< Previousof opportunities for horseback riding, golf, zip lining and the famous catama- ran tours around the island. Located just a 5-minute drive from the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel, situated on the world-famous Isla Verde Beach, one of the top beaches in Puerto Rico, has more than 30,000 sf of flexible meeting space to accommodate groups of all sizes. “Our majestic Grand Ballroom, accommo- dating up to 900 guests, boasts crystal chandeliers, a large welcoming foyer and stunning ocean view terrace,” Dickie says. “The hotel also has sev- eral outside venues perfect for group events — guests can enjoy dining under our famous 300-year-old Ban- yan tree, an opening event poolside at our Well & Being pool, or create a night to remember under the stars listening to the waves at the El San Juan Beach Club.” A TOP SPOT FOR PLANNERS Meetings Made Easy, based in Las Vegas, has booked and continues to operate programs in Puerto Rico due to a variety of reasons. “Some of the big- gest factors are the ease of getting to a destination, the majority of hotels are within 15 minutes of the airport, and the locals are passionate about hospi- tality and food,” says Michael Ferreira, MHA, DES, owner and founder of the company. “Attendees don’t need a passport to travel to the destination, so planning becomes much simpler. We believe that the ability for our group attendees to surf in the morning, hike in the rainforest in the afternoon and enjoy dinner in old San Juan at night makes this a no-brainer.” He cites the island’s popular bio- luminescent bays — Mosquito Bay in Vieques, Laguna Grande in the north- east in Fajardo, and La Parguera in the southwest in Lajas — the rainforest, the hotels and resorts around the island, and Old San Juan as favored attrac- tions for attendees. “We can’t think of other destinations where there is this much to offer attendees,” Ferreira says. “It is important for people to travel to a place where they can experience the culture, food and spirit of that place. This is what Puerto Rico offers, plus so much more.” Meetings Made Easy recently held an annual client event called the #MMEexperience2021 at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan for clients. “It’s an event where we show our best 35 cli- ents how much we value them,” Fer- reira said. “We knew our clients would fall in love with Puerto Rico since the majority of them had never been there before. Our clients were so happy with the hotel, excursions and service at the end of the event, that now all they want to do is book a trip to Puerto Rico. It was a huge success.” Ron Hersh, president of Columbus, Ohio-based World of Travel, has been planning various meetings in Puerto Rico for close to 25 years. “Most have been professional tax-deductible semi- nars, as well as cruise groups spending pre- or post-time in San Juan,” he says. “The major incentive for Puerto Rico for us is that there are no documents needed to enter, and it a tax-deductible destination for our meetings.” Some of his favorite things to arrange for meeting guests are rain- forest tours, kayaking experiences and Old San Juan tours. In fact, he recently returned with a meeting group for 80 people at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar, which he touts as being a tremendous success because of all the attendees were able to do. Puerto Rico is a foodie and spirit aficionado paradise, given the cul- tural influences on gastronomy and being the rum capital of the world. Various rum distilleries provide a fun and immersive touchpoint for those attending meetings and events. “The island is also a major coffee producer,” Dean says. “A plantation or ‘hacienda’ tour is another great option to dive into the history of local production. themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2022 The Puerto Rico Convention Center (PRCC) offers 600,000 sf of total space, 15 meeting rooms, 29 breakout rooms and is the “largest and most technologically advanced convention center in the region,” according to Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico. 40Additionally, the farm-to-table move- ment is flourishing with many preva- lent farms, countless restaurants and bars featuring a plethora of locally sourced ingredients.” For those looking to immerse them- selves in the great outdoors, Discover Puerto Rico suggests chartering a cata- maran to an islet or cay, or organizing a group kayak tour of one of the island’s aforementioned bioluminescent bays. “Step off the beaten path for an under- ground adventure with a plethora of caves to explore,” Dean says. “Or head inland for a tour of El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. Forest service. Visit for a hike, bathe in natural pools, or relax and enjoy the scenery among 240 plant species and some of the best bird watching.” For the more adventurous, people can get their adrenaline pumping at Toro Verde Adventure Park on the lon- gest zip line in the Americas, “El Mon- struo,” or “The Monster,” which is 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) long. IMPACT OF PANDEMIC As the global COVID-19 pandemic began to escalate and travel around the world came to a halt, Discover Puerto Rico had