< PreviousDETROIT When You Meet in Detroit, You Get to Meet Detroit WW hen companies choose Detroit for their events, they’re investing in a city commit- ted to integrated sustainability — the envi- ronmental, cultural, and economic health of its citizens and neighborhoods. Entre- preneurs and small businesses are its heartbeat, infusing it with a rhythm and vibe you can only find here. As you explore downtown and the neighborhoods, you’ll get to know this city’s greatest resource: our people. Along with all the recent expan- sions, developments and accolades, now is the time to plan your next meeting in Detroit. If you’re looking for room to move, the Suburban Collec- tion Showplace in nearby Novi has been remodeled through- out. Spacious and elegant, metro Detroit’s premier conven- tion and expo center offers more than 300,000 square feet of exhibit floor and event space. This includes 90,000 square feet of new, additional column-free space with 40-foot ceilings. The recently opened 24,000-square-foot Legacy Ballroom overlooks the new exposition floor. The versatile Diamond Center and 124-room Hyatt Place Detroit/Novi are conve- niently attached. Detroit’s pioneering spirit continues to flourish as the first U.S. location for the Apple Developer Academy. In partnership with Michigan State University, the programs offer distinctive learning opportunities and discussions in app design, market- ing and other entrepreneurial topics. It will help expand the boundaries for people of color to enter this tech world, and fits perfectly with Detroit’s innovative spirit and pioneering diver- sity, equality and inclusion. In fact, Detroit is a hub for startup culture and proud to have 50,000 Black-owned businesses. After attending sessions indoors, getting outside is essen- tial. Detroit’s revitalized RiverWalk is a vibrant, 4-mile paved walkway along the Detroit River, filled with parks, pavilions, natural spaces and beautiful views of neighboring Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It was named Best Riverwalk in the Country in the 2021 USA Today/10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The RiverWalk connects with the Dequindre Cut, a former rail line for bike and foot traffic that’s colorfully decorated with murals, outdoor art and fun graffiti. Getting to and from Detroit is as easy as the conveniently located Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, a 20-min- ute drive to most downtown and suburban destinations. Detroit Metro has always been committed to delivering safe, quality customer experiences. In 2021, it earned Airports Council International’s 2020 Airport Service Quality Award by Size and Region, one of the highest honors in the aviation industry. The award was based on live research gathered from travelers. By supporting Detroit’s tourism industry, meetings and conventions are contributing to the preservation and growth of BIPOC spaces throughout the city. That economic boost helps Detroiters live and thrive in the city they’ve built with perseverance and pride. Now more than ever, in Detroit, it’s GO time. | AC&F | FACTS & FEATURES Total Guest Rooms: 40,000+ Total Hotels/Resorts: 330 Total Square Feet of Meeting Space: Metro Area: 1,144,847 Square Feet (Convention Centers) Convention Center FYI: The full-service, 2.4 million-square foot TCF Center is LEED Gold Certified and continually works to enhance its green initiatives. SUSAN RICHARDSON Vice President, Group and Convention Sales Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau 211 W. Fort Street, Suite 200 Detroit, MI 48226 313-202-1938 srichardson@visitdetroit.com visitdetroit.com AMERICA'S TOP MEETING & CONVENTION CITIES 30 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESSEPTEMBER 2021When you meet in Detroit, you get to meet Detroit and 50,000 Black-owned businesses, the people and places transforming our city. Case in point: DOSE of Detroit, a retail collective that features emerging and BIPOC-operated brands. The historic Avenue of Fashion is one of the oldest and largest shopping districts of Black-owned businesses in the country where you’ll feast your eyes on boutiques and galleries, and your appetite for delicious eats. Learn how Detroit Dirt converts food, green and other organic waste into nutrient-rich compost to create a more sustainable community. Connect with our people and immerse yourself in the vibes you’ll only find here. Plan your meeting in Detroit. MEET DETROIT’S CULTURE OF INNOVATION DOSE OF DETROIT THREE THIRTEEN NOW MORE THAN EVER, IT’S GO TIME. Scan to explore more Photo by Nick Hagen NARROW WAY CAFE Photo by Nick Hagen Photo by Alma Davila-ToroMEMPHIS 8 Great Reasons to Meet in Memphis 1. MEMPHIS IS A MUSIC CITY LIKE NO OTHER In the Home of Blues, Soul and Rock ‘n’ Roll, live music rocks seven nights a week from America’s most iconic street (Beale). And legendary music attractions — from the Blues Foundation’s Blues Hall of Fame and Sun Studio to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Elvis Presley’s Graceland — double as event venues. 