Photo credit: Hilton Hotels

In the talk-first world of sales Katherine Floyd has seized upon a rewarding and refreshing lesson that paves her successful way in the hospitality industry. “You have two eyes, two ears and one mouth. Use them in that order,” says the senior sales manager at the Hyatt Regency Houston, echoing the sage advice she received from her boss nine years ago when the Texas Tech grad got her start. She can list her many accolades, including the 2010 Manager Award of Excellence, but Floyd would rather discuss the true rewards of her job: being able to travel the world, indulging her competitive instincts and meeting all kinds of people. Whether quoting Albert Einstein or reciting the glass-half-full adage, Floyd demonstrates a healthy mentality that, combined with her work ethic and personable nature, means she’s ready to excel in any role. Advice she would pass on? “Learn something from every situation. Give credit where credit is due. At the end of the day, client or supplier, we are all people with the common goal of being successful…The important part is how we get there together. And always, always keep your sense of humor!” —Brian Lee

<< Courtney Eison                                                              Annette Frisby >>

Nathan Tollett goes a little above and beyond to attract conventions to Houston. He dressed up in a DHL courier uniform to meet one of the company’s executives at the airport for a site visit and rode a cow around the George R. Brown Convention Center dressed as a deli manager in an effort to get group business. It’s paid off: He’s roped in high-profile groups including the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association and Microsoft. He’ll put on a costume to win the hearts of prospective groups, but the reason he’s successful probably has more to do with his overall job strategy. “It’s pretty simple: Ask questions, be a good listener, be creative and think outside the box,” Tollett says. “It’s not what we have, it’s what the customer needs… [and we try] to position their needs and requirements with our infrastructure and resources. There are a lot of great cities in this country, a lot of great hotels, restaurants and convention centers, but it’s the people that really make the difference.” When not working hard to lure groups to town, Tollett enjoys connecting with his industry by staying active with PCMA and serving as a board member for the HSMAI.  —Lisa Plummer

<< Lindsay Smith Arell                                                          Danielle Weinstein >>

With sweeping desert valleys and cactus-strewn landscapes, the four states of the beautiful and diverse Southwest are scenic and complex. From the hip and urban to the charming and intimate, each city possesses its own distinct flavor, energy and personality. From dynamic metropolises to boutique towns, Southwest cities are meccas for outdoor lovers and adventurous spirits, as well as faith-based planners seeking to add a little spice to their events.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

With 310 days of sunshine per year, the historic capital city of Albuquerque is a prime destination for outdoor-minded groups. It’s also the hot air ballooning capital of the world. Famous for its chili-infused cuisine, the city features plenty of local restaurants serving up New Mexican flavor and culture.

“Albuquerque has always been an enchanting city to me,” says Sylvia Corral, coordinator for the Church of God’s annual North American Women’s Ministry Retreat. “Our church has held various ventures in Albuquerque, and it is centrally located for our membership to attend, but really [I pick it] because I love the city.”

The group of 150 women especially enjoyed shopping and lunching in Old Town Albuquerque, a serene, historic village with more than shops, boutiques, galleries and artists’ studios. Corral hopes to return to the city during the famed Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, held each year during the first week of October. As the largest ballooning event in the world with a mass ascension of more than 600 hot air balloons, this most-photographed event on earth attracts more than 100,000 people.

Besides fun festivals, great shopping, Southwest cuisine and other activities, Albuquerque’s hotels appeal to a variety of groups. Take the new Hotel Parq Central, which sits on historic Route 66 on the site of the city’s old Memorial Hospital. It’s a 1920s-themed, 74-room boutique hotel with a business center and three meeting rooms totaling 2,600 square feet. Within walking distanceof the trendy Edo (east of downtown) district with restaurants and up-and-coming galleries, the hotel works for smaller groups looking for a property with history and personality.

More than 16,000 hotel rooms spread throughout the rest of the city, many of which are in Southwestern-themed hotels, and 900 are within walking distance of the 600,000-sq.-ft. Albuquerque Convention Center. The downtown convention center has 27 meeting rooms, a 31,000-sq.-ft ballroom and 2,300-seat Kiva Auditorium.

Grapevine, Texas

Named for the wild Mustang grapes that blanketed the land when settlers arrived in 1844, Grapevine is an internationally recognized trendsetter in the wine industry and a popular destination for groups that love big-city flavors combined with a small-town, family-friendly atmosphere.

