< PreviousDallas Up and Running D allas is Up and Running, so don’t miss the chance to host your next event at one of the most meetings-friendly destinations in the country. Dallas can host events large and small, with 35,000 hotel rooms in the city and 137,000 in the region, there is no shortage of accommodations. Our professionals at Visit Dallas are ready to help you plan your next event. Our experienced team means you can count on us to deliver the undisputed best service in the indus- try. Dallas, the ninth-largest city in the United States and the leading business and financial center in the Southwest, offers travelers an unparalleled array of amenities, a central location and easy accessibility with two major airports. With 20 vibrant and diverse neighbor- hoods, including the nation’s largest con- tiguous arts district, Dallas is a destina- tion that suits every style. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE The Kay Bailey Hutchison Conven- tion Center Dallas (KBHCCD) is one of the largest centers in the country, offer- ing 1 million sf of exhibit space, three ballrooms, 88 meeting rooms, a 1,750- seat theater and a 9,816-seat arena. The award-winning facility is connected to the 1,001-room Omni Dallas Hotel via skybridge. But the best is yet to come: The Dallas City Council recently approved plans for a new 2.5 million-sf convention center located adjacent to the current Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Cen- ter Dallas. The new center will feature 800,000 sf of exhibit space and 300,000 sf of breakout space, including 160,000 sf of ballroom space. Construction on the $2 billion center is expected to begin in 2024 with completion in 2028. The planned convention center will feature large, elevated ballrooms with outdoor event terraces boasting views of the Trinity River and Downtown Dallas. A welcoming entry and lobby will greet convention attendees and create space ffor activities and programming. The surrounding Convention Center District will connect Downtown Dallas with neighboring entertainment districts, such as Cedars and the planned Rail Dis- trict, the East Quarter and Farmers Mar- ket, creating a vibrant, walkable destina- tion designed to attract both locals and visitors. The Convention Center District will be an authentic Dallas urban experi- ence that will include restaurants, retail, lodging and entertainment options. The new convention center will address the needs of modern meeting planners, providing all the ballroom and breakout space planners and attendees could ever want. The center is expected to nearly double annual attendance and associated revenue for the city. With this new center, Dallas will offer state-of-the-art, modern, adaptable and more flexible spaces planners demand for 21st century events. When complete, the new Convention Center will rank Dallas near the top in nearly every category of space compared to centers nationwide. As Dallas is one of the top destinations for relocating companies, it deserves one of the best convention centers to host the next generation of meetings and events. So what are you waiting for? Contact us right now to start planning your next event in Dallas! | AC&F | Visit Dallas Total Guest Rooms: 35,000 hotel rooms in Dallas, 137,000 hotel rooms in the greater Dallas region Total Square Feet of Meeting Space: New center: 2.5 million sf total, including 800,000 sf exhibit space, 300,000 sf breakout space Convention Center FYI: Dallas’ new convention center will anchor a new Convention Center District that will offer an authentic, walkable Dallas- only experience with restaurants, retail, lodging and entertainment. CONTACT D. BRADLEY KENT SR. Senior Vice President & Chief Sales Officer Visit Dallas 1807 Ross Avenue, Suite 450 Dallas, Texas 75201 214-571-1049 brad@visitdallas.com visitdallas.com FACTS & FEATURES AMERICA'S TOP MEETING & CONVENTION DESTINATIONS 2022 60 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2022Waterproof Bar, The Statler Hotel, Downtown This news is too exciting not to share: In 2029, Dallas will unveil a new convention center and entertainment experience. Get an early look at VisitDallas.com/ConventionCenter Start planning at DallasDelivers.com Looking for a great destination for your next meeting or event? Dallas delivers. For starters, you can fly here direct from most major cities. We also have tons of fun things to see and do while you’re not working, from our walkable downtown to nearby arts and cultural districts. And, we lead the nation with the most GBAC accredited hotels and venues, so your meeting will be safe and successful.The Official Destination Marketing and Sales Organization for the New Orleans Tourism Industry N ew Orleans is Built To Host business meetings and events, and it’s reflected in the many new developments hap- pening across the city and through the exceptional customer ser- vices provided by our professional hos- pitality community. The New Orleans & Company team is the most-trusted resource for all phases of planning meetings and conventions in New Orleans. Our sales, services, and marketing and attendance-building pro- fessionals are fully integrated to pro- vide a seamless workflow in a dynamic, fast-paced meeting environment. Our experienced sales team provides com- prehensive sourcing assistance, conven- tion services offerings and customized marketing and attendance-building tools complimentary to every group. Continued growth and innova- tion make New Orleans