2008 Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

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Facilities & Destinations PLANNER GUIDE The Premier Venue & Resource Directory For Association & Corporate Meeting Planners 2008

description

The Premier Venue & Resource Directory For Association & Corporate Meeting Planners

Transcript of 2008 Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

Page 1: 2008 Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

Facilities & Destinations

PLANNERGUIDE

The Premier Venue & Resource Directory For Association & Corporate Meeting Planners

2008

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2 GUIDE TO THE GUIDE

3 BALLOT: PRIME SITE AWARDS

6 PLANNER PERSPECTIVES

8 SPOTLIGHT FEATURE: Q&A WITH JOHN H. GRAHAM

12-13 PHOTOVIEW: ASAE & ANNUAL

MEETING AND EXPOSITION

47 F&D LISTING INDEX A-Z47, 49, 51,

53, 55, 57, 63 PLANNER GUIDES

59-63 PLANNER BRIEFINGS:RESOURCE DIRECTORY

64 AD INDEX

1Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

FacilitiesDestinations

2009 DIRECTORY

PLANNER GUIDE For Association & Corporate Meeting Planners

&

NORTHEASTLAKE GEORGE AREA IN NY’S ADIRONDACKS .............52MEADOWLANDS EXPOSITION CENTER ..................*24, 52RHODE ISLANDCONVENTION CENTER COMPLEX...........................*34, 55ROCHESTER RIVERSIDECONVENTION CENTER............................................*38, 53SCANTICON HOTEL ANDCONFERENCE CENTER............................................*45, 54

MID-ATLANTICCHARLESTON CIVIC CENTER ........................................57

SOUTHEASTARTHUR R. OUTLAW MOBILECONVENTION CENTER............................................*26, 47BATON ROUGE CONVENTIONAND VISITORS BUREAU ...........................................*16, 50DAYTONA BEACH AREACONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU ....................*19, 48GREATER FT. LAUDERDALE/BROWARD COUNTY.................................................*20, 48 JACKSON CONVENTION COMPLEX .................................51

NORFOLK CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU ..........53 ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER .............*32, 49UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIAALUMNI ASSOCIATION............................................*44, 56

MIDWESTKANSAS CITY CONVENTION& ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES..............................*23, 50MONONA TERRACE CONVENTION CENTER ...........*28, 58UNIVERSITY CENTER ..............................................*43, 49

WESTAUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER......................................56OKLAHOMA CITY CONVENTIONAND VISITORS BUREAU ...........................................*30, 54PROVIDENCE WARWICKCONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU ...........................55

PUERTO RICOPUERTO RICO CONVENTIONAND VISITORS BUREAU ...........................................*36, 58SHERATON PUERTO RICOCONVENTION CENTER HOTEL & CASINO.............*40, 58

* Exclusive Facility Spotlight

PhotoView:Exclusive pictures fromthe 2008ASAE & The Center forAssociationLeadershipAnnualMeeting andExposition… 12

P L A N N E R G U I D E D I R E C T O R Y

State-of-the-Industry:In depth interview withJohn H. Graham,President/CEO, ASAE & The Center forAssociation Leadership on the issues and challengesfacing the meetings industry in 2009… 8The Orange County

Convention Centerranks as the nation’s second largest convention facility, featuring 7 million sq. ft.of combined meeting and public space… 32

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G U I D E T O T H E G U I D E

Facilities&Destinations2008 Volume 17 No. 2

EDITORIAL DIRECTORTimothy Herrick

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERMichael Caffin

CREATIVE DIRECTION& DESIGNLester Goodman

CIRCULATION MANAGERTherese Langer

ADVERTISING MANAGERSandy Abby

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVEAndrew Reeves

BUSINESS OPERATIONSLeon Klein

RESEARCH MANAGERAmber Tavarez

© Copyright 2008 by Bedrock Comm-

unications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Opinions expressed in by-lined articles and

advertising copy are not necessarily those

of the publisher. Advertisers are responsi-

ble for all costs, damages and claims

regarding advertising insertions.

Facilities & Destinations is published

once a year by Bedrock Communications,

Inc., 6 East 46th Street, Room 301, New

York, NY 10017. Telephone: (212) 532-

4150. Fax: (212) 213-6382.

POSTMASTER: Please send address

changes to Facilities & Destinations, 6 East

46th Street, Room 301, New York, NY 10017.

Printed in U.S.A.

Cover ad space is available by contacting

a Facilities & Destinations advertising

account executive at 212-532-4150 x103.

Printed in Canada.

MEMBERS OF:

The Facilities Media Group has beenaround since 1988, and like mostmedia companies, we’ve evolved and

gone through a few transitions—sometimestough transitions. Of course, part of thistransition was our commitment to develop a serious web presence with our online publication, facilitiesonline. A news andinformation source for planners of conven-tions, trade shows, meetings, exhibitions andother events, facilitiesonline has become thefastest growing website for meeting plannerson the internet.

Our online publication continues to be an effective complement to our print publications. What you are reading is now isthe latest augmentation of The FacilitiesMedia Group family of publications—theFacilities & Destinations PLANNERGUIDE. This publication joins Facilities & Destinations SuperBook, which features ourannual Industry Awards and Facilities &Destinations CONFERENCE, which focuseson small to mid-size meeting venues.

The Facilities & Destinations PLANNERGUIDE, while another “Essential Tool” forMeeting Planners, has the distinct mission ofproviding a comprehensive reference guide ofall varieties of meeting venues & CVBs.

With an industry as dynamic and compet-itive as ours, planners, as well as venues anddestinations, needed an additional directorypublication. The fact of the matter is, eventhough these are challenging times, witheconomic uncertainties and rising travel,there continues to be a rising number—andneed for—meetings and events. TheFacilities & Destinations PLANNERGUIDE is designed as a tool to help meeting planners maneuver through thesechallenging times by optimizing your planning decisions.

The core of Facilities & DestinationsPLANNER GUIDE is the Planner GuideDirectory (starting on page 47). This “just the stats,” format offers an extensiveoverview of leading venues and destinationsthroughout North America.

A quick reference throughout this sectionare our own “Planner Guides” (on pages 47,49, 51, 53, 55, 57 & 63), which showcase aselection of venue & destination executiveswith meeting info factoids to help meeting

and event planners best select a facility—aswell as help find off-site attractions andentertainment and dining spots to enhancethe meeting experience.

In addition to essential factual informa-tion, perspectives are also required whenmaking meeting planning decisions. PlannerPerspectives (page 6) is a column that debuts in this debut issue, offering informedopinion about important issues facing meeting planners. This Planner Perspective is penned by Bill Hallock, an agent withKeppler Speakers, and explores GreenMeetings, an issue that can no longer beignored by both the planner and the venuemanager.

John H. Graham IV, CAE is Presidentand Chief Executive Officer of the AmericanSociety of Association Executives & TheCenter for Association Leadership. Thisassociation represents more than 24,000association executives and meeting planners,representing more than 11,000 organizations,including trade, industry and professionalassociations, individual membership societiesand voluntary organizations. Graham, whohas been at the helm since 2003 and has 30 years experience with associations andmeeting planning, discusses the state-of-the-industry and the challenges meeting planners will face in the upcoming year inour SPOTLIGHT FEATURE (page 8).

Those are some of the highlights of ourdebut issue of the Facilities & DestinationsPLANNER GUIDE. Putting together thisnew magazine has been an exciting andrewarding experience for the everyone hereat The Facilities Media Group. We hope youfind it to be an essential tool in planningyour meetings, conventions, trade shows,exhibitions, expositions and other events.

Timothy Herrick

Editorial [email protected]

THE DEBUT OF THEFACILITIES & DESTINATIONS PLANNER GUIDE

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Facilities Destinations

VOTE for the top ConventionCenters, Exposition Centers,Destinations, CVBs, or Meeting Hotels &Resorts your organization has used forits conventions, tradeshows, meetingsor comparable events in the last threeyears.

PLEASE CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING

CRITERIA WHEN VOTING:l ATTRACTIVENESS & FUNCTIONALITY

OF MEETING VENUE

l SIZE & QUALITY OF MEETING SPACE

l TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITIES

l QUALITY OF STAFF

l FOOD & BEVERAGE OPTIONS

l LIGHTING, ACOUSTICS, & INTERNET

ACCESS

l MEETING/EVENT SUPPORT SERVICES

l AMENITIES

l RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

l DINING & ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS

l LODGING QUALITY

l ACCESSIBILITY TO AIRPORT

l EASE OF TRAVEL WITHIN

DESTINATION

Name of Nominee_______________________________________________

Check Award You want to nominate the above for:

___ Prime Site (Convention Centers,Exposition Centers & Other Large Meeting Venues)

___ Top Destination (CVBs or Similar Agency representing a city or destination)

___ H.O.T.E.L. (Meeting Hotel & Resort)

Name, Title:_____________________________________________________

Organization: ___________________________________________________

Phone:__________________________________________________________

Email: __________________________________________________________

Describe the Meeting or Event

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

May we contact you? Yes____ No____

Winners will be showcased in the Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook Issue—Deadline is December 1, 2008. All votes will be kept confidential!

Please Fill Out Form & Mail Your Vote To:Facilities & Destinations

6 East 46th Street, Suite #301, New York, NY 10017or Fax it to: (212) 213-6382

!

Since the Facilities Media Group (FMG) hasbeen presenting our annual Awards ofExcellence to Meetings Destinations,

Meetings Venues and Public Assembly Facilitiesthroughout North America. Our Awards recognizeexcellence in service, management, personnel, aswell as the physical facility itself. Awards ofExcellence are decided by the opinions of thoseinvolved in site selection and meeting manage-ment—meeting and event planners—in otherwords, FMG’s readership.

Facilities & Destinations SuperBook caters to thelarge meeting venues and destinations, includingConvention Centers, Convention & VisitorsBureaus, and Meeting Hotels. Because of thisscope, we have created three categories of Awards:PRIME SITE AWARDS given to the top conven-tion and exposition centers; TOP DESTINA-TION AWARDS, which recognizes top destina-tions and the bureaus that promote them and serv-ice meeting planners and attendees; and the H.O.T.E.L.(Hotels on The Elite List) Awards, which is given to leadingmeetings hotels and resorts.

For this year’s winners, see pages 8-9, or visit our website,www.facilitiesonine.com. What may be surprising, but to us

here at the Facilities Media Group, is always gratify-ing is the diverse, cross-section of venues and citiesrepresented by the award winners. Some win severalyears running, others are the first-time winners, butwith the marketing chit-chat about First, Second, &Third-Tier Markets, these awards are evenly distrib-uted throughout North America, to cities and venuesboth large and small. Since the awards are voted on bythe readership of this publication—i.e., meeting andevent planners—the criteria is not based on locationmarketing, but how that venue or destination madesuccess possible for the meeting or event.

Have you and your organization been particularlyimpressed with a venue or destination utilized for yourConvention, Trade Show, Exhibition, Exposition orMeeting in the last three years? Did the venue or destination staff play a noticeable role in the successof your event? Now is the chance to make your opinion heard by participating this exciting industry-wide recognition of Excellence.

Please take the time to fill out and send in the Awards ballot below, or cast your votes on www.facilitiesonline.com.

Winners will be announced in the 2009 Facilities &Destinations SuperBook.

&PRIME SITE AWARDS

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ideal place to plant theseed for these ideas inyour organization orindustry. Speakers havethe ability to inspire audi-ences, change attitudesand turn the tide. It canbe the start of consensusbuilding. When meetingplanners bring attendeestogether with people whohave dedicated their livesto preserving the environ-ment or who have helpedcompanies turn a profitwhile implementing eco-friendly business practices,those planners, too,become the catalyst for

positive change.

The fact of the matter is, no indus-try or profession can ignore the needfor environmentally friendly practicesand products. No matter what theobstacles—whether its perceptions inthe marketplace or cost concerns—green issues are here to stay, are constantly evolving and need to beaddressed…Now! The right environ-mental speaker will take into accountthe particular challenges and opportu-nities facing your specific industry. Thebest speakers will address your specificcompany in a unique way, helping

everyone involved embrace sustainability, thus making a genuinedifference in the future of your business. Right now is the time tobe for meeting planners to be on the leading edge of this issue,because it certainly isn’t going to go away for a long, long time.

An agent with Keppler Speakers for over five years, Bill Hallock hashelped meeting planners find just the right speaker for hundreds ofevents. As a trusted advisor and valuable planning partner, Bill keepsup on the latest trends in speaking to keep planners on the cutting edge oftheir industries. In this special guest column, Bill shares his insights onsustainability speakers.

As organizations continue to “go green,” there aremany advantages to hosting a speaker who dis-cusses sustainability and green issues. Primaryamong these benefits is that organizations thatdo can stay on the leading edge of a trend that isaffecting every single industry. It used to be that

sustainability and environmental speakers showed only how it ispossible to turn a profit while being socially responsible. Today,however, these speakers can also provide long-term strategies toovercome high energy costs and how using sustainable practicesand products will build your business for the future. These benefitsare very pertinent to today’s convention audiences.

The most important thing for any organization to realize is that it is possible to improve your competi-tive advantage by being environmentally friendly. Thetwo are not contradictory. In fact, more and more, intoday’s economies—and it is a trend that will onlygrow into the future—whether or not businesses sur-vive and thrive depend directly on their ability toadapt to new energy and environmental realities.

When you are thinking of bringing in an environ-mental speaker, consider the immediate needs of yourorganization. What is most important to you and yourbusiness—Stories about green companies that haveturned great profits? Learning about the next frontierin green jobs, products and services? Inspirational sto-ries about environmental protection pioneers? Or, howcompanies or organizations can best implement greenand sustainable practices and policies?

Deciding on what aspect of going green shouldbe the first step into selection a speaker on this subject. Of course, a not-insignificant byproduct ofbringing in a “green speaker” and turning your organization’s attention on such issues is that people like to dobusiness with companies that are environmentally conscious andthat employees like to work for companies that make a differ-ence. Green awareness, environmentally sustainable practices,and energy efficiency and conservation are attributes profession-als specific to an industry as well as the general public now lookfor and often demand. A “green speaker” is a good place to starttowards these goals.

A meeting—whether it is a smaller corporate meeting, or acommittee or regional meeting of a larger association—or one ofthe featured speakers at a general session of a convention—is the

PLANNER PERSPECTIVES:

GREEN IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS:THE VALUE OF SUSTAINABILITY SPEAKERS

B Y B I L L H A L L O C K

“The fact of the matter is, no industryor profession canignore the need for environmentallyfriendly practices and products.”

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ate organizations to a nation-wide organization with onestaff, one budget and one plan.

In terms of Associationsadapting to change and opti-mizing the opportunitieschange inevitably brings, therole of conventions, tradeshows and meetings can becritical. What is clear that atthe head of an organizationrepresenting leaders of organ-izations is a professional whois a committed advocate ofbetter meetings. And, asmeetings are affected by theeconomy and other socialforces in a variety of ways,Graham’s advice to MeetingPlanners seems true in both

good times and bad—“Associations and Meeting Planners have to remindprofessionals of the importance of attending a meeting.”

Facilities & Destinations: Compared toother segments of the economy, do associa-tions suffer more or less during periods ofeconomic slowdowns?

John H. Graham: Associations represent many different segments ofthe economy and behave in a similar fashion to the industries theyrepresent. The U.S. economy is currently showing signs of a slow-down, some associations may also experience burdens imposed bythe economy. Some associations experience lower member retentionand decreased revenue.

F&D: Does the impact of a slower economy cut across the board, or is itmore industry or profession specific? Graham: The impact of a slower economy is much more industryspecific. Since the U.S. economy is currently experiencing housingand mortgage crises, associations affiliated with those sectors might

No one will be surprised that there are more questions about the economy in this SpotlightFeature than in previous Facilities &Destinations interviews. It was nearly impossibleto have a conversation in 2008 without the issue of the economy coming up, much less an

in-depth Q&A with John H. Graham IV, CAE, the President andChief Executive Officer of the AmericanSociety of Association Executives & TheCenter for Association Leadership.

Those in the business of planning,conducting and attending conventions,trade shows and meetings are concerned—with good reason— how dire economicnews will change their industry. And whileassessing the economy might be the startingpoint of this interview, the insights andopinions offered by Graham truly exploreseveral of the crucial changes impactingMeeting Planners, the organizations theyserve, the individuals who attend theirevents and the venues they book. When itcomes to change, Graham is candid in hisobservations, and not without a healthydose of clear-eyed optimism.

In fact, weathering change seems a defin-ing attribute of his career. Graham becamePresident and Chief Executive Officer of the American Society ofAssociation Executives in 2003 and during the first year at the helm,the two leading organizations representing association executives—the ASAE and the Greater Washington Society of AssociationExecutives, merged into a new organization, ASAE & The Centerfor Association Leadership, representing more than 24,000 associa-tion executives and industry partners from more than 11,000 organi-zations. Prior to being at the helm of change at the ASAE, Grahamserved the American Diabetes Association for 24 years, including 13as Chief Executive Officer. In his tenure as CEO, ADA quadrupledin size, from $50 million to $200 million in annual revenues and suc-cessfully moved from 53 independent, separately incorporated affili-

“As themeetingindustry israpidlychanging, the number ofnew events and servicesavailable for associationmembers is growing.”

STATE-OF-THE-INDUSTRY:

MEETINGS MUST STAY RESPONSIVE TOATTENDEES IN TIMES OF CHANGE

A Spotlight Interview with John H. Graham IV, CAE,the President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Society of

Association Executives & The Center for Association Leadership

B Y T I M O T H Y H E R R I C K

Editorial Director

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also experience a slowdown. Realtors, home builders, financialservices, mortgage brokerages and various banking sectors areclearly being more impacted in the current economic downturn.Attendance for those meetings are down. There is a six-to-ninemonth lag time in the meetings market, but those sectors of theeconomy have been in trouble since the beginning of the year. Thehealthcare and medical sectors, may not be robust, but they are flator just a little bit ahead.

F&D: How should Meeting Planners respond to troubled economic times? Graham: When people are in uncertain times, they need to staycurrent on their industry and profession. Meetings enable you todo that. Being visible in an industry and net-working is more important during downturns.Attending a meeting has to be seen as a valuecreator. Associations and Meeting Plannershave to remind professionals of the importanceof attending a meeting. That importance mustbe how the meeting is positioned and marketed.In uncertain economic times, planners maywant to do things like reduce registration fees,provide scholarships, and have career and jobcounseling as part of the program.

F&D: How has meeting planning evolved forAssociation Executives?Graham: So much has changed over the years,including meeting planning for associations andtheir staff. Most associations now have moreresources set aside for meetings and eventsplanning. Association staff are also more cre-ative on how they allocate their resources whenplanning events. Association members also havean important input in association events. Theyprovide very valuable feedback and suggestionsto association event planners and indicate what is important to them.

F&D: Has membership feedback changed?Graham: Yes. What we are seeing, first of all, is that the feedbackfrom members is more immediate. People email on the spot, andthere are blogs and other internet social networking sites, likeMySpace. So, associations are not only getting more solicited—and unsolicited feedback—you are getting that feedback in realtime, about the meeting as that meeting is going on.

F&D: How can a meeting planner make effective use of all this feedback? Graham: The trick is knowing what to ask, to get to the heart ofthe issue, cut to the chase. That way, the information will not justbe current, and fresh, but more useful. Feedback is transmittedmore quickly, so you have to be able to monitor it, and react to itas quickly.

F&D: If we break down a large scale “convention” into the followingcategories: Education—Exhibition Floor—General Sessions—Networking Events—which of these categories are showing the mostchange and/or which one are ASAE members looking towards theASAE to provide new information and the most guidance? Graham: In my opinion, associations need to develop each catego-

ry simultaneously to attract the most members. At ASAE & TheCenter, we want to make sure that our expo floors represent asmall ratio of exhibitors to attendees so that our members caninteract with the highest number of exhibitors. And vice versa—the exhibiting companies want to show their products and servicesto as many attendees as possible. Education and networking areequally important. We want our members to walk away from oureducation sessions and feel like they have learned something newand important to their profession. At the same time, they want tonetwork with fellow participants, make new contacts and recon-nect with old friends during networking events. As to GeneralSessions, members are asking for more content and less entertain-ment. They want information that is relevant to their jobs.

F&D: Are large meetings getting smaller or aresmall meetings getting larger? Graham: As the meeting industry is rapidly

changing, the number of newevents and services available forassociation members is growing.Some events will remain large,like major conferences andexpos, but at the same time wewill see an increase in number ofsmaller events, organized insmaller, local markets.

F&D: What do you think accountsfor the increase in the number of “second tier”CVBs, smaller destinations and meeting hotelsexhibiting at ASAE events? Graham: Smaller CVBs have realized thevalue of their participation in ASAE & TheCenter events and want to expand their busi-ness reach from regional to national levels.

F&D: What has this growth, in both the number and types of meet-ings, meant for the association executive? Graham: The number of meetings is increasing because there area number of different issues and topics that association executiveswant to explore. This also shows an increased demand for meet-ings organized in local markets. Many association professionalsprefer local events because they are easier to get to and not asexpensive as the large, national events.

