< PreviousThe city’s immediately recognizable Superdome is also undergoing extensive renovation and a change in name. As of last summer, it became known as Caesars Superdome, reflecting the new partnership between the New Orleans Saints and hospitality giant Caesars Entertainment. Renovations will wrap in early 2025, just in time for Superbowl LIX. The facility offers more than 160,000 sf of events space, plus premium lounges with high-end furnishings and advanced technology. As for new hotels, the list includes The Higgins Hotel New Orleans, Curio Collection by Hilton at The National World War II Museum, the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, Four Seasons Hotel + Residences and The Virgin Hotel New Orleans. During COVID, Piscola says, con- struction was completed on a linear park that spans the length of Conven- tion Center Boulevard, starting at the Hilton. “It has created a safer and more diverse experience for visitors and residents. The pedestrian park proj- ect scope includes the newly opened transportation center connected to the convention center via a covered walkway, as well as outdoor entertain- ment spaces, seating areas, public art and a water feature. It really is a ter- rific new addition to the experience around the center.” Prior to 2020, the Hilton had com- pleted a renovation of all meeting space, and just as the pandemic hit, a renova- tion of guest rooms was underway. In spite of delays during COVID, the reno- vation is back on track. Baton Rouge has a handful of new hotels and new additions to its Mid-City venue, Electric Depot, including Red Stick Social, a new site for live music, indoor and outdoor concerts, food and more. “A new development project in Mid-City is set to include more unique event venues, a garden nursery, a new outside restaurant and more exciting stops for people to enjoy while they’re in town,” Bordelon says. That multi- million-dollar project recently opened, and Bordelon notes that the city continues to see growth in the num- ber of businesses that have opened. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX If there’s one thing she wants plan- ners to know, it’s that the Visit Baton Rouge staff is all about customization. “Our staff is available to customize a Louisiana experience for attendees by providing the necessary resources to incorporate into a program. Our staff will also customize our monetary resources to help with experiences such as entertainment and transportation, and we’re willing to work with an asso- ciations’ preferred concessions. We’re excited and encouraged by the unique ideas that meeting planners have asked for our assistance on, and we feel now, more than ever, is a great time to be cre- ative and ‘think outside the box.’” Sawaya encourages planners to “put attendees, sponsors and exhibitors in a position to fully enjoy and appreciate what the city of New Orleans has to offer in every nook and cranny.” Piscola advises flexibil- ity. “The situation continues to progress rapidly,” he says. “Just a few short weeks ago, many groups were planning on lower attendance, lim- ited food and beverage, and a much different meeting experience. Now, many are planning their first major gatherings since March of 2020 with attendance num- bers far exceeding expec- tations, and everyone wanting to see friends and colleagues they haven’t seen in many months. However, flexibility is key. As we’ve seen, things change, and we need to be ready to regroup and adjust accordingly. But that’s what we do in New Orleans and at Hilton.” The city stands ready to help. “When you plan your event, work with our team at New Orleans & Company to source hotels, venues and everything you need to execute your meeting suc- cessfully,” Perry says. “Our world-class convention sales, services and group PR teams will be by your side every step of the way to provide local exper- tise, counsel and assets to leverage our amazing destination to build your attendance and surpass your business goals. Take a new look at this historic city and see how hosting meetings and events is truly part of our DNA. “No matter the situation,” he con- tinues, “New Orleans & Company’s team becomes an extension of yours, from sourcing to planning, to mar- keting to executing. New Orleans is about optimal performance and mak- ing memories that last a lifetime. We lead the nation in health and safety protocols and processes, as well as innovation. Our entire community is adept at flexibility and making adjust- ments on the fly for customers to achieve their goals.” That, in a nutshell, is exactly what makes this destination so attractive. As Perry says, an extraordinary