green Impact are based on LEED prerequisites, and anticipated

Industry Trends


CIC/APEX green initiative. “For any building going for LEED certification, this program will help them reach the goal,” added Arell.

“Our commitment to sustainability is company-wide,” said Godoy. “We’re creating programs specific to that venue.”

Green Impact efforts by SMG facilities so far include: The Atlantic City Convention Center’s 2.36 megawatt solar array, now producing 30 percent of the Center’s energy; Through new recycling initiatives, the Broward County Convention Center increased its waste diversion rate from less than 10 percent to more than 50 percent in 2011; The Moscone Center achieved an annual waste diversion rate of 60 percent – 950 tons of materials were recycled, composted or donated in 2010; The Colorado Convention Center adopted eight acres of land as an employee volunteer program, where the employees take care of this open green space.

LEED Certified SMG Properties: Colorado Convention Center; CONSOL Energy Center; David L. Lawrence Convention Center; Huntington Center; K-Rock Centre; Salt Palace Convention Center; ShoWare Center. SMG Properties Pursuing LEED Certification include: Broward County Convention Center; Jackson Convention Complex; Moscone Center and Ontario Convention Center.

—By Timothy Herrick, Editorial Director

SMG Goes Green With Impact

The FacilitiesMedia Group

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Essential Industry Tools

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BEDROCK COMMUNICATIONS, INC.152 Madison Ave, Suite 802, New York, NY 10016

Event ManagementBuyer’sGuideBuyer’s Guide For Public Assembly

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Ogden Eccles Conference Center

Spotlight: Page 4

2009 DIRECTORY

F a c i l i t i e s o n l i n e . c o m : Y o u r i n d u s t r Y p o r t a l F o r n e w s , i n F o r m a t i o n & v e n u e s

&FacilitiesFacilities

DestinationsDestinations

BEDROCK COMMUNICATIONS, INC.152 Madison Ave., Ste. 802, New York, NY 10016 2009 DIRECTORY

F o r a s s o c i a t i o n & c o r p o r a t e m e e t i n g p l a n n e r s

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Planner Guide

Award-Winning Venue Transforms Mid-Atlantic DestinationPage 8

Virginia Beach Convention CenterVirginia Beach Convention Center

Award-Winning Venue Transforms Mid-Atlantic DestinationPage 8

Convention Center Lists:5 Hot Green Venues5 Hot F&B DepartmentsPages 4-5

IndustryView: Show of ShowsPages 56-58

FaC

IlITIEs & D

EsTIna

TIOn

s 2009 Plan

nER

Gu

IDE

What’s NewUpFront

Tinley Park ExpandsMeetings in the suburbs of Chicago can now get bigger. The Tinley Park Convention Center, just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago, doubled its size and added a host of new amenities when it

completed a major expansion of the facility. Its first major convention in June, 2011 with the National Council of Corvette Clubs Annual Convention, drew some 1,000 delegates. Owned by the Village of Tinley Park and managed by the Mid-Con Hospitality Group, the expanded Tinley Park Convention Center features: 120,000 square feet with 70,000 square feet of event space; 58,100 square feet of net contiguous exhibition space; Meeting space with 18 breakout rooms ranging in size from 750 to 4,000 square feet; Ballroom configurations from 2,000 – 12,000 square feet available; Full food-service offerings and concessions; Business center; State-of-the-art high-speed internet access and audio-visual equipment; 1,500 free parking spaces and an attached 202-room full-service hotel. “The expanded Tinley Park Convention Center meets the needs of the majority of meeting, event and convention planners, and its close proximity to restaurants, services, downtown Chicago, O’Hare and Midway Airports, and the interstate system make Tinley Park an ideal location for Midwestern meetings, events, trade shows and conferences,” said Jim Garrett, President/CEO of the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau. (Pictured from left) Tinley Park Trustees Patricia Leoni, Brian Mahar, and David Seaman , MID-CON Hospitality President Reva Stillman, Trustee Gregory Hannon (partially obscured), Tinley Park Mayor Edward Zabrocki, Trustees T.J. Grady and Thomas Staunton, and former Trustee Michael Bettenhausen.

Outdoor Plaza Planned Construction of the Anaheim Convention Center Grand Plaza is scheduled to begin in Spring 2012. Expected to expand the outdoor and special event space of the Anaheim Convention Center by 100,000 square feet, this new multi-use, venue area will feature lush landscaping, expansive walkways, innovative “hardscape” designs, dramatic fountains, ample seating areas, and a dedicated Transportation Plaza area with shuttle pick-up/drop-off areas. When completed, the campus-like space will offer new event options, networking opportunities and the chance for attendees to enjoy Southern California’s world-renowned sunshine. “The Grand Plaza provides us with a new opportunity to let

our clients use their imagination and create something spectacular for their attendees,” said Charles Ahlers, President, Anaheim Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau.

Hilton Gets Makeover Located in the heart of downtown and directly connected, via indoor sky-bridges, to the George R. Brown

Convention Center, The Hilton Americas-Houston, the largest hotel in the city of Houston, completed its $11 million major renovation, a project that began earlier this year. This complete makeover included meeting spaces, guestrooms and other areas. In addition to being the main headquarter hotel for the GRB, the hotel contains the city’s largest number of guestrooms, ballrooms, hotel meeting space, and the most technologically advanced services available under one roof. Conveniently situated between Toyota Center and Minute Maid Park, this AAA Four Diamond rated hotel boasts 1,200 luxuriously appointed guestrooms, 91,500 square feet of flexible, technologically advanced meeting space, two restaurants, lobby bar, coffee emporium, and full service spa and health club. “This renovation brings a sharp, crisp, modern and contemporary feel to our guestrooms, to match the excitement and luxury of our lobby and public spaces,” said Joe Palmieri, General Manager.

From Auditorium to Convention Center The Veterans Auditorium, one of the facilities that comprises the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, is in the process of a 15-month, $42-million transformation. When completed in 2012, this 56-year-old, 11,000-seat auditorium will be reborn as the Veterans Memorial Convention Center, becoming the latest star in the Midwest meetings galaxy. It will feature 27 meeting rooms, a 28,000-square-foot ballroom, and a Memorial Hall honoring our nations veterans, adding to the already considerable space available in the complex, which also includes 150,000 square feet of Exhibit Space and a 17,000-seat Arena. “Once the renovation project is complete, we will have the largest ballroom and most convention center space in the state of Iowa, which will enable us to attract more regional business and put us in the mix for events on a national level,” said Chris Connolly, General Manager “We are extremely excited about all of the opportunities that the Veterans Memorial renovation project will bring the City of Des Moines and Polk.”


1] Ogden eccles cOnference

centeroecenter.com“Exceeding Meeting Expectation” is the motto of this 70,000-sq.-ft. meeting and banquet venue, attached to the unique 800-seat Peery’s Egyptian Theater. Accommodates groups up to 1,200, features: 18 Total Meeting Rooms, including:13,000-sq.-ft.Ballroom, 6,000-sq.-ft. Junior Ballroom, 20,000 sq. ft. of pre function space; Only 37 miles from the Salt Lake International Airport.

2] the cOnference center at Bentley

conferencecenteratbentley.comOnly 10 miles west of Boston on an inviting New England university campus, state-of-the-art meeting facilities, convenient planning services, unique food and

beverage offerings, and comprehensive media capabilities; 12,000+ sq. ft. of meeting space, including 15 dedicated meeting spaces, 480-seat auditorium, 250-seat amphitheatre and seasonal outdoor tent; Boston Logan – 12 miles, Manchester, NH – 52 miles and Providence, RI – 54 miles.

3] sea trail gOlf resOrt & cOnventiOn center

seatrail.comThis Oceanside Conference Center features 600 guest rooms and 60,000 square feet of meeting and function space, including a 10,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom, and 1,100 theater seating. Village Activity Center features cardio fitness center, integrated fitness and entertainment area, indoor & outdoor pools/whirlpools; sauna; Oasis Pool Bar; spa treatments; The Golf Learning Center. Only 45 minutes to Wilmington International Airport; 30 minutes to Myrtle Beach International Airport.

4] Pawleys PlantatiOn gOlf & cOuntry

cluB pawleysplantation.comSet among stands of magnolias and century-old oaks, an intimate meeting venue in a beautiful country club setting; 4,900 sq. ft. of meeting space, including: 6 meeting rooms total that can be

combined to make larger rooms; 1,500-sq.-ft ballroom; 936-sq.-ft. pre-function area; 196 bedrooms (includes 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom villas); only 25 miles to Myrtle Beach Airport; 78 miles to Charleston International Airport

5] university centeruniversitycenter.com

“Conference Chicago” – for Midwest conferences, convenient downtown location offers an exciting environment for conferences, executive board meetings, seminars, workshops, training sessions or retreats; 15,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including 10 Meeting Rooms and 2,400 sq. ft. of meeting spaces. On premise catering provided; onsite restaurant; 504 guest rooms (summer months); 17 miles to O’Hare Airport; steps away from all CTA train lines.

F & DHotL i s t

2 Waltham, massachusetts

4 PaWleys Island, south carolIna

3 sunset Beach, north carolIna

1 ogden, utah

status: HotCategory: ConFerenCe CentersFyi: size matters, but tHat Doesn’t aLways mean Huge. intimate meetings are not just For Corporations, but Committees anD regionaL CHapters oF assoCiations anD otHer organizations require meeting spaCe ConDuCive to tHe FoCus neCessary to make smaLLer meetings suCCeeD. Here are Five ConFerenCe Centers tHat oFFer versatiLity, aFForDabiLity anD aCCessibiLity beCauses sometimes tHe big iDeas Come in tHe smaLLer spaCes.

21Facilities & Destinations 2011 Mid-Market

5chIcago, IllInoIs


By TimoThy herrickEditorial Director

meeting planners look for destinations that will attract attendees and facilities that can accommodate the size and scope of their convention, tradeshow, meeting or other event. in the meetings industry, one size never fits all;

there are many associations and related organizations that will never consider anything other than 1st tier cities. hundreds of other organizations – across the broad spectrum of industry segments – do not have the same deep pockets, but their meeting planners are not only finding more than optimum cost-effectiveness in 2nd and 3rd tier destinations, but also the latest in convention center technology and uniquely competitive features and benefits.

cost has always been a critical advantage of mid-market cities. What 2nd & 3rd tier destinations have discovered is that while the economy remains worrisome and the meeting budgets of the associations who traditionally book mid-market destinations are

mid-markeT ciTies: compeTiTive packages come in smaller sizes

tighter than ever, they can no longer postpone their meeting. according to William Tirone, assistant general manager of

the hilton Branson convention center hotel, for the third quarter of 2011, bookings were equal to the entire year of 2010, only the second full-year of the facility being operational. “We do a lot of state association and religious business,” he said. “Those markets have remained strong compared to other markets. a lot of associations have to meet, it’s in their bylaws. We are also seeing corporate meetings starting to book again.”

To many industry observers, Branson, mo is emblematic of the new excitement percolating in today’s mid-market destinations. While long established as a family-oriented, live-entertainment destination, the city’s 47,000-square-foot convention center, which opened in 2008, puts this missouri city on the meetings industry map. “Branson was not a convention destination, but now we have a convention center in the heart of an entertainment capital,” said Tirone. “But we are economical, and we make sure to keep our convention pricing in line with the 2nd & 3rd tier range.”


mid-markeT ciTies: compeTiTive packages come in smaller sizes

meeting facilities, airlift and amenities is long over. “don’t confuse second tier with second class,” said douglas l. ducate, president & ceo, center for exhibition industry research. “some of our newest state-of-the art facilities are in smaller destinations. cost drives destination selection. With the expansion of many facilities in the last decade or so, a number of destinations can host most events. This adds to the competitive atmosphere. various kinds of cash and credit incentives are used to lower the organizer costs. money talks and organizers listen.”

“There is always a misconception that 2nd and 3rd tier cities are not as exciting as a 1st tier city, such as new york or las vegas,” said michael v. geary, chief executive officer of oFa – The association of horticulture professionals. “in terms of the meeting, you have all the same amenities, just the density is different. in columbus, you have a great night life, a number-one ranked zoo and numerous water parks, which appeals to our attendees.”

geary plans numerous events for oFa as well as ancillary groups this organization also manages – america in Bloom, ohio produce

New era, New Facilities Branson is one of the many examples proving that the era of 2nd and 3rd tier destinations having merely average or even below average

Cost-Effective and accessible Mid-Market facilities

make them a favorite for Regional Meetings. The 154,000-square-foot Saint Charles Convention Center hosted the Solution Tree’s Professional Learning Community, which attracted teachers and educators throughout the region in June.

“There is always a misconception that 2nd and

3rd tier cities are not as exciting as a 1st tier city, such as New York or Las Vegas. In terms of the meeting, you have all the same amenities, just the density is different.”

–michael v. gearyChief Executive Officer of OFA –

Association of Horticulture Professionals


growers & marketing association and the nursery & landscape association executives of north america. But the largest event is oFa’s annual convention, oFa – short course, which attracts 9,000 horticulture professionals and is held in columbus, ohio. “There’s a preponderance of the horticulture industry in the midwest so they’re in close proximity to the city,” said geary. “We also needed a larger convention center and larger hotel room blocks and that led us to columbus.”

competitioN BeNeFits plaNNersThe slow pace of economic recovery in 2011 has caused widespread apprehension and a pervasive caution that is shared by planners, the organizations they plan events for and the attendees who come to those meetings and tradeshows. in response, all destinations are cutting prices to the bone, including more items in their final contract, and scrambling for planners they used to be able to ignore. This pattern has disrupted the previous divisions separating destination tiers.