to adapt and shift its strat- egy. “We have found new ways to meet travelers and meeting attendees where they are, particularly given their level of comfort,” Dean says. “Many venues now offer hybrid capabilities for those who may not be ready to travel, in addi- tion to virtual site visits. As some plan- ners are focusing more of their meet- ings on ‘experiences,’ we have been able to assist in finding creative ways to incorporate local cultural engagement and team building into the agenda.” And it goes without saying that outdoor meeting options are endless in Puerto Rico, which is friendly for groups hoping to be in open air to allow for social distancing. Garcia notes she’s starting to see more groups book their meetings and conventions at Wyndham Grand Rio Mar and utilizing the many fresh-air venue options and outdoor activities, from team-building break- out sessions to golf and tennis. “With multiple beachside event locations, the resort is perfectly suited for mixing and mingling in an awe-inspiring atmo- sphere,” she says. “We’re also seeing a huge interest in wellness programming and sustainability.” COVID certainly changed the way meetings were happening at the Fair- mont El San Juan Hotel. “Our team at the hotel made sure to follow all local guidelines in reducing capacity levels, meal service adjustments, as well as vaccination requirements,” Dickie says. “Also, created by Accor, the ALLSAFE Meeting guidelines were implemented to create a safer meeting environment throughout the pandemic. In 2022, as guidelines are changing and many restrictions have now been lifted in Puerto Rico, we are adapting to these new guidelines and look forward to welcoming meetings again to the hotel.” A STAND-OUT DESTINATION Puerto Rico boasts six different ecosystems for those who truly want to be one with nature, and the island boasts an incredible range of art from new street art to top-of-the-line muse- ums with classic works. There is also an array of cave systems that make for activities unlike anywhere else, and the west shores of the island are a surfing haven. “Additionally, we hear from planners that visit that they are always blown away by the warm hospitality they find here. They arrive as a guest, but leave as family,” Dean says. While Puerto Rico’s offerings certainly make the destination stand out, it’s also incredibly convenient and hassle-free. Puerto Rico offers meeting attendees a variety of options in terms of indoor and outdoor venues. The ideal weather is prime for various out- door activity options ranging from golf to swimming, to tennis and everything in between. Plus, it’s easy to travel to as there are non-stop flights from many U.S. airports, vaccinated travelers are no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 test to enter, and Puerto Rico is excluded from the CDC requirement to provide a negative COVID-19 test result to return to the mainland U.S. “Our unique culture sets us apart,” Dean says. “The destination is filled with an exotic flair, with a rich his- tory thanks to our Taíno, African and Spanish roots, and unparalleled nature offerings. You can experience the island in an immersive way through its food, drinks and music.” | AC&F | MAY 2022 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES Puerto Rico offers meeting attendees a variety of options in terms of indoor and outdoor venues. The ideal weather is prime for various outdoor activity options ranging from golf to swimming, to tennis and more. Michael Ferreira, MHA, DES Owner and Founder Meetings Made Easy The ability to surf in the morning, hike in the rainforest in the afternoon and enjoy dinner in old San Juan at night makes this a no- brainer. CHASE WALKER 41ARIZONA Offering All the Amenities Attendees Appreciate By Maura Keller DESTINATIONREPORT themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 202242W hen Brenda Baker, presi- dent at ATD Management, had to plan the organiza- tion’s semi-annual meet- ing, she selected Tucson, Arizona — and she did it for good reason. From the spectacular scenery of Tucson to the relaxing atmosphere of Scottsdale, to the hip urban vibe of Phoenix, Arizona offers a plethora of options for meetings and events. “The warmth is a big draw for our attendees, but they enjoy that Tucson has been very welcoming and relax- ing, and there are a lot of activities for attendees to enjoy while they are visit- ing,” Baker says. ATD Management, a nonprofit trade association in the busi- ness of manufacturing and packaging petroleum and petroleum-based prod- ucts, had approximately 175 attendees plus spouses at their recent meeting. The group meets twice a year in various cities throughout the U.S. “We held our first meeting in Tucson in 2015, and everyone loved the location and the resort. Our members come from all over the country and Canada,” Baker says. The meeting included a trade show, technical sessions, networking and private meetings with current and potential customers without having to travel to each of their plants or offices. During ATD Management’s most recent trip, the group’s activities included hiking, horseback riding, trap shooting, golf and a hoedown on-site at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. “I