< PreviousAuthority is solid and the real deal when it comes to support- ing planners. They’re quick to provide recommendations for events, including venues for holding off-site activities, and overall support to help planners be successful. Their success in supporting planner results is our success with our events.” APHSA has multiple affinity groups within its member- ship with meetings of different sizes and different needs. They’re easily accommodated in Reno. APHSA affinity group American Association of SNAP Directors (AASD), for example, based a meeting of 250 at Peppermill Reno Resort. The National Association of Program Information and Performance Management (NAPIPM), also an APHSA affinity group, met at Silver Legacy Resort Casino with 175 attendees. While neither of these meetings required use of the convention center, Jarvis-Miller says that, because of the success of APHSA’s various meetings, Reno is bidding on the association’s largest event, which will be held at the convention center. About the AASD Education Conference held at Peppermill, Jarvis-Miller says, “The members appreciated being the ‘big fish’ as the larger event that was in the venue over our dates. The event management team was great to work with in helping to design unique receptions that kept our attendees engaged and on property. From the sales to event execution, the Pep- permill team worked with us alongside the DMO to ensure our members were welcomed. Additionally, she says, Peppermill offered flexibility for growth of the program and affordability.” Silver Legacy offered the right space and affordability for the NAPIPM Annual Education Conference. “Silver Legacy was chosen for proximity to downtown, meeting space, ease of access from the airport and pricing,” Jarvis-Miller says. “And the staff stood out. Their commitment to success was evident from the time we arrived until we departed. We held an onsite networking event and staff went above and beyond to make it a fun atmosphere for our attendees. We utilized the hotel meeting and conference space. We sourced our own A/V as we travel with a national team; however, the local tech support that was available to augment the team was more than adequate to service our event. The staff took extra strides to add décor and fun elements to our events.” To planners considering Reno, Jarvis-Miller says, “Trust that you have true partners when you book the city. Utilize the DMO team as they are an extension of your team and want to make sure you succeed. The hotel partners are also real partners; they’ll provide opportunities to maximize entertainment that’s already on the books during your conference and will be creative when designing food-and-beverage experiences for your attendees.” She adds that the recent and ongoing expansion of the Reno-Tahoe International Airport will continue to set the bar for access from destinations across the country. “In a recent presentation by the airport CEO, one take away I had was that he’s committed to helping bring meetings, conferences and conventions to Reno,” she says. As for future plans, Jarvis- Miller adds, “APHSA continues to look at Reno as an affordable location for our future events. Our members enjoy the ameni- ties Reno offers when they are attending our conferences.” Clare MacNab, CMP, CEM, Senior Meeting and Exhibit Manager with the Restoration Industry Association, also met at Peppermill Reno Resort. “The Peppermill was extremely accommodating and responsive in working with us on every aspect of our program,” she says. “Our 800-person meeting was held at the Peppermill during a challenging post-COVID transitionary time, but you would never have known it based on how smoothly the property operated.” MacNab says her group was especially impressed with the A/V and catering/convention services departments. “They thoughtfully worked to make it all happen and make us look great. I loved the creativity used by the Peppermill team to achieve our goals. Through honest and open communication, we built a really effective team between the hotel and association staff.” Schneider also notes that the airport is only two to three miles from every major hotel and Lake Tahoe is just a 30-min- ute scenic ride away. Her list of notable off-site options includes the Northstar gondola, Virginia City, Truckee Riverwalk, Aces Greater Field and Pioneer Theater. Schneider says planners should also know that most Reno hotels have been recently renovated and you get the same professional A/V companies as primary markets.” Better yet, in Reno, she adds, “A group is likely to be the hotel’s only group.” Whether your association likes a big city or a smaller one, a glitzy nightlife vibe or a laid back, super affordable destination, Nevada has you covered. | AC&F | themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMARCH 2023 Reno’s Home and Garden show will be held this year at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, which boasts more than 600,000 sf of meeting space. COURTESY OF MIKE LARRAGUETA Donna Jarvis-Miller, CMP, CEM Director, Membership and Events, American Public Human Services Association In 2022, all our in-person events were at or way above 2019 attendance levels. We found ourselves shutting down registration for some events to ensure we weren’t exceeding capacity. 