2. MEMPHIS’ RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER IS ALL NEW Memphis’ Renasant Convention Center debuted its $200 million modernization in 2020. Expect a 118,000-square-foot, column-free exhibit hall — the largest in the region — with flex- ible space, natural light and mighty Mississippi River views. A 28,000-square-foot ballroom, 18,000-square-foot second- ary hall/ballroom, 2,100-seat theater and 46 breakout rooms round out the 300,000-square-foot facility that is GBAC STAR accredited through the Global BioRisk Advisory Council. 3. THAT’S NOT ALL THAT’S NEW IN MEMPHIS Its 2,000 new hotel rooms, a $245 million upgrade at Memphis International Airport (MEM) and Liberty Park, a $200 million sports and events center in the heart of the city, are part of a $17 billion wave of development currently transforming Memphis. 4. STILL, MEMPHIS IS A VALUE FOR GROUPS Memphis offers groups a relatively low cost-per-attendee, thanks to reasonable airport transfers, average daily rate and food-and-beverage costs. 5. MEMPHIS IS EASY TO GET TO (AND AROUND) Memphis’ central location means the city is a short flight, drive or train ride from almost anywhere in the U.S. In fact, Memphis is a 6- to 8-hour drive from 85% of the country, and MEM services 100 flights daily with 30 nonstop destinations. In-market, groups will enjoy Memphis’ compact, walkable downtown, plus transportation options, including vintage trol- leys and electric scooters. 6. MEMPHIS IS A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR PLANNERS The Memphis Tourism team works with planners every step of the way, whether you need logistics assistance or a local speaker in your vertical. Should you consider hosting your event at the Renasant Convention Center, it’s managed by Memphis Tourism, making your job even easier. 7. OF COURSE, MEMPHIS HAS MANY UNIQUE VENUES In addition to the Renasant Convention Center, groups are wowed by Memphis’ unique collection of event venues. Whether you opt for an after-hours tour of Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion, a reception on a glass-bottom deck atop one of the world’s largest pyramids (Bass Pro Shops at the Pyra- mid) or team-building at award-winning Memphis Zoo, only- in-Memphis venues guarantee memorable events. 8. MEMPHIS IS ALSO KNOWN FOR DELICIOUS FOOD Maybe it’s Southern hospitality, but Memphis has a repu- tation for feeding visitors well. World-famous barbecue, soul food and local favorites from casual to fine dining — all within walking distance of the Renasant Convention Center — help create that authentic Memphis experience. | AC&F | FACTS & FEATURES Total Guest Rooms: 4,000 rooms ready to book with 2,000 additional rooms in development in Memphis’ downtown core Total Hotels/Resorts: 25 group hotels citywide Total Square Feet of Meeting Space: 220,000 square feet of meeting space at group hotels city wide, plus 300,000 square feet of meeting space at the Renasant Convention Center downtown Convention Center FYI: Memphis Tourism is the managing partner of the modernized Renasant Convention Center, an easy walk to downtown hotels, restaurants, Beale Street and more. MALVIN GIPSON Vice President of Sales, Sports and Convention Services Memphis Tourism 47 Union Ave. Memphis, TN 38103 901-543-5366 malvingipson@memphistravel.com memphistravel.com AMERICA'S TOP MEETING & CONVENTION CITIES 32 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESSEPTEMBER 2021 PHOTO BY PHILLIP VAN ZANDTNEW ORLEANS A Unique Culture Primed and Ready for Meetings to Return NN ew Orleans is built to host world-class meetings and events. Welcoming visitors is truly part of the local culture. Planning and preparing for meetings and entertaining attendees are their specialty. The hospitality professionals, com- munity, cultural bearers and musicians create an experience so iconic that memories of the city stay with visitors long after they leave. New developments throughout the city continue to elevate the meeting experience. The recent completion of the state-of- the-art airport terminal at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport offers an even higher capacity for han- dling large groups of passengers in a safe and clean environment, and with space for social distancing thanks to more than 100 check-in counters and a consolidated security checkpoint that stretches 17 lanes wide. Renovations and improvements are ongoing at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (MCCNO), home to one of America’s largest contiguous exhibit halls with 1.1 million square feet of prime exhibit space. In the fall of 2019, MCCNO debuted a brand new, centrally located Transportation Center to allow shuttles, taxis and ride- shares to more efficiently move attendees to and from the Center. The Shuttle Hub is equipped with digital signage to help attendees easily identify their shuttles. In 2020, way- finding kiosks were installed throughout the lobbies. And, the new linear park, turning 7.5 acres of Convention Center Boulevard into a lush pedestrian park, was completed this year. The facility continues work on a $557 million improve- ment plan, including interior modernizations, renovations to its 140 meeting rooms, restroom renovations and a complete makeover of its exterior experience. NEW HOTELS