“everyone is playing in each other’s sandboxes,” said kristin mcgrath, vice president of sales & services, providence Warwick convention & visitors Bureau. “We traditionally competed with other 2nd tier cities, but now we are seeing 3rd tier cities become more competitive and we are seeing 1st tier cities go after groups they never really bothered with.”

“a city, like columbus, is still not competing with a city like chicago, but we have become more competitive with a city the size of st. louis,” said craig liston, smg regional general manager, who oversees the greater columbus convention center and the knoxville convention center.

Becoming more competitive for this ohio city consists of a combination of location – columbus is the capital of the Buckeye state – and more appealing facilities and meetings infrastructure – the greater columbus convention center recently added Battelle grand, the new 74,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art multi-purpose ballroom and has increased the lodging, dining and entertainment options in its convention center district.

“state associations and regional business are our bread and butter,” said liston. “We’re in the middle of ohio, and we are the state capital. Those are built-in advantages, so we aren’t suffering like some other destinations.”

FlexiBle & UNiFied perhaps more importantly, this city’s size makes it better equipped to create meeting packages that are cost-effective yet comprehensive. “if you can offer a complete package with competitive rates for the hotel rooms, but also free or very reduced rental fees for the convention center, that can be very appealing to planners,” said liston. “i think smaller destinations have more flexibility in what they can offer. We have been fairly successful, but we constantly have to sharpen our pencils and figure out a way to make the package more and more affordable.”

gwen knight is an independent meeting planner and consultant;

Dynamic meetings.

visitnorfolktoday.com | 1-800-368-3097

“You look for value and a good rate and perks and

the smaller destinations are more flexible. With bigger cities, the range of discounts is not always available, and you have to deal with more vendors.”

–gWen knighTIndependent Meeting Planner and Consultant

An estimated 9,000 attended the annual convention of The Association of Horticulture Professionals, the OFA – Short Course,

which was held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Ohio.


as Business geTs BeTTer,

Booking geTs delayed

is the economy improving? That’s the question on everybody’s mind. nobody expects meeting planners or destination executives to be tossing confetti, drinking champagne and singing “happy days are here again” anytime soon, but in 2nd and 3rd tier

cities, the outlook is noticeably less gloomy. “everything is cyclical and i like to think that the

economy is getting better,” said kristin mcgrath, vice president of sales & services, providence Warwick convention & visitors Bureau. “We are doing better this year than last year in terms of bookings, and certainly better than in ’08 and ’09.”

This cautious yet optimistic attitude was echoed by shura garnett, general manager of the saint charles convention center and regional vice president, global spectrum. “since ’09, there’s been a steady increase, and in 2011 we had our second best year (the saint charles convention center opened in 2005) and our outlook for 12 is good,” said garnett.

steady seems to be the common thread among mid-market destinations and compared to some other economic data, such as the persistently high unemployment rate or the volatility in the stock market, facility executives seem pleased that their segment is relatively stable. “We are seeing a larger number of repeat clients,” said craig liston, smg regional general manager of the greater columbus convention center. “planners are booking, people are meeting. i would think what we are seeing on the state level in ohio would translate into the rest of the industry nationwide.”

one side effect of the current business climate and the belt tightening that pervades the meeting industry is that booking a site several years in advance has become less common. more sites are being considered by planners, the negotiating process has become more involved and postponing the final decision has become more the rule than the exception.

“meeting planners are still very cautious,” said mcgrath. “They are doing a lot more research, which means they are probably looking at more cities than they used to. There’s reluctance to commitment, the decision process has gotten longer and people are holding off from pulling that trigger as long as they can.”

“The budget process is longer, people are delaying approving a budget,” said garnett. “Budgets are opening up at the last minute. We went through the recession and planners are feeling a little more confident, but there is still a lot of caution, and the up-sell is not quite as much.”

her main client is pioneer network, which caters to the eldercare and geriatric professionals in the non-profit sector. Their four-day, annual convention was held at the saint charles (mo) convention center this year, attracting about 1,500 and featuring general sessions, breakout sessions, concurrent classes and workshops and a tradeshow exhibition component. While under this organization’s broad healthcare umbrella includes a range of professionals, budgets for both the association and those of the individual meeting attendees – typical of the non-profit industry but now applicable to other meeting industry segments – are at best, limited. The lower costs associated with 2nd and 3rd tier cities may be the main reason this organization selected a mid-market destination, but reaching those costs in today’s climates also indicates how a smaller cities differ from many of their 1st tier counterparts.

“you look for value and a good rate and perks and the smaller destinations are more flexible,” said knight. “With smaller cities you can generally get better packages because the players are closer to each other. The cvBs have a closer relationship with the convention centers, and they have more clout in the city. it is easier to negotiate items like av discounts, free rooms for speakers, half-price rate for staff hotel rooms, discounts on Food & Beverage, free parking, free internet upgrades and vip transportation from the airport. With

Although a Mid-Market city like Columbus, Ohio hosts regional events, like the annual Columbus Chamber’s Business-to-Business Expo. The 1.7-million-square-foot venue offers four contiguous exhibit halls, 65 meeting rooms and three ballrooms.

“Branson was not a convention destination, but

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bigger cities, the range of discounts is not always available, and you have to deal with more vendors.”

“a city our size can work as a team, we are very tight knit,” added mcgrath. “our cvB has a great working relationship with the rhode island convention center, our hotels and all our other partners throughout the city. recently, an association was on the fence as to whether or not they should come to providence and our mayor personally called the executive committee. That reinforces to meeting planners our commitment to their event.”

shura garnett is general manager of the saint charles convention center and regional vice president, global spectrum, responsible for the sioux Falls convention center, iowa events center, century center in south Bend, in, and the overland park

convention center in overland park, ks. she echoes the sentiment that a crucial competitive advantage of smaller destinations is the ability to be on the same page with all the meeting and hospitality industry members of the city. “With a larger city, you have layers within the business, other service contractors, food and beverage, decorating, moving,” said garnett. “in a smaller venue, you don’t have as many of those layers, so you can bring more conveniences and lower costs for planners.”

as competition heats up, the flexibility of a mid-market destination is only the starting point for more inclusive planner packages. “To make a competitive bid for a citywide convention, you have to be willing, as a facility, to think outside the box,” said garnett. “you have to partner with a multiple hotel properties, for

Affordability is a key selling point

for a Mid-Market city like Providence, Rhode Island, but the city also offers a compact destination for meeting planners. The city ís compact downtown area where the Rhode Island Convention Center is located, making it an extremely convenient and walkable city, with hotels, great restaurants, and shopping.

Mairanne Lee


Better FitsJean plotkin is the conference manager of the laboratories for the 21st century (labs21) annual conference, a 3-day convention catering to the laboratory and high-tech facility design, construction, and operations and maintenance industry. While this event’s attendance is relatively small – about 700 – the event requires upwards of 40,000 square feet to accommodate the laboratory equipment and related technology featured in the trade show exhibition component of the event, plus additional space for the dozens of technical sessions, seminars and other meetings.

“We’re a better fit for smaller cities,” said plotkin, who’s labs21 2011 annual conference was held in at the rhode island convention center in providence, r.i. “providence was fantastic. The city was really welcoming and as a meeting planner, you want everyone attending to feel welcomed, to see banners in the street. The staff was really helpful.”

example, or if you don’t have a good public transportation, you have to be able to be able to offer busing at a cost-effective price. Facilities with in-house food & beverage, for example, give you more flexibility with pricing. audio visual is another example. The more services you offer in-house, the more latitude you will have with the planners.”

But planners note that this flexibility, especially when it comes to optimizing the final price points, is a two-way street. “We are a small enough organization that we can also make concessions,” said knight. “one example she cited was the shifting of dates for one event so the destination could accommodate another event. While she didn’t detail what the destination offered in return for this change, “we’re open to some changes. We aren’t as limited in our ideas as another organization.”

Branson, Missouri, while long established as a family-oriented, live-entertainment destination, also features

the city’s new 47,000-square-foot convention center, which has made it a leading Mid-Market Destination.

“Anything that a CVB can offer that will make life easier

for the planner is greatly appreciated. We do all we can to build attendance, which means building micro-sites, developing promotional materials, and helping with the registration.”

–krisTin mcgraThVice President of Sales & Services,

Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Branson Convention Center opened with much fanfare in 2008. Like many Mid-Market cities, Branson offers newly-built

facilities with state-of-art meeting technology.


knight points out that the added-value intangibles can make the difference in an event’s success. “We were able to get the banners up, stores and restaurants stayed open later for our members in st. charles. The whole city joins in. you can make those aspects part of your negotiation.”

“a major influx of visitors is a much bigger event for a smaller destination,” said ducate. “They can trot out local dignitaries from sports figures to the mayor and other big wigs. Television and radio talk shows for vip’s can be arranged in smaller markets. The economic impact of a convention to a smaller destination is proportionally much greater than the impact of a convention on large cites. as a result you can roll out the red carpet and paint the town in smaller communities.”

For many organizations, size matters but size does not always mean big. The intimacy of mid-market destinations is a plus for many conventions. “The scale is more manageable in a smaller

destination,” said geary. “everything is within close proximity, so you can hold lot of events, keep better track of the attendees, keep them more involved in the event.”

another important attribute regarding size is the “district” around the convention center. not only are many of the newer facilities or expanded meeting facilities located in 2nd and even 3rd tier destinations, many of those destinations created a walkable entertainment district in the same vicinity. This foresight augmented the value of a complete hospitality package and appealing not just to cost but to the growing environmental awareness among today’s association planner community.

“The cities that are smaller are more compact, which makes them more attractive because that reduces transportation cost for attendees,” said plotkin. “But we are also looking for sustainability and shrinking our meeting’s carbon footprint. reducing the commuting or use of transportation between the airport, the hotels, and the convention center, as well as to nearby restaurants, shops, and points of interest is something that is important to our association.”

FeatUres & BeNeFits“We all have a marketing position, and you have given the planner a reason to become your partner,” said garnett. “you both have to maximize the attendance, which means helping at the very least, with collateral pieces and the local media.”

mid-market destinations may be enduring against the odds in the current business climate, but it is the culmination of features and benefits of an individual destination that will extend that survival. “in the end, destinations sell features or benefits,” said ducate. “you are lucky if you have features either god-made like the rocky mountains, or lake michigan, or a beautiful coast, or man-made like disney, gaming and the French Quarter. Without features you better have some great benefits that go beyond good weather and a busy airport.”

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“We’re in the middle of Ohio, and we are the state capital.

Those are built-in advantages, so we aren’t suffering like some other destinations.”

craig lisTon–SMG Regional General Manager

of the Greater Columbus Convention Center


Smaller MarketsWe tend to go to smaller markets, although we have done the suburbs of Chicago, San Jose and Minneapolis. We’re doing our workshops around the world and the purpose is to present technical information to our customers. We look for accessible destinations. Attendees do not like having to drive into a large city, like Chicago; they’re not going to do that. Near a major freeway, easy on/easy off access, and ample parking are big selling points for us and Akron has all that covered.

RequirementsWe need facilities that can have large space. We do not have huge hotel room blocks, just 150-200 rooms. The event is one day, but we set up the night before. The John S. Knight Convention Center was able to accommodate us with the Good Year Room and two of their smaller meeting rooms. There was another meeting in the facility taking place but there was no interference. They were able to host multiple events without any disruption.

John S. Knight CenterIt was a beautiful space, enough for all our workshops. The staff was very easy to work with, very attentive to details. It was one of our most flawless events. Members of our staff wear a lot of hats when we present these workshops, and to be taken care of so well by the facility staff is very important.

Convention Center CateringDuring the day, the facility provided all our food. The presentation was phenomenal, and the attendees were thrilled with the quality of the food. We usually meet at a large meeting hotel, and we never skimp on the food. The convention center food was as good as any hotel catering that we’ve had. Our attendees really appreciate that.

DestinationMost attendees were able to walk to dinner, there’s a downtown area with a variety of restaurants. Everyone I heard from really enjoyed their food. One night we went to the baseball stadium, a minor league team, and it was fun, and I know of another group that went to a few of the local bars, a karaoke bar. Akron was a fun city.

Stacey SterlingMarketing Communications SpecialistRTP Company

RTP Company manufactures thermoplastic compounds, which are used by plastic molders to make an assortment of products. The company hosts technical workshops for its customers about four times each year; the seminar can be work-intensive and while attendance for the 2011 workshop held in Akron at the John S. Knight Convention Center was only about 100, because of the equipment required to conduct the presentations, the meeting’s space requirements can exceed other meetings with higher attendance.

Akronohio

johnsknightcenter.org

Located in the rolling hills of the Old Connecticut Western Reserve and along the shores of the Ohio & Erie Canalway, with rich history yet social diversity, Akron is the quintessential 21st century Midwestern destination. Renowned among meeting planners for its affordability and accessibility, the town also boasts the award-winning John S. Knight Center – in its lively and energetic downtown district – which features state-of-the-art video conferencing and streaming systems, on-site skilled support/service staff as well as 16 Meeting Rooms, a 12,000-square-foot Ballroom, a 30,000-square-foot Exhibition Hall and 22,000-square-foot lobby.


Mid-Market CitiesOur preference is for 2nd and 3rd tier cities, and Albuquerque is sort of borderline. It’s a very affordable city. The airport could use more direct flights, but once you are here it is very walkable. We had a good, cost-effective package.

Convention Center PlusesThere is a also a big public area where people/attendees could sit down and talk, and which has free wifi. What we needed in terms of audio/visual they had. But what makes this facility different was that the staff was one of the best I’ve ever worked with. They were always on site, the orchestration went on without a hitch. They were very responsive and didn’t wait to be asked. The Convention Services Manager stayed with us until we closed, and we can run late. The staff didn’t leave at five o’clock, they were always visible. Those little things can really make a difference to planner, getting that kind of support and service, it makes the entire meeting run smoother.