40MEETINGS ARE AT THE HEART OF OUR RESORT Meetings and trade shows at The Venetian ® Resort Las Vegas are unlike anything you have ever been a part of. With 2.25 million square feet of white canvas, you create a branded experience that will impress. Our innovative facilities, partnerships, and versatile spaces make The Venetian Resort a one-of-a-kind destination for events and trade shows. Visit venetianmeetings.com to find out more. The Venetian ® and other trademarks are used under license.DESTINATIONREPORT F or decades, Texas has been a favorite meet- ing, event and convention destination for associations of all sizes. And rightfully so. The “Lone Star State” has long been known for its exceptional hospitality, state-of-the- art venues and memorable cuisine. While the expansive state offers a wealth of options for meeting planners, each of Texas’ cities and regions offer dis- tinctive experiences for attendees to enjoy. VISIT DALLAS For many planners, Dallas has proven to be the ideal place to host a meeting or event. As Andrea Coker, director of com- munications at Visit Dallas, explains, your dollar goes farther in Dallas, as the cost of doing business in Dallas is 7% lower than the national average. Additionally, Texas is a “right to work” state, which lowers event production costs and allows meeting planners to focus more of their budget on attendee engagement and experience. 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. “We 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 Dal- las,” Coker says. Recently, the Dallas City Council approved plans to expand the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, with construction expected to begin next year and be completed by 2029. The center will feature 800,000 square feet of exhibit space and more than 400,000 square feet of breakout space, including a 100,000 square foot ballroom. “The new convention center will address the needs of modern meeting planners, providing ballroom and breakout space Dallas has been lacking,” Coker says. “The center is expected to nearly double annual attendance and associated revenue for the city.” AT&T Discover District is Dallas’ newest entertainment district and a great space for groups. Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this indoor/outdoor space boasts a multi- sensory experience including outdoor event space with From Convention Centers to Hotel Projects, Check Out the Latest Offerings From the Lone Star State themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMARCH 2023 Texas By Maura Keller The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas is expanding, with construction expected to begin next year and be completed by 2029. COURTESY PHOTO 4243 MARCH 2023 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES views of its 6K resolution, 104-foot-tall media wall; the AT&T Theater, fit for advanced screenings or corporate meetings; and multiple dining outlets. “Additionally, the Dallas area tops the U.S. in hotel proj- ects with 165 projects and 19,730 rooms on the way, accord- ing to a new report by analysts at Lodging Econometrics,” Coker says. “Dallas also has the most projects in early plan- ning at the end of first quarter 2022, with 84 projects and 9,495 rooms.” The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas offers 19,000 sf of meeting space, including a ballroom space that can accommodate large groups up to 1100 people as well as more intimate individual meeting rooms. The resort is Texas’ first and Dallas’ only five-star prop- erty – and they continue to elevate their offerings. To comple- ment the recent renovations to the spa and meeting spaces, they are renovating all 218 guest rooms, including case goods, wall coverings and the bathrooms, along with the corridors and the lobby. Another great venue option is The Hyatt Regency Dal- las, which has four dining outlets, is a short distance away from Dallas’s two major airports, and is connected to public transportation, which can help get you to every neighbor- hood in Dallas. “We offer layered meeting space which keeps travel time for attendees short and easy to locate from their guest rooms,” says Michael Koffler, general manager at Hyatt Regency Dal- las. “We offer over 130,000 square feet of meeting space that is broken up into two main ballrooms, one exhibit hall, and up to 40 breakout spaces. We also have over 30,000 square feet of outdoor space.” VISIT ARLINGTON Arlington’s Convention Campus is truly a meeting planner’s dream and unlike anything in the area. With easy walkability between hotels, ample meeting space and endless entertain- ment options, meetings here are a breeze. “Arlington offers adaptable meeting facilities and venue options to accommodate groups of all sizes and budgets. Best of all, go from DFW International Airport to your hotel in less than 15 minutes,” says Chad Enloe, vice president of sales at Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Once there, attend- ees will appreciate the world-class attractions such as AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, Texas Live! and Six Flags Over Texas for after hours entertainment or breaks between meetings.” Construction is underway for the new Arlington Conven- tion Center, scheduled to open in 2024, which will truly be a game changer for our meetings portfolio and destination. Arlington’s existing world-class sports and entertainment ven- ues will now be complimented by hotel and meeting facilities that will attract national events of all kinds. “We are already a leading destination for meetings and events and this new development will further strengthen Arlington’s robust convention opportunities,” Enloe says. The cornerstone of the massive $810 million expansion of Arlington’s Convention Campus, the new Arlington Conven- tion Center will also include a $550 million, 888-room Loews Arlington Hotel. Situated between Globe Life Field and AT&T Stadium, the development will be accessible to the 300-room Live! by Loews Arlington hotel via a sky bridge. Between them, the two hotels offer nearly 1,200 guest rooms and more than 250,000 square feet of meeting and event space. In addition to development on the upcoming Arlington Downtown El Paso is now home to over 1,200 new hotel rooms within walking distance of the convention center (pictured). COURTESY OF DESTINATION EL PASOConvention Center and Loews Arlington Hotel, Arlington’s Entertainment District has been chosen as the site for the future National Medal of Honor Museum. “The museum, which broke ground in March of this year and is set to open in 2024, will showcase the Medal of Honor recipients and their stories of valor and inspiration in the face of impossible odds,” Enloe says. The more than 100,000-square-foot footprint will encom- pass more than 31,000 square feet of exhibition galleries, a state-of-the-art education center, conference and event space and an outdoor amphitheater for ceremonies. According to Mike Grippo, complex director of sales and marketing at Live! By Loews - Arlington, Texas and Loews Arlington Hotel (opening in early 2024), the walkability of the Loews complex offers many different things to do. “Our loca- tion cannot be beaten if you want to be near it all and it comes with the Loews Hotels level of service,” Grippo says. There is over 35,000 square feet of overall space at Live! by Loews - Arlington which consists of a traditional ballroom of more than 14,000 square feet but also some amazing outdoor space and bars that overlook the stadiums. Loews Arlington Hotel, opening in early 2024, will be the newest convention hotel in the Texas Market. The hotel will have over 266,000 of meeting and event space. The Grand Ballroom is more than 50,000 square feet with two additional large ballrooms and an abundance of breakout space, and the outdoor event space is more than 66,000 square feet. There will also be five food and beverage outlets. VISIT HOUSTON Houston is truly the cultural mecca of Texas thanks in part to its energetic cultural arts scene, award-winning eateries and a wealth of professional sports teams. But the city’s vast number of venues offer a world of opportunities for meeting planners looking for that perfect place to host an event. Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center (GRBCC) is one of the 10 largest convention centers in the nation, offering about 1.85 million square feet of meeting and exhibition space. The Convention Center’s 6,000-seat arena features tele- scopic seating, which allows for the accommodation of very large events. With the GRBCC’s newly upgraded, 31,500 square foot George Bush Grand Ballroom; a 3,600-seat theatre hall; and a festive outdoor reception space composed of four balconies and nearly 3,000 square feet of meeting space, this convention center is the ideal spot for events of all sizes. And the myriad of accommodations for attendees are as diverse as Houston itself. For example, Hilton Americas-Hous- ton is conveniently located to large group offsite venues like The Post, The Rustic and The Grove in order to experience Houston’s dynamic landscape. “We are located in the heart of downtown Houston, attached to the convention center via an indoor walkway, within steps from Discovery Green and walking distance from Toyota Center and Minute Maid Park,” says Jacques D’Rovencourt, general manager, Hilton Americas-Houston. “We are the big- gest hotel in downtown Houston, with 30 breakout rooms and two ballrooms, offering space ranging from 26,000 to 39,000 square feet. There are also over 50 restaurants within a five- block radius.” Hilton Americas-Houston now offers a new R24 Rooftop Lounge with craft cocktails and breathtaking views of the city, and the onsite Skyline Spa and Health Club. Located in Uptown Houston, the Hyatt Regency Houston Galleria offers a variety of beautiful meeting venues that will inspire and stimulate meeting and event attendees. With over 19,000 square feet of versatile event space, this innovative and dynamic hotel is the ideal place to host