level of hospitality is deeply embedded in the DNA here. That alone sets New Orleans and Baton Rouge apart — but there’s also so much more. | AC&F | themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJANUARY 2022 The Higgins Hotel New Orleans, Curio Collection by Hilton at The National World War II Museum offers more than 18,000 sf of meetings and events space. Michael J. Sawaya President, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center We’re excited and encouraged by the unique ideas that meeting planners have asked for our assistance on. NewOrleans.com | @VisitNewOrleans © 2021 New Orleans & Company All Rights Reserved. These are not the meeting spaces you’re used to. From historic rooms and courtyards, to breathtaking architec- ture with a view, New Orleans spaces are built to host. We treat thousands of attendees with the same attention and hospitality given to a single, lifelong friend. We have accesss to the best locations to inspire meaningful interactions that continue long after you’ve left town. And we can do all of it within walking distance of world-class hotels. Call the New Orleans & Company Convention Sales Team at 877.393.5836 or visit NewOrleans.com PLAN YOUR MEETING WITH NEW ORLEANS 30NewOrleans.com | @VisitNewOrleans © 2021 New Orleans & Company All Rights Reserved. These are not the meeting spaces you’re used to. From historic rooms and courtyards, to breathtaking architec- ture with a view, New Orleans spaces are built to host. We treat thousands of attendees with the same attention and hospitality given to a single, lifelong friend. We have accesss to the best locations to inspire meaningful interactions that continue long after you’ve left town. And we can do all of it within walking distance of world-class hotels. Call the New Orleans & Company Convention Sales Team at 877.393.5836 or visit NewOrleans.com PLAN YOUR MEETING WITH NEW ORLEANSDESTINATIONREPORT Tampa Has Evolved Into a Top-Tier Florida Destination themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJANUARY 2022 hether your meeting attendees are outdoor adventure seekers, foodies, theme-park junkies or sports enthusiasts, one of Florida’s most exciting destinations — Tampa Bay — has something for peo- ple of all ages. As Santiago Corrada, CEO of Visit Tampa Bay, explains, meetings and con- ventions in Tampa consistently deliver above-average attendance. Combined with a community dedicated to the suc- cess of the event, Tampa Bay’s events lead to multiple repeat partnerships with large association conventions. “Tampa Bay has a great combination of accessibility, affordability and amenities to unlock your next meeting in our des- tination,” Corrada says. With a host of unique dining experiences, leisure and recreational choices, as well as venues like no other, attendees can explore the Tampa Riverwalk, enjoy a host of water activities on the Hillsborough River, or venture into one of the many museums and learn about the art and culture of the destination. Looking for more? “Ybor City is a great place to experience the historic hand-rolled cigars, the famous Cuban sandwich and mingle with the Ybor City chickens,” Corrada says. From the first touchdown at Tampa International Airport (TPA), attendees can bask in the sun of Tampa Bay. Located in the heart of the city, the airport is within close proximity to the downtown area as well as attractions. TPA provides a significant quantity of nonstop flights to Tampa that are very affordable. Recently, TPA underwent a major expansion of its main terminal and the addition of a new rental car facility. Phase two of its expan- sion includes new curbside express lanes, an atrium, a new pedestrian bridge and a 170-acre commercial development with two new hotels — all of which stream- lines the travel process for attendees. Likewise, the award-winning Tampa Convention Center (TCC), in its beau- tiful waterfront location, showcases natural light and a stacked center design providing the ease of navigating the 600,000-sf meetings and conventions facility. The unique setting of the con- vention center provides an ideal locale for meetings, events and conventions of all sizes. And the best news is that the convention center is undergoing a $30 million capital improvement plan that includes new waterfront meeting spaces, upgraded facilities and the addition of local restaurants. Eighteen waterfront meeting rooms will span 16,000 sf, and there are two stories with a terrace and outdoor spaces for attendees to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Tampa Bay. Business aside, being set on Florida’s Gulf Coast means Tampa Bay offers the best of