Small Market Meetings April 2026

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TEXAS-SIZED INSPIRATION

Are you looking for new approaches to an annual conference or convention? It’s easy to find inspiration simply by scrolling through agendas of upcoming conferences, especially those known for creativity, like the SXSW Innovation Conference, part of the 10-day SXSW gathering in Austin, Texas, that’s been invigorating and enlightening minds for 40 years. The Innovation Conference draws about 75,000 people, who come for its tracks on health, tech, culture, design, sports, education and more.

Here’s a look at some aspects of the agenda for this year’s conference, which was held in mid-March.

Meeting planners can learn a lot from SXSW

Need a topic? Eyeball an agenda.

Skim session topics at the SXSW Innovation Conference, and you’ll probably find some that work for your audience. Here are some examples from this year’s agenda: “In Uncertainty We Trust: The New Rules of Leadership,” “Why Work Sucks (and How We Can Make It Joyful Again)” and “Don’t Be Cringe: How to Actually Win Gen Z and Alpha.” Many SXSW sessions are panel discussions, involving professionals whose expertise aligns with the topic. For example, professors and company founders/ CEOs explored ways to shrink gaps found in multigenerational workforces during a session called “How to Design a Successful Work Culture.” In a session titled “Saying Yes to the Unthinkable Works,” Raja Rajamannar, a marketing master from Mastercard, encouraged audiences to quit playing it safe and go forward with bold ideas. Another great topic that almost any organization could explore was breakthrough technologies. A staff member of MIT Technology Review led the session, explaining 10 breakthrough technologies the publication had chosen and their likely impacts.

Bring like minds together

SXSW’s Innovation Conference excels at connecting people, a challenge at any large conference. Its approaches are easy to emulate. For example, its Braindate is a simple way to encourage brainstorming. Attendees can sign up and meet in the Braindate Lounge, where they suggest topics then talk about them in small groups or one-on-one. The conference also offers meetups aimed at a wide swath of audiences. Here’s a partial list: Moms, Education Founders, LGBTQ and Friends, Gen Z Professionals, Black Founders and Investors, Podcasters, and Space Workforce. The Sober Space Meetup is designed for those in any form of recovery, providing a confidential, nonjudgmental opportunity to gather. Sports was the springboard for another networking event. At the Bavarian Breakfast and Watch Party, soccer fans dug into German dishes at the Munich House as they watched the FC Bayern Munich match. It wouldn’t be difficult to put together a similar gathering for fans of baseball, basketball, tennis or even pickleball.

Explore AI topics

Every year, one topic seems to dominate agendas at every conference. This year, it’s artificial intelligence. Dozens of sessions at SXSW 2026 tackled the many ways AI is changing work and daily life. For example, “AI and the Brain: As We Embrace AI, Let’s Not Forget Our Minds” questioned what happens to our capacity to learn and reason when AI maps our routes and writes our codes. In “Afraid of AI? In Cleveland It’s Enabling Economic Mobility,” two city leaders explained how AI is being used connect people to job opportunities in a more equitable way. Here are a few examples of other AI-related sessions at the Innovation Conference: “Nature Speaks: Can AI Help Us Listen?”, “When AI Does the Work, What Do Humans Do Next?” and “Harnessing AI to Serve Creators and Customers.” If you need ideas for interesting angles on this ubiquitous subject, look through 2026 conference agendas.

Supply a taste of local business

It’s not surprising that such a long-standing conference has a strong lineup of sponsors for many of its major events. This year, SXSW also made an effort to involve more local businesses so that attendees could get a better grasp of what makes Austin special. At the nightly free gathering on Congress Street, a collection of local businesses shared their wares: An ice cream shop handed out scoops, and makers of cider and tequila provided free sips. A coffee company brewed its mushroom coffee and matcha lattes and invited attendees to unwind with yoga. A major conference hotel sponsored Wellness Mornings; a camera and video business shot free professional headshots; and a transportation company sponsored a lounge where attendees could check out its latest options.

Nationally known corporations also offered some interesting booths. Pharmaceutical company Lilly sponsored an oasis for wellness, where it promoted stress management, sleep and other basics of good health, while Carnival Cruise Line brought some fun with its LOL Booth, where attendees could dial up punchlines and other playful messages and possibly win prizes.