meetings, events, con- ferences and celebrations. “We can accommodate any type of event, with live music in the lounge, pre-function area or breakout rooms. Our experi- enced meetings and events team helps plan memorable meet- ings, and topnotch corporate events and social celebrations,” says Didem Gursel, area director of sales and marketing at Hyatt Regency Houston Galleria. Hyatt Regency Houston Galleria offers 10 ideally equipped meeting rooms, all located on the hotel’s 2nd level. Hyatt Regency Houston Galleria also showcases a ballroom with a high ceiling, and pre-function area or breakout rooms with daylight. “Our newly renovated Water Ranch is great outdoor option for opening nights, reception and cocktails,” Gursel says. Scott Gentile, director of sales and marketing, Marriott Marquis Houston, says meeting planners are drawn to the Marriott Marquis Houston because of its urban destination, complete with everything they need for their meetings under one roof. They appreciate the walkability, as well as the prox- imity to attractions in a safe downtown environment. “Other key factors are our superb food and beverage offer- ings with diverse flavors from our six distinctive on-site res- taurants, excellent service scores and two nearby airports for easy access,” Gentile says. “Attendees can spend their free time at our Altitude Rooftop & Pool, which is home to the largest Texas-shaped lazy river. It’s a relaxing retreat after a full day of meetings. The Marriott Marquis Houston is home to the largest themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMARCH 2023 The new Arlington Convention Center will also include a $550 million, 888-room Loews Arlington Hotel. 44ballroom in Houston – the grand Texas Ballroom — allowing us to host large gatherings of all kinds. This room alone is nearly the size of a football field and can be separated into eight individual event spaces. There are 52 event rooms – including two ballrooms – and 37 breakout spaces.” He adds, “With 153,324 square feet of event space, we can host nearly any event a planner could imagine, and we cater to groups of up to 4,300 peo- ple. Roughly half of our rooms have natural lighting, which attendees appreciate when they’re spending so much time inside. We can also host groups poolside or at our outdoor pavilion with stunning views of downtown Houston. VISIT IRVING Irving is considered the “headquarter of headquarters” with eight Fortune 500 and several Fortune 1000 companies, and has become the home of growing technology, oil and gas, aviation, manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries. “We’ve also experienced a major evolution in entertain- ment that includes a walkable entertainment district housing a world-class, indoor/outdoor Live Nation concert venue. With so much going on, it’s easy to see why Irving is a great desti- nation for meetings and events,” says Maura Gast, FCDME, executive director of Visit Irving Texas. “When it comes to logistics, arguably the biggest draw for both planners and attendees is our killer location, smack dab in the middle of two major metropolitan areas, as well as the middle of the coun- try; on the doorstep of one of the world’s largest international airports – Dallas-Fort Worth, with another, Love Field, just 15 minutes away.” Add to that Irving’s 13,000-plus hotel rooms ranging from luxury resort to extended stay and limited ser- vice and the city’s innovative Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas with Westin headquarter hotel – everything a planner needs, and attendees want, is within reach. Irving’s identity has evolved from a perfectly fine suburb into a true destination of its own. The city boasts first tier ame- nities, enhanced by the values of a second-tier market – all built and attuned to meetings of any size. The Toyota Music Factory is in full gear; there are new lakefront favorites at Water Street, and beautiful new outdoor venues like Williams Square Plaza, Levy Event Plaza and Heritage Park. “Many of Irving’s hotels have been undergoing exciting renovations, and new properties are opening, too. An all-suite Element Hotel recently opened featuring meeting space on the top floors with sensational views,” Gast says. “And a new MARCH 2023 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES Michelle DeClerck, CMP President, Conference Event Management If you are looking to host an event in Texas, it would be hard not to consider Irving in the mix due to the ease of access and how quickly you can get to your chosen hotel. 