the best choice for business. • New luxury and lifestyle proper- ties opened in 2021, including The Four Seasons Hotel + Residences, the Virgin Hotels New Orleans, The Kimpton Fontenot Hotel and the St. Vincent Hotel, collectively add hundreds to our inventory of more than 26,000 hotel rooms, all within a 2-mile radius. • Caesars Entertainment is invest- ing $325 million to renovate and rebrand Harrah’s Hotel and Casino with additional plans for a 340- room hotel tower by 2024. And the legendary Superdome has been renamed the Caesars Superdome. • The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) is the sixth-largest and one of the most technologically advanced convention facilities in the coun- try. With more than 1.1 million sf of contiguous exhibit space, 140 meeting rooms, two multipurpose ballrooms and a 4,000-seat per- forming arts theater, NOENMCC consistently ranks in the Top 10 hosts of the largest number of con- ventions and trade shows annually, across all sizes and industries. • The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has embarked on a $557 million improvement plan, including renovations to 140 meeting rooms and a makeover of the exterior experience. • A newly completed pedestrian park transformed 7.5 acres of Con- vention Center Boulevard into a lush green space featuring inter- active water elements, live event spaces, public art and shaded gathering places. • A new, state-of-the-art airport ter- minal opened in 2019. The New Orleans professional hos- pitality community understands how to execute complex events while infusing the authentic cuisine and the unique cul- ture New Orleans offers to enhance the attendee experience. From the great space at The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center to historic rooms and courtyards with breathtaking architecture and views, New Orleans is Built To Host. At New Orleans & Company, team- work is our hallmark. We look forward to working with you to inspire meaningful interactions so every component flows seamlessly, from initial booking to final breakdown. Your attendees can focus on networking, learning and success, and achieving maximum productivity in a truly great world city. Never forget, New Orleans is Built To Host. | AC&F | New Orleans & Company Total Hotels: 26,000 hotel rooms in a walkable 2-mile downtown area Convention Center FYI: The impressive 3 million-sf New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has more than 1.1 million sf of prime contiguous exhibit space, 140 meeting rooms, two multipurpose ballrooms and a 4,000-seat divisible performing arts theater CONTACT STEPHANIE TURNER Senior Vice President, Convention Sales & Strategies New Orleans & Company 2020 St. Charles Avenue New Orleans, LA 70130 877-393-5836 sturner@neworleans.com neworleans.com/meetings FACTS & FEATURES AMERICA'S TOP MEETING & CONVENTION DESTINATIONS 2022 62 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2022These are not the meeting spaces you’re used to. From historic rooms and courtyards, to breathtaking architecture 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 access 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 © 2021 New Orleans & Company All Rights Reserved. NewOrleans.com | @VisitNewOrleansTop Reasons to Meet in Philadelphia O ur destination experts are ready to help plan your next event. From your initial out- reach to the closing session, our team is with you every step of the way ensuring your event is a success! As the primary sales and marketing agency for the Pennsylvania Conven- tion Center and close partners to the regional hotels, the Philadelphia Con- vention & Visitors Bureau is connected and can handle meetings of any size. Our sales team is comprised of accomplished professionals with a wide range of hos- pitality experience. Their expertise in meetings and conventions, combined with their in-depth knowledge of Phila- delphia, makes them your perfect part- ner in planning. When you hold a meeting or con- vention at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, you are not just investing in a building or floor space, you are investing in an experience. Located in the heart of Philadelphia, the Convention Center is just steps away from the city’s attractions, restaurants and hotels. Progressive work rules and streamlined services provide our customers with just the right amount of flexibility and independence they need, resulting in greater cost efficiencies and better overall customer experience. And did we mention we have one of the larg- est ballrooms in the Northeast? Philadelphia is home to leading hotel brands and properties, ranging from lux- urious to economical, and offers more than 14,400 rooms located within walk- ing distance of the Pennsylvania Con- vention Center. Whether your meeting is large or small, our team can walk you through dozens of unique indoor and outdoor venues in historic settings, with Instagram-worthy views and spaces with indoor-outdoor options. Ranked the fourth-most walkable city in the nation, Philadelphia offers every- thing you will find in a major metropoli- tan city, with the ease of a small town. Our destination experts will assist you in your planning efforts from onset to completion. Our business divisions are available to help connect your group with unique venues, local thought leaders in a vari- ety of sectors, inspiring speakers and volunteer opportunities. Whether your group is focused on education, health- care, technology or the