< PreviousOur facility is proud to be recognized for cleaning and disinfecting to a higher standard to keep our space clean and safe for occupancy. BACK TO 100% CAPACITY The Austin Convention Center is officially back to 100 percent capacity with no social distancing requirements, giving you com- plete freedom in how you set up your event. MAKING YOUR VISION OUR MISSION Located in the heart of downtown Austin, Texas Five contiguous exhibit halls with 247,052 square feet of column-free space Surrounded by 12,000+ hotel rooms within walking distance WELCOME BACK! IT’S TIME TO GET BACK TO DOING WHAT WE DO BEST ACC_GBTB_TMP_8.125x10.875.indd 110/26/21 3:08 PM fundamentals standpoint, it’s similar to planning any meeting. “There are just more moving parts. Fortunately, a lot of things are built to ‘scale up’ when needed, so we can be prepared for just about anything. Having great partners helps to make it all work because we all benefit from a successful event,” he says. “We make it a goal to focus on the customer experience as much as possible, and that helps our support- structure partners know what they need to do to make our event the best it can be. Once you have that shared goal, the rest comes together.” The biggest challenge is awareness of how far out you need to plan. “We’re generally working three years out on the foundational planning for SEMA Show,” he says. “It’s hard to focus that far out when you have an event just a few months away; however, you won’t be successful if you do it one year at a time, because there are too many changes you’ll be too late to anticipate. It’s also hard to get all vendors and partners aligned on a com- mon goal. We’ve built a few programs to educate everyone on our mission and rally around the common goal of provid- ing the best customer experience. That camaraderie has proven to be invaluable, and is one of the reasons our customer- service scores are so high.” Gattuso has three recommenda- tions for those planning a city-wide event. “First, the earlier you start plan- ning, the more opportunities you’ll find as you explore what a city has to offer. Second, make sure to connect with other event organizers that host events annually in the city,” he says. “Having a network of people with whom you can collaborate on ideas is valuable as you develop your tactics unique to that city. We have an open-door policy with other event organizers who want to attend our show because we want to know what they think as we continue to find ways to improve. Finally, you want to partner with your CVB. They’ll be invaluable in all aspects of the event and have the connections in the city you need to be successful.” HOUSTON, TX Houston is another excellent loca- tion for city-wide events. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) held Cattlecon 22 early this year with 6,200 in attendance. Kristin Torres, executive director, meetings and events, NCBA, says Houston is well set up for a city-wide event. “Two 1,000-room hotels connected to the convention center makes it very comfortable for attendees, and multiple hotels within walking distance make it easy as well.” The group uses hotels in the downtown area because proximity to the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRBCC) is a priority, as is the ability of hotels to provide a large room block. Torres also likes Discovery Green, the park just outside the convention center. “Discovery Green creates a nice atmosphere for people walking to and from the center. The convention cen- ter is also very easy for attendees to navigate,” she says, “with exhibits on the ground level, offices and beautiful reception space on the second level and breakout space on the third level.” Many NCBA members live in close proximity to Houston, so they’re able to drive in, Torres says. “Additionally, Houston has great airlift for those not within driving distance.” NCBA used meeting and function space at the hotels and convention center. “We needed some larger spaces that we weren’t able to make fit in the convention center,” Torres says. “It worked great with the [Hilton Americas-Houston] being attached to the center as attendees could easily move back and forth. At the convention center, we found the second- floor balconies to be perfect for recep- tions. They have beautiful views and were a great size. We had our welcome reception in the exhibit hall, and were able to set up our general session right next to it, which made for great flow.” Visit Houston was integral to the success of the meeting. “They’re the connection in helping us get things done in the city. We couldn’t have done it without them,” Torres says. She thinks city-wide events are more complicated than smaller events. A major challenge, she says, is manag- ing the flow of everything while making sure attendees have a great experience. “Transportation, sleeping rooms [and the hotel package], are so much more than with an in-house event. You use so many more suppliers and facilities. You want attendees to have a great experi- ence and get the feel of the city, and that’s harder to do with larger groups.” AUSTIN, TX Austin is also capable of handling city-wide events. The Austin Conven- tion Center (ACC) is located in a prime Downtown Austin location with more