< PreviousThe Future of Meetings — is Savannah 2024 O hmy,sotherumorswere true?Themeetingworld hasbeenabuzzsincewe spilledthebeansin2017 andannouncedthatthe SavannahConventionCenterwouldbe breakinggroundtoexpandonitsmeet- ingfacility.Thecurrentconvention centerisdoublinginsize,with100,000 sfofadditionalexhibitspace,40,000sf ofmoreballroomspace,13additional meetingroomsand,thankstoBrooks- fieldProperties,(alsoownersofthe WestinSavannahHarborResort),anew hotelwithapproximately400rooms, openingin2025.Savannah'sgrowth ratecontinuestoexceedpossibilities forallasweembarkonthisexciting newdevelopment. Savannahischanginghowwemeet in2024bymakingthenecessaryaccom- modationsforplannersandattendees toworkandplayinacitywhosedoors areopeningevenfurther.TheSavan- nahConventionCenterhasbeenone ofthemostsought-aftermeetingcen- tersoftheSouth.Eachyearvisitation onlyincreases,demandingmorespace, promptingourcitytomakeroomfor currentandfutureopportunities. Savannahhasanunspokencharm thatvisitorscan'thelpbutfallfor.Hey, there'snoshameinit!Ourcityhas someofthebestpick-uplines,draw- ingyouintodiscoverwhatmakesthis placesoirresistible.Asidefromitsgood looks,Savannah'suniquedesign,walk- ability,diningoptionsandone-of-a-kind attractionsandtourssetitapartfrom otherareas.ItpossessestheidealDNA constructfordestinationcities.Here, attendeeswillbeanxioustomeetina regionthatcallsforthemtode-stress andliveinthemoment.You'llencoun- terpeoplefromallwalksoflifeseeking ahistoricalexperiencethatcanonlybe foundinSavannah. Letusputourreputablehospitality tousethroughourexpertsalesteam; they'llgladlytakethewheelinplanning yourmeetingorconvention.Ourteam willscheduleon-sitetoursofthecon- ventioncenter,includingitsexpansion process,aswellasoff-sitemeals,tours andeventswithlocalbusinessowners. Oursalesteamwillbeapartoftheplan- ningprocesseverystepoftheway.From thetiniestdetailtoarranginggroup activitiesandhotelreservations,they willexceedyourexpectations,taking theguessworkoutofarrangementsand deliveringeverythingyouneedtomake yourvisitmemorable. "ShowUsYourBadge"isSavannah's discountprogramdesignedwithyou inmind.You'llsavebigwhileexplor- ingourLandmarkHistoricDistrict's shops,tours,sitesandrestaurants.Allow yourselftobecomeengrossedinSavan- nahbybecomingapartofhistory,aswe embarkuponanexpansionlikenoother. Startplanningyourmeetingtodayat SavannahMeetings.com. | AC&F | Savannah Convention Center 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 Senior Vice President Visit Savannah 101 E. Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401 Phone: 912-644-6416 JHewitt@VisitSavannah.com SavannahMeetings.com FACTS & FEATURES AMERICA'S PREMIER CONVENTION CENTERS 2023 60 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJANUARY 2023Experience a Heightened Sense of Wow 900 PINE STREET SEATTLE, WA 98101 CONTACT: VISIT SEATTLE CONVENTION SALES TEAM TEL: 206-461-5800 CONVENTIONS@VISITSEATTLE.ORG VISITSEATTLE.ORG/SUMMIT W henmeetingplanners chooseSeattle,theyalso givetheirattendeesthe excusethey’vebeenlook- ingfortovisitthisworld- classcity.Anurbanmetropolissetinthe middleoflusciousnaturalsurroundings, Seattleofferstheabilitytoexplorelong- standinglandmarkssuchasPikePlace MarketandtheSpaceNeedlealongside newindependentretailers—allwithin walkingdistance. Andnow,itgetsevenbetter. TheopeningofSeattleConvention Center’sSummitbuilding,thefirsthigh- riseconventioncenterinNorthAmerica, furthertransformsthecity’sconven- tionpackage.Withmorethan570,000 squarefeetofadditionaleventspace, thenewbuildingpairswiththeexist- ingArchbuilding—justone-and-a-half blocksaway—todoublethecapacityof theentirecampus. More Breathtaking Views Summitoffersmultiplewaystosoak inSeattle’ssurroundingswithouteven leavingthebuilding.Summit’sstun- ning58,000-square-footballroomatthe topofferspanoramiccityviews.And thebuilding’ssuspendedstairsystem, designedwithbuilt-inseating,offers west-facingviewsofPikePlaceMarket andPugetSoundjustdownthestreet. A (Still) Tiny Footprint WhiletheSummitadditionmeans thatSeattlecanwelcomemoreattend- ees,theywillstillleaveatinyfootprint ontheplanet.Thevenue—slatedto achieveLEEDGoldcertification—builds onSeattle’slegacyasaleaderinsustain- ability.Fromusingreclaimedwood fromaHondadealershipthatpreviously occupiedthesitetoinstallinganin-floor waterpipesystemtolimitHVACusage, theprojecthasbeenfocusedonenviron- mentalstewardship. Constructed