F&D: Prior to your present position, you served a13-year tenure asCEO of the American Diabetes Association, during which time theorganization quadrupled in size. What role did meetings & conven-tions play in this expansion?Graham: Following the process of unifying separately incorporatedgroups to a single national association, ADA’s annual meeting wasa unifying event to all its members. I’m sure those who attendedthe meeting for the first time following the unification, were ableto experience what the new organization had to offer. That beingsaid, the real growth was fueled by establishing a nationwide, uni-form fundraising program.

F&D: When the ADA became more of a single entity, how did thateffect its meetings and conventions? Graham: ADA’s meetings certainly became much more crediblefor the membership, which includes mainly scientists and

“With new technology,the tradeshow is beingextended invirtual timethroughoutthe year. It startswith face to faceinteraction.”

Continued on page 63

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FacilitiesDestinations

For Association & Corporate Meeting Planners

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I. Association Meeting Industry1A o Hotel/Motel/Restaurant1B o Gift/Food/Merchandise1C o Insurance1D o Finance/Banking/Real Estate1E o Health/Medical/Pharmaceutical1F o Computer/Technology/

Communications1G o Educational/Religious1H o Trade/Union/Labor1I o Professional (Attorney/Accountant/

Engineer, etc.)1J o Fraternal/Civil/Social/Political/Special

Interest/Hobby/Business1M o Association Management Company1N o Travel/Transportation1P o Wholesale/Retail1Q o Utility/Energy

1R o Government/Military1S o Agriculture/Forestry/Mining1Z o Manufacturing1X o Other

(please specify) ______________________

II. Corporate Meeting Industry2A o Manufacturing/High Technology

Manufacturing2B o Professional Service

Company/Institution2C o Retail/Wholesale Trade2D o Transportation,

Communications, Utilities2E o Banking, Financial/Investment/

Security, Insurance, Real Estate2F o Agriculture, Forestry and

Fisheries, Mining, Construction

2G o Meeting Planning Company2H o Other

(please specify) ______________________

III. Which of the following best describes your title?

3A o CEO/President/ExecutiveDirector/AdministrativeDirector/Executive Secretary

3B o Meeting/Convention Planner3C o Program/Special Events Director3D o Exhibit Director/Manager3E o Trade Show Director/Manager3F o Director Education,

Training or Development3G o Sales/Marketing3H o Procurement3I o Other

(please specify) ______________________

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facilitiesonline.com: Hot News/FacBlog/Photo Gallery/Editor’s Choice/Find A Venue

ASAE & THE CENTER ANNUAL MEETING AND EXPOSITION

The 2008 ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership Annual Meeting and Exposition, hostedby the San Diego Convention Center in August, attracted 3,124 association executives and meetingplanners, 2,302 exhibitors and 840 other participants. For additional ASAE & The Center coverage & other industry news, go to www.facilitiesonline.com. For an in-depth interview withJohn H. Graham IV, CAE, President and CEO, ASAE & The Center, turn to page 8.

PHOTOVIEW

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The meetings and conventions appeal of Atlantic City—the Oceanside destination that is “always turned on,”—includes beaches, casinos and the Atlantic City Convention Center. Spreadingthe word at the ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership’s 2008 Annual Meeting & Exposition(left to right) were Patricia Laveglia, National Sales Manager, Tropicana Atlantic City, GaryMusich, Vice President/Sales, Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority, Joan Mooney,Executive Director of Hotel Sales, Trump Entertainment Resorts, Patrick McCormick, Trump Taj Mahal, and Brian Schoeffel, Account Executive, Vista Convention Services.

The Green Bay story now includes more than 4,000guest rooms and nearly 70,000 square feet of meetingand convention space. Promoting the destinationappeal of this Wisconsin city were Jo Ann Rogers,(left), Director of Sales, Holiday Inn City Center, andBeth Peters, Director of Sales, Greater Green Bay &the Lake Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Located at the southeastern tip of South Carolina, theHilton Head Island area features beautiful and newlyrenovated conference hotels and resorts. (left to right)Courtenay Casson, Sales Manager, of the Westin HiltonHead Island Resort & Spa, which recently completed $5million in renovations Jack Reed, Director of Sales, HiltonHead Island, the destination’s CVB, and Ryan Galvin,Senior Sales Manager, Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa,which in 2008 unveiled a $20-million dollar makeover,including the 6,400-square-foot “Spa Soleil.”

Marlies Palazzolo, Director of Sales for the Blue Chip Casino Hotel in Michigan City, Indiana,which in addition to the Grand Ballroom (RoomCapacity: 320) and the Great Lakes Ballroom (RoomCapacity: 220), plans to open a 20,000-square-foot convention center in 2009.

Cleo Battle, Vice President of Sales & Services,Richmond Metropolitan Convention & VisitorsBureau, and Linne DiIorio, Senior Sales Manager,Greater Richmond Convention Center, promotedthe array of meeting opportunities available inVirginia’s capital city.

Judy Dyer, (left), Associate Director of Sales, andNancy Elksnitis, Senior Sales Manager, of theCaribe Royale Orlando, All-Suites Hotel &Convention Center, which features 150,000 square feet of meeting space and the adjacent Buena VistaSuites, All-Suites Hotel, which features additionalmeeting space and handles overflow from the Caribe Royal.

Sally Gardiner (left), Director of Convention Sales,Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Lori Hunter, Director of Sales, Ocean Center.Daytona Beach, one of the premier meetings destinations in Florida, not only features the 60,000-sq.-ft. Ocean Center, but 1,300+ guest rooms, 200,000+square feet of meeting space, city-wide, world-classgreat restaurants, and exciting entertainment venues.

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Hot News/FacBlog/Photo Gallery/Editor’s Choice/Find A Venue

MEETING AND EXPOSITION

13Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

The rebirth of Niagara Falls, New York as a growingNortheast meetings destination continues, with a newconference center, new hotels and a new entertain-ment district. At the ASAE convention were LindaPersico, (left) CMP, Association Sales Manager for theConference Center Niagara Falls, and NatalieDriscoll, Association Sales Manager for the SenecaNiagara Casino & Hotel, promoted the exciting com-bination of classic & cutting-edge that is the newNiagara Falls.

Patrick Sheftic, Director of Sales, Oncenter Complex,and Katie Nielson, Sales & Event Services Manager,Syracuse Convention & Visitors Bureau, promotedSyracuse as a meetings destination, highlighted thecity’s versatile Oncenter Complex, which includes: theConvention Center at Oncenter, the War MemorialArena at Oncenter and the Civic Center Theaters atOncenter.

Dana Markel, Executive Director, OmahaConvention & Visitors Bureau, informed meetingplanners and association executives about the manyfeatures of Omaha as a destination, including themagnificent 250,000-square-foot Qwest CenterOmaha Convention Center, a technology-rich venuejust five minutes from the airport that boasts aglass-enclosed skywalk linking it and the Qwestarena to the Hilton Omaha.

The Palm Springs Desert Resort CommunitiesConvention and Visitors Authority representsCathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio,La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage.The CVA’s team at the the ASAE & The Center forAssociation Leadership’s 2008 Annual Meeting &Exposition included: Rene Casey, Director of Sales,Paula Helm, Senior Sales Manager of the PalmSprings Convention Center, and Michelle A. Morgan,Regional Director of Sales.

Trina Mays Barton, Sales Manager, for PheasantRun Resort in St. Charles, Il—with 100,000+ squarefeet of meeting space, the venue is a premier meetingand conference destination in the Midwest, hostingmeetings ranging from a retreat for 20 to a tradeshowfor 10,000 and more.

Margaret Colón, Director of Sales & Marketing atthe Puerto Rico Convention Center is spottedwith her favorite magazine at the ASAE & TheCenter for Association Leadership’s 2008 AnnualMeeting & Exposition in San Diego.

In addition to the 150,000-square-foot Charleston AreaConvention Center ComplexCharleston, South Carolina has agrowing downtown district andseveral new meeting hotels.Pictured (left to right): Ami Calhoun, Sales Manager,Francis Marion Hotel,Chris Hendrix, CMP, AssistantDirector of Sales, Charleston AreaConvention & Visitors Bureau, Liza Edgerton, Sales Manager,Charleston Marriot andTraxy Wombel, Senior SalesManager, Charleston HarborResort & Marina.

The Knoxville Convention Center features500,000 square feet of total meeting space including 19 meeting rooms, a 27,300-square-footballroom, 120,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall and anadditional 30,000 square feet of outdoor meetingspace. Rebecca Williams, Sales Manager for theKnoxville Convention Center, is promoting this jewelof a venue in Tennessee, nestled in the heart of theSmokey Mountains.

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Awinner of the Prime Site Award every year since 1995,the Austin Convention Center has emerged as a leaderin the convention and meeting market. A premier facilitylocated in the heart of the capital city’s downtown business district, the Center spans six city blocks with

374,255 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 ballroomsranging from 3,896 to 43,300 square feet in size, and 54 meeting rooms and show offices totaling 61,440 squarefeet, complete the four-story convention center. Ample parkingis provided in two parking garages with a total capacity of1,700 spaces.

Technological FeaturesRated one of the most technologically advanced conventioncenters in the country, this gigabit rated facility moves voice,video, and data at over one billion bits per second. The AustinConvention Center offers a variety of in-house services including complimentary Wireless Internet access, redundanthigh-speed Internet II access, plug and play capabilities, and an on-site technical staff to help with networking needs.

Hotels Austin offers more than 25,000 hotel rooms, with 5,500 located downtown,including the 800-room Hilton Austin adjacent to the convention center.Additional nearby hotels include: Four Seasons Hotel Austin; Courtyard byMarriott; Residence Inn by Marriott; Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown;Radisson Hotel & Suites; Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown; Driskill Hotel;Omni Austin Hotel Downtown; and Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel.

Austin by NightAfter conventions and meetings wrap-up each night, attendees may chooseto enjoy Austin’s entertainment districts, the Warehouse District andfamous Sixth Street. The Austin Convention Center is just down the streetfrom the city’s vibrant nightlife, where visitors can also enjoy everythingfrom fine dining in four-star restaurants, to down-home barbecue andauthentic Tex-Mex.

As the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin echoes with thesound of country, rock ‘n’ roll, blues, jazz and Tejano. On anygiven 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 LBJPresidential Library, the Texas State History Museum, theBlanton 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 milesof trails enjoyed by runners, walkers and cyclists. Surroundedby three lakes and a network of parks, Austin offers the perfectenvironment for enjoying the best of nature.

Austinä Hotels: 5,500 downtown hotel rooms; adjacent 800-room Hilton Austin ä Airport: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, eight milesfrom facility

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

A U S T I N C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R

FAST FACTS:Location: Downtown AustinTotal Area: spans six city blocksExhibit Space: 246,097 contiguous sq. ft., column free Ballrooms: 43,300 sq. ft. level 4; 23,418 sq. ft. level 1Meeting Space: 54 meeting rooms totaling 61,440 square feetTechnology: Gigabit rated facility, wireless Internet access,plug and play capabilities

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

AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER

““

A premierfacility located in theheart of thecapital city’sdowntownbusiness district, theCenter spanssix city blocks.

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16 Facilities & Destinations PLanner Guide

several of the nation’s largest business and government centers. The Baton Rouge Area Convention & Visitors Bureau provides complete

convention services free of charge for all convention and group meetings inour area: proposal solicitation assistance, pre-registration assistance, pre-con-vention counseling, on-site registration, local publicity assistance, welcomebags, tour information, city information, area brochures, convention badgesand much more.

Savor the south in Baton Rouge, it’s delicious fun!

B A T O N R O U G E A R E A C O N V E N T I O N & V I S I T O R S B U R E A U

359 Third Street Baton Rouge, LA 70801 • 1-800-LA ROUGE • www.visitbatonrouge.com

B A T O N R O U G E A R E A C O N V E N T I O N & V I S I T O R S B U R E A U

Searching for a setting that offers a truly distinct flavor for your nextmeeting or convention? Then look no further than Baton Rouge. Offeringcompetitive resources for meetings in one of the fastest growing citiesin the South, Baton Rouge also boasts abounding opportunities to expe-rience the history, culture, music, food and magic of Louisiana.

Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, the newly-expanded BatonRouge River Center has completely transformed downtown Baton Rouge. Theentire complex, including the Arena and Theatre for the Performing Arts, aswell as the new Exhibition Hall, includes more than 200,000 square feet ofnew and renovated space, and incorporates state-of-the-art exhibition, meet-ing, concession and kitchen facilities.

More and more meeting planners are discovering Baton Rouge as a trulyunique cultural and entertainment center, ready to welcome meetings andconventions of every size. The River Center is centrally located near numer-ous hotels, entertainment venues, retail space, historical attractions andriverboat casinos. Additionally, the facility is near some of the most extraor-dinary restaurants in the area.

From the distinct tastes of the local cuisine to the soulful sounds of bluesand gospel, this is a city that celebrates life to the fullest. Spend a night onthe town at one of the many live music clubs or try your luck at the Belle ofBaton Rouge Casino and Hollywood Casino. Come delight in the extraordi-nary cuisines unique to Louisiana. Fall in love with our blend of Cajun,Creole, African American, French and Spanish flavor.

Whether you’re across the country or just up the River, our city is easy toget to. It’s easily accessible from several major cities via the newly-renovat-ed Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, now offering daily non-stop flights to

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AFFORDABLE MEETINGS®

EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE

connecting you to a network of possibilities

HOSPITALITY SALES AND MARKETING ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL

mid-americachicago, il april 1 - 2, 2009

westsan jose, cajune 10 - 11, 2009

20th annual national showand event technology expo™

washington, d.c.

september 9 - 10, 2009

HSMAI's Affordable Meetings Conference & Exposition

attracts motivated planners from all sectors of the industry

who attend looking for quality resources to enhance their

meetings and events.

For more information, visit www.affordablemeetings.com or

call 800-564-4220.

HSMAI’S

HSM-8165-A01B AD1 F&D AD 10/17/08 11:54 AM Page 1

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19Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

AFFORDABLE MEETINGS®

EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE

connecting you to a network of possibilities

HOSPITALITY SALES AND MARKETING ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL

mid-americachicago, il april 1 - 2, 2009

westsan jose, cajune 10 - 11, 2009

20th annual national showand event technology expo™

washington, d.c.

september 9 - 10, 2009

HSMAI's Affordable Meetings Conference & Exposition

attracts motivated planners from all sectors of the industry

who attend looking for quality resources to enhance their

meetings and events.

For more information, visit www.affordablemeetings.com or

call 800-564-4220.

HSMAI’S

HSM-8165-A01B AD1 F&D AD 10/17/08 11:54 AM Page 1

The Daytona Beach Area: Way More Than A Beach

In addition to the Ocean Center, the area offers an array of other uniquemeeting facilities including the world-famous Daytona InternationalSpeedway/Daytona 500 Experience; the News-Journal Center in

downtown Daytona Beach; the historic oceanfront Bandshell andOceanfront Park; the Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center;Peabody Auditorium; and the area’s most famous asset – the beach.

Home to approximately 13,000 hotel rooms, groups meeting in theDaytona Beach area will find accommodations to fit any budget. Severalhotels have recently undergone multi-million dollar refurbishment projects,including the Daytona Beach Resort & Conference Center which unveiledits $30 million transformation in February 2008.

The Daytona Beach area is a great place for work and play. The area’slegendary 23 miles of sparkling beaches are perfect for castle building,cycling, jogging, fishing or just relaxing in the sun. A popular golf

destination, the area is home to several championship greens thatmake it an ideal spot for year-round golfing fun.

Unique shopping and dining spots can be found along Beach Street inhistoric downtown Daytona Beach and along Granada Boulevard in OrmondBeach. The area's newest shopping, dining and entertainment complex,Ocean Walk Shoppes at Ocean Walk Village is the perfect place for fun.Enjoy the 10-cinema theater complex, restaurants and plenty of appareland gift stores all just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean.

New resort spas also await visitors. The area’s newest, Terra AcquaDay Spa at the Daytona Beach Resort & Conference Center, joins The Spaat the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, Indulge at The ShoresResort & Spa, the Vacation Therapy Spa at Ocean Walk Resort and OceanWaters Spa at The Plaza Resort & Spa in offering visitors a completerespite that rejuvenates the mind, body and spirit.

Airport & TransportationConveniently located in Central East Florida, the Daytona Beach area iseasy to reach via Interstate 95 and Interstate 4. Direct flights from theAtlanta and Charlotte metro areas to Daytona Beach International Airportdepart daily via US Airways and Delta.

CVB ServicesThe Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau offers a variety ofconvention support services to meeting planners including assistance withsite inspections, volunteers, vendor contacts and online RFPs.

To plan your next meeting or convention in the Daytona Beach area contact:

Sally Gardiner, Director of Convention SalesDaytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

O C E A N C E N T E R C O N V E N T I O N C O M P L E X

101 N. Atlantic Avenue , Daytona Beach, FL 32118 (800) 858-6444; (386) 254-4500 • Fax: (386) 254-4512 • www.oceancenter.com

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From a gorgeous beach chic setting to the state-of-the-artmeeting facilities of the Broward County Convention Center,Greater Fort Lauderdale has a knack for making every meeting planner a hero.

MEETING SPACESpanning three floors, the Broward County Convention Centerfeatures 600,000 sq. ft. of flexible function space highlighted bycool Florida décor and an eye-catching waterfront location.You’ll feel right at ease amid dramatic skylights, lofty ceilings,bronze sailfish sculptures and unique underwater motif carpet-ing. And with style comes substance, such as reliable electricaland telephone service, a first aid room and a full range of light-ing and sound controls. Portable performance stages, wall par-titions, full dance floors, risers and an elevated seating risersystem allow for complete versatility.

Within these surroundings, four spacious exhibit halls totalnearly 200,000 sq. ft. on the first floor. Meanwhile the second floor has amultitude of rooms for break-out sessions. You’ll also find an array of high-tech bells and whistles, such as a 1,300-sq.-ft. Executive TeleconferenceSuite, WiFi hotspots, video conferencing and high-speed Internet access.

FOOD & BEVERAGEFive-star food service is a given at the Broward County Convention Center.In fact, this was the first convention center to be awarded the prestigiousConfrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs award. The expert catering staff andlarge kitchens are equipped to handle groups from 10 to 10,000, providingeverything from coffee breaks to elegant sit-down meals, accompanied byunparalleled service and dazzling presentation.

AIRPORT AND TRANSPORTATIONGetting around Greater Fort Lauderdale is a breeze. When you step off yourplane into the terminal at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport,you’ll immediately see that Greater Fort Lauderdale considers convenient,user-friendly transportation a top priority.

Everything at the airport has been updated, from its parking garage and

terminal to connecting superhighways. And it’s only five minutesfrom the Broward County Convention Center, major hotels, beach-es and Port Everglades, the world’s largest five-star cruise port.

TECHNOLOGYThroughout the facility, you’ll find a fiber-optic Cat 5 and Cat 6infrastructure with Ethernet connections in meeting rooms,exhibit spaces and lobby areas. High speed Internet access isaccomplished via T-1 lines as well as available ISDN lines. ACyber Café and conveniently located kiosks put PCs at your fin-gertips. Of course, you can’t have next-level technology withouttech support. That’s why you’ll enjoy on-site Internet support24/7. Virtual meetings are easy with video conferencing capa-bilities throughout the facility.

RECREATION & ACTIVITIESThe palm-fringed beaches, yacht-lined waterways, great golf, cul-

tural attractions and designer shopping of Greater Fort Lauderdale prove thatit’s possible to mix business and pleasure. Just a short drive from the BrowardCounty Convention Center, Downtown Fort Lauderdale is where’s happening.Explore the shops, galleries and restaurants of trendy Las Olas Boulevard andthe Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District, which includes the BrowardCenter for the Performing Arts, Florida Grand Opera, Museum of Discovery &Science and Blockbuster® 3D IMAX® Theater, and Museum of Art of FortLauderdale.

Throughout the year, Greater Fort Lauderdale’s calendar is filled withevents that provide for unique party venues and ways to unwind, includingarts festivals, concerts from jazz to rock, stand-up comedy and Broadwayshows. For more information and schedules, visit sunny.org.

ACCOMMODATIONSLodgings are one more detail you won’t lose sleep over. Hold a meeting orconvention in Greater Fort Lauderdale and you’ll have 3,500 hotel roomswithin one mile of the Broward County Convention Center that’s out of the30,000 hotel rooms in great locations throughout this spectacular destina-tion, from Hollywood to Deerfield Beach.

GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE/BROWARD COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER

1950 Eisenhower Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 765-5900 • Fax: (954) 763-9551 • www.sunny.org/meetings

GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE/BROWARD COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER

““

Greater FortLauderdalehas a knackfor makingevery meetingplanner a hero.

