< Previousthrive,” Edwards says. “We welcome and encourage associations to tap into the many unique and enriching experiences that deliver transformative outcomes for both meeting planners and attendees.” He says Visit Phoenix aims to deliver on its core values — community, innovation, trust and passion. “We are proud of the approach undertaken by our team of professionals throughout every phase of the planners to the right industry and community resources that will support their business event strat- egy and outcomes.” Phoenix and other nearby major cit- ies such as Scottsdale, Tempe and Mesa are served by Phoenix Sky Harbor Inter- national Airport (PHX), which offers nonstop flights to 117 domestic destina- tions and 23 international airports. Many association meetings are held at Phoenix Convention Center (PCC), which recently celebrated its 50th anni- versary. It offers more than 1 million sf of meeting and exhibit space, includ- ing a 312,500-sf main exhibit hall and 99 meeting rooms in three buildings. Its infrastructure enables it to deliver livestreamed workshops from each of the breakout rooms simultaneously. The center includes Canyon on Third Space, an 80,000-sf esplanade designed to be a turnkey venue for hosting con- certs as well as large exhibitions and culinary gatherings. “The convention center has been designed by event professionals who collaboratively use creativity and thriving knowledge to push the limits of innovation in science, technology, health-care research and next-gen- eration applications,” Edwards says. “These same resources can easily be woven into the tapestry of an organiza- tion’s content strategy.” Sheraton Phoenix Downtown offers 1,003 guest rooms and nearly 112,000 sf of meeting space, is completing a renovation project and is the anchor property to the convention center. “And with the addition of Hyatt Regency Phoenix, which offers 693 guest rooms and 50,000 sf of meeting space and the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel, which offers 517 guest rooms and 51,000 sf of space, our accessible down- town is the perfect setting for citywide conventions,” Edwards says. Another outstanding property for large association meetings, JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, offer- ing 950 guest rooms and nearly 237,000 sf of meeting space, recently addressed planners’ requests for enhanced sustain- ability measures by adding more than 96,000 sf of synthetic turf throughout the property to help it conserve 4.8 mil- lion gallons of water annually. Phoenix also offers plenty of attrac- tions that are well-suited to groups. Heard Museum includes more than 3,600 pieces of Native American art and features 12 exhibition galleries, outdoor sculpture gardens and a contemporary art gallery. Private group tours are avail- able. The Musical Instrument Museum has a collection of more than 8,000 instruments from some 200 countries. Guided group tours for up to 120 people can be arranged. The 150-acre Desert Botanical Garden features more than 50,000 plant displays, showcased in striking outdoor exhibits. SCOTTSDALE Bordered on the west by Phoenix and on the south by Tempe, Scottsdale is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, with more than 254,000 residents. Featuring several luxuri- ous, but casual, stellar resorts, it’s also becoming an even more popular city for association meetings. “Scottsdale offers advantages to asso- ciation meetings that few other destina- tions can match — fresh air, sunny skies and the luxury of space,” Sacco says. “From campus-style resorts to lush, out- door meeting spaces, Scottsdale is the ideal choice for groups ready to convene. The city has all the services and ameni- ties meeting groups expect: top-tier accommodations for groups of all sizes and budgets, state-of-the-art meeting facilities and hassle-free transportation, both in the air and on the ground.” Some of the top meeting resorts are The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, which offers 735 guest rooms and nearly 173,000 sf of indoor and outdoor meeting space; The Phoenician, a Lux- ury Collection Resort, Scottsdale, offer- ing 585 guest rooms and 160,000 sf; Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, with 750 guest rooms and 316,000 sf; JW Mar- riott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, with 453 guest rooms and nearly 128,000 sf; Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch, which offers 493 guest rooms, and more than 75,000 sf of meeting space; DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Paradise Valley - Scottsdale, offering 378 guest rooms and 38,000 sf; and The Scottsdale Plaza Resort & Villas, offering 404 guest rooms and more than 50,000 sf. Michelle Kann, CMP, DES, associate chief of operations for Society of Hospi- tal Medicine, recently planned a meet- ing for her organization at JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. It features a hacienda-style entry and lobby, restaurants and a grand