Deliver info in different packages

Of course, big-name keynote speakers like Steven Spielberg, who opened this year’s conference, are part of the SXSW conference, but there are many other ways information is shared at the Innovation Conference. During featured sessions, noted experts focus on ideas that will shape the future. During panels, three to four industry pros take the stage and share their perspectives on one subject. Fireside chats are conversational, as two experts delve into a topic. One of the panels at SXSW that combined big names and big ideas included activist and actor Jane Fonda, comedian W. Kamau Bell and Jessica Weitz of the ACLU, who talked about how you don’t have to be famous to organize and protect free speech. Attendees could also sign up for 15-minute, oneon-one sessions with mentors who are experts in aeronautics, venture capital, podcasting, education, entrepreneurship, storytelling, AI, cryptocurrency and many other areas.

MEETING LEADERS

SHELBI QUINTANA WALKER

BBY CYNTHIA BARNES

efore Shelbi Quintana Walker applied for a marketing coordinator position at Visit Concord, California, she “didn’t necessarily even know what a destination marketing organization was,” she admitted. “It fell into my lap,” said the current director of sales and strategic partnerships for Visit Berkeley. “It’s one of those jobs that you don’t know is being done unless you know someone that’s in this industry. Which makes it fun because, honestly, all of my best friends say, ‘Shelbi, you have the best job in the whole entire world.’ And I totally agree.”

After graduating from the University of New Mexico with a liberal arts degree, Walker was applying for jobs to join her husband, whom she’d met in college, back in his hometown of San Francisco. A family friend had introduced her to Visit Concord’s CEO, who quickly saw her potential in sales. “I jumped right in,” she said. “I loved it, and then I was able to start traveling and selling Concord.”

A college internship with the Alzheimer’s Association had given her a strong start. “I had an incredible boss that believed in me and taught me all about communications and social media. At the same time, my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and passed away. So that was kind of a godsend to be working there and have support and understand what was going on. I was the top fundraiser, and it was the most rewarding job.”

At Visit Concord, Walker — who still confesses longing for Albuquerque’s New Mexican cuisine — launched the Concord Taco Trail, which won Visit California’s “Best Influencer Campaign” Poppy Award in 2021. “We had Mexican restaurants just literally everywhere. There was one next to our office, and like three within walking distance. It was kind of in the middle of COVID-19 when we started working on it, and the restaurants were suffering.”

Actor and influencer Blake Anderson, a former Concord resident, bicycled around the city with “Workaholics” co-star Kyle Newacheck and friend Teddy Spencer to highlight the 40 or so taquerias on the trail. “We brought him and all of his buddies that grew up in Concord out, and he was our spokesperson for the Concord Taco Trail. It was a blast.”

Excited for bigger challenges, Walker joined Visit Berkeley in 2023. “I fit in so well in Berkeley,” she said. “I’m kind of a hippie at heart. And I love tie-dye and all the history that we stand for. We’ve got so much to offer, like our hotels and businesses. They’re all so unique and quirky — just like Berkeley. And it makes my job so much fun.”

As director of sales and strategic partnerships, Walker is in charge of selling the destination for meetings and events as well as leisure, and she works with marketing partners, including hotels, restaurants and museums. She’s also responsible for the destination guide, showcasing the city’s events, activities, history and highlights.

“I’m kind of a hippie at heart. And I love tie-dye and all the history that [Berkeley stands] for.... And it makes my job so much fun.”

EXECUTIVE PROFILE

NAME

Shelbi Quintana Walker

TITLE

Director of Sales and Strategic Partnerships

ORGANIZATION

Visit Berkeley

LOCATION

Berkeley, California

BIRTHPLACE

Albuquerque, New Mexico

CAREER HISTORY

• Director of Sales and Marketing at Visit Concord, 2018–2023

• Director of Sales and Strategic Partnerships at Visit Berkeley, 2023–Present

TIPS FROM SHELBI QUINTANA WALKER

• Think outside of the traditional conference schedule; include more nontraditional venues, take a walking tour or food tour, and experience what the locals love to do.

• Take advantage of DMO services — we have so many incentives and perks!

• DMOs should work seamlessly with and make their hotels’ sales and marketing people your best friends; we’re basically an extension of their team.