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Green goes with everything, especially great meetings. From the planting of native trees in local parks to help offset the carbon footprint of groups, to certified Florida Green Lodgings, and conservation initiatives taken on by the 600,000 sq. ft. Broward County Convention Center, it is easy to Plan.It.Green in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Choose from 33,000 hotel rooms — including 2,500 committable rooms within two miles of the Convention Center, located just two miles from the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport.

And know that your meeting is powered by the people of our Sunsational Service Team, one of our most precious renewable resources. Visit www.sunny.org/meetings for our digital Meeting Planners Guide.Or call (800) 356-1662.

Green–powered meetings start here.

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KANSAS CITY CONVENTION AND ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES The Kansas City Convention and Entertainment Facilities are located in theheart of the Kansas City, Missouri’s downtown convention and entertainmentdistrict. Located just 20 minutes from the Kansas City International Airport,the convenient location assures convention attendees will arrive with ease.

The eight-square-block convention and special-event facility offers388,800 square feet of column-free exhibit space on one floor, plus a brandnew 46,400-square-foot Grand Ballroom. The Convention Center is made up of48 state-of-the-art meeting rooms in various sizes. The facilities also includethe Music Hall, a 2,400-seat fine arts theater, and Municipal Auditorium, a10,400-seat arena.

KANSAS CITY CONVENTION AND ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES – GRAND BALLROOMThe new ballroom structure is a monumental engineering and architecturalachievement. Initially challenged by the spatial limits posed by Interstate 670,an inventive plan was proposed by the project designers that allowed the ball-room to span the busy section of the interstate and also create connectivity tothe Crossroads District. The completed building boasts a 3,000-guest seatingcapacity ballroom that can be sub-divided into three rooms for smaller events,several smaller spaces that can be utilized for smaller functions and an inno-vative lighting system. This progressive structure has been awarded a LEED®Silver Rating by the U.S. Green Building Council, which will provide lowerenergy consumption, water conservation, renewable energy utilization, andimproved indoor comfort levels related to daylighting and air quality.

K A N S A S C I T Y C O N V E N T I O N & E N T E R T A I N M E N T F A C I L I T I E S

301 West 13th Street, Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64105(816) 513-5000; (800) 821-7060 • Fax: (816) 513-5001

www.kcconvention.com

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With great facilities, nearby sports, plenty of shopping, lowhotel rates and the Big Apple only minutes away—whywouldn't you meet here?

Almost any size or any type of group will find the perfectaccommodations and hospitality at the SMG-managedMeadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey. Forinstance, the Meadowlands is only minutes from New YorkCity, the Capital of the World; and, it is in relatively close prox-imity to three major international airports.

Then there are five major hotels within walking distance ofthe facility with fabulous room rates that are about one-thirdless than New York City's rates. Finally, rounding out its appeal,are a stadium, an arena and even a racetrack three miles awayas well as movie theaters and dozens of restaurants.

Located in the Harmon Meadow Complex of the Secaucuscommunity, the Meadowlands Expo Center also offers greatdemographics and it maintains a group-friendly facility withliberal work regulations. This cuts red tape, has added valueon planning budgets, and allows planners to hand-carry mer-chandise and setup their own displays.

Vital StatsFor groups that range from 5,000 at a banquet to a tradeshow with almost400 exhibit booths, the Meadowlands Exposition Center offers:ä 61,000 sq. ft. of contiguous, dedicated exhibit space with 20-ft. ceilingsä Accommodations for 336 large exhibit booths or 392 standard boothsä Two drive-in doors and four loading docks on street level for easy accessä Seating for up to 6,000 attendees, concert or theater-styleä Catering for up to 5,000 peopleä Large, all-purpose lobby for registration, receptions or additional

exhibit spaceä 6,000 free parking spacesä Five carpeted meeting rooms totaling 3,578 sq. ft.

Technological CapabilitiesTechnological capabilities at the Center include T1, ISND, Internet and satel-lite uplink support. Teleconferencing and simulcasting to other locations arealso available. And, on the exhibit floor, the electricity is "flown from the air."Also of note is a newly-designed Web site that informs the public about upcom-

ing events at the center. This Web site features the latest technologyallowing the user to access a virtual tour of the facility and gain morespecifics about the building, services and the surrounding area.

Professional ServiceOnsite is a professional staff to work one-on-one with plannerswith special needs and budgets. Plus, there are event coordina-tors, in-house decorators and other support personnel to make anyevent a flawless event.

For food and beverage, the Meadowlands has also renovatedand restructured their operations to better suit the individual needsof each event held at the facility. There are also three food conces-sion stands, all of which also have been recently renovated.

Hotel PartnersFive national chain hotels are within a walking distance of theMeadowlands Exposition Center. Together they total approximately1,000 guestrooms and there are another 1,500 rooms in the nearbyarea. Some of the major properties include:Holiday Inn • Embassy Suites • Hampton InnHyatt • Courtyard by Marriott

Things to See & DoDuring freetime hours, meeting attendees can enjoy some 40 restaurants and a wide range of shopping opportunities—including the Secaucus Outlet Centerwith over 100 shops and the equally popular Jersey Gardens Mega Mall. Morethan that, the Meadowlands is three miles from Giants Stadium, IZOD Centerand the Meadowlands Racetrack; and who would miss out on a short trip to theBig Apple, only minutes away. All in all, this is one of few facilities in the country that has the world's greatest city at its feet.

TransportationPart of the Meadowlands' attraction to meeting planners is that it can be easilyreached by three international airports: JFK, LaGuardia and Newark InternationalAirport. And, only 12 minutes from the facility is the Teterboro Jetport.

For driving enthusiasts, Newark is also in close proximity to major interstates including the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden StateParkway. Also, both the New York and New Jersey transit system schedulestops right at the door.

M E A D O W L A N D S E X P O S I T I O N C E N T E R

Secaucus, New Jersey(201) 330-7773 • www.mecexpo.com

MEADOWLANDS EXPOSIT ION CENTER

MeadowlandsExpo Centeralso offersgreat demo-graphics and it maintains agroup-friendlyfacility withliberal workregulations.

““

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Since opening its doors in September 1993, the Center has servedas the centerpiece for the revitalization of Downtown Mobile andplayed host to hundreds of thousands of conventioneers. TheConvention Center, overlooking Mobile Bay, has been the catalystfor development along the waterfront, including the adjacent

Cooper Riverside Park, Mobile Landing and a Carnival Cruise Terminal.When completed, Mobile landing will include a maritime museum, vis-tors center, shops and restaurants. In addition a $162-million officetower and adjacent Battle House Hotel is now open!

Facility SpecificationsThe 317,000-gross-square-foot Center includes:ä 100,000-square-foot exhibit hallä 42,000 square feet of meeting rooms and ballroom/banquet

facilitiesä 52,000-square-foot pre-function areaä Covered walkways and crosswalks to adjacent hotelsä Waterfront location complete with outdoor terraces

and riverwalksä Innovative, architectural design that yield a bright,

airy atmosphere

Facility TechnologyThe Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center provides the latest in technological advancements, which includes high speed wireless fidelitytechnology (WIFI standard 802.11x). The speed is T-3, which is equal to 30 x T-1 or 20 x the speed of a DSL line and can accommodate everythingfrom a handheld computer to video conferencing. The security is the highestgovernment standard at a 156 WEP encryption. The Center’s clients are ableto utilize this 21st Century wireless network at affordable rates and givesthem the flexibility of Internet access anywhere in the facility.

Hotel PartnersThousands of hotel rooms await guests visiting Mobile. Step into a roomthat has welcomed guests for 140 years, with the hush of history all around.Find a reasonably-priced chain hotel, historic inn, lavishly decorated B&B, or modern high-rise, within a short hop of downtown districts and connected, via skywalk, to the Convention Center. Mobile’s accommodationsare scattered throughout the city, each offering unique advantages.

Food & BeverageThe Center’s food and beverage service is provided bySAVOR MOBILE catering by SMG. Large or small, complexor simple, SAVOR MOBILE brings exceptional quality, flexibility and service to every event planned at the facility.

AccessibilityMobile is easily accessible by both ground and airtransportation. Airline access is through hub cities,assuring one-stop flights. And, Mobile’s ground loca-tion at the intersection of I-10 and I-65 allows asmooth flow of delegates in-and-out of the city,enabling a more productive meeting experience.

AttractionsMobile has endless activities, whether you enjoy his-tory, the arts, outdoor activities, science or technology,there is something for everyone. Visitors can exploremuseums, historic forts, breathtaking gardens and theMobile River and Delta systems. Guests can play onour award winning golf courses or relaxing on the

beautiful beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Attractions now include Mobileas the homeport for Carnival Cruise Line’s exciting cruises to Mexico!

RenovationsThe convention center has recently installed 13,200 square yards of WovenAxminister Carpet. The Axminister Carpet is 100% nylon and is machinewoven for the best performance and superior appearance retention. Thecarpet is often used in high, heavy traffic settings and is a time-testedproduct that has proven to last longer and look better.

“In addition to being one of the highest quality carpets, the carpet wasspecifically designed for the convention center,” said Bob Brazier, the facili-ty General Manager. “The carpet designs reflect Mobile's rich history andtraditions which will enhance the image of the Mobile Convention Centerand the City of Mobile in future years,” he added. Included in the carpet’sdesign are renderings of several of Mobile’s most historic buildings such asBarton Academy, the GM&O Building and City Hall. Other familiar Mobileimagines included in the design are the Battleship USS Alabama, FortConde’s cannons, Mardi Gras beads and the Bienville Square fountain.

The Manufacturer of the new carpet is Tai Ping Carpets Americas Inc.Sanders Hyland Corporation of Mobile was awarded the contract to installthe new carpet.

A R T H U R R . O U T L A W M O B I L E C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R

One South Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602(251) 208-2100 • Fax: (251) 208-2150 • www.mobileconventions.com

ARTHUR R . OUTLAW MOBILE CONVENTION CENTER

The Mobile Convention Centerhas experienced more than adecade of enormous success.

“TheConventionCenter, overlookingMobile Bay,has been thecatalyst fordevelopmentalong thewaterfront.

““

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ARTHUR R. OUTLAWMOBILE CONVENTION CENTER

It’s UnforgettableWinner of numerous awards for its architectural design and level of service, the state-of-the-art Arthur R. OutlawMobile Convention Center is second to none. Located on the waterfront in downtown Mobile, the 317,000 grosssquare-foot center includes a 100,000 square-foot Exhibit Hall, 42,000 square feet of meeting room and ballroom/banquet facilities, and a full-service kitchen offering gourmet catering. Other amenities consist of a VIP lounge overlooking the Exhibit Hall and Mobile River, covered concealed loading docks, direct covered access to 1,800 parking spaces and adjacent hotel, and an experienced staff specializing in custom-made trade shows and conventions.

“The Perfect Gulf Coast Location”In addition to being functional and affordable, theMobile Convention Center is conveniently locatedfor people-pulling power.

•The largest metropolitan area between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Tampa, Florida

•750,000 people within a 50-mile radius•A Sunbelt location easy to access by air

and ground

The Mobile Convention Center is unforgettableand it helps you think about value in a whole new way. Here you’ll not only find the mostvalue for your budget, you’ll find out how it feels to be a valued client.

One South Water Street • Mobile, AL 36602 • 334/415-2100

www.mobileconventions.comOne South Water Street • Mobile, AL 36602 • 251/208-2100

F&D Prime sites 11/23/05 1:21 PM Page 25

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©2008, C

ity of Madison

Dining, theater, art, music, shopping and more are only a short walk from our lake views. So no matterwhat’s on your agenda—seminar or sushi bar, breakout session or jam session—Monona Terrace inMadison can accommodate you. For more information, call 800.373.6376 or visit mononaterrace.com.

7273 Off-Session_FD.indd 1 3/12/08 1:39:40 PM

Madison, Wisconsin: An Inspiring Place for Smart Meetings.Madison, Wisconsin, combines exceptional facilities with the intellectual and emotional capital needed for meeting success. Home to therenowned University of Wisconsin–Madison, the vision of Frank LloydWright, the insight of Aldo Leopold and a majestic Capitol built upon anisthmus alive with cultural arts, engaging intellectual pursuits and a wealthof recreational opportunities. Madison is the place for smart meetings.

Monona Terrace, the crown jewel of Madison’s cultural isthmus, recently became the first convention center in the nation to be LEED-EB-certified at the Silver Level as a “green” building. To earn its silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Existing Building (LEED-EB) program, theConvention Center invested in initiatives to increase recycling rates, utilizegreen cleaning products, and promote clean energy use and conversation.Monona Terrace has become a symbol of sustainability for the communityof Madison and inspiration to all those who choose to visit the city.

AccommodationsMore than 8,000 hotel rooms are available to groups in Madison, with 1,000rooms within walking distance of the Monona Terrace® Convention Center.Accommodation styles run the gamut from first-class convention hotels,such as the 240-room Hilton Madison (the headquarters hotel for the convention center), to limited-service hotels and budget-conscious motels.Bed and breakfasts are another attractive choice in Madison, and severalprovide services and amenities appropriate for executive attendees.

Convention FacilitiesThe Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace® Convention Center is atouchstone for both the Madison community and groups coming to the city.Sweeping lines and vast, arched windows typify the structure, which offers

dramatic surroundings for groups. In total, Monona Terrace ConventionCenter offers 85,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition space.Highlights of the center include:ä 37,200-square-foot Exhibition Hall that accommodates 212,

10' x 10' boothsä 13,524-square-foot Madison Ballroom, divisible by fourä 7,000-square-foot Grand Terrace serves as pre-function space for the

Madison Ballroom or use on its own as a magnificent indoor event spaceä 68,000 square feet of rooftop gardens may also be reserved for events

M O N O N A T E R R A C E C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R

One John Nolen Drive, Madison, WI 53703(608) 441-3942 • Fax: (608) 258-4950 • www.mononaterrace.com

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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

UNI_OKC I38-In&Out_3.49x10.127.indd 1 10/2/08 12:43:11 PM

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

Page 32: 2008 Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

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Meet In Oklahoma City Capturing the true essence of today’s Oklahoma City is no smallfeat, but the Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau is cov-ering a lot of ground in marketing Oklahoma City to the region,nation and world.

Recently, the Bureau unveiled a new logo thatcaptures the spirit of Oklahoma City’s vibrancy.The logo encompasses a background scene withcowboy boot-shaped buildings, a starry sky andthe State Capitol. The mid-range of the logoshows a river with two figures in a double row-ing shell. And, the foreground shows plenty ofrich, green grass. The bright colors and images

convey the vibrancy of a capital city steeped in western heritagewith a fun nightlife and lush outdoor assets.

“Oklahoma City has seen a tremendous increase in the numberof visitor attractions and infrastructure it offers, but the dramatic change tothe city’s landscape has not reached many audiences beyond city limits,”said Mike Carrier, President of the Bureau. “The new logo is critical tochanging people’s perceptions and impressions of the city.”

Booking conventions and meetings remains a major part of the Bureau’sfocus. In partnership with the City of Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma

State Fairgrounds, work is underway to assess what is neededfor Oklahoma City to move from a tier three to a tier two con-vention and tourism destination.

“There’s no doubt things are happening in Oklahoma Citybecause of the city’s MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects) pro-gram but it is time to look at the next generation of needsfrom meeting facilities, to the convention center and otheramenities,” said Carrier. “That’s why we’ve commissioned areport to determine the best course of action for elevating ourconvention destination status.”

Oklahoma City plays host to meetings and conventions of allsizes including Sonic, America’s Drive-In and Pre-Paid LegalServices. “We have experienced steady and consistent growthin the meetings and conventions business year over year,” saidElizabeth Buckley, Director of Convention Sales & Services.“We are gaining more and more recognition as a destinationand future years look very strong for Oklahoma City.”

Sports events and meetings are also coming to Oklahoma City at a rapidpace. From welcoming the array of equine events, to rowing, softball andmuch more, the city is on the map when it comes to sports.

For more information about Oklahoma City, go to www.visitokc.com or call800-225-5652.

O K L A H O M A C I T Y C O N V E N T I O N & V I S I T O R S B U R E A U

Downtown – An approximately eight square block area in the heart ofdowntown that encompasses 1,615 hotel guest rooms in seven proper-ties. These are primarily full service hotel guest rooms accounting for12% of the total guest rooms. Also located within these boundariesare the Cox Convention Center, Ford Center, Bricktown and other majorattractions.

Meridian –There are approximately 5,000 hotel guest rooms in 40hotels which comprise 37% of the total guest rooms in Oklahoma City.Significant demand generators are State Fair Park and Will Rogers

World Airport. The Devon River Cruisers ferry people into downtownfrom the Meridian corridor using the Oklahoma River.

North – There are approximately 5,000 hotel guest rooms in 50 proper-ties accounting for 37% o f the total guest rooms in Oklahoma City.The primary attractions in this area are the National Cowboy &Western Heritage Museum, the Oklahoma City Zoo, Science MuseumOklahoma and the ASA Softball Hall of Fame complex.

South – There are approximately 2,000 hotel guest rooms in 30 hotelswhich comprise 14% of the total guest rooms in Oklahoma City. Thisarea is exclusively limited service properties with locations primarilyalong highways I-35 and I-240.

189 West Sheridan, Oklahoma City, OK 73102(405) 297-8912; (800)225-5652 Fax: (405) 297-8888 • www.visitokc.com

OKLAHOMA CITY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

““

We are gaining moreand morerecognition asa destinationand futureyears lookvery strong forOklahoma City.

Facilities & Destinations PLanner Guide

Oklahoma City At-A-Glance

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WELCOME TO A CITY THAT HAS TALES FOR YOUR EARS & TREATS FOR YOUR EYES.

WHERE THE SOUNDS OF SAX & TRUMPET IN BRICKTOWN MEET THE COLORS OF

CHIHULY GLASS IN THE OKLAHOMA CITY MUSEUM OF ART. MAKE SURE

YOUR NEXT MEETING OR CONVENTION IS AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS –

MAKE OKLAHOMA CITY THE PLACE. BECAUSE NOW IS DEFINITELY THE TIME.

UP & COMING. BRIGHT & SHINING.

VISITOKC.COM

UNI_OKC I39_Ryth&Hues_3.49x10.127.indd 1 10/2/08 12:44:49 PM

Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

THE FACILITIES MEDIA GROUPEssential Planning Tools

FacilitiesEntertainment/Sports/Performances/Exhibitions/

Concerts/Competition/Shows/Special Events

In-depth Regional listings of Arenas, Civic Centers,Coliseums, Auditoriums, Stadiums, Convention

Centers, Theaters, PACs, Amphitheaters, UniversityVenues, Fairgrounds, Special Event Venues

Tool: A device or objectdesigned for performing a specific type of work.

Internet Meeting Planning Tool:

www.facilitiesonline.com

FacilitiesonlineYour #1 News & Information Source

For planners of meetings, events, conventions, exhibitions, expositions

& trade shows.

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ORLANDO’S ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTERUNLOCKS THE SECRET TO MEETING SUCCESSIt’s simple: superb hospitality, flawless service and total conven-ience. These elements define the attendee experience, affectinghow they feel, how well they’re able to network and how theyperceive the event as a whole. If any one of them falls short, sodoes the event.

One venue that recognizes this reality is Orlando’s OrangeCounty Convention Center (OCCC). Here, tropical ambiance andcolossal space (7 million square feet in two buildings, connectedby an open-air pedestrian walkway) are just the beginning. TheOCCC also offers an outstanding level of service—one that hascemented the Center’s position among the world’s premiermeeting and trade show destinations.

OCCC’s SERVICESOCCC’s broad offering of show management and exhibitor services, rangingfrom catering to telecommunications, is considered one of the finest in theconvention industry, and contributes to the Center’s reputation as one of the best places in the country to hold a meeting.

The Center’s Marketing Executives and Sales Managers are dedicated toproviding clients with an experience that is flawless from beginning to end.For every size and type of event, these seasoned professionals provide solutions that exceed everyone’s expectations, and will ensure that yourneeds are communicated efficiently during the client servicing process.

OCCC’s Event Managers are certified meeting professionals with thehighest level of industry experience. They will assist show managers withplanning the logistical details of their convention, trade show or specialevent. Serving as the main conduit for OCCC communication and informa-tion – before, during and after the show – these dedicated team membersensure the most complete, productive and enjoyable experience for bothshow planners and attendees.

For the optimum exhibitor experience, OCCC Show Managers and exhibitorsturn to the Center’s Exhibitor Services Department. Individual Exhibitor ServiceRepresentatives assigned to every OCCC event will ensure total satisfaction.Beyond the services offered on the show floor, this team can provide customweb pages hosted by the OCCC, bonus amenities for your Top 20 Exhibitors, andcoordination of pre-event meetings. For maximum convenience, the OCCC’s

Exhibitor Mobile Connection brings the capabilities of a servicedesk directly to the show floor, where roaming EMC representa-tives will respond to exhibitor requests on the spot, so they neverhave to leave their booths for assistance.