Facility FoodThey had concession stands for our attendees and did a special lunch for the association staff, who really can’t leave the area at all. They had a wonderful buffet luncheon, which had a Tex-Mex flair. The food was good both inside the facility and around the city.

Southwestern CultureThere were some restaurants downtown, but most attendees went to the Old Town district, where there is a lot of dining and entertainment. It was a 10-minute, economical taxi cab ride. There is a lot of shopping, unique jewelry, the whole Southwestern culture. It’s different from a lot of cities; we offered four or five general tours of the city and were able to sell out each one.

Meeting IntensiveWe have a lot of meetings, run eight concurrent sessions, have technical meetings, committee meetings. We’re focused on meetings from 7 AM to 10 PM. The Albuquerque Convention Center was perfect since we used 55 to 65 meeting rooms. The Convention Center was attached to three hotels, which is something else we want, everything close together.

Judy MarshallManager of Conference ServicesAmerican Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers

The Annual Conference of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, always held in June, attracts between 1,700-2,200 attendees. A meeting-intensive convention, not only are the business and related issues of the association discussed and turned into policy, but the Technical Standards for Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning are written, which include environmentally sustainable and other green practices. Although this organization has met in larger destinations, such as Boston and Atlanta, they generally meet in Mid-Market cities such as Seattle, Nashville and Denver. The first Annual Conference, the second annual largest meeting of the organization to be held in Albuquerque, also made history for the organization because it installed the first woman president of the organization.

Albuquerque new Mexico

ItsATrip.org

The largest city in New Mexico, Albuquerque’s affordability and rich, inviting Southwestern culture has long made it a traveler’s favorite, but it has also become an important Mid-Market destination, featuring 16,000 hotel rooms city-wide, vibrant neighborhoods such as Downtown Albuquerque, Nob Hill and Historic Old Town, and, of course, the Albuquerque Convention Center, which features 275,000 square feet of flexible exhibit and meeting room space, the 2,300-seat Kiva Auditorium with seating for over 2,300, and 31 meeting rooms.

Marb

leStreetStudio.com

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hArtford connecticutctconventions.com

Mid-Size CitiesWe always meet in mid-size cities, such as Cincinnati, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Houston and Louisville. The 1st tier cities can be a little expensive. Obviously, we get a lot of members from large cities that have a large live theater and entertainment industry, but about 23 percent of the attendees are students from universities. The younger the attendee, the more cost gets to be a factor. It’s a balancing act.

Convention CenterWe use a lot space for the trade show. The exhibitors include everything theatrical – lighting suppliers, make up, scenery, staging – all of those things. The layout of the convention center was quite nice, the exhibition floor was well situated, and it promoted great circulation and networking opportunities. A lot of our show is about reunions, and the space design of the facility encouraged that. CharlotteVery safe city, you can walk in the neighborhoods around the convention center, which are very clean and very friendly. All the hotels were and most of the restaurants were close, the furthest I think was five blocks. We like to keep our members and activities close, because there are a lot of evening activities. The Convention Center served as a nice nucleus for the attendees.

Food & Beverage The city had some great restaurants. The catering at the convention center got rave reviews. They had a great menu. There were some special receptions at the hotel properties, which were very convenient and also served great food.

StaffThe personnel helped us a great deal, especially with the housing and housing issues, because our attendance was high and we needed extra rooms. There wasn’t a thing you asked for they wouldn’t help with. They came up with a lot of great ideas. Tremendous staff, very supportive. They were able to get us some business tie-ins, and we were able to tour the new NASCAR Hall of Fame. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Charlotte on the basis of their staff alone.

David W. WillVice President for ConferencesUnited States Institute for Theatre Technology

Since 1960, the United States Institute for Theatre Technology has represented design, production, and technology professionals in the performing arts and entertainment industry. For their 50th anniversary in 2010, the organization selected Charlotte, North Carolina to host its Annual Conference & Stage Expo, a four-day event that included meetings, workshops, a tradeshow, awards banquet and opening and closing parties. An estimated 4,000 attended this event, which celebrated a milestone for the organization and is the premier networking and meeting event for theater professionals.

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chArlottenorth cArolinA charlottesgotalot.com

Charlotte, which features attractions such as the new NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Levine Center for the Arts, and the U.S. National Whitewater Center, has invested heavily in its cultural and entertainment infrastructure, bolstering “Center City,” the district surrounding the Charlotte Convention Center, which features dozens of night life and entertainment options and more than 4,100 Hotel Rooms (30,000 citywide). The Charlotte Convention Center features more 445,000 square feet of meeting space, including 37 meeting rooms, 40,000-square-foot ballroom and a 280,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall.

Cost-ConsciousOur organization is very cost conscious. We are compared with Air Shows, which are Aviation Industry events usually held in an open space or big field and have very low cost, but also offer education, exhibitions and networking. We have to keep our costs as low as possible, so we usually select 2nd or 3rd tier cities. A lot of our attendees fly in, so our other consideration is a regional airport, which our members prefer to fly into more than a large airport. Hartford–Brainard Airport was an excellent airport for our pilots. It was a very easy commute to the convention center. There was an aircraft display in conjunction with our show at the airport.

CVB HelpThe CVB helped us market the show by reaching out to local businesses and communities and generating interest in general aviation. People who own businesses often become a pilot for their business, and we presented several successful case studies. The CVB helped us with fliers and getting the local communities interested in coming to our convention.

Facility DemandsTypically we need a lot of meeting space, we have concurrent classes and about 400 booths. At this convention we were able to have a newsroom, and speaker-ready rooms. The convention center had sufficient capacity for high-speed internet and even though we had to use their labor for some of the technological jobs, we were allowed to bring in our own people, which we preferred and was more cost-effective. At this show we introduced APOA Live, where we had a live broadcast from the show floor, and we also had an APOA Learning Pavilion, where we held a series of mini-seminars, just off the show floor. These were new additions to the show and the Convention Center was very helpful with these challenges.

Walkable TownsOne reason we go to 2nd tier cities is that we have everything close. Hartford is very walkable. Bigger cities tend to be very spread out, and that can be costly for our members and they will complain.

Andrea BerryDirector of Outreach and EventsAircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association landed in Hartford, Connecticut with its 2011 AOPA Aviation Summit, held at the Connecticut Convention Center, attracting about 10,000 attendees with its more than 60 hours of seminar/classroom hours and more than 400 Exhibitor Booths. They even used the nearby Hartford-Brainard Airport for “Airportfest,” where dozens of aircraft were displayed. Although this association has high demands of space and technology and generates more than 5,000 hotel room nights, this one-of-a-kind convention is most at home in a Mid-Market destination.

hArtford connecticutctconventions.com

In the meetings destination galaxy, Hartford is New England’s Rising Star. Charming and cosmopolitan, the city offers unique attractions and fun neighborhoods, especially the exciting riverfront district known as Adriaen’s Landing, where the 540,000-square-foot Connecticut Convention Center is located. The facility features 65,000 square feet of meeting space, 19 meeting/breakout rooms, a 40,000-square-foot ballroom, and a 140,000-square-foot Main Exhibit Hall. There are more than 1,600 hotel rooms within walking distance of the facility and 6,500 hotel rooms within 15 miles.



MilwAukee wisconsin

visitmilwaukee.org

Attendee AppealMilwaukee is ideal for our constituency, which is mainly female. It’s a very safe, walkable city like some 1st tier destinations. Everything is nearby the Convention Center, there are two adjoining hotels and many restaurants. The city has also gotten more artsy, especially the downtown area, which also appeals to my attendees. The city is very affordable, which is really important because it is a long show and people like to take a lot of classes.

City-Wide ImprovementsThe city over the last the last 10 years has really improved in terms of amenities. There is more to do in the city, like the Milwaukee Art Museum, and a lot more night life and attractions. For a show where everything is out of pocket for attendees, Milwaukee keeps getting better as a draw. We have a huge international following, and the city is more accessible.

Frontier Airlines CenterWe hold a lot of classes, about 700. People come for those classes, but also for the Exhibition Floor. I think we had 370 booths. We are even selling half booths. We require a lot of space; the convention center accommodates us but also is great in terms of traffic. Attendees can easily get from one class to another or to a class from the exhibition floor. The flow is really effective.

Established RelationshipWe work with the CVB and the Wisconsin Center District personnel, which operates the convention center. We’re a known commodity and have some clout, but they are more than willing to work with us. They have been very accommodating with some rental fees, as well as costs for utilities, such as electric. Our attendance was up in 2010, and we’ve only had a little dip in 2011, but in 2008 we had a very big dip and the District was very helpful in saving costs.

Staff SupportWe always keep the content fresh. The Convention Center staff is very helpful; this year we had a Breast Cancer Fundraiser for the first time, which included a reception. They helped us coordinate that seamlessly.

Marlene D. VailEvents Marketing ManagerKalmbach Publishing Co.

The Bead & Button Show, the largest consumer bead show of its kind in the world, attracts an estimated audience of 14,000 per year and has been held in Milwaukee at the Frontier Airlines Center since 2001. The 10-day convention, sponsored by Bead & Buttons Magazine/Kalmbach Publishing Company, features about 700 classes, an exhibition floor with more than 300 companies, as well as workshops, seminars and receptions. Attendees are truly international in scope including artisans, professional crafts people, jewelry manufacturers, fashion designers, retailers and devoted hobbyists.

Milwaukee – easy-to-get-to, easy-to-navigate, visitor-friendly – has earned a deserved reputation for its hospitality and beautiful Lake Michigan location. The Frontier Airlines Center features 32 Meeting Rooms, a 37,506-square-foot Ballroom, 189,695 total square feet of Exhibit Space; 4,100-seat Milwaukee Theatre & 12,700-seat U.S. Cellular Arena. The city has succeeded in its concerted effort to create a 21st century Midwest Destination, particularly in developing the Wisconsin Center District – which also includes the U.S. Cellular Arena – into a lively neighborhood resplendent with an impressive array of lodging, dining and entertainment options.


Mississippi Gulf coAst gulfcoast.org

Convention CenterThe Convention Center was renovated after Hurricane Katrina, so it feels almost brand new. It has all the technology necessary for our presentations – there is a large education component. The staff is wonderful. The facility accommodates all of our education sessions and the exhibitor hall.

Food & BeverageOne of the challenges of returning to the same destination is trying to do something different. The food throughout this area is wonderful. We have done a barbeque and for our Annual Exhibitors Luncheon we had a buffet with salads. The staff is very responsive to our needs, especially in designing the menu. The catering at the convention center is very good.

LodgingMost attendees stay at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, which is a very short commuting distance from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center. We also hold events at the Beau. The coordination between the hotel and the convention center was excellent.

StaffThe destination personnel at the CVB, the Convention Center and the hotels are very helpful. We were provided with tote bags and materials to give to attendees, and they arranged activities for spouses and tours of the area. Most attendees bring their families.

CutbacksThe CVB staff were very helpful in finding ways to cut costs; they’re very open to negotiations. They also helped us with some marketing and designing a brochure. Budgets are not increasing, so we have to find ways to sustain the quality level of the meeting without raising prices and everyone at the destination was so responsive in helping us keep costs down. DestinationThere are fine restaurants throughout the area. There is so much diversity; it’s just a wonderful area. It is Southern Hospitality at its best.

Clair SewardMeetings Coordinator Mississippi Municipal League

The annual Conference of the Mississippi Municipal League typically attracts more than 3,000 attendees, which include elected officials, federal and state agency employees, and city and county clerks. The meeting’s extensive agenda includes educational classes, organizational meetings, an awards luncheon and a tradeshow floor with 200 exhibitors. The organization, which as name suggests, must meet in the State of Mississippi, and it selects the Mississippi Gulf Coast for its stunning beaches, range of activities, world-class hotels and casinos, and the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast boasts scenic coastal beaches, championship golf, cultural attractions and 11 world-class casinos, as well as 12,500+ hotel rooms. This unique Southeastern Destination has also emerged as a competitive Mid-Market meetings destination with the recently renovated Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, with 400,000+ square feet of newly expanded exhibit and meeting space, including: 22 meeting/breakout rooms; 36,000-square-foot Ballroom and a 9,000-seat/30,000-square-foot Theater, making it one the largest, state-of-the-art beachfront convention centers in North America.


Smaller CitiesWe have met in all sizes of cities, and our 2011 conference is in New Orleans. Meeting planners should keep an open mind. With larger cities there can be more turnover at the CVB, and the hotels, but in the smaller cities, these people tend to have been in their jobs longer. In general, the partnership is stronger because if you have a problem they know immediately who to call. Also, they’re more committed to hospitality and more passionate about their city.

Personal SupportThe CVB and hotel staffs were very helpful. They set up a micro-site to promote the convention and things to do in the Tidewater region of Virginia, which was the first time we’ve had that as an organization.

DowntownThe downtown area is very compact, easy to get around. People enjoy the city’s history. Norfolk is a very reachable city, especially from Washington D.C. where many of our planners are based. There’s a charm to the city as well. The location is beautiful. Our meeting gets well received because the destination gets to showcase itself to hundreds of potential clients.

FoodThe food was excellent. We had catered events at the Marriott and the Sheraton. We had quite a few memorable meals.

HotelsThe facilities were impeccable. The hotels are world class and the personal services excellent. This was the 30th anniversary of the SGMP, and they had special hotel room key cards made for our attendees with our 30th anniversary logo. It was a nice little keepsake.

CostsBudgets are tight for attendees, so cost is obviously a factor. With 2nd & 3rd tier destinations like Norfolk, you deal with a smaller circle of personnel when planning, and they seem to be able to hold costs down more effectively.

