< PreviousWHEN NAVIGATING TODAY’S MEETINGS, EXPERIENCE MATTERS. LEARN MORE AT ORLANDOMEETING.COM Orlando is leading the way with the industry’s recovery by continuing to do what we do best—hosting incredible meetings. In fact, we’ve hosted over 200 events since July 2020 at our award-winning Orange County Convention Center alone. And now, with Orlando’s convention district having undergone some of its greatest enhancements to date, there are more new restaurants, entertainment venues and remodeled hotels within walking distance. Paired with world-famous attractions and elevated health and safety standards, there’s never been a better time to meet in Orlando.menus and create new experiences for guests. Plus, the 115,000 sf of meeting space is expansive, yet consolidated so attendees can easily move from one meeting to another with ease. Loews also partners with approved local partners to offer a vast array of branding opportuni- ties to create an immersive experience for groups within the meeting space. Caribe Royale Orlando’s Grand Caribe Convention Center boasts 220,000 sf of meeting space indoors, and plenty of options outdoors, which is of great interest to planners. In fact, the resort recently completed a $125 million transformation to make things more inviting for meeting attendees. Some of its nontraditional outdoor event spaces are the 6,900-sf Boca Pier/Pavilion, cabana-studded pool decks surrounded by lush tropical landscaping and the AAA Four Diamond Venetian Chop House, featuring a fireside terrace for intimate al fresco business gatherings. “Outdoor events both accommodate a larger group of people while also easily providing a comfortable and safe distance between attendees,” says Gladi Colón, complex director of event management & cater- ing for Caribe Royale Orlando. “Outdoor events also lend themselves to more casual interactions and, depending on local and state guidelines, can have a longer timeline than indoor events.” ENJOY THE MAGIC There’s a reason Disney World is one of the most sought-after destina- tions on the planet. When business is over, attendees will find practically every kind of entertainment and recre- ation they could want. The resort is always growing and chang- ing as well, which means there’s always something new for attendees to discover. Amy Pfeiffer, director of convention sales & services at Disney Destinations, notes now more than ever, attendees are looking to engage in meaning- ful connections. “They want content and experiences which are both impactful and inspiring, and Walt Disney World Resort is perfect for deliver- ing a memorable experience,” she says. “Disney also stands alone in its ability to deliver for planners and attendees. It starts with the draw of the destination and its proven ability to drive conven- tion attendance. Add to that our award- winning convention facilities, world- class culinary experts, unforgettable entertainment and one-of-a- kind content from Disney Insti- tute and National Geographic. It all leaves a lasting impression on attendees.” World-renowned Disney theme parks offer dozens of elaborately themed loca- tions, and the parks can accommodate meetings and groups of all sizes. “Many venues are outdoors too, which is a top priority for planners right now,” Pfei- ffer says. “With built-in décor, these one-of-a-kind locations can also be surprisingly affordable. And nothing ‘wows’ attendees like having exclusive access to a world-famous Disney attraction or theme park dur- ing a private event.” At EPCOT, attendees can enjoy the new Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction and Harmonious, the larg- est nighttime spectacular ever created for a Disney park. At Magic Kingdom, attendees can enjoy the new Disney Enchantment, which lights up the nighttime sky over Cinderella Castle. These and other shows are perfect backdrops for private receptions, des- sert parties and networking events. Disney Meetings & Events also offers planners a single-source for support ser- vices. “This means we can source talent, production facilities, supplies and other resources more efficiently than other providers,” Pfeiffer says. Also, the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary celebration kicked off last fall, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience. “Bleisure has always been a big reason planners bring their events to Walt Disney World Resort,” Pfeiffer says. “Quite simply, there’s something here for everyone, and attendees relish the chance to add pre- and post-visits to their meetings. It’s another reason why we have an incredible track record helping associations drive record- breaking attendance for their events.” Finally, at nearby Disney Springs, the new “Drawn to Life” presented by Cirque du Soleil & Disney, which premiered late last year, combines Disney animation and awe-inspiring performances, and is available for group buyouts. ORLANDO ALWAYS DELIVERS Over a 28-year-career, Geoff Cassidy, senior vice president of exhibitions and meetings at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), has planned a number of conventions, meetings and events for the association. The NAHB has partnered with the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show on a co-location show a number of times in Orlando, including earlier this year. Between the two shows, there was 750,000 sf of exhi- bition space with a combined 70,000 registrants. “That was down relative to past years due to COVID-19, as we had risen to a level of 1 million sf for exhibit themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2022 Kim Becker, CMP, DES, SEPC, MBA Owner, Emerald Meeting & Event Planning There is a plethora of hotels to suit any budget and size, and a plethora of special event venues and options to create a really exciting attendee experience. 