am a firm believer that outdoor activities are important for attendees after sitting indoors all day during sessions. The resort was very flexible with me and my group, which made it easy,” Baker says. Baker would advise other plan- ners to set up outdoor fun events for attendees to enjoy the beautiful terrain, clear skies and fresh air Tucson offers. “I am a believer that attendees should leave a meeting with more knowledge and contacts, and want to attend again because they also had a fun time,” Baker says. “I would also recommend work- ing with [Visit Tucson]. I don’t always work with CVBs in the cities we visit, but they made me feel welcome.” For meeting planners, Arizona offers some very high-end and high-quality hotels and resorts. This translates into successful meetings and incentives when you mix a quality product and exceptional service. As Deven Crane, director of travel services with Incen- tive Solutions, explains, Arizona is a great location for off-site meetings because of the beautiful weather and the abundance of high-quality hotel and dining options to host meetings and learning sessions. “Additionally, the fantastic outdoor options available when the meetings are over is a bonus offering, as attendees will look for- ward to exploring in their downtime,” Crane says. “Planners should consider Arizona for all these reasons, and also note the ease with which planners and attendees alike can get to the state.” Incentive Solutions has done both large conferences and smaller incen- tives in Arizona. As Crane explains, the conferences have been especially memorable because of the quality of high-capacity hotels that enable the team to put on a seamless meeting. “We recently partnered with a client that chose Arizona for a meeting of more than 350 attendees. This event gener- ated rave reviews for the quality of the hotel, the friendly, helpful service and, of course, the amazing weather that Arizona has, which offered an ‘escape’ for most of the attendees coming from other parts of the country,” Crane says. Indeed, Arizona has a plethora of activities for attendees from near and far to enjoy. The state boasts some amazing golf courses that even the most seasoned golfers likely still have on their “bucket lists.” “And while the cities themselves offer outstand- ing amenities, planners can consider a day excursion for their group to make it even more memorable. There are many great attractions within driving distance from Phoenix or Scottsdale, which allow planners to break up the schedule from traditional meetings and offer something unique for their attend- ees,” Crane says. These options include Jeep tours, guided hikes, or even water/ boat/rafting tours of some renowned parks, such as the Grand Canyon, Dev- il’s Bridge, Tombstone and more. Places such as Sedona offer unique art-based experiences, and there are a multitude of shopping and dining experiences for all tastes, which always is a hit on attendees’ agendas. When looking at Arizona for an event, Crane advises planners to keep in mind the seasonality of the area. In winter months, attendees will most likely be looking to escape their cold climate and will look forward to the getaway. As such, prices will be higher than they would in the off season. “However, those higher prices are likely comparable to locations in larger cities, but your attendance rate is likely to be higher when you choose a location that your attendees look forward to visit- ing,” Crane says. TUCSON OFFERINGS Lisa McGowan, president of AWA Meetings, recently chose Loews Ven- tana Canyon in Tucson for a fitness retreat due to the physical proxim- ity to the hiking trails, the mountains directly behind the resort, and the ease at which guests could take off and hike on their own without the need for extra transportation. “The property provided a nice array of amenities for my audi- ence, great food and beverage service 43 MAY 2022 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES Facing page: Tucson has been named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy — the first in the U.S. Above: Loews Ventana Canyon Resort offers Coyote Corral, a 22,000-sf, themed western village located on property.and quality, and a top-notch conven- tion services manager who gave perfect practical advice regarding the use of event space within,” McGowan says. “I liked the utilization of the outer terrace for our afternoon yoga classes and the use of the Ventana Room overlooking the golf course for our morning work- outs; windows are everywhere. Had I entertained a larger group, the Coyote Corral space outdoors would have also been perfect.” According to Cindy Agui- lar, PR and communications manager with Visit Tucson, the city of Tucson is surpris- ingly accessible. Take off from Tucson International Airport (TUS) to 19 nonstop destina- tion airports on any of eight airlines with convenient one- stop connections to more than 345 cities around the world. “We have top-rated destina- tion resorts, full-service meet- ing properties and a wide range of other event venues to choose from, including new and reno- vated properties,” Aguilar says. “Tucson provides 325+ days of sunshine a year, so planners and attendees