courtyard, with the 15,000-sf Paradise Ballroom and 20,000-sf Arizona Ball- room. The resort also offers the highly acclaimed Spa Camelback Inn, 36 holes of championship golf, swimming, hik- ing and biking. “Our attendees really love JW Mar- riott Camelback and Scottsdale,” Kann themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESNOVEMBER 2022 The Phoenix Convention Center offers more than 1 million sf of meeting and exhibit space, including a 312,500-sf main exhibit hall and 99 meeting rooms in three buildings. See 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. COURTESY PHOTO 30See 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.says. “We book this meeting every three to four years due to the positive feedback we get from attendees.” She says attend- ees like Scottsdale’s central location, abundance of activities and great weather during the time of their meetings. The Experience Scottsdale staff set up everything for site tours and pre- planning meetings. “They ensured that we were well taken care of,” Kann says. “They are always easily accessible and answer questions quickly.” She explained why the Marriott property was again chosen for her company’s meeting: “The space is perfect for us. It is laid out well for us. Also, the casita-style rooms allow our attendees to have slightly more room.” Kann and her team then collaborated with their company’s marketing team to create a microsite for the meeting. They utilized images from Experience Scottsdale and worked with its staff to post ideas for on-site activities that attendees could book on their own. Most attendees’ activities took place at the property, but the microsite contained a page describing attractions in Greater Scottsdale because attendees had free time on one of the travel days. The JW Marriott Camelback staff worked closely with Kann and her team during meetings to ensure everything went smoothly. “They constantly check in and are very engaged,” she says. The group was particularly happy about the unique meal options. “We offered a bowl lunch that was straight off the hotel menu, and we had rave reviews,” Kann says. Sacco says during non-meeting hours, association attendees in Scottsdale can enjoy world-class golf, resort and day spas, and a variety of dining and night- life. “Association meeting attendees can venture out into the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, with over 35,000 acres of unprotected desert, or tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, an architectural gem and living desert laboratory,” she says. “They can get a taste of the desert’s bounty in Old Town Scottsdale by sam- pling regional cuisine at independent restaurants, and Arizona wines along the Scottsdale wine trail. Also, groups can experience the Wild West during tours and events planned at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, located in Scottsdale’s Arts District.” Exceptionally Scottsdale, a new feature at experiencescottsdale.com, describes curated tours and workshops ranging from Arizona wines to Native American cultures. TEMPE Home to the main campus of Ari- zona State University (ASU), Tempe embraces an active lifestyle and a laid- back atmosphere. “Refreshingly offbeat, Tempe is a college town with a person- ality all its own,” says Matt Connelly, director of sales for the Tempe Tourism Office. “It’s a welcoming destination with a spirited lifestyle, where you’ll find fun-filled activities at every turn.” A 10-minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Tempe is a highly sought destination for meet- ings with less than 500 attendees. “The beautiful Sonoran Desert is the back- drop for your event at a mountaintop resort, downtown convention center or rooftop pool,” Connelly says. A leading hotel for association meet- ings is Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at the Buttes, which offers 353 guest rooms and 43,500 sf of meeting space. Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU, with 330 guest rooms and 36,000 sf of meeting space, is slated to open in the spring with four dining outlets, a spacious pool deck and expansive views of the ASU campus. Kathleen Rivera, project manager for AdamsChandler LLC, brought a group to Tempe last fall. “We chose Tempe because it’s centrally located, convenient to the airport and offers many choices for restaurants, bars and things to do,” she says. “And our group appreciates variety and the busy, college vibe.” COVID-19 hit when Rivera and her team were planning the meeting. “We had to navigate canceling and rebooking twice, but Tempe Tourism assisted at every curve,” she says. The group stayed at the Canopy by Hilton Tempe Down- town, and its staff helped Rivera with venue and activity recommendations and options, and supplied informational brochures. Opened in 2020, the Canopy hotel is situated in a contemporary high- rise building and features a lobby-level cafe, a lounge, a fitness center, a rooftop pool with a terrace bar, cabanas and a fire pit. The