Charles Sadler Executive Director & CEO Society of Government Meeting Professionals

The National Education Conference (NEC), the annual convention of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP), is a three-day event attracting more than 1,000 attendees and is considered the biggest annual event for the government segment of the meetings industry and, of course, one of the premier Meeting Planner gatherings of the year. The NEC features certification/education classes, networking opportunities, general sessions and an extensive exhibition floor. As one might surmise, a meeting of meeting planners sets the bar pretty high for assessing the features and benefits of a Mid-Market destination. In addition to inevitably showcasing the city to this crucial portion of the planner community, the tradeshow component consists mainly of other destinations, thus forcing comparisons between the host city and other destinations.

norfolkVirGiniA visitnorfolktoday.com

Norfolk is an easily accessible Mid-Atlantic destination with a meeting district nearby a stunning waterfront dotted with trendy restaurants, arts districts, museums, patriotic attractions and shopping. This compact meeting and event neighborhood – the city’s renowned Waterside Convention Connection – features 1,200+ first-class rooms and suites, 55 meeting rooms and 121,000 sq. ft. of convention space – and includes: Norfolk Waterside Marriott, Sheraton Norfolk Waterside, the Crowne Plaza Norfolk and the Waterside Festival Marketplace, as well as the Norfolk Scope Arena (85,000 sq. ft. meeting space).

sAint pAulMinnesotA

visitsaintpaul.com


Accommodating GrowthThe RiverCentre is a perfect fit, it has been able to accommodate the growth of our annual convention and future growth. It has ample meeting space, easy access and a decent loading dock. The equipment of some of our exhibitors can be quite large. We reconfigure the exhibition floor every year and this year we added an exhibitor lounge, which was very successful and we also utilized the part of the Roy Wilkins Auditorium, which is connected to the facility and part of the complex.

Return ChallengesIt can be a challenge returning to a destination to keep things fresh. We represent a food industry so our attendees are very picky and hard to please, and of course we have to emphasize chicken, turkey and eggs. Our big, welcoming reception kicks off our convention and we have to be creative; people do not want to go the same old reception. MHC Culinary Group, which caters events at the RiverCentre, worked with us and was really creative in customizing our menus. We came up with a roast turkey dish that everybody loved. You need to kick off your meeting in a big way that impresses attendees. The CVB and convention center staff are constantly bringing new ideas in all areas, marketing, hotel registration. They are very hands on.

Extra AttentionThe advantage of a 2nd tier city like Saint Paul is being the big fish in a smaller pond. We love that. We take over the downtown, and are welcomed everywhere. Everybody goes out of their way for us, making everyone feel special. That helps the atmosphere of the convention. We’re the only meeting in town of our size, so the staffs at the RiverCentre, the CVB and the hotels become an extension of our association team because they work hard on our half behalf.

Saint PaulIt has a small town feel, but in a good way. It’s a very convenient city. The restaurants are great. There’s a contingent of people who go to Minneapolis but the majority stay in Saint Paul. They go back to the same places every year.

Lara DurbinProgram Director Midwest Poultry Federation

The Midwest Poultry Federation hosts several events throughout the year in various Midwest locations, but for the past 15 years the organization’s largest convention, Midwest Poultry Federation Convention, has been held in Saint Paul at the Saint Paul RiverCentre, attracting about 2,000 attendees, farmers, educators, scientists and other workers in the poultry industry. The convention features meetings, classes, receptions and well as an extensive exhibition floor; no live animals are exhibited here, but a large selection of poultry-related farming equipment is on display.

Situated on the north bank of the Mississippi River, Minnesota’s capital city is diverse and vibrant, boasting a world-class event venue, the Saint Paul RiverCentre, which features 255,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition space, including 15 meeting rooms, 27,000-square-foot Ballroom, 68,699-square-foot Main Exhibit Hall and 5,844-seat Roy Wilkins Auditorium. The venue is located in the city’s downtown district, filled with entertainment, dining and shopping as well 1,500 hotel rooms; 900 rooms are connected by enclosed climate controlled walkways to the convention center.


Typical DestinationsWe usually meet in a hotel, and have selected 1st tier and larger 2nd tier cities. This was our first time in Tallahassee. We usually look for a hotel with convention facilities. We have to have several meeting rooms because we hold concurrent meetings. In addition, we usually anchor a meeting by a visit to a local museum facility. Tallahassee has the John G. Reilly House, which we used for our site visit.

Meeting FacilityThe Turnbull Center we were very happy with. Usually we are at a meeting type of hotel, but this was within walking distance to our main hotel, which was the Doubletree. It offered state-of-the-art technology for our presentation. But as important as the equipment is, it’s the onsite staff that makes the difference. They give the planner a sense of security. There were a couple of times where there seemed to a problem, but they fixed things right away, so there was no delay and our presentations were seamless.

The CityTallahassee is a very beautiful area and has a lot of Southern Hospitality. There were great bars and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel and center, most of them were local and unique. Our constituents like to explore local eateries. The food was very continental and southern and there was excellent seafood, but uniquely prepared.

CostsWe have to keep our costs down, and we were able to not raise our room rates, which was good. Smaller cities are able to be more flexible with the packages they offer. Also, transportation is higher in other cities, but everything here was close together. In smaller cities it is easier, overall, to keep costs down.

Off-SiteWe do a lot off-site events, including a tour of a facility. We, and our exhibitors and sponsors, were able to hold receptions at the Florida Museum of History and A & M University, as well restaurants. This is very important to our meeting.

Nona MartinBoard SecretaryAssociation of African American Museums

The Annual Meeting of the Association of African American Museums attracts about 200 attendees, including historians, administrators and museum staff members. The four-day event includes classrooms, an exhibition floor, and keynote luncheons. The 2011 edition was the first time meeting in Tallahassee, the state capital of Florida. Tallahassee may not have a convention center, but the city boasts an array of meeting venues. While this event was indeed city-wide, the main convention and related events were held in the Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center.

tAllAhAsseefloridA

visittallahassee.com

Tallahassee, Florida is home to the state capital, two major universities and an array of museums, attractions, and its distinctive fusion of Florida cosmopolitan flair with warm, welcoming southern charm. The city boasts 6,000+ hotel rooms and 400,000 square feet of meeting space. One of its leading facilities is the Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center (conferencing.fsu.edu), which features 47,000 square feet of meeting spaces, a 400-seat auditorium, catering kitchen, dining room, and nine break-out rooms with 16-to-50 seats per room.

® I LOVE NEW YORK logo is a registered trademark/service mark of the NYS Dept. of Economic Development, used with permission.

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Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau20 First Plaza NW, Suite 601, Albuquerque, NM 87102(505) 842-9918; (800)733-9918, Fax: (505) 247-9101ItsATrip.orgVP of Convention Sales, Services & Sports: Robert Enriquez

The true Southwest awaits you in Albuquerque. Come immerse yourself in our rich culture and heritage, rooted in centuries of history. Soak in our blue skies and sun that shines 310 days a year; breathe in the high desert air scented with sage and piñon; Albuquerque Convention Center – located in Downtown (bustling nightlife nightclubs, theaters, restaurants) – features over 275,000 sq. ft. meeting space; 31 meeting rooms, 31,164-sq.-ft. Ballroom, 106,200-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall; 2,300-seat Kiva Auditorium; 695 Hotel Rooms nearby (16,000 citywide). Attractions: Historic Old Town, ABQ BioPark, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, International Balloon Museum.

Atlantic City Convention CenterAtlantic City, N. J. 08401, (609) 449-7136; (888) 222-3683Fax: (609) 345-3685atlanticcitynj.com • meetinac.com Vice President, Convention Sales: Gary Musich Your Northeast Business AddressA year-round destination with all the amenities you expect from a premiere resort; 20,000 first-class hotel rooms (8,000 committable), top entertainment, golf, shop-ping, world-class dining and 11 casinos. The Atlantic City Convention Center is a bright, modern facility accommodating meetings and expos of all sizes, four contigu-ous exhibit halls (486,600 sq. ft.); 32,000 sq. ft. of pre-function space; 109,100 total sq. ft meeting space/45 Meeting Rooms including 29,400-sq-ft Ballroom; Free WiFi; voice/data communications; green facility – single-roof solar systems, aggressive recycling & energy savings programs.

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Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention CenterOne S. Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602(251) 208-2100; Fax: (251) 208-2150mobileconventions.comDirector Sales & Marketing: Cheryl Gee; General Manager: Bob Brazier “Explore the Options”Anchoring a lively downtown offering world-class accommodations, lush parks and squares, retail shops, restaurants, museums and art galleries, the Mobile Convention Center features 300,000+ sq. ft. of meeting space – 16 meeting rooms, two ballrooms (largest – 15,508 sq. ft.), two 50,000-sq.-ft. exhibit halls, outdoor terrace with panoramic view of Mobile River; largest space accommodates 5,555 theater-styling seating; Catering services by SAVOR; six hotels within walking distance /1,100+ Hotel Rooms. Attractions: 5 Rivers: Delta Resource Center; Alligator Alley, Hank Aaron Stadium, Civil War Trail.

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John S. Knight Center77 East Mill Street, Akron, OH 44308(330) 374-8900; (800) 245-4254; Fax: (330) 374-8971johnsknightcenter.orgVP of Sales: Dirk Breiding The Center of All America® City Akron, situated in the rolling hills of the Old Connecticut Western Reserve, along the shores of the Ohio & Erie Canalway, features a rich heritage, social diversity and the John S. Knight center – state-of-the-art video conferencing/streaming; on-site sup-port/service staff, full-service catering; 16 Meeting Rooms; 12,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 30,000-sq.-ft Exhibition Hall (41,000 sq. ft. Total Exhibit Space); 12,000 sq. ft. of banquet space; an additional 12,600 sq. ft. of meeting space; 22,000-sq.-ft. lobby, highlighted by distinctive glass rotunda and spiral staircase; Two Hotels – 339 Rooms – within 11⁄2 blocks; 5,400 county-wide.

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S i t e S & C i t i e S : A – ZKnoxville Convention Center..............................................46

Meadowlands Exposition Center .......................................46

Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center .......46

New Orleans Morial Convention Center ...........................48

VisitNorfolk ...........................................................................48

Pheasant Run Resort ...........................................................48

Providence Warwick CVB ....................................................48

Puerto Rico Convention Center .........................................48

Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment Complex ......................................................48

Rochester Riverside Convention Center ...........................48

Roland E. Powell Convention Center ................................48

Salina Bicentennial Center..................................................50

San Diego Convention Center ...........................................50

Scotiabank Convention Centre Niagara ...........................50

Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel & Casino ........................................................50

Visit Saint Paul......................................................................50

Visit Tallahassee ...................................................................50

Tinley Park Convention Center ..........................................50

Albuquerque Convention Center ......................................40

Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center ...................40

Atlantic City Convention Center ........................................40

Austin Convention Center ..................................................42

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center ...........................42

Branson Convention Center ...............................................42

Calgary TELUS Convention Centre ....................................42

Greater Columbus Convention Center .............................42

Colorado Springs CVB ........................................................42

Cox Convention Center ......................................................44

Currents – The Ballroom at Adventure Aquarium ............44

David L. Lawrence Convention Center ..............................44

Visit Denver ..........................................................................44

DeVos Place .........................................................................46

Frontier Airlines Center .......................................................46

Hilton Garden Inn – Fairfax, VA ..........................................46

Jackson CVB ........................................................................46

John S. Knight Center .........................................................40

Kansas Expocentre ..............................................................46


Awinner of the Prime Site Award every year since 1995, the Austin Convention Center has emerged as a leader in the convention and meeting industry. A premier facility located in the heart of

the capital city’s downtown business district, the Center spans six city blocks with 370,967 square feet of exhibit and meeting space. The five column-free exhibit halls totaling 246,097 square feet, accommodate 1,289 10’ X 10’ exhibit booths. Seven ballrooms ranging from 3,896 to 43,300 square feet in size and 54 meeting rooms and show offices totaling over 58,000 square feet, complete the four-story convention center. Ample parking is provided in two parking garages with a total capacity of 1,700 spaces.

What’s NeWA new overhead open air skyway connects the 3rd and 4th levels, making movement between Levels 3 and 4 significantly easier. The new Skyway Meeting Room with dramatic views of downtown Austin adds an exciting feature to the walkway design.

techNological FeaturesRated one of the most technologically advanced convention centers in the country, this gigabit rated facility moves voice, video, and data at over one billion bits per second. The Center’s high tech capabilities help create the perfect Technology Partner for the annual SXSW international convention. The facility has a proven track record of handling 7,000 simultaneous connections. It offers a variety of in-house services including complimentary Wireless Internet access, redundant high-speed Internet II access, plug and play capabilities, and an on-site technical staff to help with networking needs.

500 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, Texas 78701 • (512) 404-4000; Fax: (512) 404-4416 • austinconventioncenter.com

LOCAteD iN tHe HeARt OF tHe CAPitAL CitY’S DOWNtOWN BUSiNeSS DiStRiCt, tHe CeNteR SPANS SiX CitY BLOCKS.