BRIDGING GAP

WITH RACHEL CRICK THE

INSIGHTS FROM NEXT-GENERATION MEETING PROS

PLOTTING A CAREER COURSE Blake Waravdekar

MEETING PLANNER

Association of American Medical Colleges

Blake Waravdekar is a meeting planner at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). She attended George Mason University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in tourism and events management, and she also completed several event internships. She held event planning roles at the American Chemical Society and the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations before landing her current role in May 2025. She is a member of PCMA’s 20 in Their Twenties, Class of 2026 and has her Digital Event Strategist certification from PCMA.

What were the biggest challenges of changing jobs as a young professional?

A: I really wanted to find the right fit. I just wanted to try a bunch of different roles and see what stuck. I think the hardest part for me was deciding where to start because there are so many options out there. So that’s why I made a few jumps early on in my career — to see what I liked and what was the best fit. It’s definitely challenging, especially now postCOVID, with what some jobs are requiring. Entry-level experience has now changed to three to five years of experience. People coming out of college trying to break into the industry have it harder because there are not really that many entry-level jobs these days.

QWhat were the strengths that you had coming into these new roles as a young professional?

A:For context, I started in the events industry a little over a year before COVID, so I got a sense of what things were like pre-pandemic. But when everything shifted to virtual in 2020, there was a lot of uncertainty during that time. I feel like it really pushed me to become more flexible and adapt quickly. So that’s shaped how I approach my work now. I know a lot of planners feel the same way, just given the uncertainty during that time. Coming out of that, I feel like I’m much more comfortable navigating last-minute changes in events and thinking on my feet, which is such a big part of event planning. And I also think it’s made me more proactive to anticipate potential changes and being prepared to find solutions for any outcome.

What skills would you say helped you master the transitions to new roles?

A:I would say communication and making sure that I’m connecting with my team or any potential vendors — and making sure that any stakeholders I’m working with are all on the same page. So, even if I don’t have all the answers, just letting people know that I can get the answers alleviates stress and keeps everybody in the loop. I would say that’s something that’s really helped me transition from different positions where I may not be doing exactly the same thing, but if I operate in that way, it seems to be beneficial. And then I would also emphasize the adaptability piece with being prepared with solutions for any outcome because, in the events industry, anything can happen.

What advice would you give to other young professionals in the events industry who are thinking about making the leap to another role but aren’t sure how?

A:A piece of advice I would give is to not be afraid to try new things and new roles. If it’s something you haven’t done, and you apply, and you just be yourself, and it ends up working out. I would emphasize networking, joining your PCMA local chapter or attending any local industry events to meet people. And it’s honestly a little intimidating at first. Seems like there are so many people in this industry to meet. But I can speak for most planners when I say if somebody newer in their career were to reach out, I would be more than happy to provide any advice or helpful words of encouragement. I definitely would want to emphasize just getting involved with your local event planner chapters because you never know who you’ll meet and what opportunities that could bring you. I have an unofficial mentor; one of my former coworkers who’s involved in the industry has been such an incredible resource to me and really helpful every step of the way.

Do you have any goals for your career growth going forward you’d like to share?

A:So, over the past few years, I’ve been getting more involved in PCMA. Being in the 20 In Their Twenties was a huge goal of mine. So now, in terms of my career, I’ve found a really great fit at my current position, so I’m planning to stay here and grow in my current role as a meeting planner. And the next goal on my list is to work on getting my CMP certification. I’m hoping to get that within the next two years, I would say.

Get Your Sea Legs on South Padre Island

BY VICKIE MITCHELL

Sand and sea air naturally boost everyone’s enthusiasm for a meeting or conference, but beach destinations often come with a higher price tag. Thankfully, there are still destinations like South Padre Island, offering affordability in an oceanside setting.

South Padre stretches 34 miles along the Texas coast, 30 miles from Brownsville, flanked by the Gulf and Laguna Madre Bay. Almost always, blue water is in view, whether from the convention center, a resort, a restaurant or a tourist attraction.

PURPOSE AND PLEASURE

The island easily blends purpose with pleasure. The 40,000 square feet of meeting space at the South Padre Island Convention Center includes not only a 22,500-squarefoot exhibit hall, but the Sunset Terrace, which overlooks the bay. Among the island’s 1,200 hotel rooms are three waterfront properties within a half mile of the convention center: the 200-suite Courtyard by Marriott, with 15,000 square feet of meeting space; its neighbor, the 156-room Hilton Garden Inn, with 9,000 square feet of meeting space; and the 147-room Sand Rose Resort, with a 3,500-square-foot ballroom.