meeting space is divided among seven rooms, with an 1,870-sf room being the largest. “The Canopy hotel is unique and one of a kind,” Rivera says. “The rooftop is just beautiful. We had an evening open- ing reception in the Alibi East Terrace and morning poolside yoga classes.” The AdamsChandler attendees also toured the Frank Lloyd Wright building — Taliesin West, the international head- quarters for the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation — and enjoyed a scavenger hunt and historic walk, as well as din- ners on their own and in groups. Rivera enjoyed working with the local tourism personnel. “It is dealing with professionals … from Tempe Tourism and [the] Downtown Tempe Authority that have taught me to always utilize the professionals available to me,” she says. One of the city’s top attractions, Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA), fea- tures a wide range of programs as well at The Gallery, a space for art exhibitions. During the past 14 years, TCA has pro- duced more than 150 large- and small- scale exhibitions and featured more than 2,500 local and national artists, and themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESNOVEMBER 2022 Michelle Kann, CMP, DES, associate chief of operations for the Society of Hospital Medicine, says they book their event every few years at JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa because attendees love the amenities. COURTESY OF MICHELLE KANN 32admission is free. Much of the activity at 25-acre Tempe Beach at Tempe Town Lake is centered around the lake, where guests can enjoy kayaking, boating, stand- up paddleboarding and fishing. The park also offers picnicking and 5 miles of trails for biking, hiking and walking. MESA Surrounded by the Sonoran Desert beauty of Tonto National Forest and the communities of Apache Junction and Queen Creek, Mesa features not only excellent meeting facilities, but intrigu- ing options for downtime activities. “Mesa is the gateway to the Salt River in the Tonto National Forest, with classic Southwestern vibes displayed by the wild horses roaming over the river or at Goldfield Ghost Town, where the legend of the Lost Dutchman comes to life,” says David Kolozar, director of national sales for Visit Mesa. “After all the outdoor activities, the excite- ment continues in downtown Mesa, where a gaggle of breweries, taprooms and cideries await out-of-town guests, along with a 5,000-seat outdoor amphi- theater and the largest performing arts center in the Southwest.” The Mesa Convention Center and Amphitheatre is a solid choice for asso- ciation meetings, with nearly 40,000 sf of meeting and exhibit space, including a 19,000-sf exhibit hall and a 9,000-sf ballroom at the adjacent Delta Hotels Phoenix Mesa. The convention cen- ter contains 26 breakout rooms and an additional 40,000 sf of outdoor function space, complemented by the amphitheater, with a festival capacity of 5,000. The center recently renovated its 169-seat indoor conference theater with new A/V technology and capabil- ity to host hybrid meetings. Leading hotels for association meet- ings are Delta Hotels Phoenix Mesa, which offers 274 guest rooms and 45,212 sf of meeting space; Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West, offering 180 guest rooms and nearly 21,000 sf; and DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Mesa, offering 266 guest rooms and 21,109 sf. Meg Lampert, administrative direc- tor with the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), arranged for her organization to hold a gather- ing in Mesa. “Visit Mesa did a great job answering our questions and showing us all that Mesa has to offer,” she says. “We had previ- ously hosted this conference in Phoenix and were looking for a new location with ease of airport and transportation access that still has accom- modations that attendees can explore nearby. We were also looking for plenty of space to host workshops and sessions while hosting a full trade show with numerous exhibi- tors. We also chose Mesa because of its fun atmosphere, nightlife and cultural attractions. We planned side trips and conference tours for our attendees; Mesa has so much to offer, location-wise.” Lampert was also lured by the incentives her group was offered. “Visit Mesa offered great incentives and were very accommodating to a large group of our size,” she says, adding that she felt that this year, Mesa had more to offer to the group than Phoenix did. Her group also received valuable assistance from the staff at Delta Hotels Phoenix Mesa. “With so many venues bouncing back after being closed to meetings for almost two years, we needed direction on the catering and F&B side,” Lampert says. “One of the venues we needed was not available, so Delta assisted us through and worked with us on what our options could look like. We were able to work with staff directly on menu planning, which was wonderful.” Besides meetings, the ZAA con- tingent planned to host after-hours mixers, a pub