are guaranteed some pretty great weather. Did I mention we have some amaz- ing food? After all, Tucson was named a UNESCO City of Gas- tronomy — the first in the U.S. — for a reason.” Tucson strives for continu- ous growth and renovation in the meetings and events arena. The latest and greatest development is Tucson’s “Destination Downtown.” As Aguilar explains, over the past couple of years, more than 500 new hotel rooms have become avail- able, featuring brands such as Double- Tree, Hampton Inn/Home 2 Suites and Graduate. This new inventory joins the existing AC Hotel Tucson Downtown and Tucson Marriott University Park, along with several boutique properties, adding a premium lodging component to Tucson’s hottest entertainment dis- trict. “Supporting this development, the Tucson Convention Center [TCC] recently completed a $65 million reno- vation and expansion, so groups consid- ering Tucson now have a unique ‘urban’ option for their meetings,” Aguilar says. Tucson properties and venues that have recently been updated include the Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, which completed a property expansion in late spring last year. The expansion adds 40 new guest rooms, modeled after the Catalina Rooms added in 2015. The guest rooms span seven new buildings facing both the Santa Catalina Mountains and Rincon Mountains, offering attend- ees expansive mountain views. “A brand- new pool area with a 40-foot lap pool, an infinity edge wading pool and a large sun deck have also been added, along with a new fitness facility,” Aguilar says. A new addition to Tucson’s array of hotels and resorts is The Citizen Hotel Tucson, a wine-centric boutique prop- erty, located downtown. It is owned by Moniqua Lane, who also owns and operates The Downtown Clifton Hotel just down the street. She partnered with Arizona winemakers Sarah Fox and Rob Hammelmann to open a first-of- its-kind boutique hotel featuring wine barreling and cellaring on property. The Citizen Hotel and tasting room reside in a historic building in downtown Tucson, once home to the city’s oldest newspaper, and houses 10 guest rooms along with a 5,000-sf wine barreling and tasting room in the basement. “The wine barreling and tasting room will be a great option for groups to have a pri- vate dinner or wine-tasting experience in downtown Tucson,” Aguilar says. Omni Tucson National Resort is undergoing a multimillion-dollar trans- formation, with Tucson’s natural beauty as its inspiration. According to Aguilar, the newly redesigned spaces will include the lobby, res- taurants and lounge, meeting space, spa, fitness center, casi- tas and haciendas. The relaxed, yet inspired, ambiance of this Southwestern destination will create an ideal backdrop for leisure, golf, spa, dining and wellness, corporate or group stays. Two new meeting rooms will support additional break- out requirements, providing more than 25,000 sf of indoor and outdoor meeting space. The completion of this exten- sive renovation is expected in spring next year. “Tucson has always been known for our access to the outdoors and nature,” Aguilar says. Sur- rounded by mountain ranges on all sides and bordered on the east and west by Saguaro National Park, Tucson has put a premium on outdoor spaces. Aguilar points out that pri- vate events at unique places, such as the grounds of the Ari- zona-Sonora Desert Museum, allow guests to mingle with the wild creatures that call the Sonoran Desert home, while enjoying cocktails and a catered chef’s dinner beneath the stars. Out east, the Tanque Verde Ranch’s “Cottonwood Grove” can accommodate more than 300 people for an authentic dude-ranch barbecue. “These venues have always been popular with planners, but are in greater demand as outdoor events become the standard,” Aguilar says. Of course, the idyllic El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort, is a favorite among many meeting and event planners as the property offers nearly 45,000 sf of indoor meeting space. The resort has 100,000 sf of meeting and event space when including its outdoor venue options. Surrounded by mountain and desert vistas, El Conquistador Tucson offers an array of uniquely Southwest amenities to themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2022 Lisa McGowan, president of AWA Meetings, recently chose Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson for a fitness retreat due to the resort’s proximity to hiking trails, the mountains directly behind the resort and ease with which attendees could go hiking on their own. COURTESY OF LISA MCGOWAN 44See why Tucson’s one-of-a-kind culture creates an experience that extends beyond the ballroom. Book now through 2025 and earn up to $15,000 OFF your Master Account.enhance meeting and event attendees’ resort experiences, including a wealth of indoor and outdoor activities to keep attendees refreshed, relaxed and inspired. PHOENIX OFFERINGS Laura Rudzinski, executive direc- tor for the National Institute of Pen- sion Administrators (NIPA), also recently orchestrated a leadership conference in Arizona, specifically at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa in Paradise Valley, Arizona. “We were looking for a smaller venue that had a