45Embassy Suites is under construction, along with Hotel Indigo. This 150-room property will bring 3,300 square feet of event space to Las Colinas in this spring. The location of all three hotels capital- izes on the proximity to the airports, corporate campuses, and our convention center and the music factory.” Because it’s so easily accessed from the convention center and multiple hotels, the Toyota Music Factory can’t be missed. Their Live Nation Pavilion concert venue hosts some of the best and brightest touring acts. Add to that a regular slate of free live local music on the Texas Lottery Plaza, not to mention the 20 restaurants and unique venues that are perfect for networking and off-site events. “If you are looking to host an event in Texas, it would be hard not to con- sider Irving in the mix due to the ease of access and how quickly you can get to your chosen hotel,” says Michelle DeClerck, CMP, president, Conference Event Management. “Don’t overlook the Toyota Music Factory for a dine around where you can bus in all your guests and split up into numerous qual- ity restaurants.” VISIT AUSTIN Texas is easy to get to, given that it’s centrally located in the U.S. For Austin specifically, Steve Genovesi, Visit Austin executive vice president, hears people say it’s been on their bucket list to visit, so he’s seen there’s a natural marketabil- ity to bring events to Austin, and there’s definitely a level of attendee excitement to experience a new destination. “When it comes to meetings and conventions, Austin is a city that plan- ners and visitors always agree on. Our state-of-the-art infrastructure, innova- tive meeting spaces and world-class hotels are nestled in the center, and the heart, of the city. 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 BBQ and tacos in the country.” Opened last fall, The Loren at Lady Bird Lake is the newest addition to Austin’s ample list of boutique hotels, bringing 108 rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as a new restaurant and spa. Also new to the Texas state capital are the Hyatt’s latest lifestyle proper- ties: Thompson Austin and tom- mie Austin, both of which opened at the beginning of last year. Some of the offer- ings at Thompson Austin include 212 guest rooms and suites; an impressive 6,700-square-foot well- ness center; and more than 10,000 square feet of interior and exterior private event space. Meanwhile at tommie Austin, visi- tors will find 193 king bed guest rooms, and instead of a traditional lobby, there’s an all-day counter serving specialty cof- fee drinks, craft beer, natural wines and playful retail. Hilton Austin offers the only hotel- based F45 Training studio in the world which allows attendees the opportunity to maintain fitness goals with coach-led group workouts while traveling. “Organizations that are hosting events at the hotel will have the exclu- sive opportunity to book group fitness and stretch sessions to enhance their event for up to 40 attendees with the new F45 Training studio,” says Joe Bolash, general manager, Hilton Austin. “Hilton Austin also is home to down- town’s only Topgolf Swing Suite, avail- able for rent and private events.” With over 95,000 square feet of event space, including 41 breakout rooms and two expansive ballrooms, Hilton Austin is located in downtown Austin and offers unique group branding opportunities, including a large digital media wall which is only available at Hilton Austin’s grandi- ose welcome experience. The hotel also features an overhead walkway connected to the Austin Convention Center. Covering six blocks, the convention center, located in the heart of downtown, features 881,400 square feet of meeting space, including five contiguous exhibit halls with 247,052 square feet of column- free space. Their two ballrooms are 40,510 and 23,000 square feet, respectively. The Palmer Events Center and the Austin Convention Center have successfully achieved 2023 Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation, the gold standard for prepared facilities. themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMARCH 2023 Austin’s impressive skyline is continually changing with the addition of new facilities to accommodate events of all sizes. PHOTO BY NICOLE JENSEN Steve Genovesi Executive Vice President Visit Austin When it comes to meetings and conventions, Austin is a city that planners and visitors always agree on. 46The convention center had 14 events scheduled last month and has been gear- ing up for this month’s events like South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference and Festival, AAPPR Annual Conference and SHM Converge. “Our property offers a wide range of unique qualities helping us stand out within the city,” says Jeff Donahoe, general manager Hyatt Regency Austin. “One of the first is our location; with direct access to LadyBird lake, the Hike and Bike Trail, South Congress and the heart of downtown, our location can provide attendees access to all that Austin has to offer and within walk- ing distance.” Hyatt Regency Austin has an array of meeting options to offer groups. Whether it’s an indoor/outdoor dining experience, a meeting with a view from the 17th floor ballroom, or if privacy is your concern, one of the hotel’s largest spaces provides a setting for groups to truly own the hotel meeting experience. With more than 250 live music ven- ues across the city, live music is truly everywhere. Nightly, meeting attend- ees will find Austin musicians at clubs, coffeehouses, bars, taquerias, sporting events and concert halls. “Out of the many locations available to host events, there are very few that combine the whole package in such as wonderful way. Austin