That’s why Leadership Training for Christ makes Grapevine a repeat destination for its annual North Texas Leadership Training for Christ Convention. “Regardless of [where] you’re from, [the people] make you feel like you belong, like you’re family returning home for a holiday visit,” says Danny Holmes, LTFC board member and director.

Located 10 minutes from the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Grapevine has 19 hotel properties with 800,000 square feet of meeting space, three golf courses, a recreational lake and shopping outlets. A signature attraction is Historic Downtown Grapevine, with its old town-style variety of shops, restaurants, wineries and thriving arts community. Family-friendly attractions set to open soon include the Legoland Discovery Center and the Sea Life Aquarium. They will be part of the sprawling Grapevine Mills Mall, which already has a Bass Pro Shop, 30-screen movie theater, ice skating rink and almost any chain restaurant an attendee could imagine.

Faith-based groups in need of meeting space with a fun environment have a tough decision in Grapevine. The city has the Great Wolf Lodge, which has an indoor waterpark with nine water slides and 20,000 square feet of meeting space. The Gaylord Texan, by comparison, is all about Texas pride. From cowboy-themed carpet in its 400,000 square feet of meeting space to a replica of the Alamo in the atrium, the expansive resort makes it impossible for attendees to forget they’re in Texas. They can find everything they need at Gaylord with shops and multiple restaurants and club areas, each available for private events, all on-site.

Houston, Texas

Houston Discovery Green Park

Besides its rugged pioneering and ranching heritage, Texas is home to a variety of convention cities big and small. And if planning big faith-based meetings is your thing, Houston just might be the right place. Its downtown area alone claims two of the top convention facilities in the country: the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRBCC) and Reliant Park.

Recent economic development makes the area even more of a draw, with newer amenities including the 12-acre Discovery Green park, hotels, restaurants, and the Houston Pavilions multi-use entertainment and retail development. The area continues to expand: The 262-room Embassy Suites Hotel, which includes 6,000 square feet of meeting and event space, opens in 2011, overlooking Discovery Green.

The Auxiliaries in Ministry (AIM) Convention returns to Houston and the GRBCC in July after a five-year absence. AIM draws tens of thousands of attendees to its annual meeting, which features training, worship services, youth activities, missions motivation, community outreach and more. “[Houston is] excellent for us as our people travel from all across the country and from international locations,” says Keith Kershaw, vice-chair of logistics for the AIM Convention. “We had been to the city once prior with positive results and feedback … Hotel prices, the basic hotel package in the immediate area of the convention center and the variety of eatery and shopping choices all aided in our decision [to return].”

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Known for its ancient pueblos, adobe churches, Southwestern cuisine and art galleries, the boutique city of Santa Fe is a friendly, relaxing, artsy town.

Within a short walking distance from downtown action, which includes hotels, restaurants, museums and shopping, is the state-of-the-art Santa Fe Convention Center, a LEED Gold-certified facility that features 40,000 square feet of event space, an 18,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 11 breakout rooms, building-wide wireless Internet and an outdoor courtyard in the middle of the center.

Artistic and historic amenities are plentiful in Santa Fe, so groups have no problem keeping themselves occupied outside the meeting room. Featuring permanent and temporary exhibitions spanning the early history of indigenous people, the 2-year-old New Mexico History Museum is the centerpiece of a diverse campus dedicated to New Mexico historical education and research. Another must-see is the new Santa Fe Railyard, a 50-acre, multipurpose gathering place with a farmers market, 10-acre park with a kid’s play area, restaurants, shops and galleries. And guests will have no trouble getting around Santa Fe, thanks to the city’s public transportation system.

Tucson, Arizona

Mission San Xavier

Nestled in a scenic valley adorned with groves of saguaro cacti, the Sonoran Desert city of Tucson is one of Southern Arizona’s best meeting destinations. Due to its range of hotels, resorts and meetings venues, and added affordability in the summer, Tucson is a repeat destination for many religious groups.

Wanting to try a new destination for its annual Feast of Tabernacles, the Philadelphia Church of God chose Tucson for its 2010 meeting in September. The group of more than 500 had such a great experience, it plans to return for the next two years. PCG Convention Planner Jason Cocomise says the professional service and warm reception the group received from the Hilton El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort and the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau clinched its decision to return.