high level of service, since our conference was comprised of business owners who have high expectations of a prop- erty,” Rudzinski says. “Sanctuary easily fit the bill.” According to Debra Reasy, direc- tor of sales for Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, the resort provides a space for meeting groups to disconnect and reconnect. “Guests are welcomed to a desert oasis with show-stopping sun- sets each night, and an award-winning restaurant and bar designed to take advantage of those views,” Reasy says. The resort’s intimate size rein- forces privacy for each meeting group, and associations can enjoy not having a typical “group” resort experience. In addition to the Sanctuary Spa, which offers plenty of wellness opportunities for active experiences, there is the sig- nature infinity-edge pool, a tennis com- pound, pickleball courts, hiking and biking trails, a fitness center and more available, along with golf privileges at the region’s top courses. The Sanctuary’s Villas are a stand- out amenity, and great for executives who crave privacy or planners who want to host smaller events and meetings. These multimillion-dollar homes are distinct, each with its own unique set of amenities, such as extensive patios, swimming pools, game rooms and home theaters. Set high atop the Sanctuary’s 53 acres, attendees housed in the Villas can enjoy sweeping views of the desert landscape. “The Sanctuary meeting experience is highly personalized, and it’s not often that we host groups simultaneously, so that allows for the special touch and flexibility that meeting planners are seeking,” Reasy says. “We are surrounded by incredible natural beauty. Guided hikes of Camelback Mountain are a great group activity that can be tailored to a team. The resort can also arrange rafting excursions along the Upper Salt River Canyon, which is close to Scottsdale, or send groups out for a hot-air balloon ride. For a bit of art and architecture, a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West or the eclectic studio, Cosanti, are additional options. The Phoenix area is filled with other must-experience venues. Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, recently reopened after a $70 million renovation, which began in 2020. From refreshed cottages, to a new adults- only pool, to new dining and bar spaces, the renovation encapsulates the resort’s goal of providing an all-encompassing experience. For meetings and events, the Arizona Biltmore features a wealth of renovated and renewed options, including a state-of-the-art conference center with various ballrooms, to awe- inspiring outdoor function spaces to the famous Aztec Room. As a premier meetings and events venue in Phoenix, the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa is located at the base of the South Mountain Preserve and offers a series of flexible ballroom and meeting spaces, with the largest being the 20,070-sf Canyon Ballroom. To take advantage of the stunning environs, Ari- zona Grand boasts 16 outdoor meeting spaces. Overall, this resort can accom- modate from 10 to 2,200 attendees. Another venue ideal for large-scale events is JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. With more than 240,000 sf of event space, the resort features Arizona’s largest banquet hall, the Grand Canyon Ballroom, which can host up to 4,000 attendees. When business is done and it’s time to relax, attendees can enjoy championship golf, spa treatments, 17 pickleball courts, five pools and a lazy river. SCOTTSDALE OFFERINGS According to Experience Scottsdale, the city offers more than 70 meetings- friendly properties, including luxury themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2022 Enchantment Resort in Sedona offers a variety of flexible event spaces. The 5,100-sf Anasazi Ballroom can fit up to 320 people seated at tables and more than 500 guests theater-style. Lisa McGowan President AWA Meetings The property provided a nice array of amenities for my audience, great food and beverage service and quality, and a top-notch convention services manager. 46resorts with meeting rooms up to 24,500 sf. Located just 15 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia’s 100,000 sf of meeting and event facilities include several unique outdoor venues alongside multiple elegant ballrooms and privately owned villas, all amidst 35 acres of lush desert landscape. Bryan Hart, director of sales and marketing at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, says the resort, nestled at the foot of iconic Camel- back Mountain, offers the ultimate full-service retreat. “It’s a destination complete with European charm, as we bring the white-washed villages and sun-drenched hills of Andalusia, Spain to the heart of Scottsdale,” Hart says. “With 10 unique outdoor venues that can accommodate group events of all sizes, from 10 to 500 guests, meeting planners have the opportunity to pro- vide their attendees with a memorable experience for their scheduled meals, breaks, refreshments, evening recep- tions and team building.” The majority of outdoor venues at Omni Scottsdale allow for unobstructed views of Camelback Mountain. The resort offers many on-property ame- nities for meeting attendees