nonprofit sector, our experts will recommend the best local businesses, resources and ideas to enhance your event. Condé Nast Traveler added the city to its 2021 Gold List, joining only seven other destinations around the world. Phila- delphia also landed on TIME’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2021, which spot- lights the new experiences on view at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and a diverse culinary scene that is “vibrant as ever.” Philadelphia exudes a vibrant char- acter and energy, creating an ideal loca- tion for your next meeting. Start plan- ning today! | AC&F | Philadelphia CVB Total Guest Rooms: More than 14,400 hotel rooms within walking distance of the Philadelphia Convention Center (PCC) Total Hotels: 100 off-site venue options with spaces for 50 to 20,000 attendees Total Square Feet of Meeting Space: The Convention Center is a 1 million-sf venue in the middle of downtown Convention Center FYI: Located in the heart of Philadelphia, the Convention Center is steps away from attractions, restaurants and hotels. Progressive work rules and streamlined services provide flexibility and independence for outstanding events. CONTACT NIK PEREIRA Vice President of Sales Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau 1601 Market St., Suite 200 Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-636-3330 Nik@discoverphl.com discoverphl.com FACTS & FEATURES AMERICA'S TOP MEETING & CONVENTION DESTINATIONS 2022 64 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2022Courtesy of The Kimmel Cultural Campus PHILADELPHIA M t Host your next meeting or event in Philadelphia with unique venues ready to serve groups from 50 to 15,000. 4TH MOST WALKABLE CITY IN THE U.S. on average, hotel room costs are 20–30% less than New York, Boston, or Washington D.C. A GREAT VALUE with a focus on customer service DEDICATED DESTINATION TEAM CONVSALES@DISCOVERPHL.COM Contact to Bk: LET’S TALK ABOUT 2025! special in ntive offer 2,000+ PEAK ROOMS $25,000$2,500 $25,000$2,500 1,000—1,999 Cash Concessions In-Kind Marketing THE PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION CENTER RENTAL IF BOOKED BY 06.01.22 FOR 2025 25% OFFDiscover the Jewel of the South for Meetings and Conventions W ith ample meeting venues of all sizes in a city steeped in history with an amazing food culture and charm- ing places to stay, you’ll please your convention crowd by making Savannah the spot for your next meeting. Beyond its undeniable allure as a premier destination, Savannah is the ideal setting for small corporate gatherings as well as large-scale international conventions. Our more traditional locales include a world-class, 367-seat amphitheater, a 9,600-seat Civic Center Arena, or an ultra-modern, 330,000-sf Convention Center with a 100,000-sf exhibit hall and a 25,000-sf ballroom with brilliant views of the majestic Savannah River. If you are looking for venues that are off the beaten path, you can find great meeting space at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, Forsyth Park and many more. EXPANSION PLANS The Savannah Convention Center is currently undergoing a major expan- sion. The expanded building is sched- uled to open in 2023. After the expan- sion, the Savannah Convention Cen- ter will include: • 200,000 sf of exhibit hall space • A 57-foot-wide hangar door • A new, 40,000-sf ballroom • 32 customizable breakout rooms • 900 total parking spaces • Additional outdoor space • A new facility entrance with an all- glass façade and more When combined with other facili- ties, such as the Savannah Civic Center and Coastal Georgia Center, as well as all of Savannah’s restaurants and off-site offerings, the whole city is your group’s playground. All of the venues and meet- ing spaces, from the riverside terraces to the rooftop ballrooms, feature the technology you need to have a remark- able event, including Wi-Fi and audio/ visual capabilities. Visit Savannah also offers incompa- rable assistance in planning your meet- ing. We have put together comprehensive resources and offer dedicated services to make your meeting come off without a hitch. With its rich history, mild weather and diverse venues, Savannah is the per- fect spot to host your next meeting, incen- tive trip, convention or event. The city overflows with unique attractions, his- toric sites and some of the best food in the South. Savannah’s culinary scene has your group table prepared. Some of our city’s most iconic restaurants offer more than enough accommodating dining spaces, as well as private rooms if you prefer. Finally, the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is located only 15 miles from the city center, and is served by many major airlines, including Delta, Jet Blue, United Airlines and Air Canada. Frontier Airlines just introduced new routes from Denver and Philadelphia. So contact us now. We’re wait- ing to help you plan your next, best meeting! | AC&F | Visit Savannah Total Guest Rooms: 18,220 Total Hotels/Resorts: 197 Total Square Feet of Meeting Space: 330,000 Convention Center FYI: The Savannah Convention Center is located on the river with views of historic downtown. The Center offers more than 330,000 sf of meeting space, including an exhibit hall and more. CONTACT JEFF HEWITT, CDME Executive Vice President, Sales & Services Visit Savannah 101 E. Bay Street Savannah, GA 31401 912-644-6416 JHewitt@VisitSavannah.com savannahmeetings.com FACTS & FEATURES AMERICA'S TOP MEETING & CONVENTION DESTINATIONS 