Florida’s year-round warm weather, a stunning waterfront, world- class chefs and renowned cultural insti- tutions, such as the Straz Center and Tampa Museum of Art. Visitors can also take advantage of a variety of outdoor activities — from golf and tennis to kay- aking and fishing. “Whether attendees are here for a few days or a week, Tampa Bay offers incredible activities attendees can enjoy outside of their convention,” Corrada says. Some of the ‘must include’ attractions would be Busch Gardens in the north part of Tampa, the Westshore area, where Beach Party at Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill takes place, and further east is TopGolf, iFly or Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. The downtown Tampa Bay area plays host to magnifi- cent food options, as well as Armature Works and Sparkman Wharf, located as book ends on the Tampa Riverwalk. The Riverwalk, which stretches 2.7 miles, links downtown Tampa’s most popular attractions, and is also home to numer- ous museums, attractions and water activities along the Hillsborough River. Meeting attendees can also explore the nearby Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, or visit the various permanent and visiting exhibits at the aforementioned Tampa Museum of Art. For live perfor- mances, visitors will revel in the many offerings at the aforementioned Straz Center for the Performing Arts, which is home to Broadway productions and the Florida Orchestra. History buffs Florida Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa boasts a 1,500-seat venue on the second level of the venue’s casino complex, and nearly 29,000 sf of meetings and events space. By Maura Keller 32will also enjoy time spent in the Tampa Bay History Center, which houses 12,000 years of Tampa Bay history. Groups of attendees — up to 600 passengers — can also venture aboard the Yacht StarShip, a 180-foot dining super yacht offering the best views on the waters of Tampa Bay and award- winning cuisine. The yacht offers a unique venue option for hosting a dual purpose meeting and dining experience. Of course, no visit to Tampa Bay would be complete without saunter- ing around Hyde Park Village, the city’s delightful turn-of-the-century-style shopping village and neighborhood, complete with historic homes, shops and restaurants aplenty. Jen Pace, sourcing manager, consulting solutions with Event Travel Management (ETM), says Tampa has been in a revitalization mode for the last few years, which is evident in the many renovations, upgrades and expan- sions of hotels, dining and entertainment amenities. “I think it’s finally got the momentum it needs to drive change and perception to put Tampa on the map as a top destination in Florida,” Pace says. In the last few years, the surge of interest has really grown for the entire West Coast of Florida. The fabulous beaches and weather have always been a constant. Now, new hotels are being built and existing ones renovated. “Urban design is coming to life, attract- ing top chefs to open new restaurants and developers to build up the area with great infrastructure that drives not only people wanting to move to the area, but also vacation and meet in the area,” Pace says. “Airlift has been strengthening, and if air carriers can add more direct flights, it will really help take Tampa to the next level. It’s clear that people love to visit and meet in Florida, and we, as travel experts, love to have more great options to share with our clients.” ACCOMMODATIONS APLENTY Tampa Bay has experienced a “boom” of sorts in the hotel and resort venues dotting the region. Pulling together Westshore and Downtown with an energetic, contempo- rary neighborhood, the $500 million Midtown development offers 1.8 million sf of retail, res- idential, entertainment and hos- pitality space, including Tam- pa’s second Aloft property and Element by Westin. The seven- story, dual-branded Aloft & Element Midtown Tampa features 226 rooms, a rooftop terrace, pool and lounge. Conveniently located between the airport, shopping malls and downtown Tampa Bay, Aloft & Element Midtown Tampa offers a great option for meet- ings attendees who want to take in the city’s views from its rooftop restaurant and bar. The hotel also boasts meeting space on the seventh floor and 24,000 sf of street-level retail. Ideally situated on the Tampa Riv- erwalk, the nearby Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel provides guests with ease of access to the city’s most popular attractions, including the TCC, Florida Aquarium and Raymond James Sta- dium, to name a few. Featuring more than 12,000 sf of total events space and six events