Five miles south, larger resorts also offer waterfront views: the Margaritaville Beach Resort, the Holiday Inn Resort and the Isla Grand, with 400 cabana rooms, 65 condos and 10,000 square feet of meeting space.

Linking everything along the island’s five miles of development is a free shuttle that allows visitors to get around without a car.

Meeting planners will definitely want

VISIT SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

Mayra Nunez

Sales and Services Manager

mayra@sopadre.com 956-761-8389

visitsouthpadreisland.com

to incorporate the seaside into off-site events and activities. As with all elements of meeting planning, Visit South Padre Island is there to help.

“Whether it’s choosing a conference site, arranging a tour of our Sea Turtle Center or planning a bayside dinner, we are here to advise and assist,” said Mayra Nunez, sales and services manager.

AFTER HOURS FUN

The possibilities are engaging and imaginative and make the most of the island’s environs. A sandcastle artist can teach the art of constructing fanciful structures with sand. Groups can explore the Gulf and bay aboard the Southern Wave Catamaran, known for sunset sails, or take a dolphin watch cruise.

Two nonprofits, just north of the convention center, provide an understanding of the island’s natural life. Groups can tour the Groups can tour Sea Turtle Inc. or kick off with a keynote in its 350-seat bayside, open-air amphitheater or a reception among its sea turtle tanks. At the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary, planners can schedule bird watching tours or guided explorations of the alligator sanctuary.

It’s also easy to end a day by the shore in this special destination, with bayside dining establishments that welcome groups, like the Sea Ranch Restaurant, overlooking the marina and serving fresh catch for 34 years, or Henrietta’s Bayfront, with new twists on old favorites like a chili lime shrimp cocktail, enjoyed on a dockside patio with fireworks over the water every Friday night.

GETTING THERE

Attendees choose among three airports: Brownsville South Padre Island (45 minutes), Valley International (60 minutes) or McAllen International (90 minutes).

Sober and Spectacular

MEETINGS PROS WEIGH IN ON THE GROWTH OF ALCOHOL-FREE EVENTS

BY RACHEL CRICK

For decades, successful events have been built on happy hours and open bars.

But for a variety of reasons — health, social, financial and spiritual — people are cutting back on their alcohol consumption. The growing sober-curious movement is particularly popular among Gen Z, meaning planners will start to see more of this as the youngest generation in the corporate world starts attending more events. But what should take alcohol’s place? How can planners decenter alcohol in social components of their events? And how can they ensure attendees aren’t disappointed with this unfamiliar territory?

Here’s what three experts on alcohol-free events and sober-friendly planning had to say.

DESIGN STRONGER SOCIAL ELEMENTS

To plan a successful alcohol-free or sober-friendly event, it’s important to understand the roles alcohol plays in event culture and what attendees gain by drinking.

“One thing I see and hear a lot is that people are just feeling socially awkward and self-conscious, and alcohol gives them that liquid courage to take the edge off,” said Sam Bail, founder of Bright Nights Social, a curator of alcohol-free nightlife experiences in New York City.

When alcohol is decentered at events, event organizers can’t rely on an open bar to create the positive feelings of connection that attendees are searching for. That means they must be more intentional and creative with their event design to ensure it’s just as socially fulfilling as any other event.

Bail points to “soft socializing” — a trend that emphasizes activity-based gatherings for a low-pressure atmosphere — to encourage connection without relying on alcohol. This can include activities ranging from arts and crafts to courses that teach skills like language or cooking.

Offering ways to physically divide up large groups can also be helpful for facilitating stronger, more natural social interactions that don’t rely on alcohol to get started.

“I do physical icebreakers, too,” Bail said. “I have people move around and arrange themselves around the room depending on the answer to the icebreaker. It encourages people to shuffle around and gives them something to talk about immediately.”

“The core part of this is having conversations and being mindful and inclusive of people that do not drink.”

Marisa Cali

FOUNDER Be Present

Experience: 11 years

“I always say a successful alcohol-free event is just an interesting and engaging event that just happens not to have alcohol there.”

For completely alcohol-free events, planners can consider factors like the event’s timing. Attendees are less likely to question an alcohol-free breakfast or lunch than they are an evening event. Similarly, having shorter, more defined networking sessions makes it more likely for people to feel less pressured while socializing.