crawl for conservation, dine-arounds and a full day at 215-acre Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park, located in nearby Litchfield Park and boasting Arizona’s largest col- lection of exotic animals. Another nearby attraction, Goldfield Ghost Town in Apache Junction, is an abandoned gold mining town that has been refurbished as a tourist attraction with mine tours, rides and shops. Also, Saguaro Lake, 20 miles from Mesa in the Tonto National Forest, provides boating, fishing, swimming and kayak- ing. Rimmed by golden cliffs, it’s a spec- tacular setting for these activities. Mesa also has plenty of attractions within city limits. The 3,648-acre Usery Mountain Regional Park offers archery, 29 miles of multiuse trails and scenic wind caves. The Arizona Museum of Natural History, the only natural his- tory museum in the Greater Phoenix area, focuses on the natural and cul- tural history of the Southwest. Admis- sion discounts and private programs for group can be arranged. The 210,000-sf Mesa Arts Center is a performing and visual arts complex in the downtown area. It is home to four theaters, five art galleries and 14 art studios. Private group tours are avail- able. Groups can also enjoy a sampling of local wines, craft beers and foods by heading out on the city’s self-guided Fresh Foodie Trail. | AC&F | Meg Lampert Administrative Director Zoological Association of America We also chose Mesa because of its fun atmosphere, nightlife and cultural attractions. 33 NOVEMBER 2022 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES The Zoological Association of America chose Mesa for an event because of the incentives the group was offered, as well as the effort Visit Mesa put forth to accommodate such a large group of attendees. COURTESY OF MEG LAMPERTTexas Attendees Will Appreciate the Good Food and Great Amenities By Maura Keller T exas has long been associated with hospitality — welcoming visitors and eagerly sharing all the state has to offer in its sights, sounds and sumptuous cuisine. And in the area of meetings and events, Texas is proving to be a treasure trove of wonderful venues and options for association planners, especially considering the new and upcoming developments that are sure to please. themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESNOVEMBER 2022 DESTINATIONREPORT 34PLANO Association event attendees won’t want to miss Legacy West in Plano. Opened in June 2017, this “city within a city” is the largest mixed-use destination in North Texas, and the perfect place to play, shop, dine and stay. The 255-acre development boasts 415,000 sf of open- air, high-end retail and restaurant space. “Here, diners can satisfy every crav- ing, whether for an upscale steak din- ner or a good old-fashioned milk shake, French bistro fare, a perfect plate of pasta or a red velvet cupcake. For those who can’t decide on where to dine, Legacy Food Hall has it all,” says Steven Simmons, association & military sales manager at Visit Plano. “In this one-of-a- kind artisanal food hall at Legacy West, visitors can wander over 20 stalls to meet local purveyors and sample every- thing from lobster rolls and sushi to old fashioned hamburgers and duck fat fried chicken. There is also an on-site brew- ery and an outdoor entertainment stage great for private events. Legacy Hall was even named the No. 2 Best New Food Hall in the nation by USA Today in 2019.” This urban village is anchored by the new Renaissance Dallas at Plano Leg- acy West Hotel. The 15 story, 304-room luxury property features a high-energy lobby and bar, an on-site Asian-fusion restaurant, a third-floor amenity deck with a swimming pool and cabanas, fit- ness center and outdoor event space. So, why should association planners consider Plano for meetings and events? As Simmons explains, Plano is truly the land of plenty. Blending historic charm with modern luxury, the city brims with attractions and amenities. “With 55 hotels of various price points, over 1,000 restaurants, world-class shopping, a lively arts and nightlife scene, abun- dant natural beauty and four walkable districts, Plano is the perfect city for a meeting of any size,” Simmons says. Conveniently located near Dallas/ Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field Airport, Plano offers everything meeting travelers are look- ing for, including fine dining, excep- tional shopping, nearby sports venues, top-notch public golf courses, inviting day spas and a variety of interesting and entertaining attractions. “Modern venues of every size, description and budget are located throughout the city,” Simmons says. “Whether it’s a conference, trade show or board meeting, there are over 380,000 sf of meeting space.” Kaylee Colon, CMP, meeting planner at Strategic Association Management, recently hosted an event for 200 attendees at the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West. “Plano is a fabulous location for a meeting. There are plenty of restaurants, entertainment and shopping