Texas Tips, Venues and Facts

• Who doesn’t love free? In Lewisville, the convention center, which opened in 2007, offers free high-speed and wireless Internet access in its meeting rooms. The 17,000-sq.-ft. facility is 10 minutes from the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

• College Station is home to one of the 30 top attractions in the state—the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Located on a 90-acre site west of Texas A&M University, the library completed an $8.3 million renovation in 2007.

• Frisco has adopted the slogan “A Texas Size Playground!” It’s easy to see why at Dr Pepper Ballpark, where attendees can meet on the field, enjoy a dine-around at the concession stands and party decks, and watch a baseball game from their hotel balconies.

• The Buddy Holly Center, located in the Depot District in Lubbock, is home to the most extensive collection on the life and music of Buddy Holly, who was born and raised in Lubbock. The historic building can host receptions, business meetings and other off-site events.

• “We’ve elevated ourselves,” says David DuBois, CMP, president and CEO of the Fort Worth CVB. He’s referring to the completion of the 1,000-room hotel complex near the city’s convention center, which includes a 614-room Omni and 431 renovated rooms at the Sheraton.

• Looking for a special off-site venue? You can find one in Odessa in the 410-seat Globe Theatre of the Great Southwest, an authentic replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre from London. The venue is located on the Odessa College campus.

• Attendees who want to take home authentic local goods can explore the more than 40 blocks of Laredo’s San Bernardo Avenue, which is lined with Mexican import vendors selling distinctive Mexican products made by master craftsmen.

• Host an event in Amarillo’s American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum. The museum’s Wall of Honor Plaza, Grand Hall, exhibits and galleries create a stunning setting for attendees whether they are familiar with the sport or not.

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Tips

See It First: The Alamo is one of San Antonio’s most popular attractions, but how much do you really know about the battle? Schedule a visit to see “Alamo: The Price of Freedom,” an IMAX docudrama, at Rivercenter mall just a block from the actual battle site.

Join the Fun: This year marks the 175th anniversary of Texas’ independence from Mexico. Cities across the state are celebrating with battle reenactments, living history exhibits, educational symposiums and other events. Find out what’s happening at txindependence175.org.

Go Online: Many destinations have resources for planners on their websites, but Beaumont’s site is an inclusive, one-stop shop for planners. Planners can search for third-party service providers, group-friendly restaurants, off-site meeting venues and attractions. You can also submit an RFP simply by clicking on the bobblehead of Freddie Willard, the director of sales.

Grab a Mask: Each year, Galveston hosts Texas’ largest Mardi Gras party at the beginning of March. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the event, which includes 12 days of concerts, parades and masked balls. If you’re meeting there in the spring, it’s best to plan around the popular event.