“I would look at how long these specific gatherings are,” said Marisa Cali, founder of Be Present, a small-format events company. “I think we’re so used to having three hours of like open-bar drinking, and that is a lot. So instead, you can say, OK, I’m just going to make it an hour long, and it’s just going to be this one specific activity.”

They can even replace the alcohol with another culinary centerpiece to take the place of the traditional discourse and hype around alcohol. An ice cream social or a coffee tasting are great event settings without the association of drinking.

FIND SUITABLE ALCOHOL REPLACEMENTS

While the drinks can be secondary to the event, decentering alcohol — or taking it off the menu entirely — doesn’t mean planners should offer soda and juice as its only replacements. To create a satisfying alternative, they should provide suitable replacements for alcohol that feel intentional, not like an afterthought.

Sam Bail

FOUNDER AND CEO

Bright Nights Social Experience:

3 years

The good news is there has never been a better time to plan events with less alcohol. Many mainstream alcohol brands are coming out with nonalcoholic replacements that provide a similar look and taste to beer, wine and spirits, just without the booze. Mocktails are widely accepted and even sought after.

Part of providing suitable alternatives is making sure there are enough options. To make an event truly feel inclusive for people who abstain from drinking alcohol, they should have numerous and varied options. They should also know their audience.

“It also depends on the region someone’s in and the general preference,” said Renée Adams, founder of Nosedive Co., a nonalcoholic beverage brand consulting company. “There are some people who don’t even drink nonalcoholic wine because they’re sober in recovery, while some people still want some psychoactive effect in their drink, just not alcohol.”

These drinks should also be age appropriate. As much as the average adult might like to nostalgically sip a Capri-Sun or a juice box, the provided options should be for adults, complete with a little complexity and sophistication.

“There’s a little bit of value assigned to alcoholic drinks because alcoholic drinks are considered adult beverages, right? Whereas at the same time, sodas and juice are considered kids’ drinks,” Bail said. “So having a sober event where you only have kids’ drinks might make people feel like they’re not being taken totally seriously or like the organizers didn’t put a lot of thought and effort into providing adult beverage options.”

Listing mocktails or nonalcoholic options first on the drink menu is another way to decenter alcohol and make sober attendees feel included.

ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING

In addition to easing feelings of social anxiety, alcohol and events are a habitual combination.

“It’s because that’s how it’s always been done,” Cali said. “When we’re finished with our workday, we go to happy hour and have drinks, and that culture is everywhere.”

Habits can be changed over time, but they also require an attitude adjustment, both on the part of the events team and the attendees. Organizers should make sure hospitality staff, including bartenders, are well versed in nonalcoholic drinks and have only positive things to say about nonalcoholic options.

“I think it’s a conversation about just making sure that you have options for everyone,” Adams said. “It’s like with dietary preferences: You want to make sure everybody is accommodated.”

Answering attendee questions with an enthusiastic explanation of nonalcoholic beverages or the sentiments that led the organizers to decenter alcohol (particularly if the event is totally alcohol free) reminds them they’re not missing out, but rather opting in to another way to enjoy events.

“I think it does come down to the language that is used around the marketing or even with the bartenders at these events,” Adams added. “I think there’s a lot of education around the language, the vibe, the types of people you hire and the confidence behind non-alc. People are going to be skeptical, and that’s OK; I think that’s totally warranted. But being able to have the confidence to say, ‘No, it’s non-alc, give it a try and then tell me if you like it,’ is important.”

If an event is alcohol free or the menu features many more nonalcoholic options than usual, some attendees may feel confused or annoyed. Worse, they might feel like the event organizers are judging them or their habits around drinking. That’s why it’s important to manage attendee expectations, especially if a function is going to contain no alcohol.

“I encourage being very up-front and explicitly stating that there won’t be alcohol,” Bail said. “Most of the time, people can just self-select and say either, ‘I choose not to go,’ or ‘I choose to go there, and I’m adjusting my expectations.’”

If the event is totally alcohol free, especially in a setting where alcohol would usually be expected, like an evening reception, planners should let attendees know in advance. But it’s also about how planners get that message across. They can’t just tack the word “sober” or “alcohol-free” onto invitations. Using phrases that invite curiosity, explain the objectives behind decentering alcohol and frame the event as an experiment is more likely to attract positive feedback and interest from attendees.

