waterloo iowa meeting planners guide
DESCRIPTION
Your guide to planning meetings, conferences and conventions in Waterloo, Iowa!TRANSCRIPT
Break Free from the O rdinary
Waterloo, Iowa Meeting Planners Guide
Contents
Waterloo is the perfect location for your next meeting or convention. We will warmly welcome your attendees to our community and we will provide a memorable experience for all.
Our Bureau will be active partners in the success of your convention. We will assist the meeting planner through-out the entire convention planning process from select-ing a venue that will best fit your organization’s needs to being available throughout the convention for support. The Waterloo CVB is here to make the meeting planning process easy while making the planner & organization look good.
We also offer a grant program for non-profit organizations that host their event in Waterloo. Each group is eligible for up to $20,000 per fiscal year.
Waterloo is easily accessible from every location in Iowa and the Midwest. We are located at the crossroads of Interstate 380, and Highways 218, 63 and 20. We are also serviced by Delta Airlines.
Our major Waterloo attractions include the Isle Casino Waterloo, the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, the Dan Gable International Wrestling Museum, the Galleria de Paco “Sistine Chapel Ceiling” Restaurant, and the Waterloo Center for the Arts, and much more.
Waterloo extends a warm welcome to you and we would be honored to have your convention in our city. We will work with you every step of the way to ensure a successful convention that you will be proud of.
Most sincerely,
Erin Schmitz, CMPDirector of Convention Sales Waterloo Convention and Visitors Bureau
Contents:Convention Hotels 2-4Event & Banquet Facilities 5-10Small Meeting Hotels 11-12Additional Hotels 13-14Transportation 15Golf & Industry Tours 16Attractions & Entertainment 17-18CVB Services & Contact 19
The Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo is a full-service entertainment venue, home to over 1,000 slot machines, 35 table games, and live action poker. The Fling Lounge, in the heart of the casino floor, offers entertainment, large booths, and 28 TVs.
The Isle is the home to three restaurants: Otis and Henry’s Bar and Grill, The Isle Buffet and the Tradewinds Marketplace. The hotel also has a contemporary indoor pool that offers a fun-filled atmosphere for guests of all ages.
The Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo boasts professional planners and a creative catering staff to help you create a memorable event.
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Ballroom 5,000 14 270 270 300 250Salon A 1,400 14 80 80 100 70Salon B 670 14 40 40 60 35Salon C 870 14 40 40 60 35Salon D 830 14 40 40 60 35
Features:• 5,000 flexible square feet of meeting space • 1,600 square feet of pre-function space • Accommodates up to 400 people• 195 guest rooms including suites• Shuttle service available
Contact:777 Isle of Capri Blvd.(319) 833-2266TheIsleWaterloo.com
Isle Casino Hotel WaterlooConvention Hotels 2
The Ramada Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Waterloo. This full service ho-tel offers luxury accommodations at an affordable price. The Ramada is also Green Certified by the Green Cedar Valley Initiative for their sustainable and environmentally friendly efforts.
All guests will receive access to River Plaza Athletic Club and complimentary wireless internet. Break-fast, lunch, and dinner are served daily at the Red River Bar & Grill on the lower level.
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Cedar 600 10 50 40 50 24Wapsi 600 10 50 40 50 24Black Hawk 600 10 50 40 50 24
Red River Corral
- 10 50 56 75 40
Features:• Skywalk to parking & Convention Center • Complimentary shuttle & parking for hotel guests • 228 guest rooms
Contact:205 West 4th Street (319) 233-7560RamadaWaterloo.com
Ramada HotelConvention Hotels 4
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Ex Hall 19,080 50 2,000 1,500 2,000 1,000Room 10 980 10 100 56 80 48Rooms 11 & 13 each 700 10 200 80 175 84
Room 12 1,728 10 200 80 175 84Rooms 21 & 23 each 3,984 16 500 264 385 192
Room 22 2,988 16 380 168 288 160Rooms 24 & 25 each 900 16 100 48 65 40
Seminar Room - 10 - - - 40
A multi-million dollar renovation project has made the convention center one of the premier conven-tion facilities in the Midwest. Combined with an award-winning catering department, and service that is second-to-none, the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center is a perfect location for nearly any type of convention or special event.