than 12,000 hotel rooms nearby. The center has five contiguous exhibit halls and offers nearly 250,000 sf of column- free exhibit space, and there are several convention hotels nearby. The JW Mar- riott Austin hotel offers 1,012 rooms, seven bars, three restaurants, the posh Spa by JW, the new Edge Pool Bar & Cabanas, and more than 120,000 sf of flexible meeting and event space. Fair- mont Austin, which has direct access to the ACC, has 1,048 guest rooms and suites, an array of amenities and din- ing experiences, such as the acclaimed Garrison, a seasonally heated pool on the seventh-floor terrace, the top-rated Fairmont Spa Austin, a state-of-the-art fitness center and nearly 140,000 sf of event space. Hilton Austin, also con- nected to the ACC, has 801 rooms and offers more then 95,000 sf of flexible meeting and event space, an on-site Cannon + Belle restaurant featuring local cuisine and a bourbon bar, a full- themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2022 The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) held its annual meeting, which generally draws more that 10,000 attendees, in Chicago last fall. The city’s variety of hotel options is a key benefit for attendees. ASTRO / SCOTT MORGAN 20Our facility is proud to be recognized for cleaning and disinfecting to a higher standard to keep our space clean and safe for occupancy. BACK TO 100% CAPACITY The Austin Convention Center is officially back to 100 percent capacity with no social distancing requirements, giving you com- plete freedom in how you set up your event. MAKING YOUR VISION OUR MISSION Located in the heart of downtown Austin, Texas Five contiguous exhibit halls with 247,052 square feet of column-free space Surrounded by 12,000+ hotel rooms within walking distance WELCOME BACK! IT’S TIME TO GET BACK TO DOING WHAT WE DO BESTservice Starbucks and spacious rooms. Other amenities include a business center, fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi and a heated rooftop pool with beautiful views of downtown. MILWAUKEE, WI Smaller cities accommodate city- wide events, too. ReBecca J. Mur- ray, CEM, manager, conferences and events with the National Rural Water Association (NRWA), held their Water- Pro conference in Milwaukee early last fall. She says the city’s location, great airlift, affordability, and excellent convention center and hotels were all factors in the choice, Plus, she says, “It’s friendly.” She added that attendees offered “resounding reviews on the city.” The Hilton Milwaukee City Center, Hyatt Regency Milwaukee and Spring- Hill Suites Milwaukee Downtown were the primary hotels. “Hotels chosen were the top three brands we normally work with,” she says. The fact that they were close to the convention center and provided the number of sleeping rooms needed also factored in. “We used meeting space at the Hil- ton extensively for association board meetings, committee meetings, train- ing, receptions, lunches, breakfasts and breaks, as well as a board reception. Using the hotel space is a convenience for our board members and staff as we house our own block of these individu- als in one hotel,” Murray says. “And it’s a beautifully maintained space. COVID provided some challenges, but overall the hotel was great to work with. This is a beautiful historical property. While Hilton has preserved the historical beauty of this property, I’d like to see the meeting rooms enlarged if permissible and still maintain that base.” As for the Wisconsin Center, Murray says, “Hats off to [the catering team] as they knocked it out of the park with our presidential luncheon. Surveys raved on the quality of the food. The only challenge we had there was probably due to COVID and supply-chain issues — small cups for beverages during lunch that constantly had to be refilled.” She says flow at the center works well. “It’s stacked, with ballrooms and some meeting space on the ground floor, more meeting space on the second floor and exhibits on the third level. It’s easy to find meeting rooms and easy to navi- gate from one area to the next.” The group used exhibit space for two recep- tions, she says, “to bring our attendees closer to exhibitors and provide the networking everyone wants.” Murray thinks that, overall, the main challenge in planning city-wide meetings is the hotel piece. “Keeping track of the pickup and communication with attendees when they’re not located in one general area is a challenge, as is ensuring they have all they need and feel as though they’re part of the big event.” She credits Visit Mil- waukee with being a great partner, and instrumental in helping facilitate many facets of the planning process. “I can’t thank them enough.” Like others, Murray says it’s never too soon to start planning for a city- wide event. And she advises, “Enlist partners such as Visit Milwaukee. Your conference will run so much smoother with their help.” RALEIGH, NC Raleigh has a vibrant downtown that offers a variety of entertainment, from historic neighborhoods, world- class museums and Southern diners, to outdoor green spaces, performing arts venues, local shops, breweries and underground cocktail spots. Down- town is broken up into five distinct dis- tricts: Glenwood South, the Warehouse District, Capital