2022 66 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2022 PHOTO BY CASEY JONESCAREERTRACK 68 Fontainebleau Las Vegas hired Tony Yousfi as its SVP, Sales, Catering & Conference Services. With almost two decades of expe- rience, Yousfihas worked with Carver Road Hospitality as chief growth officer, at ARIA Resort & Casino and Vdara Hotel & Spa as VP of sales, and at The Bellagio Resort & Casino as national sales manager. Choose Chicago hired Shavonne Harding as national sales man- ager for its convention sales department’s East Coast team. Before this, she was the regional director of sales for Visit Baltimore. She also has worked with The Freeman Company, Amazon Web Services and Destination DC. She will be overseeing sales, marketing and event management in her new position. The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) announced the promotion of Adam Berrios from director of sales to vice presi- dent of sales and services. Berrios has more than 10 years of con- vention and visitors bureau experience. Prior to joining the LRCVB, Berrios was senior sales manager with VisitGreenvilleSC and the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau. The JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona named Daniel Padilla as new director of sales and marketing. He began his career in this location as an event manager and worked in other jobs before taking a position at W Austin, where he moved up to be director of sales & marketing. Visit Salt Lake promoted Karen Staples , CMP, CASE from direc- tor of Northeast sales to managing director for their East Coast office. She will be in charge of booking all meetings and convention business throughout Washington, D.C. and Northeast regions. She has also worked with Talley Management Group Inc., the Spokane Regional CVB and the Greater Hartford Convention Bureau. Louisville Tourism has brought on Janel Theilen as national sales manager in the convention sales department. Most recently, she was the director of sales and marketing at Aloft Louisville East. In addi- tion, she worked at the Brown Hotel, the Galt House Hotel, as well as at Centerplate at the Kentucky International Convention Center and Raleigh Convention Center. Visit Spokane has brought on three new people to its sales team. Ana Liberty , director of national accounts, has decades of expe- rience in the industry, most recently working as national account director for Travel Portland. She also has worked as a sales manager for Hilton and Hyatt Regency. She graduated from Northern Michi- gan University with a hospitality management degree. Kristina Ovies, now a director of national accounts, equally has a rich background in the industry with decades of experience. Most recently, she worked as the national sales director at Nugget Casino Resort in Reno, Nevada. She also worked in sales positions for Wyndham Vacation Ownership for many years, as well as for other companies. Chuck Carter joins the team as sales manager. He has more than 20 years of experience in hospitality sales under his belt. Before this position, he worked for several companies, including WestCoast Hos- pitality Corporation as general manager and then regional director of sales, in addition to being global director of sales at RLH Corporation. The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC) has promoted industry veteran Scott Wright to senior vice president. Wright has 33 years of experience. He spent 22 of them working at NCVC, most recently as vice president of sales. He also worked with the San Jose Convention & Visitors Bureau, Fairmont Hotels, Loews Hotels and Hyatt Hotels. | AC&F | themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2022 DATE JOB TITLE PUB/DATE JOB TYPE COLOR ACTUAL SIZE LIVE TRIM BLEED OUTPUT % FILE NAME 04/07/22 PME Print Meetings Magazine Print 4CP VCA_PME_MeetingsMag_Gatefold_Cover3.indd 8" x 10.875" 7.25" x 10.125" 8" x 10.875" 8.25" x 11.125" 100% AD CW AE P EP APPROVAL/DATE _______ ______ _______ ______ _______ ______ _______ ______ _______ ______ Reed Conway John Risser Maureen Thielen Kyle Vicioso Mark Rylander IN THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE ECO-FRIENDLY MEETINGS COME NATURALLY. GREEN MOVEMENT MARIN, CA Discover the perfect environment for your next meeting or event.With more sunshine, outdoor meeting space and LEED certified hotels, a meeting in California is like no other. Around here, good energy and good vibes are in our nature, so it’s no coincidence that California is fertile ground for groundbreaking ideas. Visit the land of innovation, free thinkers, and can-doers to get the most out of your next meeting or event. Meet What’s Possible for your next meeting at VisitCalifornia.com/meetings VCA_PME_MeetingsMag_Gatefold_Cover3_r1.indd 15/18/22 10:29 AM WRIGHTCARTER THEILENSTAPLES OVIESLIBERTY PADILLABERRIOS HARDINGYOUSFIIN THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE ECO-FRIENDLY MEETINGS COME NATURALLY. GREEN MOVEMENT MARIN, CA Discover the perfect environment for your next meeting or event.With more sunshine, outdoor meeting space and LEED certified hotels, a meeting in California is like no other. Around here, good energy and good vibes are in our nature, so it’s no coincidence that California is fertile ground for groundbreaking ideas. Visit the land of innovation, free thinkers, and can-doers to get the most out of your next meeting or event. Meet What’s Possible for your next meeting at VisitCalifornia.com/meetings Next >