OCCC’s GOLD KEY PARTNERSThe OCCC is also proud to be the only convention center in the country to partner with the world’s most famous themeparks—Universal Orlando‚ Resort, SeaWorld‚ Orlandoand WALT DISNEY WORLD‚ Resort

With offices right on-site, OCCC’s Gold Key Partners arealways available to help show management and theirexhibitors plan dynamic entertainment and events. From themepark tickets to private events at theme parks and resorts, plusentertainment and networking opportunities at a variety of

amazing on-site venues and dining complexes, OCCC’s Gold Key Partnerswill help make any Orlando meeting experience unforgettable.

NEW DEVELOPMENTSOrlando, Florida, a city already renowned for its world-class hospitality,entertainment and business offerings, is adding to its appeal with a numberof new developments in the Orange County Convention Center area.

Upon completion, the following developments will add nearly 2,150rooms to Orlando’s current 113,000-room inventory, making this center ofhospitality more welcoming than ever. Hilton Convention Center Hotel:Construction has begun on a new 1,400-room Hilton Convention CenterHotel, which is scheduled to open in the summer 2009, and will be the first hotel to connect to the Center’s North/South Concourse by a pedestriansky bridge.Peabody Hotel:The Peabody Orlando has broken ground on a 750-room expansion this fall,adding a 32-story, 750-room guest tower. Plans include two pedestrianbridges, connecting the hotel with the Convention Center’s North/South and West Concourses.

And, the pace of change shows no sign of slowing. Even as these projects approach completion, new plans are being laid every day that willgive Orlando and Orange County Convention Center even more to offer.

O R A N G E C O U N T Y C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R

West Concourse - 9800 International Drive; South Concourse - 9899 International Drive; North Concourse - 9400 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819(407) 685-9800; (800) 345-9800 Fax: (407) 685-9876 • www.occc.net

ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER

““

Tropicalambiance andcolossalspace are just the beginning.

Facilities & Destinations PLanner Guide

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2001

1-800-345-9845

Framed Mary.indd 1 9/29/08 4:25:41 PM

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Providence, Rhode Island seamlessly blends the urban sophisti-cation of a big city with the graceful charm of a small town.The city is known for its rich history, arts and culture, andnationally acclaimed dining. The Rhode Island ConventionCenter Complex, which consists of the Rhode Island

Convention Center (RICC) and the Dunkin’ Donuts Center (DDC), islocated in the heart of the city, within steps of hotels, restaurants,theaters and boutiques.

The Complex offers outstanding facilities, amenities and service ina convenient location. The RICC features a 100,000 contiguoussquare-foot exhibition hall, a 20,000 square-foot ballroom, 23 meeting rooms, two adjacent garages, and the Rotunda Room, aspecial function space offering spectacular city views. The RICC hascontinually received the Facilities & Destinations Prime Site Award.

The adjacent 13,000-seat DDC recently unveiled its $80 million ren-ovation with a grand re-opening in September 2008. More than35,000 square feet was added to the DDC, now connected to theConvention Center via skywalk. The DDC features 31,000 squarefeet of arena space with a ceiling height of 90 feet, a 25,000square-foot concourse, a new 12,000 square-foot lobby, two partysuites and two loges, a new restaurant, and five renovated meeting/hospitalityrooms.

There are 5,500 hotel rooms in the Greater Providence area, and 2,200 of themare within one mile of the RICC Complex. Providence is easily accessible forevent attendees, with about 25 percent of the United States’ population livingwithin 500 miles of the city. The Amtrak train station is within walking dis-tance of the RICC, and offers rail service throughout the Northeast Corridor. For

those flying into Providence, nearby Warwick’s T.F. Green Airportis just a short, ten-minute drive from downtown.

Warwick, RI is centrally located, and within easy reach of justabout any destination in Rhode Island. Warwick features milesof scenic coastline and spectacular views, and offers additionalhotel, dining, shopping and entertainment options.

Recognized as one of the country’s hottest culinary destinations,Providence is home to Johnson & Wales University, the world’slargest culinary educator. Many of the university's chefs remainin Providence after graduation, which is reflected in the city’smuch-lauded dining scene. From authentic ethnic foods toseafood fresh from Narragansett Bay, the city’s vast array ofrestaurants offers something for everyone.

The famed Rhode Island School of Design is also located inProvidence, and as a staunch supporter of the arts, the city hasbecome a haven for artistsand entertainers. With thelargest number of workingartists in the country,

Providence boasts an eclectic mix of gal-leries, theaters and museums.

Lauded as one of the “Top Ten Up-and-Coming Travel Destinations in the World”by The Wall Street Journal, Providence isthe perfect location for your next event.

P R O V I D E N C E WA 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

144 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903 (401) 456-0237 • Fax: (401) 273-7046 • www.pwcvb.com

PROVIDENCE WARWICK CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

There are5,500 hotelrooms in theGreaterProvidencearea, and 2,200of them arewithin onemile of theRICC Complex.

Contact: Neil SchrieverVice President of SalesProvidence WarwickConvention & Visitors Bureau

144 Westminster StreetProvidence, RI 02903 (401) 456-0237Fax: (401) [email protected]

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35Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

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B R E A T H L E S S

PUERTO RICO CONVENTION CENTER

CONVENTION CENTER FACILITIES

Total Space: 580,000 gross sq ft53,882 gross sq m

Total Exhibit Space: 152,700 sq ft14,186 sq m subdivides into three halls, all on one level.

Meeting Space: 36,200 sq ft / 3,363 sq m15 rooms on two levels, 28 breakout rooms

Ballroom Space: 39,500 sq ft / 3,670 sq m subdivides into two sections

Public Circulation and Concourses: 96,000 sq ft / 8,928 sq m

Support, Service andAdministration: 200,000 sq ft / 18,580 sq m

EXHIBIT HALL – level 1

Total Exhibit Space: 152,700 sq ft / 14,186 sq m

Exhibit Halls: Main hall subdivides into three halls: one at 40,900 gross sq ft / 3,800 gross sq m, one at 40,500 sq ft / 3,762 gross sq m, and one at 71,300 gross sq ft / 6,624 sq m

Dimensions: 268 ft / 82 m x 574 ft / 175 m

Capacity: 16,965 theater; 12,710 banquet; 16,075 reception

Ceiling Height: 30 ft / 9.1 m

Largest Access Door: 22 ft / 6.7 m wide x 27 ft / 8.2 m H

MEETING ROOMS – level 2

Meeting Rooms: 15 individual rooms that subdivide into 28 breakout rooms

Level 1: Four rooms that subdivide into 10 rooms

Level 2: Eleven rooms that subdivide into 18 rooms

Capacity: From 80 to 500 attendees using theater

Ceiling Height: Seven at 15 ft / 4.6 m and eight at 16 ft / 4.9 m

Mezzanine Suite: 4,000 sq ft / 372 sq m function space for over 400 attendees overlooking exhibit floor

BALLROOM – level 3

Ballroom: One divisible into two sections, one section at 14,000 sq ft / 1,301 sq m and one at 25,500 sq ft / 2,369 sq m

Dimensions: 145 ft / 44.2 m x 278 ft / 84.7 m

Capacity: 4,388 theater; 3,290 banquet; 4,158 reception

Ceiling Height: From 26 ft / 7.9 m to 45 ft / 13.7 m

Terrace: 12,800 sq ft / 1,189 sq m of space with an open view to the San Juan Bay

LOCATION – Centrally located in Isla Grande, San Juan, the gateway to all that Puerto Rico has to offer.

Convenient to Old San Juan, Condado, Hato Rey, and Miramar, as well as Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.

For more information call: 1-800-214-O420email [email protected] or visit www.prconvention.com

2237_advertorial_specs_FDPG_8.121 1 9/30/08 9:39:12 AM

Page 39: 2008 Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

The architecture was inspired by the Island of Puerto Rico. The technology

was inspired by NASA. 580,000 square feet of the most advanced, flexible,

and impressive meeting space in the heart of the Caribbean. Where

high-speed connectivity, the latest audiovisual systems, and seamless service

help meetings flow as smoothly as the lines of the building. Add to this a new

convention hotel to be completed by 2009, plus nearby hotels and resorts

adding or renovating more rooms every day. Meeting in Puerto Rico will

never be the same.

THE MOST ADVANCED TECHNOLOGYIN THE CARIBBEAN

ALL UNDER ONE REMARKABLY DESIGNED ROOF.

N oP a s s p o r tR e q u i r e d

For More Information,

Call the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau

1-800-214-0420 or 787-725-2110

[email protected]

WWW.PRCONVENTION.COM

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38 Facilities & Destinations PLanner Guide

Conveniently located in the heart of Rochester, N.Y., theRochester Riverside Convention Center enjoys a scenic settingon the Genesee River with outdoor patios and balconies provid-ing wonderful views. It also offers the convenience of enclosedwalkway connections to large hotels and parking garages.

Technological Features Located in a community known around the world for its high-techexpertise, the Rochester Riverside gets high marks for handling alltypes of technology needs. Extensively wired with T1 lines as wellas providing wireless access throughout the facility, this conven-tion center easily meets every group’s high-tech and communica-tion needs with “no problem” solutions.

Other Features“We routinely offer services not found at most other convention centers,” saysExecutive Director Joseph A. Floreano, CFE. “One example is our in-housefood and beverage operation, including two pastry chefs. In addition, ourRiverside Productions and Riverside Catering divisions can even assist groupsutilizing space in other places throughout the region. Basically, we are NewYork state’s only one-stop convention facility.” With Rochester’s 12 collegesand universities, world-famous corporations, and growing number of high-techfirms, there are also plenty of local speakers and other resources availablefrom this combination of educational, business and research expertise.

Personalized service and a can-do attitude are additional features thatmeeting planners really appreciate. According to Dr. Steven E. Schopp,Executive Administrator of the New York State School Music Association,“What I most enjoy about working with the Rochester Riverside ConventionCenter—aside from a general professionalism that is the rule rather thanthe exception—is the friendly, positive attitude of staff at every level.These are people I like to work with and that, combined with a first-classfacility, makes the Riverside an outstanding convention venue.”

Hotel RoomsMore than 1,100 rooms in a trio of major hotels connect with the RochesterRiverside Convention Center to create a compact convention district in the center of the city. There is a 362-room Rochester Plaza, 465-room Clarion which is going through a $6-million renovation of its

R O C H E S T E R R I V E R S I D E C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R

123 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14564 (585) 232-7200 • Fax: (585) 232-1510 • www.rrcc.com

ROCHESTER RIVERSIDE CONVENTION CENTER

facility, and 336-room Hyatt Regency, which recently completed a $16-million renovation of its facility. Delegatesalso enjoy the convenience of walking between hotels andthe Convention Center in minutes using the enclosed skywalk system or scenic riverside walkway.

Nearby AttractionsSeveral entertainment districts surround the RochesterRiverside with their restaurants and cafés, coffee houses andpubs, dance clubs and music halls, theatres and more. Sportsvenues within a few blocks include Frontier Field, home ofRochester’s professional baseball team, and the Blue CrossArena, where professional hockey and lacrosse are played inaddition to hosting large concerts and other events. Also

nearby is PAETEC PARK, the city’s new soccer stadium plus outdoor musicvenue, and the recently restored historic Armory with space for sporting competitions, concerts and other events all taking place at the same time.

Rochester also boasts numerous museums, including two NationalHistoric Landmarks—George Eastman House International Museum ofPhotography and Film and the Susan B. Anthony House—plus theacclaimed Strong National Museum of Play, which also houses the NationalToy Hall of Fame. Waterway attractions range from the historic Erie Canalto new developments along the Genesee River from Corn Hill Landing to thebeaches and boardwalk at Lake Ontario.

Destination FeaturesRochester is the northern gateway to the magnificent Finger Lakes regionwith its rolling hills, lush valleys and 11 namesake lakes. It is also a regionbecoming famous for its more than 100 vineyards, excellent wines andnumerous “wine trails.” With the recent addition of the New York Wine andCulinary Center in nearby Canandaigua, the wineries and farmer’s marketsof the Finger Lakes region offer delegates meeting in Rochester wonderfulday trip options for pre- or post-conference enjoyment.

Distance to AirportThe Greater Rochester International Airport—serviced by more than 170flights daily—is an easy, stress-free, 10-minute drive from the RochesterRiverside Convention Center’s front door.

We are NewYork state’sonly one-stopconventionfacility.

““

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Located in the Puerto Rico Convention District between theairport and historic Old San Juan, the new Sheraton PuertoRico Convention Center Hotel and Casino offers the perfectretreat for your next association gathering. The hotel is ideally situated to offer both convenience and an

atmosphere of inspiration. There’s no passport required to landin San Juan, and the hotel is just a short drive from the airport.You and your guests will be just moments from the renownedshopping, dining and entertainment of Old San Juan.

However, for unforgettable fun and excitement, you onlyneed to take a short stroll from your room. The onsite casinofeatures 16 gaming tables, 500 of the latest slot machines andexceptional entertainment options. Within the convention center area is also home to numerous dining, shopping andnightlife venues.

The state-of-the-art facility can easily accommodate everyevent, from the largest gatherings to most intimate meetings. Within thehotel, you’ll find 35,000 square feet of flexible function spaces throughoutnine distinctive meeting spaces. The expansive 17,000-square-foot SanJuan Grand Ballroom can easily accommodate as many as 1,800 guests.And for a more casual atmosphere, a 57,000-square-foot outdoor sundeck isavailable to take advantage of the beautiful tropical weather.

The adjacent Puerto Rico Convention Center offers an additional 580,000square feet of additional exhibit and meeting space. The center is one ofthe largest and most technologically advanced in the Caribbean and wel-comes groups of as many as 10,000.

Getting down to business is a pleasure at the Sheraton Puerto RicoConvention Center Hotel and Casino. The hotel is the first in the Caribbeanto offer The Link @ Sheraton, featuring high-speed Internet access in acomfortable setting—so it’s easy and rewarding to stay in touch with the

office, family or friends. A full-service Business Center isalso equipped with a wide range of office machines andservices for any last minute or unexpected needs.

When your event adjourns, your guests will relax andenjoy the tropical locale with a wide range of greatamenities and services. You’ll find an expansive four-story-high sun deck with amazing views across the Bay ofSan Juan. An infinity pool, whirlpool and adults-only wad-ing pool offer great outdoor fun. To help you stay in shapewhen you’re on the road, the hotel offers a fully equippedfitness center, as well as a rejuvenating, full-service spawith six treatment rooms.

For your dining pleasure, you’ll find exceptional cater-ing options from our experienced culinary team. Severaladditional restaurants are also available onsite, includinga poolside bar & grill to help everyone make the most of

their relaxation time.As the day draws to a close, you’ll retire to 503 spacious and revitalizing

guest rooms in Puerto Rico. Our contemporary rooms and suites offer high-speed Internet access, large flat screen televisions, single-cup coffee brew-ers, well-lit work areas and the signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper® Bed.For an added level of convenience, guests can upgrade to the exclusive ClubLevel rooms, each featuring a private outdoor terrace and upgraded in-roomamenities, as well as access to a private lounge.

The Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel and Casino invitesyou to come experience a new approach to Caribbean events. Book a meet-ing before December 31, 2008 for any 2009 event and you’ll receive 3% offmaster billed charges (including room revenue, food & beverage and meet-ing rooms), as well as up to 100,000 Bonus Starpoints. Complete an RFPonline at sheraton.com/puertoricoconventioncenter or call (787) 993-3500.

SHERATON PUERTO RICO CONVENTION CENTER HOTEL & CASINO

200 Convention Boulevard, San Juan, PR 00907(787) 993-3500; (800) 325-3535 Fax: (787) 993-3525 • www.sheraton.com/puertoricoconventioncenter

SHERATON PUERTO RICO CONVENTION CENTER HOTEL & CASINO

For unforgettablefun and excite-ment, you onlyneed to take ashort stroll fromyour room

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Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Charlottesville,Virginia, the University of Virginia Alumni Association, AlumniHall, is the place for your next event. The newly renovatedJefferson Ballroom completed in January 2007, now holds up to

400 guests for a seated event. 7,064 square feet of meeting space,with three main rooms that can handle groups of 10 to 400. Availablefor receptions, conferences, meetings, and events of all types, AlumniHall is open to all and features on-site parking, choice of 14 area cater-ers, and additional outdoor and indoor meeting spaces.

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

211 Emmet Street, Charlottesville, VA 22903(434) 243-2665; Fax: (434) 243-9080

www.alumni.virginia.edu/reservations

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!

Page 47: 2008 Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

45Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

Scanticon Hotel and Conference CenterMEETING ROOM OVERVIEW The Scanticon was specifically created to be a premier conference site. Alldesigned for comfort and function and is officially approved by theInternational Association of Conference Centers. The Scanticon Hotel andConference Center is located in the Valley Forge Convention Plaza, also hometo the Valley Forge Convention Center and the Radisson Hotel Valley Forge.

S C A N T I C O N H O T E L A N D C O N F E R E N C E C E N T E R

1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia, PA 19406(610) 337-2000 • Fax: (610) 768-0183 • www.VFConventionCenter.com

GUESTROOM SUMMARY All 160 Guest Suites in the Scanticon Hotel are equipped withwhirlpool baths, a microwave, refrigerator, wireless internetaccess and more!

AMENITIES The Scanticon offers an extensive 3,000-sq-ft. Health and FitnessCenter with nautilus and free weights and a racquetball court.Outdoor Garden pool. 24-Hour Business Center for all your copy,fax and internet needs.

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT OVERVIEW The Scanticon features three restaurants and a nightclub onproperty. No matter what you're craving, you are sure to find itright on site! Café Soleil for fluffy omelets, Chumley's SportsBar for a juicy burger and pasta, Chumley's Fine Dining for thesteak lover, Blue Grotto for a delicious Italian meal and Ice

Nightclub to dance the night away!

LOCATION OVERVIEW Located in the heart of the Valley Forge business district, adjacent to ValleyForge National Park and minutes from the King of Prussia Mall, the largestmall on the east coast. Minutes from the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-76, I-476, Route 202 & 422. 20 minutes from the Philadelphia Premium Outlets.

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If you’re a meeting planner looking for a unique destinationwith a small town feeling and big city attractions, allamongst a panoramic Adirondack backdrop, look no further.We invite you to make your next meeting unforgettable inthe Lake George Area in NY’s Adirondacks.

Situated in upstate New York, just 50 miles north of Albany,the Lake George Area in NY’s Adirondacks is easily accessiblevia the Adirondack Northway, I-87. Amtrak is convenientlylocated in nearby Fort Edward and the local county airport andAlbany International Airport are in close proximity, making it acinch for your meeting attendees to arrive and depart.

Upon arrival, you’ll find that the Lake George Area offers convenience.Lodging, attractions, dining and entertainment are all centrally located andattendees will have easy access to leisure time activities such as golf,shopping, lake cruises, cultural attractions and other amusements. Andwith over 400,000 sq ft. of versatile exhibit space to choose from, siteselection’s a breeze! From traditional conference centers and expositionhalls to rustic, Adirondack-themed lodges and private island resorts, ourdiversity guarantees your meeting will be the highlight of the year.

Plan to take time out from the meeting agenda to exploreour mountain trails, lakes and rivers. Our natural attractionsallow for creative team building options. Organize an outdoorday and your attendees can challenge themselves on anAdirondack adventure course with zip lines, swings and ropebridges, practice learned skills on a group kayak excursion ortest their communication and teamwork while taking to theskies in a parasailing adventure over the lake.

We wrap it all up with great convention services. TheWarren County Tourism Department looks forward to exceedingyour expectations at each step of the planning process. Ourrepresentatives will take the time to understand your plans and

suggest resources and services. We offer an online RFP form for efficientresponse to your meeting proposal and can assist you with site inspections,publicity, promotional materials, welcome bags, hospitality exhibits andoccupancy tax funding assistance.

Let us help you get your plans underway. We have an unforgettablemeeting reserved just for you in The Lake George Area of New York’sAdirondacks.

L A K E G E O R G E A R E A I N N Y ’ S A D I R O N D A C K S

Warren County Tourism Dept. , 1340 State Rt. 9 , Lake George, NY 12845(518) 761-6575; (800) 365-1050 ext C844 Fax: (518) 761-6368 • VisitLakeGeorge.com

LAKE GEORGE AREA IN NY’S ADIRONDACKS

Our naturalattractionsallow for creative team buildingoptions.

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ARTHUR R. OUTLAWMOBILE CONVENTIONCENTER1 South Water StreetMobile, AL 36602(251) 208-2100; Fax: (251) 208-2150www.mobileconventions.comDirector of Sales and Marketing:Shana Jordan

“The Gulf Coast’s Premier Meetingand Convention Facility!”Snapshot: The Arthur R. OutlawMobile Convention Center is locatedon the banks of the Mobile River.Outside are river walks, terraces, a pri-vate meeting planners’ office, and a cov-ered crosswalk to connecting hotel. Thebeautiful state-of-the-art facility is oneof the premier Convention Centers inthe country. Winner of numerousawards for its architecture and service,the Convention Center takes fulladvantage of its superb waterfront setting.