District, Fayetteville Street and Moore Square. The Raleigh Convention Center (RCC), in the heart of downtown, offers nearly 150,000 sf of contiguous exhibit space. Convention hotels include Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, which offers nearly 20,000 sf of recently revitalized meeting and event space, a full-service restaurant, bar, room ser- vice and workout facility. Raleigh Mar- riott City Center, located in the center of Raleigh’s revitalized downtown and connected to the Raleigh Convention Center, offers 400 guest rooms, 10 suites and 15,000 sf of versatile meeting space. Enjoy the indoor recreation pool, jacuzzi and fitness center, including Peloton bikes, spacious bar (sports TV), restau- rant, Starbucks and business center. CHICAGO, IL Chicago is another good choice for hosting a city-wide event. “Chicago offers an extremely versatile convention center with space options that provide themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2022 Rebecca Fazzari, CMP, CMM, DES, director of meetings & events with the Geological Society of America (GSA), says Travel Portland played a very important role in helping plan her event. ReBecca J. Murray, CEM Manager, Conferences and Events National Rural Water Association Enlist partners such as Visit Milwaukee. Your conference will run so much smoother with their help. I can’t thank them enough. PHOTO BY BILL CRONIN 22flexibility to city-wide conventions of varying sizes,” says Michele Donohue, director of meetings, American Soci- ety for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). “ASTRO has used the West Building at McCormick Place for several annual meetings, which generally draw more than 10,000 attendees. It’s an ideal fit that allows our meetings to be self-con- tained. And Chicago has a wide range of hotel options throughout the city, including several properties connected via skybridge to McCormick Place. ASTRO attendees also enjoy the dining, entertainment, museums and cultural options Chicago offers. The city is easy to get to and has numerous flight options for domestic and international travelers.” Hotels for the meeting last fall were chosen based on proximity to McCor- mick Place and ability to accommodate large room blocks, as well as experi- ence from the group’s 2019 meeting in Chicago. In addition to meeting space at the convention center, ASTRO also used space at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place and The Marriott Marquis Chicago. Donohue calls the layout of the West Building at McCormick Place easy for attendees to navigate. “The space on the central concourse created a natural hub where attendees could register, con- nect with colleagues and staff, visit the Exhibit Hall, view posters and attend our general sessions. The McCormick Place staff was extremely friendly, knowledgeable and available to address any question or concerns. Given that we were planning our first in-person event since the pandemic began, the team worked with us to think through and implement protocols to help ensure the health and safety of our attendees.” One “wow” location the group used for its president’s reception was VU Rooftop, located on the 22nd floor and next door to McCormick Place. “This venue offered indoor and outdoor space with incredible views of the downtown Chicago skyline and lakefront.” Donohue says the biggest differ- ence in planning a city-wide event and the biggest challenge in planning it are the same: the level of coordina- tion. “When planning a city-wide event, there are often more meeting aspects to coordinate, and they exist on a larger scale. With a city-wide, you often deal with a larger number of attendees, events, exhibitors, show partners/ven- dors, hotels, etc., so there’s a lot more to juggle and orchestrate to create a memorable meeting experience for your attendees.” Donohue echoes earlier views, say- ing planners should leverage the CVB, convention-center team, hotel partners and show contractors. “With their col- lective years of experience, they can provide insights and help for organizers new to planning a city-wide event. It’s also important to remember that the meeting-planning skills already in your toolbox are simply being applied to a larger event. While it may seem over- whelming at first, lean into your team of experts to help guide you, and rec- ognize that the ultimate reward is that you’re shaping and designing the expe- rience that your attendees will have not only at your event, but in the host city.” As the saying goes, “It takes a vil- lage.” That’s true for planning and exe- cuting a successful city-wide event, too. Fortunately, many cities have that “vil- lage” ready, willing and waiting when it comes to their CVBs. | AC&F | MAY 2022 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES 23 It’s time. To enjoy in-person gatherings, meaningful connection and engagement with fascinating people and unforgettable experiences. With much in store for your future meetings, jump back into a destination rich with intelligence, creativity and expertise. Jump back into Raleigh, N.C. visitRaleigh.com/meetingsA WINNING ROLE INDUSTRYINSIGHT themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 202224S tart with a beautiful destina- tion with convenient