rooms, Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel is the ideal locale for hosting both large and small meetings. The meeting spaces offer oversized windows, meaning attendees can enjoy views of their scenic surroundings, and state-of-the-art meeting amenities. According to Corrada, Tampa Bay also features a variety of accommoda- tion brands and product types that are appealing to the preferences and needs of all attendees. From historic luxury boutique hotels, such as the new Hotel Haya, to large waterfront properties, such as the Tampa Marriott Water Street, Tampa Bay has a wide selection to meet the needs of every audience. The city also offers a walkable convention package, as most hotels are located in the downtown area and are within walking distance to, or a TECO Line Streetcar System ride away from, the TCC. The opening of Tampa Bay’s first JW Marriott Tampa Water Street in 2020 transformed the destination’s meeting olved Into a da Destination 33 JANUARY 2022 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES Santiago Corrada, CEO of Visit Tampa Bay, says meetings and conventions in Tampa Bay consistently deliver above-average attendance, and it is growing into a top spot for planners. Jen Pace Sourcing Manager, Consulting Solutions Event Travel Management (ETM) It’s clear that people love to visit and meet in Florida, and we, as travel experts, love to have more great options to share with our clients. tbcvb_46710_02_fp_MeetingsMag_Ad_M.indd 111/9/21 12:32 PM capabilities. The luxury hotel, located adjacent to the TCC, opens up immense opportunities to welcome larger city- wide conventions, with 519 rooms and 100,000 sf of meetings space in the heart of downtown. What’s more, connection to the recently renovated Tampa Mar- riott Water Street via skywalk creates even larger opportunities with a com- bined 1,256 guest rooms, 150,000 sf of event space, and eight food and beverage offerings. The waterfront venue fea- tures 20 redesigned events spaces and is located near the Tampa Riverwalk, Florida Aquarium, Amalie Arena and Sparkman Wharf. “Tampa’s luxury hotel profile continues to expand in 2022 with the opening of the Tampa EDITION, the fifth U.S. property from Marriott’s ultra- luxury brand,” Corrada says. “These new offerings coincide with the complete renovation and meeting space expansion of the waterfront Tampa Conven- tion Center to be completed in 2023.” If you are looking for an expansive venue to host a convention, trade show, private event or entertainment, Semi- nole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa boasts a 1,500-seat venue on the second level of the venue’s casino complex, and nearly 29,000 sf of meetings and events space. Seminole Hard Rock Tampa also offers an array of entertainment and gaming options to keep meetings and events attendees engaged for hours. Another venue adjacent to the TCC is the Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center. Also a waterside hotel, the Embassy Suites hotel is connected to the TCC by a sky- bridge. And although the hotel is mere steps away from ample meeting and event spaces at the convention center, the hotel offers more than 11,000 sf of flexible meetings space all on one floor, including the Bayside Ballroom, themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJANUARY 2022 The Tampa Convention Center is undergoing a $30 million capital improvement plan that includes upgraded facilities and more. A cross the state to the southeast, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Holly- wood is still basking in the afterglow of its $1.5 billion expansion and renovation. The expansion included the complete renovation of the existing Hard Rock Hotel, and the addition of the iconic Guitar Hotel and Oasis Tower, bringing the total number of guest rooms and suites to 1,271. The hotel boasts 120,000 sf of meetings and events space, and is South Florida’s premier, one- stop destination for fun and entertainment. It offers 24/7 action and amenities that include an expansive gaming floor, dozens of food and beverage outlets, a luxury spa and salon, and high-end gym, retail shops and more. BUILT TO HOST EVENTS Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood’s meeting space includes a 38,000-sf exhibition hall large enough to host trade shows, conven- tions and large corporate groups. Adjacent to the prefunction space that features vaulted ceilings, chandeliered ballrooms and marbled atriums, the opulent and sophisticated set- ting offers the perfect location for productive business events and social affairs. With 46 unique spaces, the meetings space can be reconfigured to accommodate