52space and 90,000 registrants,” Cassidy says. “By all measures, this show has been considered to be a success, and Orlando played a significant role.” Not only is the OCCC beautiful aes- thetically, but its proximity to quality hotels and top restaurants is also attrac- tive, he says. “[Visit Orlando] brings a community approach to the support of trade shows that are hosted by the Orange County Convention Center, and the visitors bureau is incredibly sup- portive and has helped me plan these big events year after year,” Cassidy says. “In my mind, the convention’s team is second to none. They help you with transportation challenges to get people to and from, and do whatever we need to make things run smoothly.” Being that the show is normally held in January or February every year, the weather of Orlando is a big reason why attendance is so large. “It’s definitely a lot nicer than where most of the people are coming from,” Cassidy says. “Any- thing that enables us to get outside is always a positive. Golf is a major activity for our members, and there are so many options nearby.” Cassidy adds that, from an attendee perspective, Orlando brings a one-stop shop for a large array of inter- ests, while being very convenient. “As a planner, you get to work with the best of the best in venue and vendor partners, so it’s where you want to be,” he says. Kim Becker, CMP, DES, SEPC, MBA, owner of Louisville, Kentucky-based Emerald Meeting & Event Planning, has planned meetings at the Rosen Centre hotel, formerly the Omni Rosen, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress and Dis- ney’s Contemporary Resort during her two decades in the busi- ness. “Orlando rivals Vegas in terms of conference registra- tion outpacing previ- ous registration num- bers, and it also is an excellent destination for increasing pre- and post-conference hotel room numbers,” she says. “There is a plethora of hotels to suit any budget and size, and a plethora of special event venues and options to create a really exciting attendee experi- ence. Orlando also has good air service from almost anywhere in the country and internationally.” The city is a favorite for her as it offers great airlift, large high-quality hotels, good weather and a variety of activities when meetings aren’t in ses- sion. “The ability to bring large groups to a destination with direct flights from many U.S. destinations starts meetings off on a positive note,” she says. “Having a large convention center with enough rooms within walking distance to accommodate extremely large groups is a great value. The cost of doing business in Orlando is lower than most Florida destinations, and the service in this des- tination is outstanding.” While historically, her attendees enjoy visiting Disney World and Sea- World when their families are involved, for those traveling without children, she notes Orlando offers great shop- ping, plenty of golf courses and a lot of outside activities in general, including swimming, tennis and biking, and is just a short drive to Cape Canaveral/Atlan- tic Ocean beaches, Tampa/St. Peters- burg/Gulf of Mexico beaches and other Central Florida locations. Becker recently planned a sales incentive trip for approximately 300 people at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. “In this case, it was nice to be off the beaten hotel path a little bit, because Disney did not play into the mix for this group,” she says. “The company was located in Michigan, so they were all about taking advantage of the sunny Orlando weather. We had golfing, ten- nis and pool time, and we did a special concert at the House of Blues, which really captured the energy of the group. They danced almost all night long.” Annette M. Suriani, CMP, CFMP, DES, business events strategist with Fairfax, Virginia-based AMS Meetings Solutions, has been planning meetings in Orlando since 1985, and has enjoyed see- ing the city evolve and cater to the indus- try in a greater way over the last 37 years. “Orlando is a fabulous place to host busi- ness meetings when you want to really promote the family environment and encourage participants to bring their families and enjoy some time together,” she says. “Orlando offers a myriad of hotel types that fit everyone’s budget. More importantly, it is a great location if you’ve started outgrowing hotels but are too small for a convention center.” BACK TO BUSINESS Orlando has served as a leader in the recovery of the meetings and events industry, and has built a solid reputa- tion as a healthy meetings destina- tion. “Since July 2020, our destination has hosted nearly 200 live events, and another 100 city-wide conventions are on the books at the Orange County Con- vention Center for 2022,” Matej says. “We continue to work with our groups to respond to individual