access, mix in rigorous health & safety protocols, sustainable practices, wide-ranging ven- ues, versatile meeting spaces and state- of-the-art A/V capability. Flavor with live entertainment, world-class spas and opportunities for retail therapy. Sprinkle the legendary services of an expert on-site meeting team over all. With this gaming resort recipe in hand, meeting planners can increase the odds for meeting success without roll- ing the dice when planning gatherings in 2022 and beyond. Coast to coast and North to South, gaming resorts offer ele- vated guest experiences designed to leave lasting positive impressions and results for attendees. SILVER LININGS Despite the abrupt economic down- turn in the meetings and events industry over the last two years, gaming resorts have discovered a bevy of unexpected benefits as well. When introducing the results of the 2022 Global Meetings and Events Forecast sponsored by American Express Global Business Travel, Gerardo Tejado, American Express Global Busi- ness Travel’s senior vice president of value development and general manager of meetings & events, noted that: “Recov- ery will not be a straight line, and we can’t get there by simply repeating what we’ve done in the past.” That said, undoubtedly one significant benefit of the industry’s collective pause has been creating space for mindful reflec- tion on best practices moving forward. Leading the list of requirements among gaming resorts? Implementation of rigor- ous health & safety protocols to provide peace of mind for returning attendees. Lauren Parker, director of catering & convention services at Encore Bos- ton Harbor, A Wynn Resort, describes the results: “Encore Boston Harbor was among the first hotels in the world to become Sharecare Health Security VERI- FIED with Forbes Travel Guide. This comprehensive facility verification helps ensure guests can book with confidence at a resort that has consistent and robust health-safety procedures in place. Being Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED 25 By Nancy Mueller Gaming Resorts Offer Everything Under One Roof MAY 2022 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES DEPOSITPHOTOS.COMwith Forbes Travel Guide is a testament to our con- tinued effort to offer our guests the latest health- safety advancements in addition to our five-star resort experience.” Steve Blanner, senior vice president of hotel sales for Wynn Las Vegas, echoes that his resort also put in place a beefed-up health and safety plan during the pandemic pause. “While the pandemic forced many challenges upon resorts and those in the hospital- ity industry globally, Wynn Resorts was a leader in our COVID-19 response with a robust health and safety plan, and a strategic plan to maintain our team and dedicated employees.” For dining services, this means food- service presentations were adapted to consider the comfort level of guests and meeting attendees as fully in-person meetings returned, Parker says. “Buf- fets have been modified to offer server- attended items, individually presented salads and unique dessert experiences. We have adapted custom menus to cre- ate ‘build-your-own’ Bento-box style breakfast or lunch.” In addition to changes in food- service preparations, Parker also rec- ognizes that the pandemic pause gave chefs time to think more creatively. “The slower periods of the past year, due to the pandemic, gave our chefs time to reimagine their menus, inno- vate dishes with unique pairings and reintroduce their venues with a fresh perspective,” he says. “The time to dine together has arrived. Our guests have been thrilled to come together and embrace the new concepts, and taste what they had been missing for so long now. Great cuisine is best shared with friends.” Due to the need to follow all required and recommended protocols and increased flexibility with con- tracted groups, Danielle Rosa, West Coast regional sales director for Pep- permill Resort Spa Casino, identifies an additional benefit of the downtime the last two years. “We have found that with more flexibility with groups and resort guests, they are more likely to show loyalty in return. So, we have actually seen longevity out of the pan- demic with our clientele.” So, too, has been a heightened focus on sustainability. As also noted in the 2022 Global Meetings and Events Forecast, “The environment will be a priority for most meetings and events programs in 2022,” accord- ing to the study, which says, “83% of respondents said their organizations take sustainability into account when planning meetings and events,” add- ing, “the sustainability practices most cited by respondents were minimizing paper usage and applying energy-saving and waste- reduction measures for their 2022 meetings.” Blanner has witnessed the spotlight on environ- ment firsthand at Wynn Las Vegas as more com- panies require stringent sustainability parameters. Consequently, Blanner says, “We’ve taken that feedback and invented solutions without compro- mising our commitment to service. The result is a state-of-the-art event with an immediate and measur- able impact that clients can be proud of. The entire meetings and convention space is powered by 100% renewable energy, mak- ing the property the first resort in Las