Meeting Space: 317,000 sq. ft. ofmeeting/exhibition space; 18 meetingrooms; 15,500-sq-ft. Ballroom;100,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall.Venue Features: T1 wireless internet;VIP lounge overlooking the ExhibitHall and the Mobile River; Ballroomstage and two dressing rooms; Meetingplanners & show manager offices adjacent to the Exhibit Hall and VIPLounge; Registration secured storagearea; Full-service kitchen with completecorridor access; Two permanent conces-sion stands (one with outdoor seating).Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms:1,000 Committable Downtown HotelRooms (walking distance to theConvention Center); 5,500 city-wide.Transportation: 20 minutes fromMobile Regional Airport.Attractions: 5 Rivers Delta ResourceCenter, Bellingrath Gardens, CarnivalCruise Lines, Cooper Riverside Park,Fort Conde' Welcome Center, GulfCoast Exploreum, Mobile CarnivalMuseum, Museum of Mobile, andUSS ALABAMA Battleship.See Ad on Page 27

ALABAMA

P L A N N E RG U I D E S

Robin CuneoMEADOWLANDS EXPOSITION CENTERä “ Your Cost Efficient Alternative

To NYC!ӊ 60,000+ sq. ft. of

meeting/exhibition spaceä 1,000 hotel rooms within

walking distancePage: 50

Oscar McGaskey KANSAS CITY CONVENTION& ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIESä 388,800 sq. ft. exhibit space &,

62,000 s. ft. meeting spaceä Sprint Center, Kansas City Jazz

Museum & Power and Light Districtä 1,500 guest rooms within walking

distance of convention center Page: 52

Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center ..............47Atlantic City Convention Center...................................52Austin Convention Center .............................................56Baton Rouge Area Convention and Visitors Bureau...50Boston Convention & Exhibition Center......................50Charleston Civic Center.................................................57Daytona Beach Area CVB/Ocean Center Convention Complex............................48Direct Energy Centre .....................................................59Fairplex............................................................................48Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center ...............48Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center ...............56Greater Columbus Convention Center ........................53Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County ...................48Jackson Convention Complex ......................................51Javits Center ...................................................................52John S. Knight Center....................................................54Kansas City Convention & Entertainment Facilities .............................................50Knoxville Convention Center ........................................55Lake George Area In NY’S Adirondacks ......................52Meadowlands Exposition Center..................................52

FACILITIES & DESTINATIONS LISTING INDEX A-ZMidwest Airlines Center ................................................57Monona Terrace Convention Center............................58New Orleans Morial Convention Center .....................50Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort...................................59Norfolk Convention and Visitors Bureau......................56Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau.............54Orange County Convention Center .............................49Pennsylvania Convention Center ..................................54Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau .......................................55Puerto Rico Convention Center ....................................58Quebec City Convention Centre ..................................59 Rhode Island Convention Center Complex.................55Rochester Riverside Convention Center ......................53Salina Bicentennial Center ............................................49Scanticon Hotel and Conference Center .....................54Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel & Casino..............................58The Metro Toronto Convention Centre .......................59 University Center ............................................................49University of Virginia Alumni Association.....................56Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre ................58

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FRESNO CONVENTION& ENTERTAINMENTCENTER848 M. Street Fresno, CA 93721(559) 445-8100; Fax: (559) 445-8110Director of Sales & Marketing:Claudia Arguelleswww.fresnoconventioncenter.com

“We’re Always at the Heart”Snapshot: Multi Facility Complex,including the elegant and spaciousFresno Convention Center ExhibitHall, the very functional Ernest ValdezHall, the historic William SaroyanTheatre and the newly-remodeledSelland Arena. Adjacent to the RobertA. Schoettler Conference Center.Meeting Space: 66,371-sq.-ft. FresnoExhibit Hall that can be used as threeseparate halls; column free space,11,628-sq.-ft. pre-function lobby; 30meeting rooms; Valdez Hall features32,000 sq. ft. of column free space and

seats 3,000 theater style or 2,400 ban-quet style; 11,000-seat Selland Arena;2,359-seat Saroyan Theatre, whoselobby can be used for 38-48 ExhibitBooths. Robert A. SchoettlerConference Center features a 13,129-square-foot ballroom that may be divid-ed into 7 salons for 50 to 340 people or90 8’ x 10’ booths.Venue Features: Exhibit Hall includeson-site, full-service catering kitchen;Executive conference room/show officewith built-in bar, multiple phone lines& T1 connections; voice and data tech-nology throughout; drive-in access fromcovered loading dock directly ontoexhibit floor.Transportation: Six miles from FresnoYosemite International Airport.Nearby Attractions: YosemiteNational Park, Grizzlies Baseball @ Chuckchansi Park.com.

CALIFORNIA

FAIRPLEX1101 W. McKinley Ave.Pomona, CA 91768(909) 623-3111; Fax: (909) 623-9599Director of Sales: Melissa Tapiawww.fairplex.com

“Southern California’s Event andEntertainment Center”Snapshot: Fairplex is SouthernCalifornia’s most diverse event locationattracting more than 3 million annualvisitors. Home of the L.A. County Fairsince 1922, the facility is also the premier location for consumer shows in Southern California, hosting morethan 350 events per year.Meeting Space: 11,000 sq. ft. of meet-ing space, including 11 meeting rooms;325,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space, withexhibit halls ranging from 10,000 sq. ft.to 105,000 sq. ft.; 6,400-sq.-ft.ballroom; 787-seat theater.Venue Features: Large, column-free,air-conditioned exhibit halls rangingfrom 33,600 sq. ft. to 105,000 sq. ft.;

Wifi capabilities; On-site newly reno-vated Sheraton Suites Fairplex hotel, a12-acre KOA/RV Park with 185 full-service sites and parking for more than30,000 vehicles.Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms:247 suites.Transportation: Fairplex is just 9 milesfrom Ontario International Airport and 45 freeway miles from LAX, andalso is easily accessible via three majorfreeways.Attractions: Retail establishments,restaurants, the 18-hole MountainMeadows Golf Course, cultural facili-ties, an art district, historic sites,nightlife and other amusements. Just ashort drive away are theaters, muse-ums, sports arenas, local mountainretreats, Disneyland, Knott’s BerryFarm, Universal Studios to the west,and Victoria Gardens’ al fresco shop-ping to the east.

CALIFORNIA

DAYTONA BEACH AREACVB / OCEAN CENTERCONVENTION COMPLEX101 N. Atlantic Avenue Daytona Beach, FL 32118 (800) 858-6444; (386) 254-4500Fax: (386) 254-4512www.oceancenter.com Director of Convention SalesDaytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau: Sally Gardiner

Daytona Beach:Way More than A BeachSnapshot: Located in the heart of theDaytona Beach Resort Area and just400 feet from the Atlantic Ocean, theOcean Center is the area’s premiermeeting facility. The Ocean Center iscurrently undergoing a $76-millionexpansion that will nearly triple its size.Meeting Space: 205,536 sq. ft.,including: 37 meeting rooms;11,715-sq.-ft Ballroom.

Exhibit Space: 173,767 sq. ft., includ-ing 94,695-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall.Arena: 42,000 sq. ft; 9,500 seats.Hotel Rooms: 13,000Transportation: 5 miles from DaytonaBeach International AirportAttractions: The Daytona Beach areais home to 23 miles of sparklingbeaches; top notch golf and tennisfacilities including LPGAInternational and the United StatesTennis Association’s Florida TennisCenter; Daytona Lagoon; Ocean WalkShoppes; several new spas and restau-rants, unique shopping, and an arrayof family and cultural attractions;Daytona International Speedway; theNews-Journal Center; the historicoceanfront Bandshell and OceanfrontPark; the Mary McLeod BethunePerforming Arts Center; PeabodyAuditorium.See Ad on Page 19

FLORIDA

THE GREATER FORTLAUDERDALE/BROWARD COUNTYCONVENTION CENTER1950 Eisenhower BlvdFort Lauderdale, FL 33316(954) 765-5900; Fax: 954 763-9551www.ftlauderdalecc.comAssistant General Manager: Terry Kuca

The premier Oceanside conventioncenter located in South Florida’s“Venice of North America”! Snapshot: One of the premier largemeeting venues in the Southeast, theGreater Fort Lauderdale/BrowardCounty Convention Center recentlycompleted a $34-million expansion thatincreased the facility to 600,000 squarefeet. The Center is bigger and better thanever, ideally positioning it for meetings ofall types and sizes. With a renowned,five-star food and beverage department,famous for its intricately carved ice sculp-tures, gourmet seated meals and a selec-tion of snack carts, any meeting held atthe Center is sure to be a success.

Meeting Space: 349,514 sq. ft. ofmeeting/exhibit space; 32 meetingrooms; Three Ballrooms, including30,000-sq.-ft. Grand FloridianBallroom, 20,000-sq.-ft. FloridianBallroom, and 10,000-sq.-ft. PalmBallroom; 250,486 sq. ft. of ExhibitSpace, including 64,887-sq.-ft.-MainExhibit Hall; 15,000-seat Theater.Venue Features: wifi; webcasting; CAT5; on-site kitchen; Breezin’ Java/CyberCafé which features eight permanentterminals and at least eight more plug-in table locations for laptops, Starbuck’scoffees, as well as specialty foods &beverages and television monitors tunedCNN/MSNBC news.Transportation: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: morethan 33,000 hotel rooms at a variety ofhotels, resorts and Superior SmallLodgings.Attractions: More than 4,000 restaurants;23 miles of “sun-kissed” Fort Lauderdalebeaches, Las Olas Blvd EntertainmentDistrict, Broward Performing ArtsTheater; Bonnet House;The Museum ofArt Fort Lauderdale; Fish Restaurant;Riverwalk; International Swimming Hallof Fame and Museum.See Ad on Page 47

FLORIDA

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ORANGE COUNTYCONVENTION CENTERWest Concourse - 9800 International Drive;South Concourse - 9899 International Drive;North Concourse - 9400 Universal Blvd.Orlando, FL 32819(407) 685-9800; (800) 345-9800Fax: (407) 685-9876www.occc.netSenior Director/Sales, Marketing,Event Management and ExhibitorServices: Yulita Osuba

“The Center of Hospitality”Snapshot: Orange County ConventionCenter (OCCC) ranks as the nation’ssecond largest convention facility, fea-turing 7 million sq. ft. of combinedmeeting and public space in tworemarkable facilities and provides a totalof 2.1 million square feet of exhibitionspace with adjacent covered dockaccess. The Center is located in one ofthe most beautiful and entertainingplaces in the world - Orlando.Meeting/Exhibition space: 74 meetingrooms/235 breakout rooms; 62,182-sq.-

ft. multi-purpose room; 2,643-seatChapin Theater and a 160-seat lecturehall. 2.1 million sq. ft. of exhibit ionspace, 1.1 million sq. ft. of which iscontiguous; two 92,000 sq. foot generalassembly areas; three full-service restau-rants; 8 food courts; and three businesscenters.Venue Features: WIFI; interior plasmadirectional monitors; DMS directionalsigns on Universal Boulevard and onInternational Drive; DMS signs withvideo feed capabilities; in-house audio& intercom system; direct on-line showmanagement & exhibitor servicesordering; internet café set-ups; telecom& webcasting services; three coveredloading docks; 173 truck bays; and on-site parking for 6,227.Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms:Surrounded by 113,000 hotel rooms.Transportation: 12 miles to OrlandoInternational Airport (MCO).Attractions: Universal, SeaWorld,Walt Disney World; upscale shopping;10,000 fine dining seats.See Ad on Page 33

FLORIDA

UNIVERSITY CENTER525 S. State StreetChicago, IL 60605(312) 924-8000; Fax: (312) 924-8100www.universitycenter.comSales Manager: Mark CalderoneSales Associate: LaChandra Simon

Conference ChicagoSnapshot: This new property is conve-niently located in downtown Chicagoand offers a new and exciting environ-ment for large to small conferences atextremely competitive rates. It is a per-fect setting for your executive boardmeeting, seminar, workshop, trainingsession or retreat. During the summer,University Center offers full-serviceovernight accommodations.Overall Meeting Space: 15,000 sq. ft.Number of Meeting Rooms: 10 (meeting rooms range from 435 to2,400 sq.ft.).Exhibit Space: 2,400 sq. ft.Theater Seating: 175

Classroom Seating: 80Meeting Technology: Meeting spacesfeature white board, projection screenand has wireless internet access. Somemeeting rooms are equipped with anLCD projector, DVD player, VHSplayer, Copy Cam and one lavalieremicrophone. Audio/visual equipment,computer data projection and videoconferencing available.Food & Beverage: On premise cateringprovided; onsite restaurant.Lodging: 504 guest rooms.Amenities: During the summer,University Center offers full-serviceovernight accommodations, including useof the building’s recreation area, fitnesscenter, outdoor terrace and dining area.Guests also have the added benefit ofaccess to kitchen and laundry facilities.Transportation: 17 miles to O’HareAirport; steps away from all CTA train lines.See Ad on Page 43

ILLINOIS

P L A N N E RG U I D E S

Geraldine BordelonBATON ROGUE AREACONVENTION ANDVISITORS BUREAUä New 70,000-square-foot

exhibition hallä 9,000 hotel roomsä Arnold Palmer-designed The Bluffs

on Thompson Creek golf coursePage: xx

John RobertsonCHARLESTON CIVIC CENTERä 50,000-sq.-ft.Grand

Convention Hallä 4,000+hotel rooms ä Tri-State Racetrack

& Gaming CenterPage: XX

SALINA BICENTENNIALCENTER800 The MidwayP.O. Box 1727Salina, KS 67402-1727(785) 826-7200; (888) 826-SHOWFax: (785) 826-7207Manager: Keith Rawlingswww.bicentennial.org

“Mid America’s Meeting Place”Snapshot: The Bicentennial Center inSalina, Kansas qualifies as one of themost versatile public assembly facilitiesin the Midwest.Meeting Space: More than 45,000 sq.ft. of meeting space; 18,360-sq.-ft.Exhibition Hall, a 120’ x 153’ configu-ration that divides neatly into 4 aisles oftrade show booths, with floor-to-ceilingmoveable walls and column-free space;accommodates 2,000 people with tem-porary seating and staging or 1,000 forsit-down banquet; 17 meeting rooms—Six of the rooms, designed for groups of50 or fewer, measure 19’6” x 27’ and canbe reconfigured into a single room large

enough for 150 people. Two otherrooms measure 20’ x 44’ and accommo-date up to 100 people each; versatileArena converts easily into an excellentauditorium, theater, sports facility, orexhibition hall with over 21,000 squarefeet of floor space (104’ x 203’), a 48-foot ceiling (maximum to steel), andseating for up to 7,500 guests andincludes two large concession areas,four large restrooms, team-style andplush dressing rooms, and a 14’ x 17’8”overhead-door entrance designed toaccommodate virtually any exhibitionequipment or vehicle.Venue Features: High Speed WirelessInternet; All rooms column free;Separate sound and air conditioningsystem for each meeting room;Excellent lighting and acoustics. Extracircuits are available for special stagingeffects.Convention/Guest Rooms:2,000 hotel rooms in the city of Salina.Transportation: five miles from SalinaAirport.Attractions: Smokey Hill Museum;Salina Art Center, Rolling HillsWildlife Adventure; downtown shopping district.

KANSAS

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KANSAS CITYCONVENTION &ENTERTAINMENTFACILITIES 301 West 13th Street, Suite 100Kansas City, MO 64105(816) 513-5000; (800) 821-7060Fax: (816) 513-5001www.kcconvention.com Executive Director of the Kansas CityConvention Center: Oscar McGaskey

City of Fountains… Heart of theNation…Kansas City, Missouri Snapshot: No matter how your atten-dees define fun, they’ll find it in KansasCity. From elegant shopping and finedining to thrilling theme parks and his-toric jazz clubs, the City of Fountainsoffers a great mix of exciting attractionswithin minutes of the Convention &Entertainment District. The eight-square-block convention and entertain-ment facilities can accommodate everyneed with 388,800 sq. ft. of column-free contiguous exhibit space, 62,000 s.ft. of meeting room space, a 2,400-seat

renovated Music Hall, a 10,700-seatrenovated arena and over 100,0000 sq.ft. of unique outdoor festival and reception space.Meeting Space: 62,000 sq. ft. of meet-ing space, including 48 breakout rooms.Ballroom: New, state-of-the-art40,500-sq.-ft. ballroom can be expand-ed to 46,484 sq. ft.; divisible into 3 separate rooms; controllable digital day-lighting system.Exhibit Hall: 388,800 sq. ft.Hotel Rooms: 1,500 guest rooms within walking distance of conventioncenter.Transportation: 20 minutes from theKansas City International Airport.Nearby Attractions: Sprint Center,College Basketball Experience, NegroLeagues Baseball Museum, KansasCity Jazz Museum, Power and LightDistrict, City Market, Kemper Arena,Arrowhead Stadium, KauffmanStadium, Nelson Art Gallery, CountryClub Plaza, Nelson-Atkins Museum,Kansas Speedway, Argosy Casino,Harrah’s Casino, Ameristar Casino.See Ad on Page 23

MISSOURI

BATON ROUGE AREACONVENTION ANDVISITORS BUREAU702 North BoulevardBaton Rouge, LA 70802(225) 383-1825; (800) LA-ROUGEFax: (225) 382-1253Executive Vice President Sales andMarketing: Renee Arengwww.visitbatonrouge.com

“Authentic Louisiana at EveryTurn”Snapshot: Located right on the legendary Mississippi River, the BatonRouge River Center provides excellentworld-class meeting space. The entirecomplex features more than 200,000square feet of new and renovated space,including a new 70,000-square-footexhibition hall.Meeting Space: 8 meeting rooms;125,000-sq.-ft. ballroom arena;100,000-sq.-ft. of total Exhibit Space,including a 70,000-sq.-ft. Main

Exhibition Hall, with a capacity for 33510x10 booths; 1,897-seat Theater.Venue Features: State-of-the-art gridsystem with conduits for all services,including electric, Internet, phone, andwater; on-site, full service cateringavailable; CVB provides complete con-vention services.Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms:9,000 in the Baton Rouge Area; 4,500committable for citywide events.Transportation: The Baton RougeMetropolitan Airport is within 10 minutes of downtown and the River Center.Attractions: Few cities offer the diversity of culture and entertainmentfound in Louisiana’s state capital;Alligator Bayou Swamp Tours;Nottoway; Houma’s House; ShawCenter for the Arts; The Bluffs onThompson Creek, designed by legendary golfer Arnold Palmer.See Ad on Page 16

LOUISIANA

NEW ORLEANS MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER 900 Convention Center BoulevardNew Orleans, LA 70130(504) 582-3023; Fax: (504) 582-3032Vice-President of Sales & Marketing: Tim HempillDirector of Sales: Keith Levywww.mccno.comwww.mccsitetour.com

“Same great meeting place, nowwith a new look”Snapshot: Recently renovated with a$60-million makeover, the MorialCenter has a brand new look completewith quality flooring and furnishingsthroughout. Just like any othermakeover, only our appearance haschanged—we’ve still got 1.1 millionsquare feet of exhibit space and 140meeting rooms, located in the heart ofone of the most colorful cities inAmerica.

Meeting Space: 232, 827 sq. ft ofmeeting space; 140 meeting rooms;36,448-sq.-ft.-ballroom; 1.1 million sq. ft of flexible exhibit space, 4,000-seat Conference Auditorium.Venue Features: High speed internet,Wi-fi in public areas, videoconferenc-ing, satellite uplinks and downlinks,video streaming, webcasting, state-of-the-art audio/visual capabilities; on-sitetechnological support. Two luxuriousballrooms, spanning 32,000 and 36,000square feet respectively.Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms:20,000 hotel rooms.Transportation: Approximately 14miles from the airport.Attractions: Within walking distanceof world-renowned fine dining, attrac-tions, entertainment; French Quarter,Riverwalk, Garden District,Aquarium of the Americas, Children’sMuseum, World War II Museum;Audubon Zoo.

LOUISIANA

BOSTON CONVENTION& EXHIBITION CENTER415 Summer StreetBoston, MA 02210(617) 954-2000; Fax: (617) 954-2299www.massconvention.comExecutive Director: James E. Rooney

“Stunning Architecture. SuperiorService. Unsurpassed Technology.”Snapshot: Designed with input fromassociation and corporate meeting planners as well as trade show producers worldwide, the BostonConvention & Exhibition Center(BCEC) delivers more customer-focused features, greater flexibility, andmore state-of-the-art services than anyother convention center. Flexible, easilyconfigured spaces make the BCEC theperfect choice for both large and small-scale events.Meeting Space: More than 300,000 sq.ft. of meeting space; 84 meeting rooms;40,020-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 516,000 sq. ft.of Exhibition Space, including

184,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall.Venue Features: Free WirelessInternet, Internet II Abilene NetworkCapability, and Informational PlasmaScreens located throughout the build-ing; Transportation & VisitorInformation Desk, Close proximity topublic transportation.Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms:35,000.Transportation: two milles fromLogan International Airport.Nearby Attractions: Faneuil HallMarketplace, Boston Harbor,Downtown Boston, Fenway Park,Boston Symphony Orchestra,Museum of Fine Arts,Black Heritage Trail, The FreedomTrial, Museum of Science.