“With the amount of nonalcoholic beverage in the space, it’s really a no-brainer. We need to be catering to the growing population that doesn’t drink.”

FOUNDER

Nosedive Co.

Experience: 11 years

BIG IDEAS ARE INSPIRED

Missoula brings together mountains, rivers and fresh air to set the tone for meaningful gatherings, where big ideas are inspired by nature and supported by modern technology, unique venues and genuine hospitality. Three rivers, seven nearby wilderness areas and a lively arts, culture and culinary scene give attendees plenty to explore between sessions, while an accessible downtown keeps everything connected. Meetings and events here are productive, memorable and unmistakably Missoula. Interested in meeting in Missoula? Visit

TRUE BELIEVERS

These destinations are ideal for faith-based meetings

BY PAULA AVEN GLADYCH

For their meetings and events, religious groups can fall back on a few old faithful destinations. These places often reflect or reinforce their values and allow attendees the opportunity to delve deeper into their religious beliefs or their church’s history.

From large conventions to secluded family-friendly retreats, these five cities offer faith groups a host of opportunities to learn more about their faith or others’, tap into an area’s culture and history, or simply have fun exploring a new destination.

LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA

Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s history is steeped in the religious freedom that resulted from William Penn’s

“Holy Experiment.” He established the Pennsylvania colony where he aimed to put into practice all his Quaker ideals, and Lancaster is the longtime home of America’s first and largest Amish settlement. Faithbased meeting groups will find not only a plethora of venues in which to host their events, but also plenty of spiritual and religious places to tour. The Sight & Sound Theatre in Ronks, just outside Lancaster, tells inspirational stories from biblical history. The Historic Ephrata Cloister complex in Ephrata is home to one of America’s earliest religious communities.

Groups can tour the museum and archives at the Lititz Moravian Church, which displays musical instruments, paintings and artifacts dating back to the establishment of Lititz as a church community in 1756. The Biblical Tabernacle Experience at the Mennonite Life Visitors Center outside Lancaster is a life-size replica of Moses’ tabernacle in the wilderness that brings the Bible to life in a 35-minute guided tour. “Living the Experience” at Bethel AME Church in Lancaster is an interactive reenactment of the Underground Railroad in Lancaster and its impact on free and enslaved Africans in the 1800s.

The Lancaster County Convention Center and adjoining Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square offer a combined 90,000 square feet of meeting space.

Above: Sight & Sound Theatres just outside of Lancaster is a great off-site activity for attendees of faith-based meetings and events.

Eden Resort & Suites and DoubleTree Resort by Hilton-Lancaster each feature more than 20,000 square feet of function space. Wyndham Lancaster Resort and Convention Center and Spooky Nook Sports complex each offer 100,000 square feet of event space.

Cork Factory Hotel and the Inn at Leola Village are perfect for smaller group events. After hours, groups can visit three main Amish interpretive attractions: Amish Village, Amish Experience or Amish Farm & House. discoverlancaster.com

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN

Green Bay, Wisconsin, situated along the Fox River and on the Bay of Green Bay, isn’t just known for

The Biblical Tabernacle Experience at the Mennonite Life Visitors Center outside Lancaster is a lifesize replica of Moses’ tabernacle.

its rabid Packers fans and Lambeau Field. It is also a great spot for groups that want to go out into nature.

Faith-based groups meeting in the city will want to visit The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, where an apparition of the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared. Groups can organize a pilgrimage to the Champion Shrine, where they can dine and celebrate a mass.

St. Norbert College in nearby De Pere is a private Norbertine, Catholic and liberal arts college that hosts many religious groups for meetings, events or summer camps. The Michels Commons Ballroom can host groups of 250 for a catered event, and the Fort Howard Theatre in the 46-room Kress Inn can accommodate 354 guests.

Other attractions include the National Railroad Museum and Heritage Hill State Historical Park, a 54-acre property that hosts 26 original and reconstructed buildings representing the history and culture of northeastern Wisconsin. The Titletown district just west of Lambeau Field offers entertainment, lodging and restaurants.

IDEAS

Larger groups can host events at the 80,000-squarefoot KI Convention Center in downtown, which is connected to the 241-room Hyatt Regency Green Bay and the 135-room Hampton Inn Green Bay Downtown. Hotel Northland is a 160-room boutique hotel in downtown with nearly 15,000 square feet of event space that can host groups of up to 230. The Alley is a speakeasy-style room on the lower level of the hotel and has a bar and bowling alley that can hold up to 150 for a reception.