groups as large as 5,000 or smaller, more intimate groups. Additional event space is available at DAER South Florida, the resort’s nightclub/ dayclub complex. DAER is a 44,000-sf, cus- tomizable space that includes an indoor night- club; a day club with resort-style pool oasis and bungalows and rooftop bar. The new 13.5-acre pool lagoon offers activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding and more — perfect for team building. The Bora Bora experience features over-water villas, each equipped with personal plunge pools, private bathrooms and butler service. Hard Rock Live, the integrated resort’s 7,000-seat concert venue, has unobstructed sightlines from every seat in the house, and attendees can enjoy music’s hottest acts. True to the brand, live music can be found at the resort’s signature bars, ranging from jazz to upbeat rock cover bands and every- thing in between. PLENTY OF GAMING ACTION Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood’s casino features 150,000 sf of gaming space with hundreds of tables, includ- ing blackjack, mini-baccarat and all of the most popular specialty games. The casino also offers 3,100 of the most popular slots, as well as video poker, video roulette, electronic roulette and electronic craps. A premier destination for poker players world wide, the casino is home to a 45-table Poker Room with an eight-table, semi-private area. The Poker Room is open 24/7 with first- rate amenities, including more than 50, 65-inch, high-resolution televisions, and a private cage with five windows for accessibility and delicious food selections for players on the go. Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is located within close proximity to South Florida’s major airports: 15 minutes from Fort Lauderdale- Hollywood International Airport (FLL); 45 min- utes from Miami International Airport (MIA) and an hour from Palm Beach International Airport (PBI). | AC&F | Guitar Solo Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Gets Top Marks for Its Iconic, Guitar-Shaped Hotel 34 tbcvb_46710_02_fp_MeetingsMag_Ad_M.indd 111/9/21 12:32 PMdiscover your rhythm. Take center stage on your next event and escape the everyday in a truly extraordinary getaway with limitless possibilities. Contact our Sales Team today to learn more and book your group. 800.937.0156 | HardRockHolly.com | #GuitarHotel FINE-TUNE YOUR NEXT MEETING. © 2021. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1.888.ADMIT.IT 21-SHRH-05501 - Oct-Nov C&IT Magazine Assets.indd 19/1/2021 10:33:58 AM capable of accommodating up to 375 people. Embassy Suites is also located less than a mile from the Florida Aquar- ium and Port Tampa Bay. The TECO Line stops outside the hotel’s front door, pro- viding easy sightseeing opportunities for attendees between meetings and events. Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay is a mere 3 miles from the airport, and recently renovated its host of meeting rooms with large windows and natural light that can accommodate from 10 to 600 people. In addition, the hotel — with 33,000 sf of events space — features a series of unique outdoor spaces with waterfront views surrounded by 35 acres of natural environs. Hilton Tampa Downtown also offers a wonderful array of event options, including ballrooms, breakout rooms and pre-function space — more than 38,000 sf of events space. Located a half-mile from the Amalie Arena and the TCC, Hilton Tampa Downtown is also located near the University of Tampa campus. WORK SOME, PLAY SOME While Tampa boasts more than 100 golf resorts in the region, with an impressive ratio of over 300 guest rooms for 65,000 sf of indoor events space, the Tampa area golf resort Innisbrook, A Salamander Golf and Spa Resort, offers flexibility, variety and space that you wouldn’t typically find in the market- place. Boasting beautiful views of Inn- isbrook’s lush landscape and signature golf courses, the resort offers more than 100,000 sf of indoor and outdoor events space — including a secluded garden for a romantic wedding ceremony, ballrooms and breakout rooms for trade shows, and more. “Whether it’s an intimate meet- ing or a national golf championship, the resort serves as the ideal backdrop for events all year long due to Florida’s year- round summer weather. Across its 900 vast acres, the resort has diverse indoor and outdoor spaces for clients to choose from, including the largest ballroom in Pinellas County,” says Jessica Pearson, director of catering and conference ser- vices at Innisbrook. “We also offer unique team-building activities, and one-on- one golf lessons with Dawn Mercer, the resort’s director of instruction