Several new hotels have joined New Orleans’ robust inventory, including the Higgins Hotel & Conference Center at The National World War II Museum, as well as boutique properties like Maison de la Luz Hotel, a distinctive new lux- ury guest house and the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot. Plus the Four Seasons Hotel + Residences and the Virgin Hotel New Orleans are open or coming online later in the year. TAKE A LOOK New Orleans is a city known for joyous celebrations, gatherings of all kinds, and, of course, hosting memorable meetings and conventions. Plus, with 26,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,200 restaurants all within a 2-mile radius, New Orleans is one of the most walkable cities in America. This truly hospitable city welcomes everyone to the table as family, and it’s no stranger to overcoming challenges. As everyone continues to navigate the return to in-person events, New Orleans & Company is conducting in-person and virtual site-visits, providing local and industry updates, and working to accommodate the changing needs of every customer. No matter the situation, New Orleans & Compa- ny’s team becomes an extension of your entire event team, from sourcing to planning, marketing to executing. Take a new look at New Orleans and see how the one-of- a-kind culture, world-class cuisine, internationally recognized attractions and outstanding hospitality make this city the per- fect fit for your next event. | AC&F | FACTS & FEATURES Total Guest Rooms: 26,000+ downtown Total Square Feet of Meeting Space: 4 million Convention Center FYI: The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is home to 1.1 million square feet of prime contiguous exhibit space. STEPHANIE TURNER Sr. V.P., Convention Sales and Strategies New Orleans & Company 2020 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans, LA 70130 877-393-5836 cnvsales@neworleans.com neworleans.com/meeting-planners/ AMERICA'S TOP MEETING & CONVENTION CITIES 34 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESSEPTEMBER 2021Our long-time strengths of world class assets and walkability, combined with our profound commitment to you to forge a partnership that drives unparalleled success in producing an energizing experience for your executives, exhibitors, and attendees have been reimagined. The result...meetings that exceed your attendance, financial and business goals and imprint memories of experiences talked about for years. Choosing New Orleans is a win for you! Call us at 877-366-7425 or visit NewOrleans.com/Meetings to book. TAKE A NEW LOOK AT THIS HISTORIC CITY.ORLANDO Enhancing Amazing OO rlando is far more than the most visited desti- nation in the country. We’re also continually ranked as the nation’s No. 1 meeting destination by Cvent, hosting millions of meeting attendees annually from around the world. As we’ve proven time and again over the past year, Visit Orlando and the destination it represents are unparalleled when it comes to healthy meetings, as well as business travel. It’s why we’ve led the way in hosting live events since the start of the pandemic, including 100 at the Orange County Conven- tion Center (OCCC) alone — and the best is yet to come. Additionally, the convention center, Orlando International Airport and numerous meeting hotels have all achieved the gold standard of safe venues — the Global Biorisk Advisory Council’s STAR accreditation — while local government and businesses work together to promote healthy travel. And in partnership with Visit Orlando, the OCCC has teamed with Orlando Health to create a groundbreaking medical concierge program designed to keep attendees safe. SO MUCH TO DO Orlando is also one of the country’s most affordable destinations, providing low costs from travel to accommo- dations, to dining. With more than 127,000 guest rooms to choose from, there’s something to fit every budget — from value-priced hotels to 4- and 5-star resorts and every price point in between. And now, there are fresh reasons to meet in this vibrant, welcoming city, including brand-new meeting hotels and resorts, tantalizing restaurants, unique wellness opportuni- ties, infrastructure upgrades and much more — not to men- tion wondrous, one-of-a-kind experiences your group won’t want to miss. From the thrill of Jurassic World: VelociCoaster at Universal Orlando Resort, to one-of-a-kind natural experi- ences like Flamingo Mingle at Discovery Cove, to out-of-this- world adventures at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World Resort, your group will never run out of new things to do once the workday is done in Orlando. SUPERIOR SERVICE Meeting planners can also count on superior service when working with Visit Orlando. The knowledgeable Orlando experts on our Destination Services Team have more than 120 years of collective experience in the meetings industry, and most are Certified Meeting Professionals. They can assist with everything from comprehensive RFP services and site inspec- tions, to attendance-building and marketing support. Visit Orlando provides exhibitor assistance to connect with local providers, too, plus insider tips for unique off-site