MASSACHUSETTS

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P L A N N E RG U I D E S

Joseph A. Floreano ROCHESTER RIVERSIDECONVENTION CENTER ä 1,100+ rooms connected to centerä 100,000 sq. ft of

meeting/exhibition spaceä 90 vineyards

(N.Y. State Wine Country!) Page: XX

Carol Anne AbbottUNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIAALUMNI ASSOCIATIONä 7,064 sq.ft. meeting space/newly

renovated Ballroomä High-speed wireless Internet &

LCD projectorsä 300+ guest rooms onsite &

2,500+ in vicinityPage: xx

JACKSON CONVENTIONCOMPLEX105 E Pascagoula StreetJackson, MS 39201(601) 960-2321, (877) 383-MEETFax: (601) 960-2584www.jacksonconventioncomplex.com General Manager: Linda McCarthy

Where Mississippi Meets the WorldSnapshot: Built to stringent green-facili-ty standards, the new JCC features85,000 sq. ft. of divisible space, encom-passing a 60,000-sq.-ft. exhibit hall, a25,000-sq.-ft ballroom, and 33,000 sq. ft.of lobbies, concourse, and registrationareas. The venue can accommodate noless than 425 exhibit spaces and includesmultiple easy-access loading docks, agleaming 9,000-sq.-ft. kitchen, and twofull-service concession areas – all accent-ed by the very latest in fiber optic tech-nology, Wi-Fi capability, and state-of-the-art sound. The complex is conve-niently located within walking distance ofmany fine restaurants, hotels, and enter-tainment venues downtown.

Meeting Space: 128,000 sq. ft. ofmeeting space, including 23 meetingrooms, 25,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom and60,000-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall.Total Exhibit Space: 85,000 sq. ft.Theater: 6,000 total capacity.Technology: State-of-the-art telecom-munications and audio-visual; Plasmascreen monitors and electronic direc-tional signage throughout; CAT 5wiring and communication data portsthroughout; Satellite and televisioncable distribution.Other Venue Features: Fenced stagingand load-in dock area; Movable walldivider system; Easily accessible freightelevators; Ballroom and exhibit hall rig-ging points; Acoustic wall panels inexhibit hall; Business Center; Separateballroom Entrance from Street.Transportation: 12 miles JacksonInternational AirportNearby Attractions: The EudoraWelty House & Gardens, The newMississippi Museum of Art; RussellC. Davis Planetarium; One of the oldest governor’s mansions in the US;The new Mississippi Children’sMuseum.See Ad on Cover 2

MISSISSIPPI

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MEADOWLANDSEXPOSITION CENTER355 Plaza DriveSecaucus, NJ 07094(201) 330-7773; (888) 400-EXPOFax: (201) 330-1172www.mecexpo.comSMG Regional General Manager:Robin Cuneo

“MEC Is Your Cost EfficientAlternative To NYC!”Snapshot: A convenient and cost-effective facility in the Northeast,Meadowlands Exposition Center, a nine-time Prime Site Award Winner,features more than 60,000 square feetof dedicated meeting/exhibition spaceand state-of-the-art facilities andonsite services.Meeting Space: 64,758 sq. ft. squarefeet of contiguous, dedicated exhibitspace, including a 61,000-sq.-ft. MainExhibit Hall; 20-foot ceiling heights;accommodations for up to 400 exhibitbooths; five meeting/seminar rooms;

flexible lobby for registration, receptionor additional exhibit space; Seating for up to 6,000 attendees, concert ortheater-style.Venue Features: T-1,Wireless Internet,satellite uplink support, “flown from theair” electric, teleconferencing capabili-ties; Catering facilities for up to 5,000dinner guests; three newly-renovatedconcession stands; Onsite DecoratingServices; 2 drive-in doors and 4 loadingdocks on street level for easy access;over 3,000 free parking spaces.Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms:1,000 hotel rooms within walking distance; additional 1,500 rooms withina five-mile radius.Transportation: Seven miles fromNewark Liberty International Airport;adjacent to a network of major highways.Nearby Attractions: Minutes from Manhattan; surrounded by six major hotels and approximately 40 restaurants and eateries;Meadowlands Sports Complex,which includes Giants Stadium,IZOD Center and the Meadowlands Racetrack.See Ad on Page 25

NEW JERSEY

ATLANTIC CITYCONVENTION CENTEROne Miss America WayAtlantic City, NJ 08401(609) 449-2000; Fax: (609) 449-2090General Manager: Charlie Beirnewww.atlanticcitynj.com

"Your Northeast Business Address"Snapshot: The Atlantic CityConvention Center is designed toincorporate and reflect Atlantic City’sseaside location. The venue has won theprestigious “Award of Excellence inArchitectural Design” from thePennsylvania Society of Architects.The facility occupies a site of nearly 31 acres, making it one of the EastCoast’s largest Convention Centers.Meeting Space: 595,700 square feet of meeting space; 500,000 contiguousexhibit square feet of space; 45 meetingrooms, surrounding the expansive atri-um lobby and total 109,100 square feet.Room dimensions range from 11,880square feet to 672 square feet.

Venue Features: The Center’s 45meeting rooms feature soundproof panels, assisted listening systems andvoice, video and data communicationscapabilities; MATV connection foraudio and video playback from point to point makes possible an “in-housetelevision station” for event promotionand messaging; New plasma informa-tion screens; high-speed capabilities;State-of-the- Art Database incorporat-ing sales and operations enhancingfacility efficiency.Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms:10,000.Transportation: One hour fromPhiladelphia International Airport;20 minutes from Atlantic CityInternational Airport.Attractions: Atlantic City BoardwalkHall, 11 casinos, beaches, boardwalk,several brand outlet and retail shop-ping attractions, vibrant nightlifeentertainment and upscale dinning.

NEW JERSEY

rooms for seminars and hospitality suites.Also 65,000 sq. ft. of dedicated registra-tion space with terrazzo floors.Venue: On-site kitchen can prepare5,000 meals simultaneously; electronicmedia include Visitor InformationSystem, exterior marquee, Javits TV net-work utilizing 65+ plasma screens and a14’ X 18’ Jumbotron information displaywith graphics capabilities, video wall.Service Partners: Centerplate, FedExKinko’s, Hudson News and GoldenTouch Transportation Services.Technological Features: wifi availablethroughout the building.Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms:72,500 hotel rooms in Manhattan.Transportation: Riverfront locationminutes from Midtown Manhattan;three major airports, 13,000 taxis andlimousines, 4,500 buses, 500 subwaystations, and countless feeder roads.Distance to nearest airports:LaGuardia Airport – 8 miles; JFKAirport – 15 miles; Newark Airport–12 miles.Nearby Attractions: Times Square,Broadway theaters and museums.

NEW YORK

JAVITS CENTER655 West 34th StreetNew York, NY 10001Tel: (212) 216-2000 Fax: (212) 216-2588www.javitscenter.comVP Sales & Marketing: Doreen Guerin; [email protected]; (212) 216-2103Director of Sales & Marketing:James Hamilton; [email protected]; (212) 216-2186Sales Manager for Special Events:Anne Houlihan; [email protected]; (212) 216-2006

“Marketplace for the World”Snapshot: Glass-enclosed structurestretching five blocks along the Hudson River.Meeting Space: More than 1.8 millionsq. ft of space; 760,000 sq. ft. of exhibitspace on three different levels, including405,000 sq. ft. Main Exhibit Hall; can bedivided into 10 halls; capacity for 102meeting rooms; Special Events Hall canseat up to 3,300 for theater-style meet-ings, and up to 2,700 for banquets andreceptions; more than 100 function

LAKE GEORGE AREA INNY’S ADIRONDACKSWarren County Tourism Dept. 1340 State Rt. 9 Lake George, NY 12845(518) 761-6575; (800) 365-1050 ext C844 Fax: (518) 761-6368VisitLakeGeorge.comMeeting Promoter: Tanya Brand

Betcha’ we can make you smile!Snapshot: The Lake George Area inNY’s Adirondacks is a 4-season desti-nation filled with adventurous meetingpossibilities. Whether its whitewaterrafting, boat cruises, hiking or horse-back riding, Lake George promises bigfun and beautiful views for your gather-ing. World class attractions, year-roundrecreational activities, a multitude oflodging and dining options, along witha ever expanding array of quality meet-ing space, all make us an ideal andunique meeting and event site choice.Meeting Space: 400,000 + sq. ft ofmeeting/exhibit space including confer-ence centers, exposition halls, meeting

hotels and unique outdoor event space.From Adirondack-themed lodges toprivate island resorts, our diversity iswhat makes us so special! Sagamore Resort: 26,000 sq ft meetingspace, including 10,080-sq.-ft. ball-room, indoor pool & spa,18-hole golfcourse, 5 restuarants; 330 guest rooms.Six Flags Great Escape Lodge:Adirondack Theme, 200 guest roomsand 38,000 sq ft. indoor waterpark.4,800-sq.- ft. . Ballroom; 7 additionalmeeting rooms.Fort William Henry Resort &Conference Center: 18 acre estateoverlooking Lake George with 15,000sq. ft. of meeting space; 13 conferencerooms; 196 guest rooms available.Services: Warren County TourismDept. offers resource assistance, on-lineRFPs, Site Inspections, HospitalityExhibits, Promotional Materials andOccupancy Tax Funding Assistance.Transportation: located off I-87, mid-way between Manhattan and Montrealand only 3 hours from Boston; 50 Milesnorth of Albany International Airportand approx. 10 miles from local FloydBennett Memorial AirportSee Ad on Cover 3

NEW YORK

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ROCHESTER RIVERSIDECONVENTION CENTER123 East Main StreetRochester, NY 14564 (585) 232-7200; Fax: (585) 232-1510www.rrcc.comExecutive Director: Joseph A. Floreano, CFE

“Do it better at the RochesterRiverside where you and your event are always the center ofour attention!”Snapshot: Conveniently located in theheart of Rochester, N.Y., the RochesterRiverside Convention Center enjoys ascenic setting on the Genesee Riverwith outdoor patios and balconies pro-viding wonderful views. It also offersthe convenience of enclosed walkwayconnections to large hotels and parkinggarages.Meeting Space: 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.

Venue Features: Extensively wired with T1 lines; wireless access through-out the facility.Convention/Hotel Rooms: More than 1,100 rooms connect with theRochester Riverside ConventionCenter—362-room Crowne Plaza,465-room Clarion, and 336-roomHyatt Regency, which recently completed a $16-million renovation ofits facility.Transportation: 10-minute drive toGreater Rochester InternationalAirport.Attractions: Several entertainmentdistricts surround the RochesterRiverside with restaurants and cafés,coffee houses and pubs, dance clubsand music halls, theatres and more;Frontier Field; Pae-Tec Park; restoredhistoric Armory; George EastmanHouse International Museum ofPhotography and Film; Susan B.Anthony House; National Museum ofPlay; National Toy Hall of Fame;Boardwalk at Lake Ontario; morethan 90 vineyards and numerous “winetrails”; New York Wine and Culinary.See Ad on Page 39

NEW YORK

GREATER COLUMBUSCONVENTION CENTER400 N. High St.Columbus, OH 43215(614) 827-2500; (800) 626-0241Fax: (614) 827-2659www.columbusconventions.comRegional General Manager: Craig ListonSenior Director of Sales: Sherry Fish, CMP

Snapshot: The 1.7-million-square-footGreater Columbus Convention Centeris an award-winning facility located inthe heart of a vibrant entertainmentdistrict and within 550 miles of twothirds of the nation’s population.Managed by SMG, the GreaterColumbus Convention Center is anexhibitor-friendly venue welcomingmore than 2.5 million guests annuallyto the country’s 15th largest city.Meeting Space: 99,410 sq. ft. of meet-ing space; 61 meeting rooms; 25,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 15,000-sq.-ft.Ballroom; Five exhibit halls, including336,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall anda total Exhibit space of 426,000 sq. ft.

Venue Features: DS3 high-speedInternet network, wireless hotspots,online ordering of exhibitor services,fiber-optic connections to all spaces; on-site Food Court & Shops, caterer andbusiness center, 33 loading docks and 3drive-in ramps, connected to four hotelsby enclosed walkway, more than 3,000facility parking spaces with 10,000 addi-tional parking spaces nearby.Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms:2,600 committable hotel rooms with22,000 citywide.Transportation: Port ColumbusInternational Airport is located 10 min-utes from the Greater ColumbusConvention Center.Attractions: More than 100 restaurants,casual eateries, fun nightspots andattractions within walking distance ofthe convention center;The Cap atUnion Station, an architectural work ofart that connects the convention districtto shopping and dining; NationwideArena, home of the NHL ColumbusBlue Jackets and the Arena FootballLeague’s Columbus Destroyers; GermanVillage/Brewery District; Center ofScience and Industry (COSI) andFranklin Park Conservatory.

OHIO

P L A N N E RG U I D E S

Neil R. Schriever PROVIDENCE WARWICKCONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAUä Rhode Island Convention Center

Complexä Comprehensive Planner Support by

Convention Teamä Dynamic downtown with world-

class cuisine.Page: 55

Shana JordanARTHUR R.OUTLAWMOBILE CONVENTIONCENTERä “The Gulf Coast’s Premier Meeting

and Convention Facility!ӊ 317,000 sq. ft. of

meeting/exhibition spaceä 1,000 Committable Downtown

Hotel Rooms; 5,500 city-wide.Page: 47

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54 Facilities & Destinations PLanner Guide

OKLAHOMA CITYCONVENTION &VISITORS BUREAU189 West Sheridan Oklahoma City, OK 73102(405) 297-8912; (800)225-5652Fax: (405) 297-8888www.visitokc.comDirector of Convention Sales & Services:Elizabeth Buckley (405) 297-8952 • [email protected]

Snapshot: Oklahoma City has it all—from the historic Old West inStockyards City to the vibrant energy ofBricktown, the city’s lively entertain-ment district. Our museums hold artis-tic treasures and our sports venues havesomething for everyone. Choicesabound for an experience you’ll cherish.Main Meeting Venue: Cox BusinessConvention Center (405-602-8500;www.coxconventioncenter.com) —100,000 sq. ft. Exhibit Hall can bedivided into 8 smaller halls or com-bined with the Arena floor for 132,000

sq. ft. of total exhibit space; 105,000 sq.ft. Meeting Room complex with 21meeting rooms and a 25,000 sq. ft.Ballroom; 15,000-seat Arena. GeneralManager - Gary Dejardins.Venue Features: wireless internet service and access speeds up to oneGigabit available; four (4) FREE pre-function wi-fi zones; meeting roomsand ballroom equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment; SMGVideo Conferencing Services available.Hotel Rooms: 1,680 rooms inDowntown Oklahoma City and 15,000 citywide.Transportation: 10 miles/15 minutesfrom Will Rogers World Airport.Nearby Attractions: BricktownDining & Entertainment District—avibrant urban neighborhood with avariety of new canal-side restaurants,clubs, music venues and attractions.,OKC National Memorial & Museum,Oklahoma City Museum of Art;Myriad Botanical Gardens; AT&TBricktown Ballpark; Ford Center;Civic Center Music Hall; OklahomaCity Zoo; National Cowboy andWesternHeritageMuseum.See Ad onPages 24,31

OKLAHOMA

JOHN S. KNIGHTCENTER77 E. Mill StreetAkron, OH 44308(330) 374-8900; (800) 245-4254; Fax: (330) 374-8971www.johnsknightcenter.orgVice President/COO: Gregg Mervis

“The Center of an All-America City”Snapshot: Located in the heart ofdowntown Akron, the John S. KnightCenter is one of Ohio’s premier meeting and exposition facilities.Event planners value our accessibility,flexibility and attention for detail.Meeting Space: More than 55,000 sq.ft. of total meeting/exhibit space,including 16 meeting rooms, 12,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 30,000-sq.-ft. MainExhibit Hall.Venue Features: State-of-the-art audioand video services, wireless Internetconnectivity, video conferencing &video streaming technologies; a

full-service, on-site culinary department. Clients receive professionalservice from the Center’s Director ofFood Service and Executive Chef.Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms:Adjacent Downtown, 364; SummitCounty: 5,000+.Transportation: 11 miles from AkronCanton Airport; 30 miles fromCleveland Hopkins InternationalAirport.Attractions: National Inventors Hall ofFame, Canal Park Stadium, AkronCivic Theatre, The University ofAkron, E.J. Thomas Performing ArtsHall, Cuyahoga Valley ScenicRailroad, Stan Hywet Hall &Gardens, Lock 3 Live, Akron ArtMuseum, Summit Artspace &Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

OHIO

PENNSYLVANIACONVENTION CENTER1101 Arch StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19107(215) 636-3300; (800) CALL-PHLFax: (215) 636-3327www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travelVice President/Convention Services:Patricia Kraft Hilpl

“Philadelphia – Be at Liberty toMeet”Snapshot: When you meet inPhiladelphia, you get more than avenue, you get a good mix of work andplay. The Pennsylvania ConventionCenter, known for its beauty, flexibilityand location in the heart of CenterCity, as well as five-star dining, tax-freeshopping, and ease in traveling in, outand around the city.Meeting Spaces: Currently, thePennsylvania Convention Centerstretches over six city blocks, providinga total of 610,000 sq. ft. ofmeeting/function space that easilyaccommodates the needs of

meetings/conventions large and small.The Convention Center has more than440,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, includinga 315,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall;33,000-sq.-ft. ballroom and 52 meetingrooms offering an additional 120,000square feet; 6,300-sq.-ft., 600-seat the-ater. Once complete, the expandedConvention Center will provide plannersa total of one million square feet ofsaleable space (700,000 square feet ofexhibit space, 541,000 square feet ofwhich is contiguous); the largest amountof ballroom space of any convention center on the East Coast at 93,000 sq. ft.;and a total of 87 meeting rooms.Venue Features: Free wireless Internetwith Internet access up to one Gigabit;an internal fiber optic backbone, and datacabling throughout the entire facility.Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms:10,000 rooms in city; 3,682 within two-minutes of PennsylvaniaConvention Center.Transportation: 20 minutes toPhiladelphia International Airport.Attractions: More than 20 major performing arts facilities, includingvenues for ballet, jazz, drama andmusical theater; more than 200 restaurants in Center City.