“For our group, something new made [Tucson] very appealing,” says Cocomise. “We wanted a change of scenery from … where we had been for the previous five years. The MTCVB and their fine staff was a huge asset to our group. Our group raved about the Hilton El Con Resort and surrounding area and can’t wait to go back for 2011 and 2012.”

Whether returning to the city or enjoying it for the first time, groups can choose from a host of venues within Tucson’s steadily growing hospitality community. One of the city’s newest hotel properties is The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, located at the foothills of the Tortolita Mountains. This beautiful resort features 250 guest rooms and suites, three ballrooms (9,000, 5,000 and 2,100 square feet), five meeting rooms, four restaurants, 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, and 17,000-sq.-ft. spa and fitness center. Adventure-seekers can take advantage of the resort’s outdoor activities including horseback riding, hiking, cattle penning, biking, bird-watching and stargazing.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

ONEOK Field

Oklahoma inspired the famed Rodgers and Hammerstein musical bearing its name, and though the state’s Old West spirit remains alive, it’s a modern meeting destination. That’s obvious in the comfortably cosmopolitan city of Tulsa. Affordable and easy to navigate, Tulsa is a friendly, personable town with plenty to do during off-site hours.

Tulsa has become a repeat destination for Christ In Youth’s three youth-oriented events. “Tulsa has been incredible cost-wise, and every year when looking for new locations, it is always at the top of our list for returning,” says Tommy Nobis, junior high operations director for Know Sweat, the annual service event for junior and senior high schoolers. “It’s large enough to have the resources we need but is a size that parents feel good about sending their students to.”

Tulsa has an appealing mix of big-city amenities and small-town friendliness and atmosphere. Thanks to a multimillion dollar investment in the city’s downtown area, there are more meetings, hotel and entertainment choices for groups, including the recently completed $50.5 million renovation and expansion of the Tulsa Convention Center that now has the state’s largest ballroom at 30,000 square feet. In addition, a new $39.2 million ONEOK Field ballpark is prime for group events. In the Greenwood District, it’s home to the Tulsa Drillers baseball team, and it’s a not-to-miss for sport-loving groups.

__________________________________________________________

Site Visits | For more Southwest places, click on the images below.

Las Cruces, New Mexico

Mini-Time Machine Museum of Miniatures

With the economy still on its bumpy path to recovery, meeting planners within most faith-based organizations will continue watching their costs closely in 2010, making it critical to get the most value for every meeting and event dollar.

The good news is that cities nationwide are pulling out all the stops to offer as much value as they can to faith-based groups, especially those still considering where they’ll hold meetings and events this year. Following are some of the value cities we’ve identified that you may want to consider in 2010 and beyond:

Chattanooga, Tennessee: Steve Genovesi, the vice president of Sales and Marketing for the Chattanooga Area CVB, notes that Chattanooga was ranked No. 5 in the nation recently by Expo Magazine for affordable rooms and banquets. “Many of our hotels are willing to confirm room rates four or five years in advance,” he adds. “And our expanded 185,000-sq.-ft. convention center offers reduced (and in some cases free) rentals based on hotel rooms used. The center also offers extensive equipment use free of charge and has banquet pricing that can range from 10-30 percent less than large city venues.”

The Chattanooga CVB offers a variety of free services that usually aren’t found in larger cities. “For example, for a group that is 500 peak rooms or more, we will offer free staffing services, free Web housing, VIP gifts and online and promotional materials, just to name a few,” says Genovesi. In addition, Chattanooga is a mid-sized city with a very accessible and walkable downtown featuring numerous value-added attractions for faith-based groups, including the world-renowned Tennessee Aquarium and the Southern Belle Riverboat.

Houston, Texas: “Dollars have always gone further in Houston,” says Pamela E. Benson, national account executive with the Greater Houston CVB. “In 2009, Hotwire.com ranked Houston No. 6 in its Travel Value Index of affordable U.S. destinations based on airfare, hotel rates, car rental prices and entertainment offerings.”

Getting around downtown Houston is cheap and easy with “Six in the City,” which offers a flat $6 rate for all cab rides within downtown. And you can save nearly 50 percent off admission prices at Houston’s most popular attractions with a CityPass, which gives you access to Space Center Houston, the Houston Zoo, the Museum of Fine Arts and several other attractions for $39.