opportunities for attendees, and it is easily accessible whether attend- ees are flying or driving,” Colon says. “We have faith in our partners at the CVB and hotels that they will make our event a great success. I wish I could put all my programs in Plano.” Three of Plano’s four walkable entertainment destinations are located right outside the doors of their respec- tive convention hotels. The 404-room Dallas/Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center is the anchor hotel at The Shops at Legacy. The outdoor luxury shop- ping and dining district, Legacy West, is situated right outside the doors of the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel. And the Hilton Dallas/ Plano Granite Park resides next to The Boardwalk at Granite Park, a unique restaurant park overlooking an inviting water feature and live music stage. The city’s convention center, Plano Event Center, will soon be undergoing a $1.85 million courtyard renovation. This will be a complete renovation of the outdoor courtyard space, which will include hardscape paving, site lighting, site furniture, shade structures, a fire- place, A/V equipment and connections, utility adjustments, new fencing and entry gates, landscaped planting beds, tree plantings and reconfiguration of the irrigation system. “The renovation project will also sig- nificantly expand upon programmable and rentable spaces for outdoor events by providing extensive shaded areas and expanded hardscape to accommodate receptions, impromptu meeting spaces and live entertainment,” Simmons says. “The fireplace area will draw patrons out to enjoy cocktails and tapas while listening to live music or recorded music from the wireless sound system located throughout the courtyard area.” 35 NOVEMBER 2022 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES COURTESY OF EL PASO TOURISM Steven Simmons Association & Military Sales Manager Visit Plano Plano is the perfect city for a meeting ... Modern venues of every size, description and budget are located throughout the city. El Paso has done much to attract meetings and events, including doubling the amount of its convention hotel inventory.ARLINGTON The highly anticipated Arlington Convention Center and hotel is the next phase of a $4 billion vision by the City of Arlington, Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers, The Cordish Companies and Loews Hotels & Co. That vision began with the $250 million Texas Live! entertainment complex, which opened August 2018, and Live! by Loews Hotel, which opened in August 2019. The $550 million, 888-room hotel is part of an $810 million expansion of Arlington’s Convention Campus, which, in addition to the hotel, will include 200,000 sf of indoor meeting space; 66,000 sf of outdoor space, including an oversized event lawn; five food and beverage outlets, including signature restaurant Soy Cowboy; and a 1,550- space parking garage and a resort-style beach club with two swimming pools, man-made beach, cabanas, fire pits and a water slide. Situated between Globe Life Field and AT&T Stadium, the Arlington Con- vention Center and hotel will be acces- sible to the 300-room Live! by Loews via a skybridge. Between them, the two properties will offer 1,200 guest rooms and more than 300,000 sf of meeting and event space. Having broken ground early last fall, the Loews Arlington Hotel and convention center are set to open in 2024. According to Chad Enloe, vice presi- dent of sales, Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, due to Arlington’s cen- tral location between Dallas and Fort Worth, it offers meeting planners and attendees all the conveniences they’d expect in a major metro area. “There are a multitude of hotels, restaurants, shop- ping, family activities and sporting events within walking distance, all located within a large Convention Campus that is in the middle of our entertainment, known as ‘The District,’” Enloe says. In addition, in 2019, the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation announced that Arlington’s Entertain- ment District had been selected as the site for the future National Medal of Honor Museum. The museum, which broke ground in early spring and is set to open in 2024, will showcase Medal of Honor recipients and their stories of valor and inspiration in the face of impossible odds. The National Medal of Honor Museum will sit amidst a 5-acre land- scape adjacent to major attractions such as Six Flags Over Texas, AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field and Esports Stadium Arlington. The museum’s 101,000-sf footprint will encompass 25,000 sf of exhi- bition galleries, a state-of-the-art Education Center, conference and event space and an outdoor amphitheater. Betsy Simon, association planner at the Texas Farm Bureau, has frequently held the association’s annual con- ventions, with up to 1,000 attendees, along with board meetings for 25 people in Arling- ton. “It is centrally located and easy access to DFW and Dallas Love Field