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hotelsAustin offers more than 30,000 hotel rooms, with 6,000 located downtown, including the 800-room Hilton Austin adjacent to the convention center. Additional nearby hotels include: Four Seasons Hotel Austin; Courtyard by Marriott; Residence Inn by Marriott; Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown; Radisson Hotel & Suites; Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown; Driskill Hotel; Omni Austin Hotel Downtown; Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel; and the new W Austin.

austiN by NightAfter conventions and meetings wrap-up each night, attendees may choose to enjoy Austin’s entertainment districts – Second Street, the Warehouse District and famous Sixth Street. The Austin Convention Center is just down the street from the city’s vibrant nightlife, where visitors can also enjoy everything from fine dining in four-star restaurants, to down-home barbecue and authentic Tex-Mex. As the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin echoes with the sound of country, rock ‘n’ roll, blues, jazz and Tejano. On any given evening, one can find live music playing in nearly 200 different venues.

austiN by DayDuring the day, visitors can enjoy the capital city’s many historical attractions, including the State Capitol, the LBJ Presidential Library, the Texas State History Museum, the Blanton Museum of Art, and many more museums and art galleries. Or, one can experience the beauty of central Texas, captured by downtown’s Lady Bird Lake, bordered by 10 miles of trails enjoyed by runners, walkers and cyclists. Surrounded by three lakes and a network of parks, Austin offers the perfect environment for enjoying the best of nature.

FAST FACTS:Facility• Location: Downtown Austin• Total Area: spans six

city blocks• Exhibit Space: 246,097

contiguous sq. ft., column free • Ballrooms: 43,300 sq. ft. level 4;

23,418 sq. ft. level 1• Meeting Space: 54 meeting

rooms totaling 58,000 square feet

• Technology: Gigabit rated facility, wireless Internet access, plug and play capabilities

Austin• Hotels: 6,000 downtown hotel

rooms; adjacent 800-room Hilton Austin

• Airport: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, eight miles from facility

• Nearby Attractions: State Capitol, Sixth Street Entertainment District, Warehouse Entertainment District, University of Texas, LBJ Presidential Library, more than 20 museums including The Texas State History Museum, dozens of art galleries and historical attractions, Lady Bird Lake.

Contact Information• Mark Tester, Director of

Austin Convention Center Department

• Paul Barnes, Assistant Director – Sales, Marketing and Events

• Lisa Kidder, Director of Sales


Branson Convention Center200 East Main Street, Branson, MO 65616www.bransonconvention.com(417) 336-5401; Fax: (417) 336-5413 Assistant General Manager: William Tirone, CMP, CEM, [email protected]

Branson, Missouri has long been one of the most exciting and fun-filled vacation destinations in the country. Thanks to the state-of-the-art Branson Convention Center, Branson is a first-class meeting & trade show destination. Situated on the shores of picturesque Lake Taneycomo, the center can accommodate up to 4,500 attendees at a time. Its unique design makes it an ideal location for a diversity of events, including trade shows and conventions, religious symposiums, corporate meetings, public expos and large-scale entertainment events – 220,000 sq. ft, of event space, including 47,000 sq. ft. exhibit space, 30,000 sq. ft. meeting space, includ-ing 5 meeting rooms and 23,000-sq.ft. Ballroom; 294 Hotel Rooms connected.

Missouri

Greater Columbus Convention Center400 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215(614) 827-2500; (800) 626-0241, Fax: (614) 827-2659columbusconventions.comA Perfect Destination: From the Inside Out.SMG-managed, located in the heart of the Columbus High Five entertainment area. Within 550 miles of two-thirds of U.S. population. Exhibitor-friendly facility welcomes 2.5 million+ annually to the country’s 16th largest city. 1.7 million-sq-ft venue – four contiguous exhibit halls (410,000 sq. ft. total exhibit space), 65 meeting rooms, three ballrooms – including 74,000-sq.-ft. Battelle Grand, the largest multi-purpose ballroom in Ohio. On-site Food Court & Shops, ARAMARK catering, The UPS Store & Business Center 2,500 committable hotel rooms downtown; 22,000 citywide; dozens of restaurants, bars, theatres and galleries within walking distance.

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Colorado Springs CVB515 S. Cascade AvenueColorado Springs, CO 80903(800) 888-4748 ext. 132; Fax: (719) 635-4968VisitCOS.comDirector of Convention Sales: Kathy ReakMeeting Higher Expectations2nd-tier city with first-class facilities and amenities; 495,000 sq. ft. meeting space throughout area; Major venues: The Broadmoor (700 rooms, 185,000 sq. ft. meeting space); Sheraton Hotel Crowne Plaza (500 rooms, 43,000 sq. ft. meet-ing space); Cheyenne Mountain Resort (321 rooms, 40,000 sq. ft. meeting space) Antlers Hilton (299 rooms, 27,000 sq. ft. meeting space); DoubleTree Colorado Springs,World Arena (305 rooms, 21,135 sq. ft. meeting space); Garden of the Gods Club (108 rooms, and 13,428 sq. ft. meeting space); 14,000 Hotel Rooms.

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Calgary TELUS Convention Centre120 Ninth Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2G OP3(800) 822-2697; (403) 261-8500, Fax: (403) 261-8510calgary-convention.comDirector of Sales & Marketing: Heather Lundy

Multi-purpose, newly-expanded, fully-equipped venue; 132,000 sq. ft. flexible meeting space; 20,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 65,000+ sq. ft. exhibit space, five foyer areas, 27 breakout rooms; Terrace View Room is Elegant 5th floor roof-top room with private balcony; Olde Scotch Room is a multi-level room with built-in bar and hardwood floor. Full-service electronic infrastructure supports high-speed Internet, telecom-munications and elaborate audio-visual displays, with full video-conferencing capabilities, satellite downlink, fiber-optic services; directly connected to 1,100+ Hotel Rooms; 11,000 Hotel Rooms citywide. Calgary offers vibrant shopping, dining and entertainment; spec-tacular hiking and skiing in Canadian Rockies.

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Boston Convention & Exhibition Center415 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210(617) 954-2000; Fax: (617) 954-2299massconvention.comExecutive Director: James E. Rooney “Defy Conventional Thinking”Known for its renowned medical, educational and biotechnology prowess, Boston is one of the premier meeting destinations in the United States. Boston’s beautiful coastlines, history, culture and first-rate meeting facilities make it the perfect setting for business and pleasure. The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center offers a world-class facility with customer-focused staff and state-of-the-art services. Flexible, easily-configured spaces with a column-free ballroom and exhibit hall – meeting/exhibit space: 1,016,000+ sq.ft. – 84 Meeting Rooms; 40,020-sq.-ft. Ballroom, 184,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall (Total Exhibit Space 516,000 sq.ft.); 17,647 Theater Seating. 35,000+ Hotel Rooms.

Massachussetts

Austin Convention Center500 E. Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78701(512) 404-4000; Fax: (512)-404-4416austinconventioncenter.comDirector of Sales: Lisa KidderThe Live Music Capital of the World Rated one of the most technologically advanced convention centers in U.S. Located near city’s famous entertainment districts. Multi-level facility spans six city blocks, features – 374,255 sq. ft. Meeting/Exhibit space, including 5 column-free, contiguous Exhibit Halls (256,097 sq. ft total exhibit space), 7 ballrooms (43,300 sq. ft. is largest) and 54 meeting rooms; 6,000 downtown hotel rooms; Complimentary high-speed, high density wireless services throughout. In-building cellular antenna systems; On-site engineers; proven track record of handling 6,000 simultaneous connections; pre-function spaces offer downtown views; new walkway connects 3rd and 4th levels.

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36 2011 Facilities SuperBook

Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702(570) 970-7600; Fax: (570) 970-7601mohegansunarenapa.comGeneral Manager: Rebecca Bonnevier

SMG-managed arena opened in 1999, home to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL); 8,000+ permanent seats, nearly 10,000 for concerts and other events; Exhibition Space – Event Level 97,390 sq ft. - Concourse 8,530 sq. ft. - Suite Level 47,949 sq. ft. 4 Locker rooms, 2 two smaller dressing rooms, lounge area, meeting room/promoter room; catering/meeting room; 624 club seats w/ exclusive access to Club Member Lounge; 31 luxury suites, 1 Party Suite. F&B – SAVOR...; 7 permanent concessions stands, several portable stands and Kids Zone; Wilkes-Barre/Scranton/Hazleton MSA – 550,000 (3rd largest in PA) within 2 hours of Philadelphia & NYC; 33+ million within 125-mile radius.

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Dunkin’ Donuts Center1 LaSalle Square, Providence RI 02903(401) 331-0700; Fax: (401) 621-5987dunkindonutscenter.comExecutive Assistant/Booking: Debra Polselli

Part of the Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment Complex, 14,000-seat DDC offers 31,000 sq. ft. arena space, ceiling height – 86 feet, 25,000-square-foot concourse, new 9,000-sq-ft lobby, 20 luxury suites, five additional meeting/hospitality rooms; state-of-the-art video scoreboard; 6 Dressing/Locker Rooms; 2 Media Rooms, 2 Production Offices; 250-seat restaurant; 11 permanent, 24 portable concession stands; DDC attracts one million+ annually/RI DMA population: 1,076,164/ 38,000+ college students within a 5-mile radius; 25% of USA population lives within 500 miles. 60’ x 40’ StageRight portable staging; 200’ x 85’ ice rink; Composite sub-floor; McCauley Line array speaker system/ Power Amps; Lighting: 6 Super Troupers, 2 Gladiators.

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T h e N o r T h e a s T / r h o d e i s l a N d

One LaSalle Square, Providence, RI 02903

(401) 331-0700; (401) 621-5987 • dunkindonutscenter.com

Providence, Rhode Island mixes the urban sophistication of a big city with the graceful charm of a small town. At the heart of Providence’s bustling downtown is the Dunkin’

Donuts Center (DDC), part of the Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment Complex, which also includes the Rhode Island Convention Center (RICC) and the Veterans Memorial Auditorium (VMA).

The 14,000-seat DDC offers 31,000 square feet of arena space with a ceiling height of 86 feet, a 25,000-square-foot concourse, a new 9,000-square-foot lobby, 20 luxury suites, and five additional meeting/hospitality rooms. Other amenities include a pedestrian bridge connecting the arena to the RICC, a state-of-the-art video scoreboard, and upgraded concession and restaurant facilities. There are 5,500 hotel rooms in the Greater Providence area—1,800 located within walking distance of the Center.

Providence is known for its thriving arts scene and is recognized as one of the nation’s hottest culinary destinations. There are nine colleges and universities located in the Providence market, most of which are within a 5-mile radius of the Center—Brown University, Johnson & Wales University, RI School of Design, and Providence College just to name a few. The students at these local colleges and universities add to diverse population of our City.

D u n k i n ’ D o n u t s C e n t e r

The Facilities Media GroupFacilities & Destinations SuperBook

Facilities & Destinations Mid-Market Review Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

Facilities & Destinations CONFERENCE Facilities SuperBook • Facilities Booking Guide

Facilities & Event Management Facilitiesonline.com

Make Our World Your World!

400 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215 • (614) 827-2500; (800) 626-0241 Fax: (614) 827-2659 • www.columbusconventions.com

SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center is located in Ohio’s capital city. The Midwest facility originally opened in 1993 and has been expanded so that the massive complex bears a stunning footprint of 1.7 million square feet with 410,000 square feet of exhibit space. Architecturally, the

center is an extraordinary play of color, angles, concrete and glass designed by Peter Eisenman. Located in a multicultural metropolis, the city itself reveals a patchwork of interesting neighborhoods that can range from the artistic to the academic sides of life, with area restaurants and attractions reflecting a dynamic diversity. Two-thirds of the entire U.S. population is within a 550-mile radius, making the complex the ideal site for trade shows, conventions, seminars, meetings and consumer shows. Meeting planners also appreciate the fact that the facility is exhibitor friendly and easily accessible from its local airport and nearby interstate highways and is surrounded by brand name, meeting-style hotels. Columbus was named the second-most affordable trade show destination in the country.

Exhibit/Meeting Space: Battelle Grand is a magnificent 74,000-square-foot multipurpose ballroom that is the biggest in Ohio and one of the largest in the Midwest. The $40-million renovation includes 50,000 square feet on the main floor of Battelle Grand and 24,000 on the mezzanine; floor - to- ceiling windows with city views; divisible into 5 configurations; LED “fi n” ceiling lighting with 65,000 color combination options. A Center Lounge, the upscale 36 on the Boulevard window-lined meeting room, additional meeting space, escalators and elevators are new amenities as part of the project. Battelle Grand: Main level totals 50,000, accommodating 219 trade show booths and 2,290 for banquets. Battelle Grand Mezzanine: Measuring 24,000, the mezzanine accommodates 105 trade show booths and 980 for banquets.

• Hall C: Single level totaling 98,000 square feet of exhibit space, 8,000 seats and accommodations for 530 booths.

• Hall D: Single level totaling 118,000 square feet of exhibit space, 8,000 seats and accommodations for 630 booths. (Halls C&D are flexible and may be combined.)

• Hall E: Single level totaling 57,000 square feet of exhibit space and

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accommodations for 302 booths. • Hall F: Single level totaling 56,000 square feet of exhibit space and

accommodations for 206 booths. (Halls E&F are flexible and may be combined.) Halls C, D, E and F can be combined for a total of 336,000 square feet. In addition, the Columbus facility includes the Grand Ballroom and Terrace Ballroom encompassing 40,000 square feet and 65 meeting rooms that are fully carpeted and equipped with acoustical wall treatments, individual temperature controls, and sound and lighting controls.

Special Services: As expansive as this multi-purpose convention center is in space, so it is in the number of business and convention services it offers. A brief list of such helpful services includes: registrar services; party decorators; equipment and furniture rentals; exhibit and display rentals; audio-visual equipment and support staff; banners and signage technology. In addition, the high-tech center includes an in-house location of The UPS Store and Business Center within the 100,000 square feet of Food Court & Shops retail space.

Food & Beverage: Nationally acclaimed ARAMARK is the exclusive food and beverage provider at the convention center, offering customized menus and catered events for all size groups including served meals for more than 5,000 guests.