Houston is the home base for Continental Airlines, which makes it easy and affordable to get in and out of the city. Texas is also a “right to work” state, which means labor costs are lower at the George R. Brown Convention Center — in most instances, about 30 percent cheaper than competing cities, according to Benson.

Greensboro, North Carolina: “The Middle is the Best Part” is the slogan of this city located in the dead center of North Carolina and the middle of the East Coast; it’s a five-hour drive from both Atlanta and Washington, D.C. This makes it affordable to get there, and once you arrive, you’ll enjoy free shuttles from the airport to many hotels and free parking at 88 of the city’s 89 hotels.

“The Greensboro Area CVB customizes services to fit our clients because one size doesn’t fit all,” says Tonya W. Miller, religious sales manager for the Greensboro Area CVB. “We offer a wealth of convention services, including facility and attraction information, site inspections, assistance securing bid proposals, promotional brochures and DVDs, registration assistance, media assistance and more.”

While in Greensboro, you may want to visit the new International Civil Rights Center & Museum, which opened in February. “Greensboro has more than 400 churches within the city limits,” Miller adds. “We are fortunate to be able to utilize volunteers from local churches when meetings are held here — their support has been key to the success of many religious conventions.”

Pensacola and Santa Rosa County, Florida: The Northwest Florida Gulf Coast is best known as the home of the world’s whitest beaches, but there are plenty of other reasons to plan your meeting or event in the historic city of Pensacola or its neighbors. For starters, hotel rates are very reasonable for a city of this size, with rooms at independent hotels in the heart of the downtown arts and entertainment district available for as little as $79 a night. When your meetings are over, you can choose from a wide variety of fun activities that cost little or nothing. These include visiting the Naval Aviation Museum, one of the world’s largest air and space museums; watching the world-famous Blue Angels practice; touring historic Fort Barrancas at the Pensacola Naval Air Station; catching a free outdoor concert at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach; or just strolling and browsing the shops, galleries and restaurants located throughout the Pensacola Historic District.

Just east of Pensacola, Santa Rosa County encompasses Navarre, Milton and Baghdad. Known for its “from river to beaches” environment, it’s a cost-effective escape from the hustle and bustle of many other popular beaches in the area, offering a combination of relaxation and family-oriented activities. Milton’s downtown district features affordable dining and shopping with quaint restaurants and an abundance of antique, gift and accessory stores. Groups enjoy tubing, canoeing and camping at Blackwater River State Park or Coldwater Creek.

Tampa, Florida: The collection of low-cost carriers that serve the Tampa International Airport has helped make the region one of the country’s least expensive in terms of the cost of flying there. It’s located just 15 minutes from downtown Tampa and at least 40 different hotels offer complimentary round-trip airport shuttles.

Once you’re downtown, getting around is easy and inexpensive via Tampa’s air-conditioned electric streetcars, which you can ride all day long for just $5. The streetcar line connects most hotels to the convention center, Florida Aquarium, St. Pete Times Forum and the historic Landmark District, Ybor City. After the workday is done, head down to the beach and Bayshore Boulevard, the world’s longest uninterrupted sidewalk (4.5 miles) and “one of the most beautiful thoroughfares in the nation,” according to AAA.

Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast, North Carolina: This area offers accommodations and meeting facilities to suit the budget of any small- or medium-sized faith-based group, says Connie Nelson, the communications and PR director for the Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast CVB. “And when the new Wilmington Convention Center opens this fall, we will be able to accommodate even larger meetings.”

Wilmington and the Cape Fear Coast is a year-round destination with dozens of free and low-cost annual events and festivals. Nelson says that two of the largest are the North Carolina Azalea Festival in early April and the Riverfest in early October. “For conventioneers who want to extend their stay on their own, there are many leisure travel packages listed on our CVB’s Web site (cape-fear.nc.us/specials).” Also visit sunnysavers.com for last-minute hotel discounts.

Lexington, Kentucky: “We are always bragging on our affordability,” says Dennis Johnston, CDME, with the Lexington CVB. “Not only do we offer complimentary airport shuttles, but all of our hotels offer free parking. Relative to other cities, this could be a savings of up to $30 a day in parking alone.” In addition, the Lexington Convention Center offers rebates to groups that qualify.

A trip to the heart of bluegrass country would be incomplete without a visit to Keeneland Race track, where the general admission fee is just $5. At the Kentucky Horse Park, home of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010, admission is $9. “But the biggest bargain could be the Equestrian Games themselves,” says Johnston. “General admission to the largest equestrian event in the world is only $25.” The games occur just every four years and will be held from September 25 through October 10 this year.