Airport. Once you arrive at your hotel destination, you have access to restau- rants and attendees don’t have to drive,” Simon says. “Meeting planners need to absolutely consider Arlington. With all of the amenities, you can’t go wrong.” AUSTIN When it comes to meetings and conventions, Austin is a city upon which planners and visitors always agree. “Our state-of-the-art infrastruc- ture, innovative meeting spaces and world-class hotels are all located in the center, and the heart, of the city,” says Steve Genovesi, Visit Austin executive vice president, “Within a few walkable blocks, you’ll also find the famous Lady Bird Lake hike and bike trail, legendary live music venues and some of the best tacos and barbecue in the country.” The city’s central location in the U.S. is ideal for easy air access. In fact, The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), voted “Best Domestic Airport Worldwide,” is located just 7.5 miles, or a quick 15-minute drive, from the Austin Convention Center (ACC) and downtown. The meeting and event space within Austin also is experiencing some exciting additions. According to Genovesi, some of Austin’s newest unique venues per- fect for a group’s off-site event include Moody Center, Moody Amphitheatre at Waterloo Park and Q2 stadium. “Planners looking for new hotel offerings should consider The Loren at Lady Bird Lake, Hyatt Centric Con- gress Avenue Austin, Origin Hotel Austin and Thompson/Tommie Austin. Additionally, the Renaissance Austin Hotel recently completed a $10 mil- lion indoor and outdoor public space renovation,” Genovesi says. “There are themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESNOVEMBER 2022 The Arlington Convention Campus is home to the Texas Live! entertainment complex, which will be expanded to include the Arlington Convention Center and an 888-room hotel. Imagine a world where “can’t” doesn’t exist. Imagine all you can do in Arlington, Texas. Located just 15 minutes from DFW International airport, Arlington o ers everything you need to make your next event memorable, from our diverse collection of flexible venues to our growing hotel inventory — and a CVB team that excels at turning Arlington’s unique assets into experiences that make attendees say, “Wow!” Arlington is also growing by the day. Our new 888-room luxury hotel and Arlington Convention Center is coming in 2024. So whether you’re planning for an event in the next few months or next few years, Arlington is ready. Email us at sales@arlington.org, and let’s talk about what we CAN DO for you. NEW CONVENTION CENTER COMING IN A convention that doesn’t feel so conventional? Amy Gilstrap Director of Convention Services American Football Coaches Association When hosting an event in San Antonio, meeting planners should serve local dishes. Attendees expect it and love it. PHOTO COURTESY OF ARLINGTON CVB 36Imagine a world where “can’t” doesn’t exist. Imagine all you can do in Arlington, Texas. Located just 15 minutes from DFW International airport, Arlington o ers everything you need to make your next event memorable, from our diverse collection of flexible venues to our growing hotel inventory — and a CVB team that excels at turning Arlington’s unique assets into experiences that make attendees say, “Wow!” Arlington is also growing by the day. Our new 888-room luxury hotel and Arlington Convention Center is coming in 2024. So whether you’re planning for an event in the next few months or next few years, Arlington is ready. Email us at sales@arlington.org, and let’s talk about what we CAN DO for you. NEW CONVENTION CENTER COMING IN A convention that doesn’t feel so conventional?several upcoming developments that are still to be announced. However, one new hotel planners should keep an eye on is citizenM Hotel, which will be located at Colorado and Seventh Streets and is slated to open by the end of next year. The 17-story luxury hotel will fea- ture 344 rooms.” DALLAS Craig Davis, VisitDallas president and CEO, says Dallas is the ideal desti- nation for meetings and conventions. With two major airports and daily direct flights from more than 200 destinations, getting to Dallas is easy and convenient. “Dallas is a vibrant and cosmopoli- tan city, with more than 20 entertain- ment districts offering walkable access to music, shopping, arts and award- winning global cuisine,” Davis says. “We also offer an unparalleled variety of accommodations. With over 35,000 rooms, from the intimacy of boutique hotels to the convenience and luxury of large convention hotels, all the nation’s top brands are represented in Dallas.” AT&T Discovery District is located in the heart of Downtown, and this indoor/outdoor space boasts a multi- sensory experience, including outdoor event spaces; a 104-foot-tall media wall; the AT&T Theater, fit for advanced screenings or corporate meetings; and multiple dining outlets, including JAXON Texas Kitchen & Beer Garden and the Exchange Food Hall. “Additionally, your dollar goes fur- ther here. The cost of