was chosen for my client’s event, Accelerate, Powered by NetVU, for their 2023 Convention,” says Jeffrey Etzkin, owner of Etzkin Events. “The combination of world class live entertainment throughout the city, excellent award-winning restau- rants and extremely easy access from hotels to the convention center made this choice really easy. If you are looking for a great experience for your members and partners, Austin is among the top in the country.” Lisa Parse, director of meeting ser- vices at American Academy of Periodon- tology, says their upcoming meeting will be the American Academy of Periodon- tology’s (AAP) first in Austin. “We are excited to plan a meeting in such a vibrant city, with great venues, a thriving entertainment scene, and a vibe that doesn’t exist anywhere else. As AAP’s Annual Meeting evolves, we are looking to maintain the things that has made it a success, while allowing it to grow and expand into something even greater,” Parse says. “In choosing an annual destination, we seek out cities that are evolving but still maintaining the best of their history, so Austin is a perfect match!” VISIT EL PASO A cultural hub with delectable food and a naturally hospitable community, El Paso has an abundance of attrac- tions, nature, culture and over 300 days of sunshine. The city is seeing an influx of new hotels and attractions, and heavy invest- ments in the downtown area mean new amenities and services. Downtown El Paso is now home to over 1,200 new hotel rooms within walking distance of the convention center. Within 18 months, El Paso doubled its convention hotel inventory, resulting in an array of accommodation options. In addition, El Paso also features new bars, restau- rants and art centers – offering a wealth of entertainment options long after the meetings end. According to Destination El Paso, the beautiful El Paso Convention Center was MARCH 2023 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES 47 vv Imagine a world where “can’t” doesn’t exist. Located just 15 minutes from DFW International airport, Arlington o ers everything you need to make your next event memorable. Arlington is also growing by the day. Our new 888-room luxury hotel and Arlington Convention Center is opening 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 OPENING IN A convention that doesn’t feel so conventional?remodeled a few years ago and included expansive renovations. The renovation included the build of a new bistro, state-of-the- art meeting rooms and high quality services to make a meeting or convention the perfect event. For meeting planners interested in outdoor venues, look no further than the Convention Center Plaza, which is situated at the entrance to the El Paso Convention Center and is an ideal outdoor venue for receptions, social gatherings, corporate meetings and more. The space is conveniently located across the street from a myriad of museums, bars, restaurants, hotels and other open spaces. With all these upgrades coming to the city, El Paso is on the forefront of destinations for meetings, incentive trips, confer- ences, tournaments or events. “Our team knows a successful event isn’t just about giving attendees a comfortable place to meet, mingle and recharge. It’s also about showing them a grand time. With dozens of museums and attractions, El Paso will exceed your expectations,” says Brooke Underwood, executive director for Destination El Paso. She adds, “We feel El Paso is the cure for destination burn- out. So many groups and associations have traveled to Texas but never really venture out of the usual destinations. El Paso offers a break from the typical destination and a cultural experience that cannot be replicated. Our city center has been reborn with new hotels, a renovated convention center and a $97 million streetcar system, but what is also noteworthy is how convenient and walkable our downtown is.” VISIT SAN ANTONIO San Antonio exudes a charm all its own, thanks in part to its historical attractions and cultural vibe. Boasting a modern, yet casual feel to its meeting scene, San Antonio is teeming with interesting venues and attractions at every turn. And while the region exhibits and Old-World charm, it is constantly reinvent- ing itself with new hotels and venue offerings. San Antonio’s 1.6 million square foot Henry B. González Convention Center accommodates groups of all sizes and sits on the River Walk in the heart of downtown within walking distance of historic sites, restaurants, museums, theaters, shops and thousands of hotel rooms. At the end of last year, AC Hotel by Marriott & Element Hotel by Westin debuted at Riverview Towers. The AC Hotel’s 20-story building includes 4,000 square feet of function space, as well as 181 rooms, each offering amazing views. Element Hotel offers 162 spacious guest rooms designed for longer stays including fully equipped in-room kitchens, fitness options and on-site laundry. The soon-to-be-completed Otis Hotel San Antonio will include an all-new destination spa, restaurant and bar. Offer- ing an oasis-like setting, two of the property’s on-site historic 19th-century