planner needs.” The OCCC was among the first in the nation to achieve GBAC Star reaccredi- tation — the gold standard for cleaning and disease prevention. “Visit Orlando also pioneered a medical concierge pro- gram for groups — the first of its kind in the country — through a partnership with our convention center and Orlando Health, which provides planners with tools such as customized medical plans and access to an on-site medical expert during their event,” Matej says. “Orlando is home to some of the most- trusted brands in the world that have comprehensive safety measures in place to create safe travel experiences.” With all it has to offer, it’s no wonder people of all ages are ready to pack their bags when Orlando meeting opportuni- ties pop up. | AC&F | MAY 2022 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES Of course, no mention of Orlando would be complete without mentioning the Walt Disney World Resort, which kicked off its 50th Anniversary celebration last fall. There are dozens of activities attendees can enjoy after a long day of meetings, or attendees can extend their stay for a bit of ‘bleisure’ time. 53ROOM TO INSPIRE Welcome to Colorado Springs, where our wide-open spaces, 300 days of endless blue skies and stunning scenery serve as the backdrop to your meetings and events. Discover historic properties, unique venues and value-priced, first-tier amenities. The Colorado Meetings & Events Incentive program has been extended, offering a 10% rebate on eligible hard costs.* In Colorado Springs – Olympic City USA, you’ll find room to inspire, innovate, connect and re-energize. *See our website for details Learn more at VisitCOS.com/meet KATHY REAK, CFMP Vice President of Sales Kathy@VisitCOS.com | 719.685.7632AMERICA’S TOP DESTINATIONS MEETING & CONVENTION A ssociation Conventions & Facilities magazine proudly presents the designees of our 2022 America’s Top Meet- ing & Convention Destinations. These destinations go above and beyond to stand out among the many destina- tions around the country. They offer top-notch service and support, as well as promotional assistance, and supplier, facility and venue information to make planning meetings an easy, stress-free undertaking. These industry-leading destinations earn their way atop the list of planners nationwide — through expanded and upgraded facilities — and boast enough A/V and other technol- ogy to meet the needs of any of today’s face-to-face, virtual or hybrid meeting. Consider these Top Convention Des- tinations for your next meeting, con- ference or event. 55 MAY 2022 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES NEW ORLEANSDALLASSAVANNAHA Million Dollar Rocky Mountain Location, Flawless Meetings and Priceless Views F or more than 100 years, The Broadmoor has been honoring its guests, tradition and busi- ness so that you can highlight yours. With the addition of Bartolin Hall, The Broadmoor introduces the long-awaited “Convention Center at The Broadmoor.” Broadmoor Hall, International Center, Colorado Hall and Bartolin Hall offer more than 200,000 SF of flexible convention and exhibit space. Combine this with the additional meeting, breakout and boardroom ven- ues throughout the property, and The Broadmoor now boasts a total of more than 315,000 SF of indoor and outdoor adaptable, flexible function areas. As the longest-running Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond property, The Broadmoor continues to cultivate relationships in the meetings industry by incorporating cutting-edge industry necessities. Choose between 784 guest rooms, suites, cottages, brownstones, and The Estate House at The Broadmoor, which features the elegant touches and thought- ful amenities that have enchanted guests for over 100 years. Each luxurious retreat features either one king or two double beds (we also have two queens in some accommodations), plush furnishings, and an array of modern amenities. The Broadmoor and The Broadmoor’s Wilderness Experiences are the perfect destinations to enjoy a temperate climate consisting of 300 days of sunshine a year and low humidity. Choose from horse- back riding along scenic mountain trails, rock-climbing instruction, tee off with the pros on two legendary golf courses, or perfect your swing with our award- winning pickleball and tennis program. Nestled in the elbow of Cheyenne Mountain, nature’s playground is knock- ing at our back door. Whether you choose to hike the Chamberlain Trail or climb the 224 steps to the top of Seven Falls, trail systems are plentiful and within walking distance from The Broadmoor’s main campus. At The Broadmoor, that means endless authentic adventures and activities to discover in any season. With an abundance of restaurants, cafes and lounges, The Broadmoor has a wide variety of distinctive and award- winning dining. Fully customizable menus offer groups a myriad of carefully crafted options to suit discerning tastes and dietary requests. The journey to whole-body wellness transports us to unexpected places, both physically and mentally. The Spa at The Broadmoor is known internationally for innovative services and integrated approaches to health and relaxation. Colorado Springs Airport is 15 min- utes away, and offers more than 4,900 seats a day for passengers via Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Fron- tier