PENNSYLVANIA

SCANTICON HOTELAND CONFERENCECENTER1210 First Avenue King of Prussia, PA 19406(610) 265-1500; Fax: (610) 768-0183www.ScanticonValleyForge.comVice President of Sales and Marketing:Candice Ellesin

Valley Forge, A premier destinationfor your exceptional eventSnapshot: The Scanticon was specifi-cally created to be a premier conferencesite. All designed for comfort and func-tion and is officially approved by theInternational Association of ConferenceCenters. The Scanticon Hotel andConference Center is located in theValley Forge Convention Plaza, alsohome to the Valley Forge ConventionCenter and the Radisson Hotel ValleyForge.Meeting Space: Over 150,000 sq. ft. offlexible meeting space between theScanticon, Radisson and Valley ForgeConvention Center, including: 61

meeting rooms; 8,865-sq.-ft. Ballroom;54,000-sq-ft., 3,800-seat theater.Exhibit Space: 108,000-sq.-ft. ofExhibit Space, including 54,000-sq.-ft.Main Exhibit Hall.Technology: Wifi in all guestroomsand public space; On-site Audio VisualCompany. Multi-Level Ballroom, TheWaterford, features state-of-the-artAudio Visual with built in screens, plas-ma televisions, sound system and differ-ent lighting scenes.Food & Beverage: The Scanticon fea-tures three restaurants and a nightclubon property—Café Soleil, Chumley’sSports Bar, Blue Grotto, and IceNightclub.Guest Rooms: 160 Guestrooms in theScanticon Hotel; The adjoiningRadisson Hotel offers an additional 328guestrooms.Amenities: 3,000-sq.-ft. Health andFitness Center; Outdoor Garden Pool;24-Hour Business Center.Transportation: 25 miles toPhiladelphia International Airport.Attractions: Located in the heart ofthe Valley Forge business district,adjacent to Valley Forge NationalPark; King of Prussia Mall.See Ad on Page 45

PENNSYLVANIA

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P L A N N E RG U I D E STanya Brand LAKE GEORGE AREA INNY’S ADIRONDAKSWARREN COUNTYTOURISM DEPTä 400,000 + sq. ft of meeting/exhibit spaceä Conference Centers, Exposition Halls,

Meeting Hotels, Outdoor Event Spaceä The Six Flags Great Escape &

Splashwater Kingdom & DesignerOutlet Shopping

Page: xx

Mark TesterAUSTIN CONVENTION CENTERä 374,255 sq. ft, including

54 meeting roomsä 5,500 downtown hotel roomsä Sixth Street Entertainment District

& Warehouse Entertainment Page: xx

PROVIDENCE WARWICKCONVENTION &VISITORS BUREAU144 Westminster StreetProvidence, RI 02903(401) 456-0200; Fax: (401) 273-7046 www.GoProvidence.comSenior Vice President: Neil R. Schriever

Get CloserSnapshot: The Providence WarwickConvention & Visitors Bureau booksmeetings, conventions, trade shows andevents of any size in Providence,Warwick, and surrounding areas. Ourknowledgeable staff is ready to assist inensuring a successful event.Largest Meeting Venue: Rhode IslandConvention Center Complex, includes:23 meeting rooms; 20,000-sq.-ft.Ballroom; 137,000 sq. ft. of totalExhibit Space, 100,000-sq.- ft. 13,000-seat Dunkin Donuts Center Marketing Services: PWCVB worksclosely with meeting planners to help

boost attendance, including targeted e-mail blasts, postcard mailings, reciprocalWeb links, pre-promotion at prior year’smeeting. Customized interactive maps;access to a stock photo library; promo-tional DVD; attendee Website/microsite; collateral materialsincluding visitor guides, maps,brochures; welcome banners throughoutcity; welcome signage in member estab-lishments.Hotel Rooms: 200 rooms located lessthan one mile RICC, 5,500 in GreaterProvidence areaDestination: Providence, Rhode Islandis brimming with rich history, naturalbeauty, and stunning architecture. Thecity’s compact downtown area—wherethe stunning Rhode Island ConventionCenter is located—makes it anextremely walkable city, with hotels,great restaurants, and stellar shoppingall within blocks of each other.Transportation: easily accessible byplane, train or highway, and about 25percent of the United States’ populationlives within 500 miles of the city.See Ad on Page 51

RHODE ISLAND

RHODE ISLANDCONVENTION CENTERCOMPLEXOne Sabin StreetProvidence, RI 02903(401) 458-6000; Fax: (401) 458-6500 www.riconvention.comSenior Director of Sales and Marketing:John J. McGinn, CEM

Snapshot: The Rhode IslandConvention Center Complex, whichincludes the Rhode Island ConventionCenter (RICC) and the Dunkin’Donuts Center (DDC) arena, is locatedin vibrant downtown Providence. Witha 100,000 square-foot exhibition hall, a20,000 square-foot ballroom, the ele-gant Rotunda Room, 23 meetingrooms, and two adjacent garages, theRICC is committed to providing anexceptional event experience.Meeting Space: 23 meeting rooms;Largest Ballroom - 20,000 sq. ft; MainExhibit Hall - 100,000 sq. ft. (TotalExhibit Space -137,000 sq. ft.); 13,000-seat arena (DDC)

New Features: adjacent DDC unveiled$80 million renovation Sept. 2008,adding 35,000+ sq. ft., and skywalkconnection to RICC. DDC includes:31,000 sq. ft. of arena space with 90 ft.of ceiling height; 25,000-sq.-ft. con-course, 12,000-sq.-ft.; 2 party suites; 2loges; restaurant; 5 renovatedmeeting/hospitality rooms.Technology: full T1 connection to theInternet. All meeting/exhibit space hard-wired with CAT 5e, with a fiber-opticbackbone. Onsite technology staff.Hotel Rooms: 5,500 in the GreaterProvidence area, with 2,200 within onemile of of RICCAttractions: Aldrich Mansion, Bank ofAmerica Skating Center, Culinary ArtsMuseum at Johnson & WalesUniversity; Providence Black RepertoryCompany; Providence College FriarsBasketball; Providence PAC;Providence Place Mall; Rhode IslandSchool of Design Museum; RogerWilliams Park Zoo; Trinity RepertoryCompany; WaterPlace Park; WaterFireProvidence.Transportation: T.F. Green Airport is8.5 miles from RICCSee Ad on Page 35

RHODE ISLAND

KNOXVILLECONVENTION CENTER701 Henley Street Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2543Knoxville, TN 39702(865) 522-5669; FAX: (865) 329-0422General Manager: Mary Bogertwww.knoxvilleconventioncenter.com

“Southern Hospitality - All Day.Every Day”Snapshot: The Knoxville ConventionCenter is located in the heart of downtown Knoxville, nestled in theGreat Smoky Mountains. Whateveryour needs — from meeting space andin-house catering to state-of-the-arttechnology — you can bet the convention center has what you arelooking for.Meeting Space: 500,000 square feet of total meeting space; 19 meetingrooms; 27,300-square-foot ballroom;120,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall;57,000-square-foot, fixed theater style,tiered seating Lecture Hall; additional

30,000 square feet of outdoor meetingspace.Meeting Space: Internet access; PlasmaScreen Directional Signage; In-HouseCatering Department; In-house A/Vand Decorating contractors; More than$1 million in artwork displayedthroughout the center.Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms:1,407 rooms downtown.Transportation: Knoxville is locatedwithin a day’s drive of half the nation’spopulation and is centrally locatedbetween three major interstates (I-75, I-40 and I-81). McGhee TysonAirport is only 15 minutes from downtown Knoxville.Nearby Attractions: DowntownKnoxville features unique restaurants,eclectic shopping and nighttime entertainment and a wide variety of cultural, museums and historic places.

TENNESSEE

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GAYLORD TEXANRESORT &CONVENTION CENTER1501 Gaylord TrailGrapevine, TX 76051(817) 778-1000; Fax: (817) 778-1149 www.gaylordtexan.com Public Relations Manager:Martha Neibling

“Everything Under One Roof!”Snapshot: The Gaylord Texan Resort isa total destination offering world-classmeeting facilities, impeccable customerservice, exciting entertainment andrecreation-all onsite. Sitting high on abluff overlooking the sparkling watersof Lake Grapevine, this awe-inspiringresort welcomes guests to an authenticTexas experience. Gaylord Texan Resort& Convention Center features 1,511luxury rooms, sophisticated meetingand convention space, five signaturerestaurants, live entertainment nightlyat Glass Cactus nightclub on the shores

of Lake Grapevine, the world-classRelache Spa, and unique shopping.

Meeting Space: 400,000 sq. ft. of over-all space, 69 meeting rooms, 50,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 180,000-sq.-ft. exhibithall plus 17 dedicated loading docks,29,000-seat theater.Venue Features: Fiber-optic cable, cat-egory 5E and Cat 3 cable, with a flexi-ble DS3 pipe for backbone bandwiththat will support requests for ISDN,T1 and T3 communications.Guest Rooms: 1,511 luxury units,including 127 suites.Transportation: Six minutes fromDFW International Airport.

TEXAS

AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER500 East Cesar Chavez StreetAustin, TX 78759(512) 404-4000; Fax: (512) 404-4416www.austinconventioncenter.comDirector of Austin Convention Center Department: Mark TesterDirector of Sales: Ann Perkins

Snapshot: Rated one of the country’smost technologically advanced conven-tion center, the Austin ConventionCenter has a convenient downtownlocation near the city’s famous enter-tainment districts. The facility spans six city blocks with five column-freeexhibit halls, seven ballrooms and 54 meeting rooms.Meeting Space: 374,255 sq. ft, includ-ing 54 meeting rooms and a 43,300-sq.-ft. Ballroom.Exhibit Space: 5 contiguous ExhibitHalls with 246,097 sq. ft. of totalExhibit Space: Theater Seating: 20,333in Exhibit Halls; 2,291 in South

Ballroom; 3,940 in North Ballroom.Technology: Gigabit-rated building(voice, video and data move at over 1billion bits per second); complimentaryWiFi, running on a CISCO poweredgigabit Ethernet infrastructure; redun-dant high-speed, 100 mg/sec. InternetII access; plug and play capabilities;on-site technical staff.Venue Features: Flexible and practicalfloor plan; 18 loading docks; 2 parkinggarages; pre-function spaces offer viewsof downtown Austin.Hotel Rooms: 5,500 downtown hotel rooms.Transportation: 8 miles to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.Attractions: State Capitol; SixthStreet Entertainment District;Warehouse Entertainment District;University of Texas; LBJ PresidentialLibrary; Texas State History Museum; dozens of museums and art galleries; Lady Bird Lake with ten miles of trails.See Ad on Page 15

TEXAS

NORFOLK CONVENTIONAND VISITORS BUREAU232 East Main Street Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 664-6620; (800) 368-3097Fax: (757) 628-6452www.norfolkcvb.comNCVB/Vice President of Sales:Donna AllenMarriott Norfolk/Director of Sales andMarketing: Cathy Grieve (757) 628-6410

Snapshot: Set in the heart of the historic district of Norfolk, with itsvibrant, revitalized waterfront, world-class shopping, delectable dining, andunforgettable museums, NorfolkWaterside Marriott and WatersideConvention Center is an unparalleledchoice for successful meetings, eventsand business engagements.Meeting Space: The WatersideConvention Center features 55 meetingrooms and 121,000 sq. ft. of conventionspace and only blocks away from theNorfolk Scope Arena, which has anadditional 85,000 square feet of meeting space. The Norfolk Waterside

Marriott features 60,000 sq. ft. of meeting/invent space, including: 45conference/meeting rooms; 14,400-sq.-ft. Ballroom, 2,000-seat Theater and 3 concierge levels.Technology: Wired and wireless high-speed Internet access in all public areas,guest rooms and meeting rooms.Other (Norfolk Waterside Marriott)Features: Shula’s 347 Steakhouse;Indoor pool; Whirlpool; Fitness center;The Dining Room restaurant.Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms:405 guest rooms (Norfolk WatersideMarriott); more than 1,200 roomswithin walking distance of conventioncenter.Transportation: 9 miles from NorfolkInternational Airport.Nearby Attractions: MacArthurCenter Mall; Chrysler Museum ofArts; Hermitage FoundationMuseum; Hunter House VictorianMuseum; MacArthur Memorial;Norfolk Tides AAA Baseball atHarbor Park; Schooner Virginia; TheNorfolk History Museum at theWilloughby-Baylor House; VictoryRover Naval Base Cruise; VirginiaZoological Park; Norfolk AdmiralsAHL Hockey.See Ad on Page 53

VIRGINIA

UNIVERSITY OFVIRGINIA ALUMNIASSOCIATION 211 Emmet StreetCharlottesville, VA 22903(434) 243-2665; Fax: (434) 243-9080www.alumni.virginia.edu/reservations/Reservation Coordinator:Carol Anne Abbott

“ Your Home on the Grounds”Snapshot: Nestled in the heart of theBlue Ridge Mountains inCharlottesville, Virginia, the Universityof Virginia Alumni Association,Alumni Hall, is the place for your nextevent. Alumni Hall’s spacious facilitiesare ideal for banquets, receptions, boardmeetings or conferences. Alumni Hallfeatures 7,064 square feet of meetingspace, with three main rooms that canhandle groups of 10 to 400. The newly renovated Jefferson Ballroom—completed in January 2007—now holdsup to 400 guests for a seated event.Available for receptions, conferences,meetings, and events of all types,

Alumni Hall is open to all and featureson-site parking, choice of 14 area cater-ers, and additional outdoor and indoormeeting spaces.Meeting Space: 7,064 sq. ft., includes 3meeting rooms, Jefferson Ballroom(4,320 sq. ft .); Annex (1,332 sq. ft .);Terrace (2,738 sq. Ft); Board Room(1,104 sq. ft.); Small Conference Room(308 sq. ft.).Food & Beverage: 14 approved areacaterers for you to select from for theevent.Technology: High-speed wirelessInternet throughout the building, LCDprojectors available in the ballroom andboard room.Lodging: 300 rooms within walkingdistance & over 2,500 in the vicinityTransportation: Charlottesville Airport8.9 miles.Nearby Attractions: John Paul JonesArena, Monticello, Michie Tavern,Ashlawn-Highland See Ad on Page 44

VIRGINIA

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57Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

The Facilities Media Group

Don’t Get Stuck in a Fishbowl!

Facilities & DestinationsFacilities • Conference • Planner Guide

Facilities & Event Managementwww.Facilitiesonline.com

P L A N N E RG U I D E S

Rosa M. LukePUERTO RICOCONVENTION CENTERä 580,000+ sq. ft. of

meeting/exhibition spaceä 6,000+ Convention/Guest Roomsä Resorts, Night Life, Restaurants

& new “Paseo de las Fuentes,”Page: xx

Laura CornellMONONA TERRACE CONVENTION CENTERä “where business and inspiration meet”ä Spectacular multi-level structure,

250,000 sq. ft. of meeting/exhibit spaceä Museum Mile & State Street—eclectic

shops, restaurants and outdoor cafesPage: xx

CHARLESTON CIVIC CENTER200 Civic Center DriveCharleston, WV 25301(304) 345-1500; Fax: (304) 345-3492www.charlestonwvciviccenter.comGeneral Manager: John Robertson

“Center of Excitement”Snapshot: The Charleston Civic Centeris the convention and entertainment cen-terpiece of Charleston, hosting themajority of the state’s premier conven-tions, trade shows, entertainment, sport-ing and corporate events. As one of themost flexible facilities in the Mid-Atlantic region, the Charleston CivicCenter is comprised of four versatile venues—The Charleston ConventionCenter, The Civic Center Coliseum, TheMunicipal Auditorium, and The CivicCenter Little Theater.Meeting space: 86,000 sq. ft. of ClassA event space; 18 break out rooms; TheGrand Convention Hall offers over50,000 square feet of Class Ameeting/exhibition space, enough to

accommodate up to 256 standardbooths and can be divided into fourareas; The Municipal Auditorium 3,483seats; The Little Theater 738 seats;Civic Center Coliseum offers over30,000 sq. ft of event/exhibition spacewith seating for up to 13,600 andaccommodates 160 10’x10’ booths.Venue Features: Distinctive Gourmetserves as exclusive, on-site caterer.Parking: On-site parking for 2,000 vehicles; additional parking to more than4,000 vehicles within a three-block area.Transportation: Yeager Airport is afive-minute drive to the facility.Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms:Over 4,000 hotel rooms (1,750 withinone mile of the Civic Center).Attractions: Charleston Town Center,located across the street from the com-plex, is one of the largest urban shop-ping centers in the country; The WVCapitol Complex; the Clay Center forthe Arts & Sciences; the AvampatoDiscovery Museum; The CapitolMarket with a variety of specialtyshops, Tri-State Racetrack andGaming Center as well as the newWest Virginia Power Baseball Park.See Ad on Page 17

WEST VIRGINIA

MIDWEST AIRLINES CENTERMilwaukee, WI(414) 908-6000; Fax: (414) 908-6010President/CEO: Richard A. Geyerwww.wcd.org

Snapshot: The Midwest AirlinesCenter offers outstanding service, flexi-ble, comfortable facilities and a settingin downtown Milwaukee, now national-ly recognized as a fun, friendly andexciting destination. The MidwestAirlines Center is adjacent to the12,700-seat U.S. Cellular Arena andthe 4,087-seat The Milwaukee Theatre,offering excellent options for generalsessions, entertainment and other func-tions tied to conventions.Meeting Space: 188,695-gross-sq.-ft.exhibit hall is divisible into four hallsof, ranging from 31,000 sq. ft. to63,000 sq. ft with 90-foot minimumspans between pillars; additional 39,360sq. ft of meeting space can be dividedinto 28 breakouts or as few as six meet-

ing/banquet rooms; 37,500-sq.-ft. ball-room; well-appointed pre-functionareas on all.Other Venue Features: Power, data andphone connections are plentifulthroughout venue; high-speed connec-tions to corporate WANs, and a widerange of phone and video services.State-of-the-art projection, sound, andlighting; on-site IT staff.Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms:linked by skywalk to the 484-roomHyatt Regency-Milwaukee and the729-room Hilton Milwaukee CityCenter; Seven other hotels are withinthree blocks or connected by skywalk.Milwaukee has about 3,000 roomsdowntown and over 12,000 citywide.Transportation: General MitchellInternational Airport, serving 14 air-lines and some 90 cities, is only eightmiles from downtown.Attractions: Public Museum; PublicMarket; the Milwaukee Art Museum;Pier Wisconsin; the Harley DavidsonMuseum (opening Summer 2008);Miller Park is among the most breath-taking, fan-friendly baseball parks.

WISCONSIN

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58 Facilities & Destinations PLanner Guide

MONONA TERRACECONVENTION CENTEROne John Nolen DriveMadison, WI 53703(608) 261-4100; Fax: (608) 261-4049Sales/Event Services Manager: Laura Cornell, CMPwww.mononaterrace.com

“Where business and inspirationmeet.”Snapshot: The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace Communityand Convention Center is located inheart of Madison’s vibrant downtownon the shore of Lake Monona. Thisspectacular multi-level structure featurespublic promenades, meeting rooms withstriking lake views, extensive rooftopgardens and the attached HiltonMadison.Meeting Space: 250,000-sq.-ft.,5-level facility; 85,000 sq. ft. of meet-ing/exhibit space; 23 meeting rooms;40,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall;5,540-sq.-ft. Lecture Hall, seating 320;

14,000-sq.-ft Ballroom. The 68,000 sq.ft. of rooftop gardens can be reservedfor events.Venue Features: Wireless access isavailable throughout Monona Terracewith excellent coverage; MononaTerrace is one of only a handful of con-vention centers offering Internet 2access; Special amenities include agreeter at the main entrance to assistguests, business center, gift shop, art/exhibit area and expansive areas for registration and information needs.Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms:240-room attached Hilton Madison,1,000 rooms within walking distance ofMonona Terrace, more than 8,000 hotelrooms are available to groups inMadison.Transportation: Madison is accessibleby air from every major metro area inthe country and is served by the DaneCounty Regional Airport. MononaTerrace is a 10-minute drive from theairport.Attractions: The State Capitol build-

ing. Museum Mile offers six fascinating museums, plus several art galleries forbrowsers andcollectors alike.State Street –Madison’s famedpedestrian mall.See Ad on Page 28

WISCONSIN

VANCOUVERCONVENTION &EXHIBITION CENTRESuite 200, 999 Canada PlaceVancouver, BC, Canada V6C 3C1(604) 689-8232; (866) 785-8232(North America only)Fax: (604) 647-7232www.vcec.caDirector of Sales: Gayle Morris

“More. On All Levels”Snapshot: Spectacular, multi-level,waterfront venue, originally built forCanada Pavilion for the World’s FairExpo in 1986, the VancouverConvention & Exhibition Centre willtriple its size as this beautiful Canadiancity prepares to host the 2010 Olympic& Paralympics Winter Games.Meeting Space: Flexible pre-functionand function space totals 133,000 sq. ft.on two levels, including a 91,000-sq.-ft.column-free exhibit hall; divisible intothree halls and a 16,000-sq.-ft. column-free ballroom; divisible into threerooms; 20 meeting rooms from 500 to

6,500 sq. ft.; Expansion, due to be com-pleted in 2009; will triple combinedmeeting/exhibition space to nearly500,000 sq. ft.Venue features: Unique “scratchkitchen” on-site caterer utilizes fresh,local products without additives, avoidscanned goods, disposable utensils anddishes.Green Features: Designated aPowersmart Convention Centre by BCHydro; Awarded “GO GREEN” cer-tificate from the Building Owners andManagers Association.Convention/Hotel Rooms: 13,000quality hotel rooms within easy walkingdistance.Transportation: VancouverInternational Airport.Attractions: Edgewater Casino, TantraWaterfront Lounge & Grill atLonsdale Quay Hotel, Giggle DamDinner Theatre, Grouse Mountain,The Peak of Vancouver, H.R.MacMillan Space Centre, VancouverArt Gallery, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen ClassicalChinese Garden, Vancouver MaritimeMuseum, Harbour Cruises & Events,Vancouver Museum, VancouverAquarium, M&MSalmon FishingCharters, Playland @the PNE, VanDusenBotanical Garden,Prince of Whales Whale Watching.

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

PUERTO RICOCONVENTION CENTEREdificio Ochoa500 Tanca, Suite 402San Juan, PR 00901(800) 214-0420; Fax: (787) 725-2133Associate Vice President Sales:Rosa M. Lukewww.prconvention.com

“Meeting in Puerto Rico will neverbe the same”Snapshot: The Puerto RicoConvention Center, the largest in theCaribbean and the most technologicallyadvanced throughout the Caribbeanand Latin America, offers more than580,000 sq. ft. of total space and thelatgest ballroom in the Caribbean(39,500 sq. ft.).Meeting Space: 36,200 sq ft of meetingspace, including 15 meeting rooms ontwo levels, divisible into 28 sections; 4on level one and 11 on level two;39,500-sq.-ft. Ballroom, which subdi-vides into two sections and can seat

3,934 Theater Style; 1,900 BanquetStyle, 4,158 Reception Style and 2,616Classroom Style; 152,700 sq. ft. ofexhibit space, including one ExhibitHall which subdivides into three halls:40,900 sq. ft., 40,500 sq. ft. and71,300 sq. ft.; 16,965-seat theater.Venue Features: Wireless (Wifi) in thepublic area in front of the BusinessCenter; High Speed Internet Access inthe Meeting rooms, Ballroom andExhibit Hall; Telephone Access in theMeeting rooms, Ballroom and ExhibitHall; Business Center.Convention/Guest Rooms: Over6,000.Transportation: five miles from LuisMuñoz Marin International Airport.Attractions: Centrally located in SanJuan, the gateway to all that PuertoRico has to offer. Directly adjacent toOld San Juan, business and resortshotels, restaurants and night life. TheCenter is adjacent to the new urbanpark, “Paseo de las Fuentes,” 113-acrewaterfront development featuringpromenades, walkways, fountains and play.See Ad on Page 37

PUERTO RICO

SHERATON PUERTORICO CONVENTIONCENTER HOTEL &CASINO200 Convention BoulevardSan Juan, PR 00907(787) 993-3500; (800) 325-3535

Fax: (787) 993-3525www.sheraton.com/puertoricoconventioncenterDirector of Sales & Marketing:Willie Chin

You don’t just stay here. You belongSnapshot: Plan your event in paradise.Opening in November 2009 and superblysituated amidst the Puerto RicoConvention Center District facing theBay of San Juan, the Sheraton PuertoRico Convention Center Hotel andCasino will be a truly remarkable land-mark in the district. Our hotel will be just10 minutes from the international airportand five minutes from historic Old SanJuan. The Convention Center is immedi-ately adjacent and the San Juan BayMarina is easily accessible as well.