Features:• 40,000 s.f. of flexible meeting space• Accommodates up to 2,000 people• Drive in & loading dock
Contact:205 West 4th Street (319) 233-7560RamadaWaterloo.com
Five Sullivan Brothers Convention CenterConvention Hotels 4
Young Arena
The RiverLoop Exhibition Area is a two-block area adjacent to the Convention Center. The RiverLoop Exhibition Area is fully lit with banner displays on light fixtures. It is perfect for car shows, trade shows, swap meets, and other exhibits.
Features:• Paved with electrical access• Peaked tent and large stage available
Contact:327 W. 3rd Street(319) 233-8350
Young Arena is the home of the United States Hockey League’s Waterloo Black Hawks. This fully accessible facility can be used for sporting events, exhibitions, and trade shows. There are five locker rooms, a meeting room, and a state-of-the-art ice cover for dry-floor events.
Arenas & Outdoor Spaces 6
Features:• 75,000 s.f. of flexible meeting space • Street-level loading and unloading area
Contact:125 Commercial Street(319) 291-4335 WaterlooLeisureServices.org/YA
Room Name Square Feet ConferenceMeeting Room 500 20Arena 20,000 -
RiverLoop Expo Plaza
Arenas & Outdoor Spaces 6
The National Cattle Congress is a unique venue with eight different facility options on over 50 acres of land. Each facility has ample lighted park-ing. Full service catering is available throughout the National Cattle Congress. The National Cattle Congress can accommodate a variety of events from a rock concert, to an agricultural fair, to a trade show, to an elegant wedding.
Room Name
Square Feet
Type of Facility
Special Features
McElroy Audito-rium
20,000 ArenaAccessible Load-
ing Area, 26’ Ceilings
Pepsi Pavilion 11,000 Banquet
Hall
Concession Stand & Full Service Bar
Estel Hall 60,000 Exhibit Hall
Electricity avail-able; Up to 300
exhibitors Electric Park Ballroom
7,000Banquet & Dance
Hall
Stage and Wood Dance Floor
The Flower & Garden Building, Paul Barger livestock facilities and horse barns are also available for rental.
Features:• Versatile venue • Celebrated 100 years of service in 2010
Contact:257 Ansborough Avenue(319) 234-7515NationalCattleCongress.com
National Cattle Congress
The Grout Museum collects, preserves, and interprets the cultural and natural history of the region and includes several sites offering an array of specialized exhibits, decor, and unique appeal. The Grout Museum District is filled with inspirational and flexible spaces for events, meetings, conferences, and banquets.
Grout Museum District
Features:• Discounts for non-profit groups• 10,000 square feet of meeting space
Contact:503 South Street(319) 234-6357GroutMuseumDistrict.org
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Lobby 1,900 25’ 250 150 - - -Board Room 875 9’ - - - - 25
Mess Hall 1,500 10’ 130 100 - - 100
Confer-ence Rm. 1,660 9’ 90 60 - - 60
Snowden House 2,075 10’ 225 - - - -
Theatre 800 10’ - - 65 - -
Leighty Room 320 9’ - - - 15 -
3 Class-rooms
378 each 8’ - - - 30 -
Event & Banquet Facil it ies 8
Situated on the banks of the Cedar River in downtown Waterloo, the Center has meeting spaces for intimate groups of 6 up to large groups of 300. Your group can bring in its own food, or enjoy the on-site ArtHouse Café’s catering. The Waterloo Center for the Arts can offer your next meeting a unique setting, great space, and convenient location.