Wilmington, Delaware: Easy access, a tax-free environment and a wide variety of attractions and amenities make this city an especially attractive option. “There’s no sales tax on meeting rooms, food and beverages, or entertainment and shopping, and our lodging tax is lower than surrounding areas,” notes Esther Lovlie, the director of sales and marketing, meetings, events and group tours at the Greater Wilmington CVB. “This translates into an immediate return on investment for faith-based meeting planners who hold their events here.”

Greater Wilmington has more than 6,000 hotel rooms and 300 meeting spaces, ranging from the Chase Center on the Riverfront with 87,000 square feet to facilities like the Delaware Museum of Natural History and the Delaware Art Museum. This year, the Greater Wilmington CVB is once again offering a transportation incentive to help faith-based meeting planners reduce their costs. To be eligible, a minimum of 100 room nights must be generated and a contract signed with a Greater Wilmington CVB member hotel by July 30, 2010, with the event taking place by May 15, 2011.

Amarillo, Texas: This mid-sized north Texas city offers free shuttles between host hotels and the Amarillo Civic Center and free meeting space at the civic center for qualifying groups. It features many low- and no-cost things to do, including the Amarillo Botanical Gardens, where admission is free through the end of June and $5 after that; the Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian, Palo Duro Canyon State Park and Wildcat Bluff Nature Center, all $5 per person or less; Galleries at Sunset Center and Historic Route 66, both free; and the Amarillo Livestock Auction and Museum of Art are also both free all year long.

Lansing, Michigan: The state capitol and home of the Michigan State Spartans, this centrally located city offers a small town feel and pricing but with big city amenities, says Tracy Padot, vice president, marketing communications with the Greater Lansing CVB. “Most hotels and facilities offer free parking and most are willing to work with planners on special requests. The community prides itself on upfront pricing and planners won’t incur hidden fees at the end of their event.”
Hotels and facilities in Lansing are in close proximity to each other, and most are located within 3-15 miles of the city’s primary convention facility, the Lansing Center. The Lansing Center is connected to the Radisson Hotel Lansing via a covered pedway and is within walking distance to more than 50 different dining and nightlife options. And there’s free admission and parking at over a dozen museums, cultural attractions, galleries and gardens. “Qualified groups are eligible to receive special services,” Padot adds, “such as free shuttles and convention center rebates.”

Charleston, West Virginia: This mid-sized city near the border of West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio is easily accessible via car or air. All of Charleston’s downtown hotels are located only seven minutes from the airport and accessible via free shuttles. Simply inform your hotel of your arrival time and wait for a free pickup.

“Our city’s hotel rates in most instances are lower than any comparable city in America, and parking is free at all our limited service properties,” says Todd Morris, the Charleston CVB’s faith-based and military event sales manager. “We also have an incentive plan to assist with meeting space cost that is based on the estimated economic impact that a group generates.” Among the affordable activities and attractions to choose from in Charleston are free tours of the state capitol building and governor’s mansion, the West Virginia State Museum at the Culture Center, walking tours of the historic homes in Charleston, and visits to Coonskin Park and the Blenko Glass Factory.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Gatlinburg is another destination where visitors enjoy the ability to walk to most amenities. “The Gatlinburg Convention Center is centrally located downtown, with numerous lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment options within easy walking distance,” says David Perella, director of tourism for the City of Gatlinburg. “This reduces transportation costs for groups.” In addition, Gatlinburg’s Trolley System, located just outside the doors of the convention center, offers inexpensive and reliable transportation.

The Gatlinburg Convention Center’s policies are designed to be flexible to accommodate the specific needs of each group, he adds. “We offer our own multi-media AV equipment and support on-site, and our food pricing is varied and very reasonable. Meeting attendees will find Gatlinburg offerings affordable when compared to major convention destinations.”

“Faith-based groups and meetings are the life blood of Gatlinburg,” Perella stresses. “Many Gatlinburg lodging properties offer discounts, group rates and value-added options to help meeting attendees and their families enjoy attractions and dining. Gatlinburg attractions are plentiful, family-friendly, affordably priced and very willing to cater to groups. Among the most popular area attractions are the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, and the thriving eight-mile loop of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community.