Vegas with the ability to offer this valuable benefit.” Notably, the gaming resort’s proactive sustain- ability solutions earned the property a spot on Travel + Leisure’s Global Vision Awards 2022 List. For Wynn’s client base, Blanner sees sustainability as a positive trend with “more and more taking advantage of our Zero Carbon, Zero Waste Event Service program, which ensures the most sustainable event possible.” Closures and limited group capaci- ties at gaming resorts provided yet one more benefit over the past two years by allowing properties to renovate and/ or expand facilities with minimal, if any, disruption to guest services. Here are a few of the classic properties and new developments planners can expect when returning to in-person events at the following gaming resorts: themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2022 Caesars Palace’s 4.5-acre Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis is a popular special venue attendees will enjoy. Inset: ARIA Resort & Casino offers 500,000 sf of versatile, fully equipped meeting and event facilities. 26ANYTHING BUT BUSINESS AS USUAL caesarsmeansbusiness.com | 855-633-8238ATLANTIS, PARADISE ISLAND When the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge come calling, it’s time to roll out the red carpet at Atlan- tis, Paradise Island. Sleek, sophis- ticated decor and spectacular pan- oramic views of the Caribbean set the stage for the couple’s luxurious penthouse retreat at The Cove, one of five hotels at the resort. But you don’t have to be “official” royalty to enjoy the resort’s exceptional “white-glove, Bahamian service” in a paradise where elegant, world- class yachts dot the harbor under endlessly blue skies and innovative global cuisine is standard fare. Aqua adventures abound from strolls along 5 miles of white sandy beaches, to roller coaster water slides and dips in 20 swimming areas with 11 different pools. Or visit marine-mammal habitats at Dolphin Cay (pronounced “key”) to support the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, which provides solutions to marine-life challenges. Golfers can ply their skills at the 18-hole, par-72 Ocean Club Golf Course or sign up for a private lesson at the resort’s Golf Academy. The resort’s state-of-the-art Atlantis Casino features 85 gaming tables and more than 700 of the latest slot machines. Attendees can relax after a day of classes and meetings with an escape to the award-winning Mandara Spa for a rejuvenating body treatment. More than 500,000 sf of flex- ible meeting and event space provides boundless possibilities for meetings and conferences whether in ball- rooms, board rooms or hospitality suites. The space includes 300,000 sf of outdoor venues in 21 function areas that integrate the unique features of the resort’s waterscape, beaches and other landscapes. WYNN LAS VEGAS Wynn Las Vegas continually invests and develops creative, exciting new amenities, dining options and live entertainment offerings to keep the resort experience fresh, fun and of the five-star value, Blanner says. Among the new developments, with “the two- level expansion of our meetings and conventions space, we offer our clients 560,000 sf of flex- ible space, integrating the lush gardens, greenery and water features of the resort to make your next meeting or conven- tion memorable,” he adds. This “seamless integra- tion” of indoor and outdoor spaces provides stunning surrounding views, whether of Wynn Golf Club’s 18th fairway and waterfall or Encore Beach Club with a nightclub that opens onto a 45,000 sf outdoor pool deck. Planners can also opt for sunlit suites, with floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor patios, or dazzling displays of top-tier sound and lighting in clubs or the 1,480-seat Encore Theater. In other new developments at Wynn Las Vegas, they are reimagining the property’s signature Lake of Dreams, with “12 high-tech artistically diverse new acts combining magic, lights, film, music, sculpture and puppetry.” The Aft Cocktail Deck and Bar Parasol are also slated to open later this year to round out the on-site cocktail collection. An expansive pro shop and all- new putting green await avid players at Wynn Golf Club’s 6,722-yard, par- 70 championship course, designed to accommodate all skill levels. After a day of friendly competitive play on the course, two Forbes Travel Guide Five- Star Awarded Spas invite guests to refresh and rejuvenate. The contempo- rary new aesthetic at The Spa at Wynn “evokes the serenity of nightfall” for ultimate mind and body relaxation. The casino offers 1,800 slot machines and a wide variety of table games, luxurious high-limit salons, poolside gaming, a state-of-the-art sports book, and claims Las Vegas’ pre- eminent poker room. While the company continues to elevate the guest experience with new offerings, Blanner says, “What makes the guest experience so unique at Wynn are the employees and the level of service that is performed every day to ensure that the guest’s experi- ence has gone above and beyond their themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2022 Atlantis, Paradise Island offers 300,000 sf of outdoor venues in 21 function areas that integrate the unique features of the resort’s waterscape, beaches