Waterloo Center for the Arts
Features:• Full service on-site catering available • Professional event planner
Contact:225 Commercial Street(319) 291-4490WaterlooCenterForTheArts.org
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Dykeman Conference Room - - - - 6
Rotary - - - 25 -Hurwich - - - 30 -Visual Art Studio - - 40 - -Schoitz River - 250 - - -Rooftop Deck 125 - - - -Law Court Theatre - - 125 - -Petersen Town Hall - 165 - - -Riverside Plaza - 150 - - -Watkins Grand Foyer 125 - - - -
Hope Martin Theatre - - 368 - -
Event & Banquet Facil it ies 8
This historic building com-bines 1920’s charm, an elegant exterior, and a warm, modern decor. Recent reno-vations have added to the array of amenities including upgraded A/V equipment and wireless internet.
Waterloo Elks Lodge
Features:• Recent renovations • In-house catering
Contact:407 East Park Ave.(319) 234-7568WaterlooElks.com
Room Name Square Feet Banquet
Ballroom 5,050 400
Lodge 2,300 100
Red Stag 1,900 75
Gatsby 2,300 100
PAL 1,900 60
Sky Event Centre is on the 8th floor of the historic Black’s Building, and is the crown jewel of downtown Waterloo. Known as the Black’s Tea Room until the 1980’s, the beautiful, refur-bished ballroom, and hospi-tality suite have endearing historical charm blended with a contemporary style and service.
Room Name
Square Feet
Recep-tion Banquet Theater
Class-room
Ball-room 3,700 268 240 250 100
Suite 1,600 100 64 100 45
Features:• Professional event planner• In-house catering• Amazing views
Contact:501 Sycamore Street (319) 234-2012 Barmuda.com/sky
Sky Event Centre
Event & Banquet Facil it ies 10
The Supervisors ClubFeatures:• Patio for up to 70• In-house catering• Central location
Contact:3265 Dewitt Road(319) 233-4202SupervisorsClub.com
Hawkeye Community CollegeFeatures:• Satellite downlinks • Video-conferencing• Additional Classrooms
Contact:1501 E. Orange Rd.(319) 296-4248HawkeyeCollege.edu
Room Name S.F. Reception Theater ClassroomAuditorium 5,928 - 396 -Reception - 100 - 180
Event & Banquet Facil it ies 10
Waterloo Boat HouseFeatures:• Accommodates 126 • Wet-Bar with mini-fridge• Riverfront Balcony
Contact:707 Park Road(319) 291-4370
Airline Community Room
Room Name Banquet ReceptionBar Lounge 50 75Ballroom 350 -
Room Name Board Room ReceptionBoat House 22 126
Features:• Outside Catering Allowed • Free Parking
Contact:1346 W. Airline Hwy.(319) 433-7275
Room Name S.F. Reception Banquet
Crescent Rounds
Banquet 2,100 200 200 150
WaterlooLeisureServices.org
BlackHawkCountyParks.org
Days Inn & Suites
Country Inn & Suites
Room Name
Square Feet Height Theater Classroom
Meeting Room 625 10’ 40 25
Features:• 625 s.f. meeting room• 64 guest rooms• Continental breakfast• Pool & whirlpool• Fitness Center• GoldPointPlus Rewards
• Complimentary wire-less internet
Contact:4025 Hammond Ave. (319) 233-2336CountryInn.com
Waterloo has a nice mix of hotels, including these with meeting rooms to accommodate smaller groups, welcome receptions, registration events, and board or committee meetings.
Each one offers wonderful amenities and comfort-able rooms for attendees during your conference or convention.
Allow the experienced Waterloo CVB staff help you coordinate your group’s hotel rooms to ensure you get the best rates, convenient blocks, and easy book-ings for your group.