Springfield, Missouri: The annual Corporate Travel Index published by Business Travel News consistently ranks Springfield as one of the least expensive cities in the nation for visitors. “Meeting and convention planners are always pleasantly surprised at how affordable Springfield is,” says Susan Wade, public relations manager for the Springfield CVB.

The third-largest city in Missouri, Springfield offers about 6,000 hotel rooms at various price points and several options for meeting facilities, including the Expo Center downtown with more than 120,000 square feet of exhibition space. A new program launched this year called We’ll Meet It or Beat It sweetens the deal: Meeting planners can bring proposals from other cities and if Springfield can’t meet them or beat them, the planner will get $500.

Virginia Beach, Virginia: Centrally located on the East Coast, Virginia Beach is within a day’s drive of two-thirds of America’s population. If arriving by air, Norfolk International Airport is just 20 minutes from the oceanfront and offers nearly 200 flights daily, including low cost carriers.

This affordable year-round resort city boasts 12,000 hotel rooms. The Convention Services Team can customize an incentive package for large groups that use the Virginia Beach Convention Center between September and May, including facility usage and transportation. Opened in 2008, the convention center features a 150,000-sq.-ft., column-free exhibit hall, a 31,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 29,000 square feet of meeting space, and 2,230 free parking spaces.

Spring and fall in Virginia Beach bring economical hotel rates and added value with mild temperatures and a multitude of free “attractions,” such as walking the award-winning boardwalk or enjoying entertainment at the oceanfront. Attendees can also tour the Virginia Aquarium, which recently opened a $25 million renovation, and the Marine Science Center.

“In general, new hotels will use discounting to try to gain initial market share,” Bjorn Hanson, a clinical associate professor at the Tisch Center for Hospitality, told The New York Times. “This will last a long time, because there is no imminent occupancy recovery. And existing hotels will face increased price competition from hotels, which will require additional discounting.”

The lodging markets in New York and Houston were ripe for hotel growth several years ago. From 2004 through 2008, occupancy levels were at 85 percent in New York. By 2011, New York City hotel inventory is expected to exceed 90,000 rooms. People relocating to Houston after Hurricane Katrina made occupancy rates unusually high, making the hotel market an attractive investment. Houston is now home to 60,000 hotel rooms ranging from limited service to luxury.

“Hotel building cycles rarely mesh just right with economic cycles,” says Mark Lomanno, president of Smith Travel Research. Planning a new hotel can take two to four years, with construction taking an additional one to four years. Most of the hotels opening in 2010 were on drawing boards years ago, when the economy was healthy and demand for rooms strong.

“Once you put the foundation in the ground and start with construction, from an investment point of view, it almost always makes the most sense to proceed, even if market demand appears shaky,” he says, “because a completed and operational hotel can generate some revenue to defray development costs.”

But the buyer’s market won’t last forever. Some industry insiders already see a rebound on the horizon. Smith Travel Research released encouraging year-end numbers recently, which show that luxury demand increased 5 percent to 8 percent in each of the last six months, and is now at levels comparable to demand levels during the boom that drove rates to record highs in 2007.

Meetings in the Lone Star State can prove a nice surprise to planners and attendees, thanks to the state’s amazing diversity. 

By Marc Boisclair

Finding that all-encompassing group destination often seems, at best, an elusive if not impossible task. Some attendees need a post-meeting break by the beach; others crave arts and culture; still others insist on time out for fine dining, entertainment, and recreation. Fortunately, Texas offers all of that and more, particularly the types of venues and accommodations bound to put a smile on any planner’s face. In fact, the Lone Star State often surprises planners with its affordability, easy access and down-to-earth attitude.

“One of the things that makes Texas great for faith-based groups is our unknowns,” says Tina Teague, convention sales manager for the Amarillo CVC. Given the state’s enormous size (more than 574,000 square miles), many people are not yet familiar with the land, its people, and all that they have to offer. “We could easily be divided into several different states based on our climate and the speed with which we live,” says Teague. 

Indeed, while Texas carries three of the nation’s most populous cities—Dallas, Houston and San Antonio—the state is also home to a slew of popular second-tier destinations, plus scores of small towns and rural villages. “People come here and find themselves stepping outside of their comfort zone and enjoying the new surroundings,” she says. “The larger cities offer excitement, while in Amarillo, we like to take our time, smell the roses, and enjoy the moment.”