and other landscapes. Lauren Parker Director of Catering & Convention Services, Encore Boston Harbor Our guests have been thrilled to come together and embrace the new concepts, and taste what they had been missing for so long now. 28expectations. The attention to every detail, the dedication to our clients and the passion for service that our employees are known for are what elevates our resort and keeps meeting- goers returning.” PEPPERMILL RESORT SPA CASINO Reno’s reputation as a Tier-2 des- tination is quickly gaining ground as a “tech hub” for new companies relo- cating from California, Rosa says. This means, “We will soon be a Tier-1 des- tination, and price points will begin to reflect that.” For planners seeking affordable destinations with the attrac- tions of a top-tier destination, however, “we are currently offering luxury resort amenities all at a valued price point.” Understanding that gaming can be a sensitive attraction for some group attendees, Rosa says, “We have chosen to keep the two separate, which appeals to both types of event attendees. It is there for entertainment or never has to be seen.” In fact, Rosa points out, “We are Reno’s only property that offers gaming while keeping the resort and meeting space separate.” Acclaimed as Reno’s premier AAA Four Diamond property, Peppermill Resort Spa Casino is located in the MidTown RED district, with proxim- ity to top dining experiences, shop- ping and entertainment in the heart of Reno. Resort dining options range from fine dining, including Asian delicacies at Chi, to casual at Cafe Milano, open 24/7, and quick bites at Cafe Espresso. “Our restaurants and bars really pride themselves on having some of Reno’s best custom cocktails, featuring spirits from some of our local distilleries,” Rosa says. “We work with these local bars to showcase their great variety of amaz- ing IPAs and microbrews that can be added to the event bars to showcase what Reno is now known for.” In addition to on-site gaming, when fully open, the property offers 10 restaurants, 17 bars and lounges, two large outdoor heated pools, a 9,000-sf fitness center, arcades and nightly entertainment. The resort’s award-winning three-story, 33,000-sf luxury Spa Toscana reflects charm and modern amenities in Mediterranean architecture, and services that include 24 treatment rooms, full-service salon and spa cuisine. All 106,000 sf of meeting space — with enhanced energy conservation — has been remodeled and completed as of early this year. The three ballrooms include the Tuscany Ballroom, North- ern Nevada’s largest clear-span meeting space at 62,000 sf, while the stunning two-story Executive Boardroom and intimate White Orchid Private Dining Room offer space for smaller gather- ings. The resort’s 1,621 guest rooms include those in the Peppermill Tower, which are undergoing remodeling with anticipated completion in late sum- mer. Remodeling of the 600-room, all-suite Tuscany Tower launches in summer 2023, with completion slated for January 2024. ENCORE BOSTON HARBOR, A WYNN RESORT “Accessible by land or sea, Encore Boston Harbor is a five-star waterfront property conveniently located min- utes from Logan International Airport, which makes the location a valued des- tination for groups, whether traveling from out of state or driving in locally,” Parker says. “The property’s three pre- mium harbor shuttles connect guests to and from the resort with stops along Boston Harbor. A waterfront arrival experience is certainly a luxury ame- nity unique to Encore Boston Harbor.” The 27-story tower features scenic views of historic Mystic River and outer Boston Harbor, as well as 671 luxuri- ous guest rooms with expansive suites, and the largest standard rooms in New England at 650 sf. Among the room amenities: voice-activated curtains and lighting, bedside consoles for charging devices and an Alexa virtual assistant. Exclusive entrances to the 50,000 sf of convention space, which includes the 37,000 sf Picasso Ballroom, 10 ver- satile meeting spaces and an execu- tive boardroom, allows attendees to enjoy the adjacent casino or bypass the area for those who wish to do so. Encore Harbor’s 210,000 sf gaming space features more than 2,700 slot machines and nearly 200 tables games. An additional seasonal 21,000 sf of outdoor space overlooks picturesque manicured gardens and the Boston Harbor, while the year-round, 6-acre Encore Harborwalk provides pedes- trian and bike paths, viewing decks, an event lawn for concerts, waterfront dining and more. New on site is the state-of-the-art WynnBET Sports Bar, featuring more than 60 televisions and a 10-by-123-foot immersive video wall. Describing the scene, Parker spotlights: “A 15-seat, full- service bar with tabletop video poker sits in the middle of the venue, while dining and lounge seating surround the space with more than 40 VIP seats and reclining media chairs providing the ultimate viewer experience.” Enhanc- ing the sports theme, “An extra-large MAY 2022 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES In addition to its casino, Encore Boston Harbor offers 50,000 sf of convention space, which includes the 37,000 sf Picasso Ballroom. Exclusive entrances to the meeting space allow attendees to bypass the casino. 29Next >