to enjoy, including three sparkling resort pools, the property’s 31,000-sf landmark Joya Spa, Spanish-inspired dining at the resort’s signature restaurant Prado, a newly refreshed kitchen and bar at Oasis Pool with private cabanas, well- ness classes and guided group hikes up Camelback Mountain. “The conference service team at Omni has tenured and experienced professionals, who are very knowledgeable and creative when it comes to assisting with planning,” Hart says. “The team goes above and beyond to assist every step of the way, ensuring no detail is left unattended to.” According to Experience Scottsdale, the Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Curio Collection by Hilton recently introduced new golf academy courses, four new pickleball courts and culinary adventures aplenty. In addition, meet- ing and event attendees can explore Boulders Resort & Spa’s 1,300 acres by hiking and enjoying the ample stargaz- ing opportunities. Nearby in Sedona, Enchantment Resort is set amongst the towering red rocks of Boynton Canyon. The resort is a great backdrop for meetings and events and offers 218 guest rooms and a variety of flexible event spaces to hold small- and large-scale groups, corporate func- tions, executive retreats, annual gath- erings and more. The resort’s Meeting Village serves as a dedicated hub for groups, providing floor-to-ceiling win- dows to draw the outside in and provide an inspiring locale fed by the natural energy of the canyon. As Stan Kantowski, managing direc- tor of Enchantment Resort & Mii amo, explains, with access to 400 miles of scenic hiking and mountain biking trails, Enchantment Resort’s new Trail House serves as the gateway for cor- porate group exploration and alterna- tive breakout session opportunities. “A team of specialized expert guides will lead a private excursion based off of the group’s skill level in some of Sedona’s most sought-after terrain, with example itineraries including a Boynton Canyon Vortex Hike, Cathedral Rock Hiking Experience and Sunset Mountain Bike Ride,” Kantowski says. “The Spa Suites at Boynton Canyon also offer a variety of well-being-focused amenities that cater to team exercises, including a compassionate communication work- shop and sound bath meditation.” A variety of desert wildlife, including mule deer, javelina and more, are frequently spotted on the property and along Sedona’s exten- sive hiking and biking trail system. Additional amenities include ten- nis, pickleball and stargazing under the dark skies of Boyn- ton Canyon with the resort’s expert astronomer. “The resort offers customized itin- eraries based on the interests of the group, ensuring each event offers a tailored experi- ence and appropriately balances work with the call to adventure so many seek while visiting Sedona, creat- ing a well-rounded destination showcas- ing the best of Arizona,” Kantowski says. With more than 200,000 sf of meet- ing and event space, The Westin Kier- land Resort & Spa in Scottsdale boasts 44 event rooms for meetings, confer- ences, conventions and other events. The resort’s Kierland Grand Ballroom accommodates up to 3,600 people in a theater-style seating layout. In addition, the resort features various other smaller flexible meeting spaces for smaller and medium-sized events. Looking ahead, Experience Scotts- dale says that The Ritz-Carlton, Para- dise Valley, complete with wonderful meeting and event venues, and 215 guest rooms, will open late this year. In early 2024, Caesars Entertainment will open Caesars Republic Scottsdale, the company’s first non-gaming hotel in the United States. | AC&F | MAY 2022 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES Bryan Hart, left, says Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia offers the European charm of Andalusia Spain, and 10 unique outdoor event venues that can accommodate groups of all sizes, from 10 to 500 attendees. Brenda Baker President ATD Management The warmth is a big draw for our attendees, but they enjoy that Tucson has been very welcoming and relaxing. COURTESY OF BRYAN HART 47DESTINATIONREPORT themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2022 W hen people think of Orlando, they envi- sion Mickey Mouse, theme parks and family fun, but there’s more to the area than just these popular attrac- tions, which is why it’s a favorite spot for meeting planners when arranging conventions, conferences or associa- tion meetings. The city is home to the NBA’s Orlando Magic, there’s a great night life, and beyond the attractions, meet- ing attendees can enjoy Orlando’s grow- ing culinary scene with new celebrity chef-driven restaurants, including Four Flamingos: A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen from the Top Chef All-Stars winner; or a fast-casual dining experi- ence at Gordon Ramsay’s Fish & Chips. Not that the theme parks should be dismissed for meeting attendees, as plenty of adults enjoy these attrac- tions. And some might want to bring their family along for the event, tak- ing advantage of off times or spending extra time in Orlando before or after the meeting. With both Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort theme parks located within the greater Orlando