Old West Meets New Millennium

Another nice surprise about meeting in Texas: the marriage of history and modern conveniences. To wit, downtown San Antonio features several major, stylish and tech-savvy meeting properties, all within an easy trip to the state’s most iconic landmark, the Alamo. That mix of old and new provides a draw that can bring attendees in early and have them staying well past the closing night gala.

“Texas is very historic to begin with, and our area in particular has a lot of history and culture,” says Brenda Scott, VP of sales and marketing for the Bryan-College Station CVB. Scott cites at least 11 museums within her destination, places attractive for their cultural quality and as unique venue options. “That’s part of this town’s family atmosphere, and it becomes part of the overall package when you’re promoting and bidding,” she says.

Activities abound here, a huge plus for attendees who make their annual meeting a family vacation in the process. “Even though our town has been here for a while, we have a number of new hotels and venues, including a mall, restaurants, major bowling alley and a number of pro sports facilities,” says LaChelle Evans, sales manager for the SMERF market at the Frisco CVB. 

And Frisco, not unlike Plano and several other mid-level Texas destinations, is conveniently located between major highways and airports for easy access in and out of town. “It’s like a resort feel,” says Evans. “Groups come for a meeting, bring their families, and everything is here that they need.”

That concept works well for Donna Anderson, CEM, operations director for the Covenant Church who often books her educational meetings and leadership retreats in Frisco. “The service is excellent, the location and parking are good, and it’s convenient having everything under one roof.” 

Texans also understand the value of a dollar well-spent. “We have 18 hotels in Grapevine and can meet every price range,” says Ashlee Van Blarcom, tourism sales manager for the CVB. “We can help people on a budget all the way up to a higher-end property.” 

And if you can’t find the right fit in one destination, there’s a cooperative spirit throughout the state that will help them work things out elsewhere. “In that respect we’re a very good state for conventions,” says Amarillo’s Teague. “We figure that if you ever bring a meeting here and have a good experience, then you’ll come back again. We’re happy to refer business or help planners find the best convention facilities that will meet their needs.”

New and Exciting

Centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth, Irving is an area that will see more than $2 billion in hotel, retail, entertainment, and meeting facility development in the next three years. A 100,000-square-foot conference and event space is scheduled to open fall 2010 in conjunction with a Las Colinas area entertainment complex. The master-planned community will welcome NYLO Las Colinas Hotel with 200 loft-style rooms in May 2009.

Trinity Fellowship in Amarillo has opened its new 360-degree, 4,000-seat sanctuary, a $15 million facility that also houses classrooms, a youth atrium and is available for group functions. The Panhandle city also opened a new 90-room Hilton Garden Inn with meeting space in January. Odessa offers several new value-minded hotels with event space this year, including a 102-room Holiday Inn Express, a 116-room Comfort Inn & Suites and a 108-unit, extended stay TownePlace Suites by Marriott. A new Best Western property in Odessa is currently under construction. 

In Austin, the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center has opened on the University of Texas campus. Highlights of the new facility include three restaurants, 297 guestrooms, 40,000 square feet of meeting space and a fitness center. Hotels continue to sprout across the Texas capital as well. Among the planned properties: a 1,000-room Marriott convention center hotel, $225 million Block 21/W Hotel, 340-room Westin at the Domain and a 300-room Warehouse District Westin, with a JW Marriott, Hyatt Place and 21C Museum Hotel also in the works. New and renovated Austin venues including the Long Center for the Performing Arts the Bass Concert Hall/ University of Texas Performing Arts Center.

The McNay Art Museum in San Antonio has unveiled its new Stieren Center, part of a recent $50.8 million expansion and renovation. The city also sports a new 1,000-room Grand Hyatt Hotel, while a 1,000-room JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa (featuring two TPC golf courses, a 26,000-sq.-ft. spa, and 140,000 square feet of meeting space) is expected on line some time in 2010. By May, San Antonio’s Westin La Cantera Resort, adjacent to Six Flags Fiesta Texas, expects to complete a $12 million renovation of its meeting space, public space, and guestrooms. 

An October opening is planned for the new, $65 million wing of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. The final phase of the $338 million Dallas Center for the Performing Arts (opera, musical theater, classical theater, and ballet) should also be wrapped up by October of this year.