with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Mind Asacitywiththehighestshareof women-ownedbusinessesinthecountry, itmaynotbeasurprisethatleadersatthe conventioncenterwantedadiversecast ofentrepreneurstobepartoftheproj- ect.Whenconstructionbeganin2018, theteamhadagoaltoaward$80million incontractstowomen-andminority- ownedbusinesses.AsofAugust2022, theyhadalreadycommitted$148million tothosetypesoffirms. Learnhowyoucandelivera heightenedsenseofwowinSeattleat visitseattle.org/meetings. | AC&F | Summit Building at Seattle Convention Center Total Square Feet of Meeting Space: Up to 99,620 square feet of meeting space and up to 248,450 square feet of exhibit space Convention Center FYI: The Emerald City’s new crown jewel — the Summit building at Seattle Convention Center — is now open. Learn how you can take your meetings to new heights at visitseattle.org/meetings. FACTS & FEATURES AMERICA'S PREMIERE CONVENTION CENTERS 2023 62 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJANUARY 2023TAKE MEETINGS TO NEW HEIGHTS COURTESY OF LMN ARCHITECTS Summit IS OPEN IN SEATTLE The first high rise convention center in North America has opened in Seattle, transforming the city’s convention package. Learn more about placing your meeting in Seattle at visitseattle.org/meetings.Bring Your Next Meeting to Life V irginiaBeachismorethana topVirginiameetingdestina- tionwithunbeatableservice— it’sagame-changerinprovid- ingaffordableandexcellent meetingexperiences.WheretheAtlantic OceanmeetstheChesapeakeBay,this premierdestinationbalancescoastal charmandmetropolitanflairwithmeet- ingexperiencesthatcreateadistinctvibe formeetingsofanysizeandbudget. Ample Event Space Forlargerevents,theLEEDGold- certifiedVirginiaBeachConvention Centeroffersa150,000-square-foot,col- umn-freeexhibithall,morethan29,000 squarefeetofflexiblemeetingspaceand a31,000-square-foot,column-freeball- room.Innovativedesignsthroughoutthe buildingallowforcreativemeetingexpe- riencesandhugecostsavings,especially withfreeWi-Fiofferedinpre-function spaceandallmeetingrooms. What’s New? Fromwell-knownnationalbrandsto independentproperties,VirginiaBeach offersawidevarietyoflodgingoptions fromresortanddowntowntoretreat-type settings.Thecoastalcity’sportfoliohas gottenanexcitingupgradeastheCava- lierResortissettoopenitsthirdhotelon itscampusinlessthan5years.Previously, thehistoricCavalier,ofMarriott’sAuto- graphCollection,openeditsdoorswith unrivaledluxuryandhistoriccharmfol- lowedbytheMarriottOceanfrontHotel. The20-story,305-roomMarriottOcean- front,withmorethan25,000squarefeet ofmeetingspaceandspectacularoutdoor spacewithoceanvistas,willnowsitnext totheEmbassySuitesOceanfront.Soon, theEmbassySuitesOceanfrontwill offeranadditional155oceanfrontrooms and10,000squarefeetofflexiblemeet- ingspacetothisincredibleoceanfront meetingconclave. Savor the Local Flavor VirginiaBeachtakesmeeting,and eating,veryseriously.Delegatescan enjoyupscalediningatsomeofVirginia Beach’sAAAFour-DiamondRestaurants, includingSalaciaPrimeSeafoodand Steaks,Terrapin,andZoësSteak&Sea- food,alllocatedneartheVirginiaBeach Oceanfront.Chef-drivenmenusatthe VirginiaBeachConventionCenterfeature hand-cutherbsandvegetablesfromits on-sitegardenbeds,providingaunique waytosavorthelocalflavor.Or,headto theBayforsomeofthearea’sbestlocally sourcedfreshseafood!Afterafullsched- uleofmeetingsandnetworking,local craftbreweriesthroughoutthecitywel- comegroupstoquenchthirstsandenjoy livelyconversation.ThisincludesThe TarnishedTruthDistilleryattheCava- lier,thecountry’sfirstandonlydistillery locatedandoperatinginsideahotel.Fora morecosmopolitanvibe,explorethewide rangeofupscalediningandentertain- mentofferingsatTownCenter,located minutesfromtheOceanfront. TolearnmoreaboutVirginiaBeach’s meetingandeventofferings,contactour destinationexperts,whocanbringyour nextmeetingtolife!