area, there is a lot to do either as a planned group event or at the attendees’ leisure. Those attendees with young fami- lies can spend the day at the world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida; Star Wars fans can immerse them- selves into Disney World’s new Star Wars-themed hotel, Star Wars: Galac- tic Starcruiser; thrill-seekers can enjoy the exhilarating new Ice Breaker roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando or the Reef Plunge water slide at Aquatica Orlando, as well as plenty of additional experiences throughout the destination’s theme parks and attrac- tions. “Orlando is constantly evolving and has a plethora of new experi- ences to offer,” says Casandra Matej, president & CEO of Visit Orlando. “Beyond our convention area, Orlando is home to a diverse group of districts and neighborhoods, ranging from downtown Orlando to Winter Park, to Winter Garden, each with distinct offerings for entertainment, nightlife, outdoor activities and chef-driven dining options.”By Keith Loria Orlando Attendance Always Rises at the Theme-Park Capital 48FINDING YOUR WAY While it’s always been easy to get to Orlando, the city is doing more to improve its travel infrastructure. “The largest construction project in airport history is underway at Orlando Inter- national Airport — The South Termi- nal Complex,” Matej says. “Phase one of the $3.82 billion, multiyear project is expected to be completed later this year. The new terminal will feature 15 gates, a state-of-the-art radio frequency baggage system, shopping, dining and lounge facilities, as well as the Inter- modal Terminal Facility (ITF), which is designed to accommodate up to three train systems, including the Brightline train with service to and from Miami.” Orlando is the most-visited des- tination in the country, and has been consistently ranked as the nation’s No. 1 meeting destination by Cvent. “Orlan- do’s convention district is an ideal hub for meetings, with a wide variety of budget to luxury hotels, offering 7,600 rooms within 1 mile of the Orange County Convention Center [OCCC],” Matej says. “After wrapping their day, attendees can enjoy access to more than 75 restaurants and over 100 enter- tainment experiences within a 2-mile radius of the OCCC.” OPTIONS APLENTY The Orlando destination has nearly 130,000 rooms across more than 480 hotels and resorts of every size and budget, which includes more than 150 convention hotels that host a variety of events. Orlando offers true conven- tion hotels that can host exhibits, large general sessions and breakouts, along with having guest rooms — all under one roof. If you do need a convention center, the OCCC is state of the art and within walking distance of thousands of hotel rooms. “Additionally, Orlando has 5.8 million sf of total meeting space beyond what is offered at the award- winning Orange County Convention Center, which has 2.1 million sf of exhi- bition space,” Matej says. New hotels include the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa, with 50,000 sf of meeting space; The Swan Reserve, which has nearly 16,000 sf of meeting space and is part of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resorts; Tru by Hilton Orlando Conven- tion Center Area, which is adjacent to the West Concourse of the OCCC; AC Hotel Orlando Downtown and the Lake Nona Wave Hotel, with 12,000 sf of meeting space. But it’s not just the hotels that are great for hosting meetings. In downtown Orlando, Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Perform- ing Arts opened early this year. The new hall is available for groups and can accommodate 850 for a reception, 600 for a banquet and 1,700 theater-style. In addition, the Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando are a great option for groups as the hotels have outstand- ing on-property meeting and event ven- ues, as well as easy and complimentary access via shuttle or bus to the Univer- sal parks and Universal CityWalk, giv- ing a lot of flexibility for groups during free-time or in the evenings. “Our meet- ing clients love to be outside for social events, and ideally in an area close to the meeting space,” says Barb Bowden, area managing director for Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando. “We offer plenty of options, all with a distinct and unique sense of place that attendees enjoy. We remain focused on making our meeting attendees feel safe and comfortable.” Plus, meeting planners rave about its banquet staff being open and flex- ible with their menus, which always helps when planning dining choices. For instance, the executive chef at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Univer- sal Orlando will allow for customizable 49 MAY 2022 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES Left: The Orange County Convention Center offers 2.1 million sf of exhibition space. There are 7,600 hotel rooms within 1 mile, more than 75 restaurants and more than 100 entertainment experiences within a 2-mile radius. Top: NBA Hall of Fame basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. speaks at the recent National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders’ Show in Orlando. © OSCAR EINZIG PHOTOGRAPHY / NAHBNext >