events, dinners and behind-the-scenes experiences. We even provide a dedicated Destination Services Manager to further ensure success by serving as the central point of contact for your ques- tions about enhancing Orlando meetings. Given these factors, it is no wonder why Orlando remains a top pick among meeting planners and attendees alike — or why we’re the perfect destination for your next meeting or event. Put us to the test and see! | AC&F | FACTS & FEATURES Total Guest Rooms: 127,000+ Total Hotels/Resorts: 479 Total Square Feet of Meeting Space: 5,667,276 square feet of hotel and resort meeting space Convention Center FYI: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is the first convention center to receive GBAC STAR reaccreditation. MIKE WATERMAN Chief Sales Officer Visit Orlando 407-541-4251 Convention.Sales@VisitOrlando.com VisitOrlando.com AMERICA'S TOP MEETING & CONVENTION CITIES 36 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESSEPTEMBER 2021WHEN NAVIGATING TODAY’S MEETINGS LANDSCAPE, EXPERIENCE MATTERS. LEARN MORE ATORLANDOMEETING.COM We continue to lead the way by doing what we’ve always done—finding creative solutions to challenges and making seemingly impossible feats seem e ortless. And now, with Orlando’s convention district having undergone some of its greatest enhancements to date, there are more new restaurants, entertainment venues and remodeled hotels within walking distance. Paired with world-famous attractions and elevated health and safety standards, there’s never been a better time to meet in Orlando.VISIT SACRAMENTO Opt out of the Ordinary Ways of Meeting and Start Planning the Extraordinary; It’s Time to Meet Again in Sacramento SS acramento, California is a meeting destination where accessibility, walkability and convenience all complement a culturally diverse cityscape. Located just 15 minutes from Sacramento Inter- national Airport, planners will find meeting accommodations that go above and beyond expectations. From the now-open, newly renovated and expanded SAFE Credit Union Convention Center to superior hotel options, a renowned cuisine scene and a wide range of group activities and entertainment options, Sacramento provides the ideal set- ting to host meetings and events. PLAN BOLDER MEETINGS Now booking and ready to host, the exciting new SAFE Credit Union Convention Center pushes the boundaries of con- ventional meetings and events and offers a fresh, GBAC STAR- accredited facility that exudes rich history, artistic aesthetics, state-of-the-art amenities, spacious meeting rooms and more to accommodate any group’s size, event and style. At the new Convention Center, planners, future attendees and other customers can expect to enjoy 240,000 square feet of programmable space between two levels, 160,000 square feet of exhibit space, a new 40,000-square foot ballroom, 37 breakout rooms, a new 15,000-square foot outdoor plaza and so much more. Groups will come to find this complex build- ing offers an indoor-outdoor meeting experience in a down- town location within walking distance to 2,000 hotel rooms, more than 300 restaurants and top-notch entertainment. Situated on and surrounded by 80 acres of an urban enter- tainment district, Sacramento’s SAFE Credit Union Conven- tion Center embodies a “high-tech agriculture” aesthetic that blends what our city is all about. It’s a visionary venue that encapsulates the history and the present of Sacramento. Sacramento not only features exceptional convention facilities, but offers flexible and affordable off-site venues, as well as great outdoor meeting opportunities — including unique open-air event settings, green spaces, parks and more. There’s no shortage of things to do, see and explore while meeting in Sacramento. Attendees can go off-agenda and enjoy some of the city’s unique experiences. Start with the arts by visiting one of the many museums and historic attractions, or stroll along the tree-lined streets to view some of the epic murals found around almost every corner. Seek adventure in the sunshine with outdoor recreational opportunities such as bicycling or river rafting. Known as “America’s Farm-to- Fork Capital,” Sacramento’s food scene has grown to be one of the hottest in the west. Groups will find exceptional dining options throughout the city, plus al fresco opportunities to enjoy some fresh air and farm-to-table bites before, between and after sessions. The time is now to start planning for Sacramento, a destina- tion with bigger goals, better standards and bolder meetings — now and in the future. | AC&F | FACTS & FEATURES Total Guest Rooms: 16,000 Total Hotels/Resorts: 175 Total Square Feet of Meeting Space: 240,000 Convention Center FYI: Modern sophistication meets GBAC STAR-accredited status at the now-open, newly renovated and expanded SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. SARAH ATILANO Chief of Strategy & Market Growth Visit Sacramento 1608 I St. Sacramento, CA 95814 916-808-7777 or 800-292-2334 satilano@visitsacramento.com visitsacramento.com/meetings AMERICA'S TOP MEETING & CONVENTION CITIES 38 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESSEPTEMBER 2021Next >