At Your ServiceSmall Meeting Hotels 12
Room Name
Square Feet Theater
Confer-ence
Class-room
U-Shape
Small 484 40 20 20 25
Large 1,056 100 75 75 75
Features:• 900 s.f. meeting space• 112 guest rooms• Hot continental break-fast• Fitness Center• Pool
• Wyndham Rewards• Complimentary wireless internet
Contact:1809 La Porte Road (319) 235-4461DaysInn.com
Quality InnFeatures:• 700+ s.f. meeting room• 67 guest rooms• Adjacent to 5 Sullivan Bros. Convention Center• Deluxe hot continental breakfast
• Complimentary wire-less internet
Contact:226 W. 5th Street (319) 235-0301QualityInn.com
Room Name Square Feet Theater Classroom
Meeting Room 720 100 50
Holiday Inn ExpressFeatures:• 300+ s.f. meeting room• 79 guest rooms• Smart Start breakfast• Pool & whirlpool• Fitness equipment• Manager’s Reception
• Complimentary wire-less internet
Contact:2127 LaPorte Rd. (319) 274-7000 HIExpress.com
Room Name
Square Feet Ht.
The-ater
Class-room
Con-ference
U-Shape
Cedar 300 30’ 48 40 25 30
Board - 30’ - - 8
Hampton InnFeatures:• Over 1,000 s.f. meeting space• 101 guest rooms• Continental breakfast• Fitness Center• Pool
• 100% Smoke-free• Hilton HHonors Re-wards
Contact:2034 LaPorte Rd(319) 233-2044HamptonInn.com
Room NameSquare Feet
The-ater
Class-room
Con-ference
U-Shape
Cedar Valley 672 50 30 - 30
Boardroom 392 - - 10 -
Small Meeting Hotels 12
Candlewood SuitesFeatures:• 74 guest rooms• Complimentary wireless internet• Suites have full kitchens• Pool• Fitness Center
• Priority Club Rewards
Contact:2056 La Porte Road(319) 235-7000CandlewoodSuites.com
Comfort InnFeatures:• 56 guest rooms• Complimentary wireless internet• Hot continental breakfast• Pool & whirlpool
• Business rooms & suites available
Contact:1945 La Porte Rd(319) 234-7411ComfortInn.com
Features:• 50 guest rooms• Complimentary wireless internet• Enhanced continental breakfast• Fitness Center
• Pool
Contact:2141 La Porte Road(319) 233-9191BaymontInns.com
Baymont Inn
With over 2,000 hotel rooms in the metropolitan area, Waterloo and the Cedar Valley can accommodate any size event. From posh, casino hotels to simple, yet comfortable, Waterloo and the Cedar Valley will have just what your guests are looking for,
For those groups staying at multiple hotels, the Waterloo CVB will work with planners to arrange for shuttle transportation to bring all attendees together effortlessly and efficiently. We will also work with planners to arrange room blocks, negotiate rates and inform attendees of their options.
The Spice of LifeAdditional Hotels 13
Fairfield InnFeatures:• 57 guest rooms• Complimentary wireless internet• Continental breakfast• 100% smoke-free• Pool & whirlpool
• Marriott Rewards
Contact:2011 La Porte Road(319) 234-5452FairfieldInn.com
Super 8Features:• 62 guest rooms• Complimentary wireless internet• Superstart breakfast• Wyndham Rewards
Contact:1825 La Porte Road(319) 233-1800Super8.com
Motel 6Features:• 48 guest rooms• Complimentary wireless internet• Pool & whirlpool
Contact:2343 Logan Ave.(319) 236-3238Motel 6-Waterloo.com
Howard JohnsonFeatures:• 54 guest rooms• Complimentary wireless internet• Pool• Rise’n Dine breakfast• Wyndham Rewards
Contact:3052 Marnie Ave.(319) 232-7467HoJo.com
Econo LodgeFeatures:• 96 guest rooms• Complimentary wireless internet• Microwaves & refrigerators in all rooms• Continental breakfast
Contact:3350 University Ave.(319) 235-2165EconoLodge.com
Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO)Waterloo is located at the intersection of US High-ways 218, 63 and 20, and Interstate 380. The Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO) is served by Delta/Northwest via Minneap-olis-St. Paul International Airport and private/charter companies. Contact:2790 Livingston Lane(319) 291-4483FlyALO.com