Hotel Info & Parking: The Greater Columbus Convention Center is connected directly to a 631-room Hyatt Regency and three additional hotels by covered walkway. It is also surrounded by a dozen or more first class hotels that include such familiar names as Renaissance, Crowne Plaza, Westin, a second Hyatt and others. When tallied, hotel inventory of rooms (within walking distance of the convention center) totals 3,500 rooms. The 532-room full-service Hilton Columbus Downtown hotel across from the Convention Center will open in September 2012. There are more than 22,000 hotel rooms citywide. Parking at the convention center accommodates 3,000 vehicles. There is parking for an additional 10,000 cars throughout the downtown area.



18451 Convention Center Drive

Tinley Park, IL 60477

(708) 895-8200; (888) 895-3211

Fax: (708) 895-8288

meetchicagosouthland.com

The Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Drive, located close to Chicago in southwest suburban Tinley Park, Illinois, has completed a major expansion, doubling the

size of the Chicago-area facility. The expansion brings the total of usable meeting and convention

space to 70,450 sq. ft., with 58,100 sq. ft. of clear span exhibit space and an additional 12,350 sq. ft. of divisible meeting space. A 11,500- sq.-ft. Junior Ballroom configuration is also available at the facility.

Eighteen-plus breakout rooms are now available at the Tinley Park Convention Center, plus expanded convention storage and loading docks.

The Tinley Park Convention Center connects to the Holiday Inn Tinley Park, with 202 guest rooms, and 450 parking spaces have been added to the property, bringing the total number of free parking spaces to 1,400.

An additional 668 hotel rooms are located within close proximity to the Tinley Park Convention Center, and a variety of dining and entertainment options are located within a mile of the property.

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Located at Interstate 80 and Harlem Avenue, the Tinley Park Convention Center is about 30 minutes south of Chicago’s Midway Airport, and about 35 minutes from downtown Chicago. The convention center is also easily accessible from Interstates 57 and 355, and the metropolitan region’s commuter rail system, Metra, offers two train stations in Tinley Park with convenient transportation to downtown Chicago.

For additional information about the Tinley Park Convention Center, please contact:Mary Patchin, Director of SalesChicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau2304 173rd Street, Lansing, IL 60438Local: (708) 895-0820Toll-free: (888) 895-8233Fax: (708) 895-8288mary@visitchicagosouthland.comwww.meetchicagosouthland.com

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David L. Lawrence Convention Center1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 325-6174; Fax: (412) 565-6104pittsburghcc.comDirector of Sales & Marketing: Debbie SmuckerBuilt Green. Working Green. Every Day!In downtown Pittsburgh’s cultural district, within steps of theaters, cinemas, galleries, restaurants, 2,500 hotel rooms, just across the bridge from PNC Park & Heinz Field, the environmentally-smart “green,” SMG-managed, 1.5 million-sq.-ft facility features 313,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 37 loading docks, 53 meeting rooms, 31,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, (2) 250-seat theaters. The building’s dynamic architectural design offers breath-taking views, open terraces, suspended roof structure. Technology: 1Gb circuit with DS3 backup, Fiber optic backbone network, Multi-mode fiber, CAT6 (cop-per) cabling, Video conferencing, Wireless internet access.

Visit Denver1555 California St., Ste. 300, Denver, CO 80202(800) 480-2010; (303) 892-1112, Fax: 303-892-1636VISITDENVER.comVice President of Sales & Services: Rachel Benedick 300 days of sunshine, a thriving art and cultural scene, diverse neighborhoods, and the Rocky Mountain backdrop combine for the world’s most spectacular playground. Benefits to meeting in the Mile High City: unbeatable mix of state-of-the-art facilities, affordability, accessibility and destination appeal. The Colorado Convention Center – 584,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit floor space, divisible into six halls; 63 meeting rooms (100,000 sq. ft. total – all on one level); Korbel Ballroom (50,000 sq. ft.; seats 5,452 theatre style) and 5,000-seat Wells Fargo Theatre (divisible into three sections). Technology: Wireless network throughout; High-speed internet; 8,300 hotel rooms within walking distance; 42,000 metro-wide. 300+ restaurants within walking distance; LoDo hip & historic district; 3 downtown sports stadiums.

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Currents – The Ballroom at Adventure Aquarium1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103(856) 365-3300 x7375; Fax: (856) 365-3311currentsballroom.com •[email protected] Director of Sales: Chezerah BowlegCurrents Ballroom - A Ballroom Under the Sea with a Skyline ViewState-of-the-Art event space; unmatched panoramic views of the Philadelphia skyline; breathtaking three-movie-screen-sized look into 550,000-gallon Shark Realm exhibit (100s of amazing fish & over 20+ sharks!); the tranquil underwater décor adds a layer of sophis-tication to any event; 7,000 sq. ft. meeting space (Banquet Style: 280; Theater Style: 325; Cocktail Reception: 600) breaks down to 3 separate rooms; Extensive audio/visual capabili-ties, two projection screens, LCD projector, 3 LCD monitors; internet access; Direct-TV capability; only two miles from center city Philadelphia!

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Cox Convention CenterOne Myriad Gardens, Oklahoma, OK 73102(405) 602-8500; Fax: (405) 602-8505coxconventioncenter.comDirector of Sales and Marketing: Tim Linville Spanning more than one million square feet and four city blocks, this complex is located at the heart of downtown Oklahoma City – a city both accommodating & affordable; multi-purpose venue hosts everything from intimate meetings to major conventions, tradeshows, concerts and sporting events. 27 Meeting Rooms; 25,000-sq-ft Ballroom; 100,000-sq-ft Exhibit Hall, 15,000-seat Arena. FREE Wi-Fi available; internet access speeds up to one Gigabit; 1,400 of Oklahoma City’s 15,000+ Hotel Rooms across street. From arts and adventure to cowboy culture and family fun, Oklahoma City offers an eclectic mix of heritage and hot-spots.

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DLCC OverviewBuilding size: 1,500,000 sq. ft.Exhibit space: 313,400 sq. ft.Meeting rm space: 109,562 sq. ft. Rooftop terrace: 40,000 sq. ft. Ballroom space: 31,600 sq. ft. Living roof terrace: 25,590 sq. ft. Indoor parking spaces: 700 Meeting rooms: 53 Loading docks: 37 A leader in sustainable design and function; some of the DLCC g1(greenfirst)® practices include:

Recycling: Traditional-plastics, aluminum, glass, cardboard, paper, wood. Non-traditional batteries, sod, water, light bulbs, food.

Reducing: Bulk water use, planning local food menus, monitoring energy efficiencies and purchases renewable energy, growing vegetables & herbs on the rooftop.

Reusing: Operates its own water reclamation. Purchases environmental friendly office supplies.

1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 • (412) 325-6174; Fax: (412) 565-6104 • pittsburghcc.com

An awe-inspiring structure along the banks of the Allegheny River in downtown Pittsburgh, the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC) has set a new global standard for the convergence of beauty, functionality and sustainability. Opened in 2003, the Convention Center sits on almost eight acres of land

at the edge of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, which is a thriving area of shops, restaurants and theaters. With 53 meeting rooms, the Center boasts of the largest ballroom in western Pennsylvania and more than 300,000 square feet of exhibition space. From its sweeping stainless steel roof to an on-site water recycling system, the DLCC is a case study in sustainability and was awarded GOLD in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED ®) by the US Green Building Council. Beyond its beauty, the curved roof provides a significant amount of natural light throughout the facility, which dramatically reduces the need for costly and energy- consuming artificial light.

A simple ventilation system using the laws of physics draws cool air from over the Allegheny River into the halls, providing fresh, cool air to attendees. Drawing water from the city’s fourth river, an aquifer located 50 feet beneath the building, the DLCC uses this water for the center’s air conditioning system’s cooling towers, reducing demand on the city’s water supply. In addition, the center’s grey water reclamation system filters and purifies its wastewater and recycles the water for use in its restroom commodes. Combined, these two systems enable the DLCC to reduce its municipal water usage by 75%.

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WorlD-class accommoDatioNs, global coNsciousNess aNDaN aWe-iNspiriNg structure aloNg the baNks oF the allegheNy


DeVos Place 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503(616) 742-6500; Fax: (616) 742-6590www.devosplace.orgDirector of Sales: Kathy Bart Big city sophistication with small town virtues.Ideally equipped to host meetings, conventions, trade shows, performing arts and touring events, often simultaneously; multi-level venue – 1 million sq. ft. of flexible space on a 13-acre riverfront site; 162,000-sq-ft. Exhibit Hall, 40,000+ sq.-ft. Ballroom; 26, sub-divid-able meeting rooms/32,000+sq.ft. of meeting space, 2,404-seat DeVos Performance Hall; 1,400 Hotel Rooms within walking distance/ 1,200 accessible by skywalk; located in bustling downtown featuring restaurants, nightclub and theatres. Attractions: Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Gerald Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Rosa Parks Circle, plus Golfing, fishing, boating, biking and sightseeing.

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Frontier Airlines Center400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203(414) 908-6001; Fax: (414) 908-6010frontierairlinescenter.orgDirector of Sales & Marketing: Trace Goudreau [email protected], Milwaukee – easy-to-get-to, easy-to-navigate, visitor-friendly Meetings Destinations known for its hospitality and beautiful Lake Michigan location The Frontier Airlines Center, home to the $1.4 million Burke Family Collection of integrated and commissioned art, features 32 Meeting Rooms, 37,506-sq-ft Ballroom, 189,695 total Exhibit Space; 4,100-seat Milwaukee Theatre & 12,700-seat U.S. Cellular Arena. Ballroom equipped with built-in rigging points and high-Amperage power sources, complete wi-fi, audio-visual, satellite, video conferenc-ing and remote network capability throughout facility. 1,543 hotel rooms connected by skywalk; 3,359 in downtown area; 15,000+ in immediate metro area.

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Knoxville Convention Center701 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN 37902(800) 727-8045; (865) 673-4400knoxville.orgDirector of Sales & Marketing Administration: Teresa Hall

Wonderfully diverse mix of big-city ameni-ties and attractions delivered with small-town charm and hospitality. The Knoxville Convention Center -- 500,000 sq. ft. of Meeting/Exhibit Space – 24 Meeting Rooms, 27, 300-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 119,922-sq.ft. Exhibit Hall (200,000 sq. ft. total Exhibit Space). 461-seat Theater; 11 50” plasma monitors & 104” video wall for advertising or event listings; two computerized marquees; Copper (Cat 3&5), co-ax & fiber infrastructure; 8,100 Hotel Rooms; free downtown trolley service; 120+ Knoxville attractions includ-ing museums, historical homes, art galleries, collegiate sport arenas, Tennessee Riverboat tours, the Knoxville Zoo, Botanical Gardens, music.

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Kansas ExpocentreOne Expocentre Drive, Topeka, KS 66612-1442(785) 235-1986; Fax: (785) 235-2967KsExpo.comGeneral Manager: H.R. Cook, [email protected]

The premier entertainment, exhibition and convention facility in northeast Kansas – a convenient, central location and offers friendly, Midwestern hospitality; 210,000 sq. ft. Exhibit Space – 44,500-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall, 27,000 sq. ft. Meeting Space – 15 Meeting Rooms, 11,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom; WiFi, digital video boards, in-house live video production, state-of-the-art sound; Six loading docks, three drive-in entrances; Capital City of Kansas, variety of entertainment options; historical architecture and museums, spacious parks, lake, gardens, Lake Shawnee gardens/golf/boating/swimming; Great Overland Train Station; 75 percent of U.S. population capable of reaching facility in just a one-day drive; destination of choice for budget-conscious conventions and tradeshows.

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Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau 111 East Capitol Street, Suite 102, Jackson, MS 39201(800) 354-7695; Fax: (601) 960-1827visitjackson.comVice President of Sales: Shun HattenJackson, Mississippi: The City with SoulThere’s no better way to sample the South than Jackson, Mississippi. A blend of the old and the new, Jackson is a secret full of surprises! 5,000+ hotel rooms; the new Jackson Convention Center features 85,000 sq. ft. of divisible space, including a 60,000-sq.-ft. exhibit hall, a 25,000-sq.-ft ballroom, and 33,000 sq. ft. of lobbies, concourse, and registration areas. Additional meeting facilities are available in Jackson, Mississippi, for various meeting sizes. New entertainment district offers unique dining experiences & nightlife with a Southern flare.

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Hilton Garden Inn – Fairfax, VA3950 Fair Ridge Drive, Fairfax, VA 22033(703) 385-7774; Fax: (703) 359-2932fairfax.hgi.comGeneral Manager: Steve Steinberg Everything. Right where you need it.Nestled in the upscale Washington, DC suburbs of Northern Virginia, the Hilton Garden Inn is a perfect venue for meetings, conferences, banquets, and special events; Small-to mid-size meetings up to 300 guests; 6 meeting rooms, 2,700-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 9,000 sq. ft. exhibit space; 380 theater-style seating; up-to-date audio/visual technology; on-site catering with high-quality and menu variety; On-site Great American Grill Restaurant; 24-hour Pavilion Pantry convenience shop; Pavilion Lounge; Complimentary 24-hour business center; Complimentary wireless and wired high-speed Internet access; only 30 minutes from D.C. attractions.

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Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center2350 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, MI 39531, (228) 896-6699gulfcoast.orgDirector of Sales: Crystal Johnson

Scenic coastal beaches, championship golf, cultural attractions, top-name entertainment, great shopping and 24-hour casino excitement make the Mississippi Gulf Coast a world-class destination! One of the few beachfront convention centers in North America, the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center – 400,000+ sq. ft. of newly expanded and renovated exhibit and meeting space, including: 22 meeting/breakout rooms; 36,000-sq-ft Ballroom; 129,500 –sq.-ft. Exhibition Hall; 9,000-seats;/30,000-sq-ft Theater; 94 Wireless Access Points; Peer-to-Peer Networking & Webcasting. After the meeting, your delegates can enjoy gaming, golf, dining, culture, shopping and so much more. 3,000 committable Hotel Rooms; 12,500 total rooms.