 The Hyatt Regency Dallas has completed a $23 million renovation of its 50-story Reunion Tower. Neighboring Cumberland Hall has wrapped up a $9 million redo, while adjacent Union Station, also available for group functions, has finished its own $23 million makeover. 

The Renaissance Dallas Hotel has completed a $15 million makeover of its 514 guestrooms. Future plans at the 30-story property include a major restaurant upgrade, a rooftop garden and putting green, and a new 16,000-square.-foot. Grand Ballroom.

Work is underway on Phase One of a $90 million renovation project at the Sheraton Dallas that will include a redesign of its public spaces, guest rooms and conference center. Autumn 2009 is when the 193-room aloft Dallas Downtown expects to open. 

Come September, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system will unveil the first three-mile leg of its 28-mile, Green Line expansion. 

Plans call for a full-service, 262-room Embassy Suites to be built adjacent to the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, for a scheduled 2010 opening. The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa has completed a $7.1 million renovation of its 288 guestrooms, while the Hotel Derek has wrapped up a $2.1 million redo of its own accommodations. Work continues on Asia House, a $30 million Asian arts and entertainment venue in Houston’s Museum District.

 The city’s new $200 million Houston Pavilions project has opened along three downtown blocks of the entertainment and retail district. The multi-use (dining, entertainment, retail, and office space) development includes a pair of new group venues: House of Blues, with three stages, two restaurants and the private Foundation Room, and Lucky Strikes Lanes, which includes a private lounge. The Showgrounds venue, which holds up to 9,000 for live music and entertainment events, has opened at Sam Houston Race Park. Families should also appreciate the new Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark, a 30,000-sq.-ft., in-ground center set in downtown Houston.

Other new projects are popping up across the state. In Bryan-College Station, the former Chimney Inn has completed a top-to-bottom renovation and has re-opened as the 98-room Econo Lodge. The 116-room Manor Inn College Station is undergoing a major renovation that will be completed by year’s end. The Residence Inn opened at the end of 2008 with 85 rooms, while a 100-room Best Western will open in July of 2009, featuring 4,000 square feet of meeting space. 

Work continues on the new $47 million Overton Hotel & Conference Center in Lubbock. With 304 guestrooms and an 11,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, the complex has a targeted debut set for July of this year. 

In Grapevine, the 404-room Great Wolf Lodge has opened with indoor and outdoor water parks, family-themed restaurants, and Scooops, a spa designed especially for kids. And in Frisco, just a half-hour from DFW International Airport, three new properties have opened: the 102-room Hilton Garden Inn, 109 all-suites Comfort Suites, and the 136-room boutique property aloft Frisco.  

Entertainment Options

Crockett Street Entertainment District in downtown Beaumont offers live music and outdoor festivals in a beautiful setting. Five historic buildings host Southeast Texas’ restaurants. Take in the exciting sounds and tastes of restored Crockett Street before kicking up your heels at the Dixie Dancing Hall.

Galveston is a city where people indulge in Spanish tapas and variety of Caribbean and Mexican food. Julu Hangout & Bar is the destination for locals and visitors looking for burgers, gourmet nachos, salads, and handcut French fries.

Frontier Texas! in Abilene is one of the only museums in the world that features life-sized holographic figures. Experience the Texas frontier between 1780 and 1880 with up close and personal accounts from buffalo hunters, Comanche warriors, explorers, and pioneers. You’ll feel the terror of a wolf attack, the chaos of a buffalo stampede, and the tension of a deadly card game shootout.

The Stockyards in Fort Worth is a location with unique attractions worth visiting. You’ll need an entire day to explore the word’s largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob’s Texas, which features its own indoor rodeo, dance floor, restaurants, and arcade games. Get lost in the Cowtown Cattlepen Maze with over 5,400 square feet of wooden pathways, resembling the
cattlepens of the old west. There’s tons to do in the stockyards; just be on the look out for the daily cattle drives.

For all you makeup enthusiasts, Addiso, is home to the Mary Kay Museum. Explore the history of Mary Kay Inc., and see how it progressed from a tiny storefront to the amazing success it is today. After you get your fill of foundation, head over to Village on the Parkway for a shopping experience like none other. With its Mediterranean inspired architecture, fountains, gazebos, wide boulevards and beautifully landscaped walkways, the Village on the Parkway invites visitors to window shop in style.

This story was originally published in the April 2009 issue of Rejuvenate magazine.