Livingston AviationAdjacent to the Waterloo Regional Airport, Livings-ton Aviation provides charter plane service as well as additional services including fuel, sales, and service of private aircraft.Contact:(888) 657-4438LivingstonAviation.com
Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)Located in Cedar Rapids, about 60 miles SE of Waterloo, large groups occasionally work with the Waterloo CVB to charter shuttles to/from this airport to allow additional flight optionsfor attendees.Contact:(319) 362-8336EIAirport.org
By Air By BusExceptional Persons School buses for up to 40 adult passengers available with driver at very reason-able rates.Contact:(319) 232-6671EPIService.org
First Student BusesSchool buses available for contract as shuttles or cost-saving excursion transpor-tation. Contact:(319) 291-4879
Hawkeye StagesLarge fleet of rental buses for 24 & 52 passengers Contact:(888) 694-8726HawkeyeStages.com
Burlington Trailways Transportation SystemPublic, long-distance routes throughout the nation & charter buses for 14 or more passengers.Contact:(800) 992-4618BurlingtonTrailWays.com
By LimoRed’s LimousineCar & SUV limos for up to 14 passengers, & party bus.Contact:(319) 235-7023WaterlooLimos.com
By Car
By CabCedar Valley Cab & Courier
(319) 233-0090
City Cab (319) 234-2587
Dolly’s Taxi(319) 242-2011
First Call Taxi & Courier
(319) 233-8294
Yellow Cab (319) 234-3535
Enterprise Rent-a-Car1326 La Porte Road(319) 266-8600Enterprise.com
Hertz Rent-a-CarWaterloo Regional Airport (319) 287-5189Hertz.com
Transportation
Avis Rent-a-CarWaterloo Regional Airport (319) 233-0569Avis.com
Event Details 16
We are happy to assist you in planning golf outings or tournaments for your group. For more information visitWaterlooLeisureServices.org.
Gates Park Golf Course• 18 Holes• 72 Par• 6,700 Total Yardage• 70.0 USGA rating• Restaurant, snack bar, lounge, driving range, carts, pro shop, tennis courts, and swimming poolContact:820 E. Donald Street(319) 291-4485
Irv Warren Golf Course• 18 Holes• 72 Par• 6,268 Total Yardage• 68.2 USGA rating• Snack bar, lounge, driv-ing range, carts, pro shop, tennis courts, and swim-ming pool Contact:1000 Fletcher Avenue(319) 234-9271
South Hills Golf Course• 18 Holes• 72 Par• 6,653 Total Yardage• 72.1 USGA rating• Snack bar, shag range, carts, meeting room, and pro shopContact:1830 E. Shaulis Road(319) 291-4268
GolfWaterloo & the Cedar Valley are home to many great in-dustry leaders who welcome others to tour their sites and learn from their progress.
Agriculture• John Deere• Hansen’s Dairy• Agribition Center• Local farms
Wood Products• Bertch Cabinets• Omega Cabinetry• Grandview Manufactur-ing• Ronan Industries
Machinery, Raw Materials & Parts• Viking Pump• DC Industries• Roskamp Champion• Berry Industries• Iowa Laser Technology
Higher Education• University of Northern Ia.• Hawkeye Comm. College• Allen College• Upper Iowa University• Kaplan University
Additional Industries• Healthcare• Food production and distribution• Transportation/trucking• Marketing & advertising• Green & sustainable• Technology & IT• Wine making/vineyards• Apparel & textiles
Industry ToursSpecial Event Planning
Event Details 16
Entertainment to GoPerformers offer a variety of musical and theater perfor-mances that will come to you including comedies, musicals, and murder mysteries; a per-fect option for groups prefer-ring to stay in one location
Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Ctr.The Gallagher-Bluedorn boasts weekly and sometimes daily events of music, theater, lectures, and more. Many national touring performances and artists offer a great opportunity for groups to take in professional performances.
Galleria dé PacoExperience the wonders of Italy right here in Waterloo as you enjoy Paco Rosic’s spray paint rendition of the Sistine Chapel ceiling and walls while dining on gourmet cuisine.