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Meadowlands Exposition Center355 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ 07094(201) 330-7773; (800) 400-3976; Fax: (201) 330-1172mecexpo.com Regional General Manager: Robin Cuneo Everything you need, exactly where you want it. Your cost effective alternative to NYCOutstanding location -- five miles outside Manhattan, accessible to Public Transportation & Major Highways; Only Minutes from Newark Liberty Airport; 61,000 sq. ft. of continuous exhibition space. Five Seminar Rooms. Free Parking. 65,000 sq. ft. of Meeting/Exhibition space, including five meeting rooms, the-ater seating: 6,000; Internet, Wifi, and all Audio/Visual needs; onsite decorator. Catering for up to 5,000; 1,500+ Hotel Rooms. Attractions: New Meadowlands Stadium, IZOD Center, Meadowlands Racetrack, Secaucus Outlet Center, 25+ res-taurants, 16 movie screens, Health Club.

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2350 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, MI 39531 • (228) 896-6699 • www. www.gulfcoast.org

You will find a lot to love here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Like 400,000 square feet of newly expanded and renovated exhibit and meeting space at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center. This facility offers all the modern amenities meeting planner’s desire.

The facility boasts a wide range of services including Meeting Matrix, the latest in telecommunications, 3G technology, digital and analog lines, 94 wireless access points, peer-to-peer networking and webcasting. The facility also offers custom lighting designed around your event. The newly expanded parking areas can accommodate over 4,000 vehicles.

The centerpiece of this beachfront convention center is the 129,500-square-foot exhibit space. It has unlimited floor load capacity, huge loading docks and all the power anyone could need. This space is extremely flexible, with 22 breakout rooms. If you need the arena, you’ll get another 30,000 square feet of space and seating for 9,000.

After your event, will you hit the links on one of our signature golf courses or hit blackjack at one of our casino resorts? Give yourself a day of luxurious spa treatments, or treat yourself to a succulent seafood dish at one of our many top notch restaurants? Lounge on our 26 mile long beach, or go after the big ones on a charter fishing boat. Here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast anything your heart desires is at your fingertips. So, take a moment to consider the possibilities.

Stay and play at one of our 11 casino resorts. The slots are hot and you’ll find exciting action at the blackjack tables, roulette wheels, craps tables and poker rooms. There are games for everyone whether you’re looking for penny slots or playing baccarat in sophisticated High Limit areas.

Accommodations range from the luxury of penthouse suites to the fun of a little mom-and-pop motor court. If you travel with your RV, you’ll find plenty of parks available for your stay.

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You won’t believe the headliners starring on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Performers like Keith Urban, Air Supply and Darius Rucker just to name a few. Go to our website at www.gulfcoast.org to see a current schedule.

Play golf on courses designed by the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio.

With over 20 courses to choose from, you could swing your clubs for weeks and never play the same hole twice.

If shopping’s your bag, you’ll find malls and much more. The Mississippi Gulf Coast is dotted with unique boutiques, factory outlets, places where you can find that special gift. Works by our talented artists and craftsmen are available throughout the area. Antiquing here is a sport in itself. If you are looking for mint collectibles or pieces that need a little loving care, you can find it on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

With all the fun and excitement going on, it’s nice to know you can take a break and take in a museum. Contemplate the works of George Ohr, the Mad Potter of Biloxi, at the Frank Gehry designed museum. Or experience Horn Island through the eyes of Walter Anderson at the museum devoted to his works.

There’s plenty for the family to do. Take the ferry out to Ship Island where historic Fort Massachusetts, crystal clear water, and a beach rated among the finest in the world awaits you. You can take a tour aboard a working shrimp boat, watch the skipper haul in the nets and see the catch for yourself.

Choose from a day at the water park or a visit to a nationally rated children’s museum.

Along the beach you can rent a jet ski or kayak.There are so many decisions to make! Just relax. Take all the time

you need. You can always stay an extra day or two. And we’ll welcome you back again and again.

Go to www.gulfcoast.org for all the information you need to make the most of your visit.


New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70130(504) 582-3000; Fax: (504) 582-3032mccno.comDirector of Sales: Keith Levey Just steps away from the Warehouse/Arts District and the historic French Quarter, where the old-world charm of fine restaurants, first-class hotel rooms and unique cultural experiences abound. Convention Center features: 140 meeting rooms, 12 combinable exhibit halls total-ing 1.1 million sq.ft.; 4,000-seat conference-auditorium/theater, two 30,000+ sq.ft. Ballrooms, three restaurants and a VIP dining suite; 10-GIG internet backbone. High speed internet, Wi-fi in public areas, videoconferencing, satellite uplinks and downlinks, video streaming/web-casting.on-site technological support; 20,000+ Hotel Rooms. Attractions: Riverwalk, Garden District, Aquarium of the Americas, World War II Museum; Audubon Zoo.

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VisitNorfolk 232 East Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510(757) 664-6620; (800) 368-3097; FAX: 757-622-3663visitnorfolktoday.comVice President of Sales and Marketing: Donna Allen

Located in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic, this compact meetings destination features hotels and convention facilities and a sparkling waterfront dotted with trendy restaurants, arts districts, museums, patriotic attractions and shopping. Waterside Convention Connection (200+ first-class rooms/suites, 55 meet-ing rooms, 121,000 sq. ft. of convention space) includes - Norfolk Waterside Marriott, Sheraton Norfolk Waterside, the Crowne Plaza Norfolk and the Waterside Festival Marketplace; Norfolk Scope Arena (85,000 sq. ft. meeting space). Attractions: MacArthur Center Mall, Chrysler Museum of Art, Hermitage Foundation Museum, Norfolk Tides AAA Baseball at Harbor Park, Virginia Zoological Park.

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Pheasant Run Resort4051 East Main Street, St. Charles, IL 60174(630) 584-6300; (800) 4-PHEASANT, Fax: (630) 584-9831PheasantRun.comDirector of Sales: Tim Hobbs

Located in charming St. Charles, less than an hour from Chicago, easily accessible from both O’Hare and Midway Airports. Comprehensive meeting facilities, state-of-the-art technology, outstanding guest accommodations, unlimited recreational opportunities, professional staff; 100,000+ sq. ft. Meeting/Exhibit Space, 39 Meeting Rooms; St. Charles Ballroom - 12,320 sq. ft.; Mega Center - 38,000 sq. ft.; 320-seat tiered amphitheater; high-speed Internet and advanced presentation systems; onsite audiovisual team; 473 guestrooms; Mario Tricoci Salon & Day Spa; 36 Holes of Championship Golf; Live Theater; Zanies Comedy Club; 3 Swimming Pools; Fitness Center; 8 Restaurants & Lounges.

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Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau144 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903(401) 456-0200; Fax: (401) 273-7046GoProvidence.comVice President of Sales & Services: Kristin McGrath, CDMProvidence: The Creative CapitalBrimming with rich history, natural beauty, and stunning architecture — extremely convenient and walkable city — with hotels, great restaurants, and stellar shopping all within blocks of each other. Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau books meetings, conventions, tradeshows and events of any size, working closely with planners to boost attendance, including targeted e-mail blasts, postcard mailings, Web site/microsite; welcome banners throughout city; Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment Complex includes RI Convention Center (137,000 sq. ft. of total exhibit space), 13,000-seat Dunkin’ Donuts Center, 1,900-seat Veterans Memorial Auditorium.

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Puerto Rico Convention Center100 Convention Blvd., San Juan, PR 00907(800) 214-0420 Fax: (773) 753-1634prconvention.comAssociate Vice President Sales: Rosa M. Luke, [email protected]“Smooth”At 580,000 sq. ft., the award-winning facility is the Caribbean’s largest & most technologi-cally-advanced meeting facility; budget-friendly amenities, beautiful surroundings, stunning views, world-renowned service; 36,200 sq. ft. of meeting space, including 15 meeting rooms on two levels, divisible into 28 sections; 4 on level one and 11 on level two; 39,500-sq.-ft. Ballroom (seats 3,934 theater /1,900 banquet/4,158 reception/2,616 classroom); 152,700 sq. ft. of exhibit space; 16,965-seat theater; 7,000+ Hotel Rooms nearby; adjacent to Old San Juan, resort hotels, res¬taurants, night life; centerpiece to 113-acre waterfront development featuring hotels, walkways, fountains and restaurants.

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Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment ComplexOne Sabin Street, Providence, RI 02903Phone: (401) 458-6000; Fax: (401) 458-6500www.riconvention.comSenior Director of Sales and Marketing: John J. McGinn, CEM Complex includes Rhode Island Convention Center, 13,000-seat Dunkin’ Donuts Center, 1,900-seat Veterans Memorial Auditorium; conveniently located in the heart of downtown Providence. Convention Center: 137,000 sq. ft. Total Meeting/Exhibit Space; Main Exhibit Hall: 100,000 contiguous sq. ft.; 23 meeting rooms and pre-function space; 20,000-sq-ft Ballroom; accommodates groups 10-5,000; 5,500 hotel rooms in the Greater Providence area, with 2,200 within one mile of Complex. Attractions: Culinary Arts Museum at JWU; Museum of Art at the RI School of Design; Providence Bruins (AHL Affiliate of Boston Bruins); Providence Performing Arts Center; Providence Place mall, RI Philharmonic.

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Steven Schwartz Photography

Rochester Riverside Convention Center123 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14564(585) 232-7200; Fax: (585) 232-1510rrcc.comExecutive Director: Joseph A. Floreano, CFE“Do it better at the Rochester Riverside where you and your event are always the center of our attention!”Convenient upstate N.Y location, scenic Genesee River setting. 100,000 sq. ft of meet-ing/exhibition space; 22 meeting rooms; 10,028-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 49,275-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall; 5,000-seat Theater; dedicated internet connection over Fiber Optics; wire-less access throughout facility; 1,100+ Hotel Rooms in a trio of major hotels connect venue, surrounded by several entertainment districts with restaurants, cafés, pubs, dance clubs, music halls, theaters. Rochester offers planners a compact con-vention district and New York State’s only one-stop convention facility.

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Roland E. Powell Convention Center4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842(800) 626-2326 Fax: (410) 289-0058www.ococean.comDirector of Sales & Marketing: R. Frederick Wise, CHAE Ocean City, Maryland offers some of the world’s best golf courses, a free beach, seasonal festivals, and fishing; its contemporary convention features 182,000 sq. ft meeting/exhibition space – 22 meeting rooms; 68,000 sq. ft. Total Exhibit Space, including a 45,000-sq.-ft Main Exhibit Hall; 22,000-sq.-ft Grand Ballroom with 35’ ceilings and a 4,700 seat Theater; State-of-the-art sound system throughout; wireless internet; ground level loading docks; built-in theatrical ballroom stage; 1,200 free parking spaces; Ocean City Information & Welcome Center on site; in-house cleaning services; full-service food & beverage department; 10,000 hotel rooms & 25,000 rentable Condos; 28 miles from Salisbury-Ocean City Airport; Attractions: Boardwalk, Free Beaches, & World-Class Golf Courses.

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144 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903 • (401) 456-0200; Fax: (401) 273-7046 • GoProvidence.com

Providence, Rhode Island mixes the vibrancy and amenities of a big city with the walkability and personal service of a small town. Known for its rich history, arts and culture, and nationally acclaimed culinary scene, Providence once again scored big in Travel + Leisure magazine’s annual “America’s

Favorite Cities” poll. The city earned top marks in culinary- and arts-related categories, and was hailed as one of the top three food cities in the country.

The Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment Complex stands in the heart of the city, and includes the Rhode Island Convention Center (RICC), the Dunkin’ Donuts Center (Dunk) and the Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The Vets). The Complex is conveniently located within one mile of 2,200 hotel rooms, and a total of 5,500 rooms are available in the Greater Providence area.

The RICC consists of a 100,000-contiguous-square-foot exhibition hall, a 20,000-square-foot ballroom, 23 meeting rooms, and the Rotunda Room which provides spectacular views of the city. There are also two adjacent garages with 2,400 parking spaces.

A key feature of the Convention Center is its connection to the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, the area’s premier events arena. The RICC is also attached to the 564-room Westin Hotel, and Providence Place, a downtown mall offering more than 170 shopping, dining and entertainment options.

The 13,000-seat Dunk features 31,000 square feet of arena space, a ceiling height of 90 feet, a 25,000-square-foot concourse, a new 12,000-square-foot lobby, two party suites, two loges, a new restaurant, and five renovated meeting/hospitality rooms.

The Vets, a 1,900-seat theatre, is a historic performing arts venue and is known for its unique combination of size and intimacy, superb acoustics and great sight lines. The Vets is also available for elegant corporate events, speaking engagements and more.

Providence is home to the renowned culinary school, Johnson &

P R O v i D e N C e W A R W i C K C O N v e N t i O N & v i S i t O R S B U R e A U

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Wales University. Many of the university’s chefs remain in Providence after graduation, which is reflected in the city’s world-class dining scene. Providence has a wide selection of ethnic restaurants, but the city is famous for its Italian food, with the Federal Hill section of Providence named “One of the Five Best Little Italys in the U.S.” by celebrity Chef Mario Batali. Located on the shores of Narragansett Bay, local restaurants also make good use of the abundance of fresh seafood to create delicious and inventive dishes.