and a PGA professional. The property is also ideally situated near local attractions, beaches and Tampa International Airport.” When it’s time to relax and unwind, meeting attendees can enjoy an adven- ture at nearby Busch Gardens Tampa, which is the ideal spot for attendees — and any family members in tow — to enjoy rides, live entertainment and one of the country’s largest zoos. Across from Busch Gardens, visitors can also enjoy the water works at Adventure Island, which boasts 30 acres of water-themed thrill rides and tropical, tranquil surroundings. Beer aficionados in the group will enjoy Tampa Bay’s more than 40 small craft breweries, many of which offer tours of their breweries and distill- eries. For more adventure, check out the Kraken Cycleboats, which features the peddle pub concept, but on water. This tour boat offers a two- hour cruise of Tampa’s down- town from the water, as well as local craft beer. Smaller groups can also embark on a sea-faring fishing adventure via a fishing charter, many of which offer orchestrated fishing adventures. SAFETY MEASURES The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to alter the meetings and events expe- rience. As such, Visit Tampa Bay recently introduced the new “Hybrid Meeting Grant,” providing financial support to help attendees connect and minimize hybrid technology costs. At its core, the grant provides event orga- nizers with a customized sponsorship marketing package that includes such things as a custom landing page, exclu- sive partner offers, sponsorship items and other perks. Grants will be awarded based on estimated economic impact, anticipated attendance numbers and other factors. “Business travel has his- torically been the bedrock of our hotel occupancy in Hillsborough County, helping us achieve record-breaking numbers prior to the pandemic,” Cor- rada says. “While our recent recovery efforts have helped boost leisure travel and keep us above our comp set, the key to full recovery is getting business travel back, and we are excited to see meetings and events return, rebook and relocate to Tampa Bay.” From the moment visitors arrive, health and safety remains paramount. Tampa International Airport was recently ranked as one of the most hygienic airports — one of five airports in North America to receive the recognition. Additionally, the TCC recently achieved Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation, the gold standard from the worldwide cleaning industry association, for its cleaning and disin- fection protocols. With increased safety measures at partner hotels, attractions and open-air experiences, Tampa Bay is poised to safely and responsibly welcome meetings and events attendees. | AC&F | themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJANUARY 2022 Innisbrook, A Salamander Golf and Spa Resort, offers more than 100,000 sf of indoor and outdoor events space, and signature, world- class golf courses sure to please players at every level of skill. Santiago Corrada CEO, Visit Tampa Bay The key to full recovery is getting business travel back, and we are excited to see meetings and events return, rebook and relocate to Tampa Bay. 36discover your rhythm. Take center stage on your next event and escape the everyday in a truly extraordinary getaway with limitless possibilities. Contact our Sales Team today to learn more and book your group. 800.937.0156 | HardRockHolly.com | #GuitarHotel FINE-TUNE YOUR NEXT MEETING. © 2021. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1.888.ADMIT.ITA DESTINATION THEY’LLOR. VISITSAVANNAH.COM/EXPANSION growing to 200,000 square feet of exhibit space in one of america’s favorite cities, you’ll want to reserve your dates soon. the new, expanded savannah convention center. EXPANSION OPENING 2023AMERICA’S TOP CENTERS CONVENTION ssociation Conventions & Facilities magazine proudly presents the designees of our 2022 America’s Top Convention Centers. These venues go above and beyond to stand out among the many convention cen- ters around the country. They offer top-notch service and support, as well as promotional assistance, and supplier, facility and venue informa- tion to make planning meetings an easy, stress-free undertaking. These industry-leading convention centers earn their way atop the list of plan- ners nationwide — through expanded and upgraded facilities — and boast enough A/V and other technology to meet the needs of any face-to-face, vir- tual or hybrid meeting. Consider these Top Convention Centers for your next meeting, conference or event. 39 JANUARY 2022 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES THE BROADMOORGREATER COLUMBUSPUERTO RICONext >