and United. Denver International Airport, 70 minutes north of Colorado Springs, hosts more than 1,600 national and international flights daily. | AC&F | The Broadmoor Total Guest Rooms/Suites: 784 Total Square Feet of Meeting Space: 315,000 Convention Center FYI: With the addition of Bartolin Hall, The Broadmoor offers 315,000 SF of flexible exhibit and function areas. The “Convention Center at The Broadmoor” provides the only mountain meeting experience. CONTACT PEPPER DOMBROSKI Director of Sales The Broadmoor 1 Lake Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80906 855-502-2081 sales@broadmoor.com broadmoor.com FACTS & FEATURES AMERICA'S TOP MEETING & CONVENTION DESTINATIONS 2022 56 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2022844.350.4522 Broadmoor.com 1 Lake Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 Welcome to the True Colorado Convention Experience. So much space, the possibilities are wide open. Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Rockies, the Convention Center at The Broadmoor offers over 315,000 square feet of meeting space. And every detail and service has been considered to make your event a success. Book your event today at conventioncenter.broadmoor.com 315,000+ SQ FT MEETING SPACE 93,500 SQ FT TRUE EXHIBIT SPACELive Forward Together C olumbus is the proud host of PCMA Convening Leaders 2023 — we hope you can join us January 8-11. As always, our city will roll out the red carpet for meetings professionals to experience all our city has to offer both planners and attendees. “Cbus,” the fastest-growing Midwest city, is vibrant, alive, and is known for its public-private collaborations and entrepreneurial spirit. It’s a smart, open and welcoming community with a dynamic convention package that can fit the needs of any group. Easily accessible, Columbus is within 550 miles of nearly half the nation’s pop- ulation, just a one-day drive or one-hour flight. And, John Glenn International Airport is just 8 miles, or 10 minutes from downtown. The city is enjoyably walkable, and the Greater Columbus Convention Center sits at the center of the “Five on High” neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences at many only-in-Columbus venues and facili- ties. The North Market, across from the convention center, is a 145-year-old, vibrant public market made up of Ohio’s best independent merchants, farm- ers and makers. And, if your shoes just aren’t made for walking, download the COTA transit app to explore the five dis- tricts as well as other renowned attrac- tions, including the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Columbus’ convention hotel package is both impressive and expanding. The Hilton Columbus Downtown expansion brings 1,000 rooms directly connected to the convention center. On the 28th floor, the hotel will feature a stunning rooftop bar with beautiful views of the city for your attendees to explore new heights. By fall 2022, Columbus will have more than 5,000 hotel rooms in the downtown core, 2,700 of which will be connected or adja- cent to the Greater Columbus Conven- tion Center. In total, there will be approx- imately 32,000 hotel rooms citywide. To support Black-owned businesses, Experience Columbus partnered with the Columbus Fashion Alliance to launch CBUS Soul, a platform that amplifies the rich, historic, innovative and forward- moving Black culture that helps to fuel the vibrancy of Columbus. Curated itin- eraries and a directory of businesses are available online or can be customized by our destination experience team. And, for attendees who want to live for life beyond lanyards, our Attendee Savings Pass provides discounts to shop, sip and explore local businesses, res- taurants and attractions to enjoy deals and discounts exclusively for our visi- tors. If you want to hit some trails, Men’s Journal selected the Scioto Mile as one of the “21 Best Urban Parks + Trails for City-Dwellers.” Experience Columbus has created experiential trails as well for coffee lovers, bourbon connoisseurs — and, for those who enjoy Columbus-style pizza, a pizza trail is coming soon. As you can tell, Columbus has a vibe, one you’ve just gotta come see to feel! | AC&F | Experience Columbus Total Guest Rooms: 2,700 connected or adjacent to the GCCC; 5,000+ hotel rooms in downtown Total Square Feet of Meeting Space: 1.7 million total, consisting of 373,000 sf of contiguous exhibit space at the GCCC, 75 meeting rooms and three ballrooms; transit is 8 miles, or 10 minutes from airport Convention Center FYI: GCCC’s ballroom is the largest in Ohio, with 4,700 on-site parking spaces, a SmartFarm; HEPA air-filtering machines make it second to none when it comes to planning your next meeting CONTACT ANGELA HAMMOND, CTA Vice President, Sales Operations Experience Columbus 614-222-6144 ahammond@experiencecolumbus.com experiencecolumbus.com/meetings FACTS & FEATURES AMERICA'S TOP MEETING & CONVENTION DESTINATIONS 2022 58 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2022We Live Forward by planning beyond the meeting room — connecting attendees to the core of our city’s culture. Now open and safely welcoming groups, Columbus gives you the confidence to collaborate, create and explore. Start planning your next meeting at ExperienceColumbus.com/meet Next >