Meeting Space: 35,000 sq. ft., includ-ing 9 breakout rooms; 16,290-sq.-ft.Ballroom; (150,000 sq. ft. available atadjacent Puerto Rico ConventionCenter); 1,480 Theater Seating.Technology: Audiovisual equipment;High-speed Internet access; 24-hourBusiness Center.Venue Features: Spa; Casino; Fitnesscenter; Professional event staff; on-sitecatering team; (580,000 square feet offunction space in the adjacent PuertoRico Convention Center).Lodging: 503 Guest Rooms.Distance to nearest airport: 7 milesfrom (SJU).Transportation: 7 miles fromLuisMuñoz Marin International Airport.Destination features: The new PuertoRico Convention Center District fea-tures dozens of night spots, restaurantsand shops some of the Caribbean’s pre-mier entertainment options. The hotelhas a new casino featuring non-stopaction, including 500 slot machines and16 table games.Attractions: OldSan Juan; SanJuan BayMarina; ElYunque Rainforest.See Ad on Page 41

PUERTO RICO

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59Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

DIRECT ENERGYCENTRE 100 Princes’ Blvd.Toronto, Ontario M6K 3C3(416) 263-3020; Fax: (416) 263-3029www.directenergycentre.comDirector of Sales & Marketing:Laura Purdy

Snapshot: Direct Energy Centre isCanada’s largest exhibition and conven-tion centre with over 1 million squarefeet of exhibition space. We are conve-niently located at Exhibition Place indowntown Toronto, with 35,000 hotelrooms citywide. Toronto’s PearsonInternational Airport is host to 50global air carriers and is only 12 milesfrom Direct Energy Centre. DirectEnergy Centre is one of the world’smost environmentally responsible exhibition and convention facilities.The venue includes a PresentationTheatre with 100 Permanent fixedseats, a 8,200-seat arena and a 20,000-seat open-air stadium on-site.

Meeting Space: 1,072,000 sq. ft. ofmeeting/exhibit/event space, including23 meeting rooms; Conference Centreexpansion scheduled for 2009.Services: In-house catering and conces-sions department available. On-siteparking for 7,000 vehicles.Transportation: 12 miles/20 minutesfrom Pearson International Airport.Attractions: Air Canada Centre;Scaramouche Restaurant; HockeyHall of Fame; Le MontmartreRestaurant; The Distillery HistoricDistrict; Campbell House Museum;Black Creek Pioneer Village; TextileMuseum of Canada; Bata ShoeMuseum; Campbell House Museum;Royal Ontario Museum, ClarkeMuseum; Scarborough HistoricalMuseum; Thomson Memorial Park;MZTV Museum of Television; CBCMuseum; Benares Historic House andVisitor Centre.

ONTARIO, CANADA

NIAGARA FALLSVIEWCASINO RESORTP.O. Box 3006380 Fallsview BoulevardNiagara Falls, Ontario, CanadaL2E 6T3(888)-FALLSVUEConference/Convention Sales Phone: (888)222-3353(905) 374-3598; Fax: (905) 374 0291General Manager: Steve Wolstenholmewww.fallsviewcasinoresort.com

Snapshot: The Niagara FallsviewCasino Resort is a 2.5-million-square-foot complex that includes more than3,000 slot machines and 150 gamingtables, a 368-room five-star hotel, fine-dining restaurants, 50,000 square feet ofmeeting/conference space, a health spa,a retail facility, a 1,500-seat theatre andmuch more! Located on a stunninglylandscaped eight-hectare property, theNiagara Fallsview Casino Resort over-looks one of the most famous views inthe world – Niagara Falls.

Meeting Space: 50,000 square feet ofmeeting/conference space; 28,000-sq.-ft. Grand Hall that can be divided into5 smaller rooms; 1,500-seat AvalonBallroom.Venue Features: Every hall and meetingroom is wired for state-of-the-art audio,visual and presentation capability as wellas high-speed data ports and flexiblepower supplies capable of supporting thelatest in trade show booths and equip-ment; 24-hour access to a seven-bayloading dock as well as dedicated staff toassist with load-in and load-out.Convention/Guest Rooms: 368 rooms.Transportation: The nearest interna-tional airports serving Niagara Fallsinclude Buffalo Niagara Internationaland Lester B. Pearson (Toronto)International.Attractions: Niagara Fallsview CasinoResort offers several upscale retail out-lets and restaurants, including theresort’s signature restaurant, 17 Noir,and the 750-seat Grand Buffet; theAvalon Ballroom; the 365 Club;the Splash Bar; several championship-caliber golf courses; more than 50 wineries.

ONTARIO, CANADA

THE METRO TORONTOCONVENTION CENTRE255 Front Street WestToronto, Ontario, Canada M5V 2W6(416) 585-8000; Fax: (416) 585-8198www.mtccc.comV.P. Sales & Marketing: John Houghton

“Our PEOPLE are the centre”Snapshot: The Metro TorontoConvention Centre is Canada’s #1 tradeand convention facility and one of thefinest in North America. With morethan 2 million square feet of state-of-the-art space, it is considered a world-class, tier-one facility. Since its openingin 1984, the MTCC has hosted approxi-mately 12,000 events and has enter-tained nearly 40 million guests. From 10people to 10,000. From board meetingsto gala balls and everything in between,MTCC is the answer for the right room,the right catering and the right people.Meeting Space: 460,000 sq. ft. of flexi-ble exhibit space; 64 furnished meetingrooms that cover 104,000 sq. ft. of

space; 2 multi-purpose ballroomsencompassing 78,000 sq. ft.; 1,330-seatJohn Bassett Theatre.Technology: High-speed Internet accessusing a T3 connection; Wireless Internetaccess; Customized wired and wirelessdata networks; Customized voice net-works; Digital PBX; Virtual internalnetworks; On-site technical support.Venue Features: in-house servicesinclude: Audio-visual; Simultaneoustranslation; on-site catering;Telecommunication; Banking/ATMand exchange services; Guest Servicesdesk in the main entrance of eachbuilding.Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms:12,000 first-class hotel rooms withinwalking distance of the Centre.Transportation: 20-minute drive fromPearson International Airport.Attractions: Theatre district is a five-minute walk from the doors ofMTCC; Air Canada Centre; RogersCentre; Medieval Times Dinner &Tournament; StageWest All-SuiteHotel & Theatre Restaurant;Guinness World Records Museum;Jackson-Triggs Niagara EstateWinery.

ONTARIO, CANADA

QUEBEC CITYCONVENTION CENTRE 1000, boul. René-Lévesque Est (418) 644-4000; (888) 679-4000 Fax: (418) 644-6455www.convention.qc.caPresident/CEO: P. Michel Bouchard

Snapshot: The Quebec CityConvention Centre is located right inthe heart of downtown Quebec, adynamic international metropolis.Unique underground walkways link thecenter to lodging, shopping, parking,restaurants, nightlife and other culturalattractions.Meeting Space: The eco-friendly com-plex contains a 75,000-sq.-ft. exhibithall, a 34,500-sq.-ft. convention hall, a25,000-sq.-ft. multipurpose room and30 meeting rooms with a total of35,000 sq. ft. Ample public space(232,000 sq. ft.) can welcome a conven-

tion of up to 3,500 attendees with anexhibition and a single-event capacityof up to 7,500 attendees.Technological Features: AVWTELAV for audiovisual needs and services; AXION for sound and light-ing for shows, banquets and exhibitions;and VIDEOTRON for high-speedInternet services.Venue Features: Onsite Catering byCapital.Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms:2,000 hotel rooms within a short distance from the centre; 12,000 gue-strooms located throughout the area.Transportation: Jean-Lisage Airport is approximately 25 minutes fromdowntown.Attractions: Dynamic downtown withrestaurants, night club and shopping;Old Quebec historic district;Montmorency Falls Park; worldfamous Ice Hotel; Winter Carnival;L’Astral revolving rooftop restaurant;Albert Gilles Art Museum &Boutique; Parc des Champs-de-Bataille; Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré; Notre-Dame de QuébecBasilica-Cathedral; Musée Edison du Phonographe.

QUEBEC, CANADA

Page 62: 2008 Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

PlannerBriefings Your Products & Services Resource Directory

INTERESTED IN FMG RESOURCE DIRECTORY ADVERTISING? CALL 212 532 4150 X103

Experient is the source for integrated meeting and event services.Formed in August 2006 (by joining industry leaders Conferon,ExpoExchange and ITS), Experient is the single contact for all MeetingManagement, Trade Show Production and Registration and Housingneeds. As your partner, Experient will become a member of your team,understanding all the goals of your event, and use proven techniques, cre-ative methods and powerful industry connections to provide a distinct andmemorable event experience and drive your business. The Top seven rea-sons why Experient is the best choice to be your integrated meeting andevent partner: (1) Integrated resources; (2) Economies of scale; (3) Singlesource efficiency; (4) Best practice sharing; (5) Experienced people; (6) Leadership role; (7) Consultative approach.

ExperientTHE SOURCE FOR INTEGRATED MEETING

AND EVENT SOLUTIONS

For more information on Experient Contact: Amy Munn(866) [email protected]

60 Facilities & Destinations PLanner Guide

DealCenter, LLCTake the work out of trade show networking

340 Royal Poinciana Way-Suite 317/#345Palm Beach, FL 33480(866) 430-3023; Fax: (201) 624-7316www.deal-center.comDirector of Business Development: Michael [email protected]

The DealCenter is a turnkey product for trade show, conference orexpo organizers. DealCenter, LLC works with trade show, expo or confer-ence management companies to provide an online meeting system thatenhances the peer-to- peer networking at the event for attendees andexhibitors. The DealCenter team also provides on-site management ofthe physical DealCenter or meeting area as well as all technical andcustomer support for all DealCenter users. The DealCenter team createsa customized, password-protected website that allows attendees andexhibitors to log on, view one anothers’ profiles and invite prospectsand customers to meet on-site at the event. The DealCenter offersmeeting planners a useful service that helps their sponsors, exhibitorsand attendees realize measurable ROI from the event.

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 neverfelt so easy. With over 25 years of experience, we provide yousolid, seasoned expertise, making speaker selection stress-freeby 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.

PlasticardLocktechInternationalThe World’s Largest Hotel KeyCard Manufacturer

605 Sweeten Creek Industrial ParkAsheville, NC 28803 (800)752-1017; Fax: (828) 210-4755www.plicards.com Sales Manager: Linda Russell

PLI produces key cards & other products for hotels, meetings,conventions, events, and advertising. We also manufacture afull line of gift cards, membership cards and loyalty cards. PLIkey cards put your message directly in the hands of hotel guests& meeting attendees. Your logo and message will be seen byguests 10 times a day. Event key cards capture attention, pro-vide maximum exposure and allow guests to absorb your mes-sage. Custom keycards welcome and reach out to attendees,make your guests feel special and allow you to provide a per-sonal touch.

Page 63: 2008 Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide
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PlannerBriefings Your Products & Services Resource Directory

INTERESTED IN FMG RESOURCE DIRECTORYADVERTISING? CALL 212 532 4150 X103

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 technolo-

gies that make their cities smarter places to work, live, and play.

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

Conventions: Information: (888) 446-6911 or (702) 943-6000 • Email: csr@Smart City.com Hospitality: General: (407) 828-6938 • Video Conferencing: General: (407) 828-6900

Cvent, Inc(866) 318-4358Fax: (703) 226-3502www.cvent.comReggie Aggarwal, Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Cvent, Inc. is the largest online event registration company inU.S., offering online registration, eMarketing, and data analy-sis for meeting and marketing professionals. Cvent’s tools vast-ly improve attendance, efficiency, and cost effectiveness foryour meetings and events. The company is used by 5,000+Event/Marketing Professionals, used to plan over 50,000events per year; has sent more than 125 million email invita-tions, has increased the average attendance for its clients by21% and decreased costs by an average of 47%.

62 Facilities & Destinations PLanner Guide

Why go it alone? We are your trusted advisors.

With an average 15 years in the industry, our agents know the speakers and know the process.

We save you time by understanding your exact needs and delivering speakers who are right on target.

Continental Airlines features a special program for event & meetingPlanners—MeetingWorks. With Continental MeetingWorks,planners can receive discounted airfaire, and earn creditsredeemable for an array of Travel Rewards, including round trip travel and upgrades. Booking and participation in the program canbe done entirely online.

MeetingWorks is for 10 or more guests traveling to an eventfrom two or more originating cities. The benefits of this programinclude: Discounts off applicable published fares; Global zone fares;Customized flyers to promote the discounts; Your organization canearn productivity credits towards upgrades; Presidents Club passes,Presidents Club membership; domestic travel certificates andContinental currency coupons.

Continental Airlines“Work Hard. Fly Right.”

For travel reservations to cities in the U.S., Canda Mexico:(800) 523-FAREwww.continental.com

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63Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

Founder Nick Topitzes first developed PC/Nametag®, the firstsoftware package to print nametags for meetings and confer-ences, with his computer and printer. Over the years, it’s beenupdated and improved. The business has expanded to includehundreds of products and incentive items that make the job ofplanning meetings easier while enhancing the atendee experi-ence. 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.

pc/nametag®PRODUCTS FOR GREAT MEETINGS

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

MEETINGS MUST STAY RESPONSIVE TOATTENDEES IN TIMES OF CHANGE

researchers, and folks interested in improving the lives of peoplewho have been diagnosed with diabetes. As a unified organization,the ADA was able to attract more attendees to its meetings, whichonly continued to grow in the long run.

F&D: It’s been four years since the American Society of AssociationExecutives, the Greater Washington Society of Association Executives,the ASAE Foundation, and The Center for Association Leadershipjoined together to become the ASAE & The Center for AssociationLeadership. What has been the benefit of this joining these organizations together?Graham: Organizations choose to partner for many different rea-sons, but when it comes to ASAE & The Center and the organi-zations that were involved in the merger, the main benefit wasultimately to create a stronger professional home for the associa-tion community. I think ASAE & The Center today is a muchmore vibrant, innovative and customer-focused organization thanany of the previous entities was on their own.

F&D: What were the major challenges in completing this unification?Graham: As with any merger, I think there were some challengesassociated with melding two relatively distinct cultures and notlosing anything in the process that was worth preserving. I thinkwe were able to do that very effectively. There was not a lot ofposturing in the process, and everyone involved was keenly awareof what we were working toward on behalf of the association com-munity and what we needed to do to get there.

F&D: One of the most exciting events for ASAE & The Center in2008 year was the first-ever Global Summit on Social Responsibility.What stands out to you as the most important accomplishment of thisevent? Graham: The Global Summit on Social Responsibility was a hugeachievement for ASAE & The Center and the greater communityof associations and nonprofit organizations that committed to thisvery important issue. We hosted the Summit last spring and havebeen working very diligently to continue the momentum and theaspirations of our members and friends. It was the first meetingwhere we had participants on site, along with folks who participat-ed at a total of 19 connected sites across the world and online. Itwas truly a global experience and we made some very importantcommitments to be more socially responsible. A number of differ-ent projects emerged during the event with commitments to fur-ther explore each idea following the Summit. Everyone is veryexcited about our efforts and we are looking forward to taking thenext steps.

F&D: How can an awareness of, and a commitment to, social respon-sibility be part of a meeting, convention or trade show?Graham: Personally, I think that all organizations should adopt asocial responsibility initiative and work closely with staff, membersand stakeholders to become more socially responsible. Even thesmallest steps, like starting a recycling campaign or adopting alocal school, can have a big impact on the greater community. Themeetings and conventions industry has a lot of potential to updatethe way we’re doing business with respect to social responsibility.

Continued from page 9

Continued on page 64

P L A N N E RG U I D E S

Elizabeth Buckley OKLAHOMA CITY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAUä 1,680 rooms downtown,

15,000 citywideä Cox Business Services

Convention Center, featuring100,000 sq. ft. Exhibit Hall

ä Bricktown Dining & Entertainment District

Page: xx

Yulita Osuba ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTERä 74 meeting rooms/235 breakout

rooms & 62,182-sq.-ft.multi-purpose room

ä SeaWorld, Walt Disney World,& 10,000 fine dining seats

ä 113,000 Hotel RoomsPage: xx

Page 66: 2008 Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

64 Facilities & Destinations PLanner Guide

FOR A LONGER VERSION OFTHIS INTERVIEW VISIT

WWW.FACILITIESONLINE.COM

And this is something that many organizations that represent thisindustry have already implemented. Their commitment to socialresponsibility is portrayed in the increased number of green meet-ings and events, for instance. Many organizations took steps toreduce their impact on the environment, starting with reducinghandouts and paper waste, and providing reusable bags andreusable water bottles.

F&D: What is the biggest challenge now for Association Executivesand how has the ASAE responded to that challenge? Graham: Anytime you have a sluggish economy, you have to makesure everything you’re doing as a membership organization isresponsive, timely and absolutely essential to your constituency.Another challenge we see is around oversight, and the increasedscrutiny all types of tax-exempt organizations are encounteringfrom Congress, the IRS, the media and other outside entities. Weare living in an environment where disclosure and transparency areimportant, but we also want to be certain additional requirementsimposed on the community don’t hamper their ability to carry outtheir essential purpose.

F&D: What are the leading issues convention planners face in thisnew century?Graham: Although it’s impossible to predict what will change inthe upcoming years, it’s very likely that many members will beaffected by the rising price of gas and airline travel. We might seesome emerging trends where associations organize meetings in

locations easily accessible to a majority of attendees and adjustcosts of their events to be more affordable with the rising costs oftransportation. I also believe we continue to feel the effects, post9/11, of the difficulty of obtaining a visa to come to the U.S. Thisis especially true of those meetings with large international atten-dance.

F&D: What change in the meetings and convention industry is some-thing you wouldn’t have been able to conceive of when you started inthis profession?Graham: The transformation, particularly with trade show, from athree-day event once a year to a 24/7 - 365 day event. With newtechnology, the trade show is being extended in virtual timethroughout the year. It starts with face to face interaction at aphysical trade show and is continued through virtual interactionand then renewed again at the trade show. This increases the ROIfor both the customer and supplier, and they are better able tomonetize their relationship.

F&D: Will it replace the “physical” trade show?Graham: No. It adds value to the relationship between the twoparties, but you will still need the face-to-face experience. Theexciting thing is that you can do both.

Continued from page 63

Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center.........27

ASAE & The Center ..................................................10

Austin Convention Center........................................15

Baton Rouge Convention and Visitors Bureau.......16

Charleston Civic Center ...........................................17

CSAE/SCDA...............................................................22

Daytona Beach Area

Convention and Visitors Bureau ..............................19

Facilities Media Group ............................................C4

Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County ................21

HSMAI ........................................................................18

Jackson Convention Complex ................................C2

Kansas City Convention

& Entertainment Facilities ........................................23

KEPPLER Speakers ....................................................60

Lake George Area In NY’S Adirondacks ................C3

Meadowlands Exposition Center ............................25

Monona Terrace Convention Center.......................28

ADVERTISER INDEXMPI ...............................................................................7

Norfolk Convention and Visitors Bureau ................53

Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau29, 31

Orange County Convention Center........................33

PCMA .........................................................................42

PLI ...............................................................................61

Providence Warwick

Convention and Visitors Bureau ..............................51

Puerto Rico Convention and Visitors Bureau .........37

Rhode Island Convention Center Complex ...........35

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

Scanticon Hotel and Conference Center................45

Sheraton Puerto Rico

Convention Center Hotel & Casino ........................41

SMG/K’nekt ..............................................................4-5

University Center.......................................................43

University of Virginia

Alumni Association ...................................................44

Page 67: 2008 Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

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To learn about successful events held in the Lake George Areain New York’s Adirondacks call 800-365-1050 xC844 or go to~

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Page 68: 2008 Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

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Let us create a package for your current marketing program!Call: Michael Caffin, Associate Publisher 212 532 4150 ext 103

FACILITIES & DESTINATIONS DELIVERS THE MARKET YOU NEED.