ArtsJohn Deere ToursTake your group to see where thousands of John Deere tractors are made every year. These tours will give you a glimpse into the production and history of one of our na-tion’s leading manufacturers and exporters of agricultural equipment and technology.
Hansen’s DairyHansen’s is a great place to learn about farm life first-hand! Your tour will give attendees the chance to milk a cow and see the process of dairy production from start to finish.
Agriculture
The Waterloo CVB is here to help you coordinate the perfect entertainment for your event, spouse programs or off-site excursions. In addition to the sites listed previously, Waterloo is home to a wide variety of attractions and entertainment venues.
Our major attractions are listed here and we are happy to help coordinate on-site entertainment or activities for your attendees. Let us help you plan the perfect event• Musicians: soloists, groups and bands• Performers: puppeteers, comedians, or magicians• Entertaining workshops: science, art, cooking, etc.• Professional development workshops• Speakers• Catering
AmusementsLost Island Water ParkWhether you go as a group or just send the spouses and children, this amazing water park offers thrills and refresh-ment for all ages.
Attractions & EntertainmentEvent Details 18
Phelps Youth Pavilion & Waterloo Center for the ArtsThe Phelps Youth Pavilion is a state of the art, interactive mu-seum featuring many hands-on experiences for children of all ages. On-site workshops are available for groups. Adults can have art experiences of their own with multiple free galleries and the nation’s larg-est collection of Haitian art. All ages are welcome in the ArtHouse Café for lunch or catered events.
Waterloo-Cedar Falls SymphonySince 1929 this award-winning symphony has been wowing audiences and wel-coming musical stars to join them for moving and enrich-ing performances.
Waterloo Community Playhouse & Children’s TheatreGroups can enjoy a special ‘dinner theater’ combo of a meal from the ArtHouse Café and a performance by one of these charismatic playhouses in Hope Martin Theater at the Waterloo Center for the Arts.
MuseumsInternational Dan Gable Wrestling Museum Experience the history and wonder of mankind’s oldest sport, wrestling, and celebrate a local hero as well.
Special Events
SportsBlack Hawks HockeyThis USHL team will keep the audience on the edge of their seat with non-stop action and legendary rivalries. The Black Hawks are perfect addition to any winter event.
Bucks BaseballMembers of the Northwoods League, the Waterloo Bucks have been entertaining crowds for years at River-front Stadium. Games offer large groups a great chance to get outdoors to do some networking, team building, or just take a break.
UNI PanthersThe Panthers offer year-round sports events and host various tournaments throughout the year. Send the spouses or take the whole group along.
Waterhawks Ski TeamEnjoy the view lake side as the Waterhawks water ski team wow your group with amazing stunts and tricks.
Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans MuseumLearn about the contribution Iowans have made to the nation’s peace-keeping efforts throughout Iowa’s history. Walk onto the bough of a ship, climb inside a tank, and visit the home of the Sul-livans, Waterloo’s legendary military family.
Event Details 18
Compliments of the Waterloo CVB
• Check venue availability and guest room rates • Provide letters of invitation and support • Assist in site selection that will best accommodate the organizations needs• Arrange site tours of Waterloo for planners to view facilities and local attractions • Prepare meeting proposals and presentations
• Coordinate off-property excursions • Assist with logistics on shuttle service and transportation • Publicity of your event through press releases to local, regional & national media • Provide letterhead and digital photos of our city to promote the your “host” destination• Design convention flyers and posters• Non-profit grant program available
• Arrange a welcome address by city officials and/or Bureau staff • Provide customized name badges• Supply maps, visitors guides & coupons of Waterloo for your registration• Available throughout the convention for support and assistance
Bids, Proposals, & Presentations
Event Planning
During Your Event
The Waterloo CVB is a ‘One-Stop-Shop’ to create the best overall experience to attendees and convention planners. Contact us today to start planning your next special event.
Convention Services 19
Erin Schmitz, CMP(800) [email protected]/Meetings
Contact
Erin and the Waterloo CVB are proud members of PCMA, RCMA, ISAE and DMAI.