| AC&F | Virginia Beach Convention Center Convention Center FYI: Virginia Beach Convention Center offers a 150,000-square-foot, column-free exhibit hall, more than 29,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, and a 31,000-square-foot, column-free ballroom. CONTACT SALLY NOONA, CMP Director of Convention Sales & Marketing Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau 2101 Parks Avenue, Suite 500, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Phone: 757-385-6663 snoona@visitvirginiabeach.com VBMeetings.com FACTS & FEATURES AMERICA'S PREMIER CONVENTION CENTERS 2023 64 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJANUARY 2023Schedule your next meeting at www.VBMeetings.com An open invitation to INTO VIRGINIA BEACH MEETINGS deep diveCAREERTRACK 66 The Georgia International Con- vention Center has hired Ricki VanDuvall as director of sales and marketing. VanDuvall previously has worked with many hotels, including Crowne Plaza Atlanta Airport, Radis- son Hotel Group and Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Airport. Halekulani Resort and the Hale- puna Waikiki Hotel Halekulani has hired Lisa Matsuda as director of sales and marketing. Matsuda has worked with Hilton Hotels, Marriott International and Hyatt Regency. She will now oversee domestic and inter- national markets and be responsible for creating revenue strategies, mar- keting plans and leading a sales and marketing team. Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau hired Lexi Carroll as convention services coordinator. With a background working in wed- dings and events for Country Mead- ows Barn and Kate Taylor Weddings & Events, Carroll’s new role includes working with the sales team to service and support all booked conventions, sporting tournaments and meetings. Visit Salt Lake has hired Faye Pas- tor , CMP, as sales manager. She will be working in the Washington, D.C. area. Before working with Visit Salt Lake, she worked for Molecular Pathology. She also has worked with The San Francisco Peninsula CVB, Ecologi- cal Society of America, Visit Norfolk, Atlanta CVB and Visit Sacramento. Renaissance Atlanta Midtown has announced the hiring of Mark Dickerson as director of sales & marketing. Previously, he has worked for Sage Hospitality, Remington Hotels, Strategic Solution Partners, Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront, Embassy Suites, Ascent Hospitality, McKibbon Hotel Management and others. | AC&F | From unique meeting spaces and hotel accommodations to an exhilarating evening, a Universal Orlando meeting or event is perfect for groups of any size. Treat the team to great food, amazing surroundings and one-of-a-kind rides and attractions. It’s an event they won’t miss. And never forget. ONE DESTINATION. A UNIVERSE OF POSSIBILITIES. WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s22) TRANSFORMERS and its logo and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. © 2022 Hasbro. Sapphire Falls Resort TM & © 2022 UCF Hotel Venture III. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2022 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. U220907-1/DP UOMeetingsAndEvents.com themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJANUARY 2023 MATSUDAPASTORDICKERSONVANDUVALLCARROLLFrom unique meeting spaces and hotel accommodations to an exhilarating evening, a Universal Orlando meeting or event is perfect for groups of any size. Treat the team to great food, amazing surroundings and one-of-a-kind rides and attractions. It’s an event they won’t miss. And never forget. ONE DESTINATION. A UNIVERSE OF POSSIBILITIES. WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s22) TRANSFORMERS and its logo and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. © 2022 Hasbro. Sapphire Falls Resort TM & © 2022 UCF Hotel Venture III. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2022 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. U220907-1/DP UOMeetingsAndEvents.comImmerse yourself in a completely turnkey meeting experience. Hot, sunny days. Bright, electric nights. LBC is the perfect destination to turn corporate-style events into the extraordinary. A brilliantly designed campus of unique spaces sets the stage for magical experiences – indoors, outdoors, online. Spark conversation and connection in a glittering atmosphere filled with our ready-to-go meeting solutions –decorative chandeliers and built-in, programmable lights, a cool collection of stylish furniture and décor – all saving you up to $600,000. Easy and a ordable, this unconventional city saves you thousands and makes for a refreshingly di erent meeting experience unlike anywhere else. visitlongbeach.com@VisitLB Dive into savings of over $600,000 and make a splash with your next meeting or convention.Next >