As a food city, it’s no wonder that Providence has an entire museum dedicated to the culinary arts. The Culinary Arts Museum at Johnson & Wales University is a premier museum focusing on the preservation and study of the culinary arts, and draws thousands of visitors annually. The museum contains more than a half million culinary artifacts, including an exhibit on food in the White House and more than 4,000 menus from around the world.

Located between New York City and Boston, Providence is easily accessible for event attendees, and about 25 percent of the United States’ population lives within 500 miles of the city. The Amtrak train station is located within walking distance of the Complex, and offers rail service throughout the Northeast Corridor.

Nearby Warwick, RI features miles of scenic coastline and spectacular views, and offers additional hotel, dining, shopping and entertainment options. For those flying into Rhode Island, Warwick’s T.F. Green Airport is just 10 minutes from downtown Providence. The airport’s recently opened eco-friendly InterLink hub provides passengers with an array of transportation options. Conveniently housing a rental car facility, public transportation options, and rail service to Providence, Boston and beyond, the InterLink offers travelers ease, affordability and accessibility.

Planners can look to the award-winning Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau to provide a knowledgeable staff, a welcoming spirit, and services that can aid them with all the details that will make their convention or meeting program successful.


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FOR YOUR NEXT CONVENTION OR MEETING, LOOK TO THE CITY

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VISITOKC.COM

Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

THE #1 SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL PLANNERS OF CONVENTIONS, MEETINGS, ENTERTAINMENT

& SPECIAL EVENTS.

MEETING & EVENT PLANNERS...NEED MARKET DATA?

Need to research venues for your event or meeting? Facilitiesonline has the most up-to-date news,

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CONFERENCEComprehensive Directory of Conference Centers,

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23-46 11/10/08 5:28 PM Page 29

29

FOR YOUR NEXT CONVENTION OR MEETING, LOOK TO THE CITY

THAT IS THE NBA’S NEXT JEWEL IN THE CROWN.

WHERE A STREAMLINED AIRPORT AND LACK OF TRAFFIC

MEAN YOU’RE IN FAST. AND WITH THE BEST

RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTLIFE JUST A FEW MINUTES’ WALK

FROM YOUR HOTEL, YOU’RE OUT EVEN FASTER.

IT’S OUR MEET & GREET, OUR NICE & EASY. OUR

VISITOKC.COM

Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

THE #1 SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL PLANNERS OF CONVENTIONS, MEETINGS, ENTERTAINMENT

& SPECIAL EVENTS.

MEETING & EVENT PLANNERS...NEED MARKET DATA?

Need to research venues for your event or meeting? Facilitiesonline has the most up-to-date news,

information and listings available.

The best part is, it’s all on a user-friendly,easily accessible website.

One-stop shopping for all your market research needs!

THE FACILITIES MEDIA GROUPEssential Planning Tools

Facilities & Destinations

CONFERENCEComprehensive Directory of Conference Centers,

College & University Conference Facilities, Meeting & Boutique Hotels, Small-to-Mid-Size

Meeting & Event Venues

23-46 11/10/08 5:28 PM Page 29

The #1 News & Information Source for Planners of Meetings, Conventions,

Tradeshows, Exhibitions & Special Events

Salina Bicentennial Center 800 The Midway, P. O. Box 1727Salina, Kansas 67402-1727(785) 826-7200; (888) 826-SHOW; Fax: (785) 826-7207bicentennial.orgContact: Marshall P. Perry or Kay QuinnMid-America’s Meeting PlaceCentrally located in Salina, Kansas, at the crossroads of I-70 and I-135; full-service, multi-purpose venue serving the convention and entertainment industries; 40,000 square feet of total space, the Bicentennial Center offers convenience and versatility – 20,000 sq. ft. of Meeting Space/8 – 12 Meeting Rooms; Exhibit Space includes 21,000 sq. ft. in 7,500–seat Arena and 17,368 sq. ft. in Heritage Hall. Attractions: Aquatic Park; Art Center and Cinema; Community Performing Arts Theater; Downtown shopping and res-taurants; College sports, wide variety of hotels, motels, and restaurants.

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San Diego Convention Center111 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101(619) 525-5000: Fax: (619) 525-5005visitsandiego.comSenior Vice President Sales: Andy Mikschl, CMP Come for the Convention, Stay for the VacationRenowned for impeccable service and an experienced, service-oriented staff that provides seamless customer service from the initial planning stages to the conclusion of an event; sales team books all citywide conventions, covers all your needs. One stop shopping at its best. 615,700-sq.-ft. Convention Center features 72 Meeting Rooms; 40,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom and 525,701-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall; 11,000+ premier hotel rooms within 1.5 miles; 55,000 rooms countywide. Attractions include: SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo & Safari Park; Gaslamp Quarter; PETCO Park, home of the San Diego Padres.

caliFornia

Sheraton Puerto Convention Center Hotel & Casino200 Convention Boulevard, San Juan, PR 00907(787) 993-3500; (800) 325-3535; Fax: (787) 993-3525sheraton.com/puertoricoconventioncenterDirector of Sales & Marketing: Jeremy MarquardtYou don’t just stay here. You belongPlan your event in paradise. Recently opened, superbly situated amidst the Puerto Rico Convention Center District facing the Bay of San Juan, truly remarkable landmark; 10 minutes from international airport; Meeting Space: 35,000 sq. ft..- 9 breakout rooms; 16,290-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 1,480 Theater Seating; adjacent to Puerto Rico Convention Center – 580,000+ sq. ft. of function space). Event Staff; on-site catering team; 503 Guest Rooms; 16 gaming tables, 500 of the latest slot machines, exceptional entertainment options. numerous dining, shopping and nightlife venues.

Puerto rico

Scotiabank Convention Centre Niagara6815 Stanley Ave, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 3Y9(905) 357-6222; (888) 997-6222; Fax: (905) 357-6212fallsconventions.comDirector of Sales and Marketing: Jeff Dixon UnConventional Experiences!Newly opened, 288,000-sq-ft (LEED) Silver Level designed facility features: 82,000-sq-ft Free Span Exhibition Hall (accommodates 400+ 10ft x 10ft display booths) ; 17,000-sq-ft Ballroom; 26,000 sq. ft. of Flexible Meeting/Breakout Space;1,000-seat Theatre; Centerplate – Centre’s exclusive Food & Beverage provider; 5,000 within walking distance of center. Niagara Falls is an international brand name, show-casing an impressive array of natural wonders, sights, and attractions distinguishing this world-class destination. Nearby attractions include: Niagara Falls, Casinos, Restaurants & night life; Buffalo Niagara International Airport – 30 minutes away; Toronto Pearson International – 90 minutes.

ontario, canaDa

Tinley Park Convention Center18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477(708) 895-8200; (888) 895-3211; Fax: (708) 895-8288meetchicagosouthland.comDirector of Sales: Mary Patchin

Chicago Southland’s largest multi-purpose meet-ing and convention facility completed a major expansion/renovation in Spring 2011; now features: 58,100 sq. ft. of clear span exhibit space and an additional 12,350 sq. ft of divis-ible meeting space; Accommodates 6,000 theater-style seating; Wi-Fi throughout; State-of-the-art audio/visual. Expansion included: Upgraded Lighting, business center, 30’ high waterfalls in lobby, 1,400 FREE Parking Spaces, breakout rooms, storage space, loading docks. 202 rooms in Headquarter Hotel, 668 nearby. Attractions: Downtown Chicago, First Midwest Bank Ampthitheatre, Odyssey Fun World, Riverboat Casinos and Chicagoland Speedway, TOYOTA PARK, Balmoral Park Race Track.

illinois

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Visit Saint Paul175 West Kellogg Blvd., Saint Paul, MN 55102(651) 265-4900; Fax: (651) 265-4999visitsaintpaul.comVice President of Sales: Jane Lewis Saint Paul Minnesota – perched on the bluffs of the mighty Mississippi river – this charming river town with a city vibe preserves its history while embracing an exciting future. Accessibility, facilities and accom-modations along with impeccable service, affordability and safety make Minnesota’s capital city the ideal location for your next meeting. Saint Paul RiverCentre – lumi-nous design, 250,000 sq. ft. of distinctive, conformable meeting/event space, includ-ing 15; 27,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 68,699-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall 100,382 sq. ft. - Total Exhibit Space; 5,844-seat Roy Wilkins Auditorium. 900 rooms connected by enclosed climate controlled walkways (1,500 hotel rooms in downtown).

Minnesota

Visit Tallahassee106 E Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301(850) 606-2305, (800) 628-2866; FAX: (850) 606-2301visittallahassee.comMeetings & Conventions Sales Director: Janet Roach Home to the state capital, two major univer-sities and an array of museums, attractions and unique experiences, Tallahassee shares a deep-rooted history and culture with unparalleled nature and outdoor recreation – a fusion of cosmopolitan flair and charming personality. 6,000 hotel rooms citywide. Meeting Facilities: Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center (47,000 sq. ft. meeting space, 400-seat auditorium, 9 break-out rooms; Mission San Luis (8,500 sq. ft. Meeting Space); University Center Club (64,000 sq. ft. Meeting Space); Goodwood Museum and Gardens (6,000 sq. ft. Meeting Space); Tallahassee Automobile Museum (46,000 sq. ft. Meeting Space).

FloriDa

Facilities Destinations&Awards of Excellence

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B u y er ’ s G u i d eThe Facilities & Destinations

pc/nametag® PRODUCTS FOR GREAT MEETINGS

124 Horizon Dr., Verona, WI 53593(877) 626-3824; Fax: (800) 233-9787 www.pcnametag.comPresident: Nick Topitzes; [email protected]; [email protected]

Founder Nick Topitzes first developed PC/Nametag®, the first software package to print nametags for meetings and conferences, with his computer and printer. Over the years, it’s been updated and improved. The business has expanded to include hundreds of products and incentive items that make the job of planning meetings easier while enhancing the attendee experience. Product lines include Nametag Holders, Inserts, Pouches & Organizers, Necklaces & Lanyards, Awards & Gifts, Bags, Totes, Envelopes & Cases, Banners, Signs & Table Covers, Binders & Portfolios, Buttons & Appliques, Drinkware, Pens & Highlighters, Ribbons and Customized Products.


Michael CaffinAssociate Publisher(212) 532 4150 ext [email protected]

Do you waNt your ProDuCt or serviCe to reaCh 50,000+ assoCiatioN & CorPorate MeetiNg PlaNNers?

if your aNswer is yes,theN the f&D Buyer’s guiDe is how.

DisCouNt PriCiNg • MultiPle-issue & Multi-MeDia PaCkagesvalue-aDDeD PrograMs • target MarketiNg • real tiMe results

Offering corporate meeting and

event planning, management,

consulting and meeting services,

the Johnson Meetings Group can

provide the meeting solution

you need. From on-site support

to overall project and event

management, we take care of the

details, so you focus on business.

www.JohnsonMeetings.com

919.523.6001


keppler speakers4350 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22203(703) 516-4000; Fax: (703) 516-4819www.kepplerspeakers.comSenior VP for Sales and Marketing: John Truran

With keppler speakers, creating memorable meetings never felt so easy. With over 25 years of experience, we provide you solid, seasoned expertise, making speaker selection stress-free by managing all of the details. Keppler Speakers saves you precious time by matching you with speakers who are right on target. From proven performers to dynamic rising stars, our speakers bring fascinating, real stories and a gift for inspiring audiences.

smart CityConventions: Information: (888) 446-6911 or (702) 943-6000Email: [email protected] Hospitality: General, (407) 828-6938Video Conferencing: General, (407) 828-6900

Making the world smarter. One city at a time. ®

smart City is a full-service communications provider across the nation and one of the world’s largest communications providers to convention centers and hospitality venues. Smart City provides technologies that make their cities smarter places to work, live, and play.

Have Your ProDuct or ServicereacH KeY DeciSion MaKerS

Buyer’s Guide – “Your Product & Services resource” is a special section in key Facilities Media Group print publications. Reach all of

your market with this essential tool for Meeting & Event Planners.

Facilities & Destination SuperBook: 51,000 Association and Corporate Meeting & Event Planners

Facilities & Destinations CONFERENCE: 30,000 Association and Corporate Meeting & Event Planners.

Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide: 51,000 Association and Corporate Meeting & Event Planners.

Facilities SuperBook: 8,000 Event Bookers, including Booking Agents, Promoters, Talent Buyers, Business/Personal Managers, College Concert Buyers & Owners/Managers of Entertainment

Management Firms.

Facilities Booking Guide: 8,000 Event Bookers, including Booking Agents, Promoters, Talent Buyers, Business/Personal Managers, College Concert Buyers & Owners/Managers of Entertainment

Management Firms.

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The FacilitiesMedia Group

Michael CaffinAssociate Publisher

(212) 532-4150 ext 103 • [email protected]

yo u r P ro d u c t s & s erv i c e s r e s o u rc eBuyer’s Guide

Akron/Summit CVB ................................. 25

Austin Convention Center ..................... 11

Branson Convention Center .........Cover 4

Chicago Southland CVB/Tinley Park ...................................... 27

Greater Columbus Convention Center ................................. 15

Cox Convention Center ........................... 7

David L. Lawrence Convention Center ................................... 5

Frontier Airlines Center .................Cover 3

Advertiser index

Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB ............................................... 13

New Orleans Morial Convention Center ........................Cover 2

Norfolk CVB ............................................ 24

Pheasant Run Resort ......................................................... 3

Providence Warwick CVB ....................... 29

Rhode Island Convention Center ................................... 9

Rochester Riverside Convention Center ................................. 39

2011 facilities & destinations mid-market review

Documents

o n t r

c o n v e n t

meeting watch

n d u s t r y t r e

t s n e wplanner tools

midmarket gallery akron

conference watch

convention watch