buildings will be repurposed from meeting and event space into a new day spa. In addition, new 10,000 square feet of indoor meeting space and additional outdoor event areas will be available for gatherings. The Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk offers 1,003 mod- ern and luxurious guest rooms, including 46 spacious suites with panoramic views of the city. With its location in the heart of San Antonio’s rich culture and vibrant River Walk, the hotel provides unforgettable experiences for groups right outside its front door. “We are located next to located next to San Antonio’s Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and connected to the world famous Alamodome via a foot bridge, and we also offer Grand Hyatt 115,000 square feet of expansive indoor and out- door space for company meetings and events,” says Philip Stamm, area vice president and general manager at Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk and Hyatt Regency San Anto- nio Riverwalk. In fact, the hotel is home to some of the largest ballroom spaces in downtown San Antonio, including the 31,000-square- foot and pillar-free Texas Ballroom, the 21,000-square-foot Lonestar Ballroom and 29 different meeting rooms with most offering floor-to-ceiling views of downtown. “Taking advantage of San Antonio’s ideal weather conditions, Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk debuted the Terrace on 5th venue in early 2022,” Stamm says. “The 6,500-square-foot open-air rooftop event spaces feature an urban oasis ambiance complete with a spacious lawn and sweeping views of the city.” VISIT FORT WORTH According to Amy Brown, senior vice president of conven- tion sales & service at Visit Fort Worth, Fort Worth has one of the most convenient meeting packages in the country. “New and renovated hotel offerings, restaurants and excit- ing tourism venues are why Travel + Leisure ranked Fort Worth in the top 15 U.S. cities to visit in 2022,” Brown says. The city’s connected downtown has become one of the country’s most lively urban settings. The 35-block Sundance Square district, adjacent to the convention center, is home to restaurants, live music clubs, theaters, shops and exciting nightlife headlined by the beautiful Bass Performance Hall. New offerings also put Fort Worth at the top of meeting planners’ list of considerations. Opening in the beginning of 2024, Le Meridien is a historic building that is being reimag- ined as a 189-room hotel. It will include new ground floor restaurants and a rooftop bar, 3,000 square-feet of meeting space and a sixth-floor pool deck and the Crescent Hotel, a 200-room luxury hotel will be opening in Fort Worth’s Cul- tural District. For attendees looking for entertainment options, Brown suggests a visit to the Stockyards National Historic District to experience the Fort Worth Herd’s cattle drive. “Ranked one of the top zoos in the nation, the Fort Worth Zoo is home to more than 7,000 native and exotic animals,” Brown says. “And be sure to check out Fort Worth’s Distill- ery Trail, home to the largest whiskey distillery west of the Mississippi.” VISIT GRAPEVINE Grapevine, Texas, centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth, is home to more than 1,000,000 square feet of meeting space, 20 hotels and 11,000 hotel rooms within 15 minutes of Historic Downtown Grapevine. Grapevine is the premier meetings and convention destination in North Texas. Located five minutes from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, attendees will enjoy the thriving Historic Downtown, winery tasting rooms, locally-owned restaurants and shops, attractions and more throughout the city. Experience Grapevine’s rich heritage and unique event venues with all the modern-day technology necessary to oper- ate a first-class meeting or event. Exciting off-site venues, such as Peace Plaza at Grapevine Main Station, the Grapevine Vin- tage Railroad and the all new Chicken and Pickle, offer attend- ees a true Texas experience. | AC&F | themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMARCH 202348MAKING YOUR VISION OUR MISSION Located in the heart of downtown Austin, Texas 150+ nonstop flights to Austin from 95 destinations Austin-Bergstrom International Airport named Top 10 Best Airport in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler three years in a row SEE FOR YOURSELF WHY EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT AUSTIN, TEXAS. With world-renowned restaurants nearby, 12,000-plus hotel rooms within a two-mile radius of the facility, and iconic music venues just a short walk away, there is no better place to host your next event than the Austin Convention Center. With our cutting edge technology, customized network solutions and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout, we are ideal for many events with de- tailed and substantial technology needs. 100% CLIENT SATISFACTION Our service-first culture, with an all in-house staff, takes ownership of the guest’s entire experience. As a result, 100% of our clients would like to return for their next event based on survey results. TECHNOLOGYNext >