doing business in Dallas is 7% lower than the national average,” Davis says. “Texas is also a ‘right-to-work’ state, which lowers your event production costs and allows you to focus more of your budget on attendee engagement and experience.” On the horizon, there are a few exciting hotel developments in Dallas, including a 15-story JW Marriott that will open in the heart of Dallas’ Down- town Arts District. There is also the InterContinental Dallas, which will be located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, with sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline, and the 20-story, luxury Harwood Hotel is under construction in Uptown’s Harwood District. “The Dal- las City Council also has approved plans to expand the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center, with construction expected to begin in 2024 and com- pleted by 2029,” Davis says. The expanded center will fea- ture 800,000 sf of exhibit space and 400,000 sf of breakout space, including a 100,000-sf ballroom. The center will anchor a lively new Convention Center District that will connect Downtown Dallas with neighboring entertainment districts, creating a 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. SAN ANTONIO As one of the more dynamic, diverse cities in the country, San Antonio blends rich history with contemporary ameni- ties, amazing cuisine and world-class entertainment. Centrally located and basking in year-round mild weather, San Antonio is a big draw for meeting professionals thanks to its accessibility of location, price and variety of options. “In addition, as a top leisure desti- nation in the nation, San Antonio is an attractive landscape for any kind of meet- ing,” says Mario Bass, chief sales officer at Visit San Antonio. Amy Gilstrap, director of conven- tion services at the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), selected San Antonio to play host to the AFCA’s association convention with a trade show for approximately 9,000 attend- ees, including exhibitors. “San Antonio is a great, long-term partner with amaz- ing facilities and easy accessibility,” Gil- strap says. “When hosting an event in San Antonio, meeting planners should serve local dishes. Attendees expect it and love it.” San Antonio has experienced a wealth of new developments that appeal to the meetings and events industry. The Tech Port Center + Arena recently opened, and is 10 minutes from downtown. It is the most innovative and technologically advanced esports complex and arena in the nation. With more than 130,000 sf of space and multiple private event areas, the Tech Port Center + Arena is a great venue for trade shows and meetings. Adding to San Antonio’s repertoire of exceptional hotels, Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk made its debut in the spring of last year. The hotel integrates the Civil War-era Alamo Fish Market building into its 20-story design. Canopy by Hilton features 195 guest rooms and a restaurant with an outdoor terrace overlooking the River Walk. The Estancia del Norte San Antonio, Tapestry Collection by Hilton opened in the Uptown district also in the spring of last year. Originally con- structed as La Mansion Del Norte in 1978, Estancia Del Norte transforms a piece of San Antonio history into a modern space themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESNOVEMBER 2022 ABRAHANNY PHOTOGRAPHY Mario Bass Chief Sales Officer Visit San Antonio In addition, as a top leisure destination in the nation, San Antonio is an attractive landscape for any kind of meeting. Craig Davis, VisitDallas President and CEO, says Dallas “is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, with more than 20 entertainment districts offering walkable access to music, shopping, arts and award-winning global cuisine.” Looking for a great destination for your next meeting? Not only is Dallas a direct flight from most major cities, we also have 20 walkable entertainment districts to explore while you’re not working. And, we lead the nation with the most GBAC accredited hotels and venues, so your meeting will be safe and successful. Start planning at DallasDelivers.com This news is too exciting not to share: In 2029, Dallas will unveil an expanded convention center and entertainment experience. Get an early look at VisitDallas.com/ConventionCenter Omni Dallas Hotel, Downtown 9323_VD_Trade_Corporate Incentive Travel_Full Page.indd 17/8/22 8:32 AM 38Looking for a great destination for your next meeting? Not only is Dallas a direct flight from most major cities, we also have 20 walkable entertainment districts to explore while you’re not working. And, we lead the nation with the most GBAC accredited hotels and venues, so your meeting will be safe and successful. Start planning at DallasDelivers.com This news is too exciting not to share: In 2029, Dallas will unveil an expanded convention center and entertainment experience. Get an early look at VisitDallas.com/ConventionCenter Omni Dallas Hotel, DowntownNext >