The National Railroad Museum and Lambeau Field are great off-site venues. Groups can take tours of the famous Green Bay Packers stadium as part of their events.

greenbay.com

TULSA, OKLAHOMA

As a cultural destination, Tulsa, Oklahoma, is rich in history, art and music, making it an ideal city for faith-based groups.

Greenwood Rising Black Wall St. History Center is the top cultural attraction in the city, educating visitors about Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District, a place where Black entrepreneurs built a successful society for themselves outside of the racial oppression that excluded them from most of Tulsa society. It details the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, when a mob of white people descended on the district and killed more than 300 people and destroyed hundreds of Black-owned homes and businesses.

Tulsa is also home to the Bob Dylan Center, a preeminent archive and museum of all things Bob Dylan, as well as the Woody Guthrie Center, which celebrates the life and legacy of the famous folk musician and songwriter. The Church Studio is a former Methodist Episcopal church that Leon Russell purchased in 1972 to turn into Shelter Records. The facility became a creative workshop for musicians, songwriters, singers and engineers and produced famous artists such as Tom Petty, Jimmy Buffett, Eric Clapton and Stevie Wonder.

TULSA

By Mel Willis

FOR PLANNERS:

» Full in-house sales & event management, AV technology, F&B & complimentary host & WiFi services

» 225,000 sf of beautifully appointed space

» 18 versatile, fully equipped spaces & intuitive floor plans

» 4500 theater; 3100 banquet; 2900 classroom

» 4 downtown full service hotels with garage parking

FOR ATTENDEES:

» Walkable, safe, enjoyable downtown

» 60+ walk-to restaurants, pubs, cafes, coffee & dessert houses

» Boutique shopping

» Live entertainment

» Vibrant arts & attractions

» Riverfront parks, trails & activities for all ages & abilities

Arvest Convention Center offers 275,000 square feet of flexible event space, including a banquet hall for 9,291 attendees. The facility is 15 minutes from Tulsa International Airport and within walking distance of 2,000 hotel rooms and 70 restaurants. The BOK Center next door is an 18,000-seat arena that can host groups of up to 17,000 for a conference or banquet. Many church groups like to host events on the campus at Oral Roberts University, a private evangelical university named for the late Christian preacher.

The Oklahoma Aquarium is a fun place to visit and host an event. It has event spaces for up to 400 seated guests and offers several behind-the-scenes experiences. The Tulsa Zoo is a perfect spot for barbecues, picnics or a team-building retreat. visittulsa.com

Tulsa is home to the Bob Dylan Center as well as the Woody Guthrie Center. The Church Studio is a former Methodist Episcopal church that Leon Russell purchased in 1972 to turn into Shelter Records.

» Award winning service with a nearly 80% rebooking rate

» SAVE UP TO 15% vs. comparable cities!

» Easy Midwest drive-to destination

» Easy by air via FWA

ALL HAPPENING IN DOWNTOWN FORT WAYNE, INDIANA

ELIZABETH, NEW JERSEY

Elizabeth, New Jersey, was the first city founded in the state in 1665. The city is a melting pot of different religious traditions and cultures, which are evident in its diverse culinary scene and history. It also played host to prominent political figures during the Revolutionary War, including George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr and Elias Boudinot, who served as president of the Continental Congress from 1782 to 1783.

There are more than 30 historical sites in Union County, many of them in Elizabeth, including Boxwood Hall State Historic Site, a historic house museum that was the home of Boudinot. Bonnell House is one of the oldest homes in New Jersey, built between 1670 and 1685, and Burr and Hamilton were pupils at Snyder Academy of Elizabethtown.

The Old First Cemetery outside First Presbyterian Church is where the city’s founders were buried. It has over 2,000 graves. There are also more than

PU LLS YOU IN

300 freed and enslaved Africans buried there in unmarked graves. The community built a monument to them, which is worth a visit.

Meeting planners can host events of up to 225 attendees at the 189-room Embassy Suites by Hilton Newark Airport. Hilton Newark Airport has 378 guest rooms and more than 10,000 square feet of event space. The Grand Ballroom at Crowne Plaza Newark Airport can host groups of 250. The Grand Ballroom at Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel can accommodate up to 880 guests theater style.

Warinanco Park’s Sports Center offers packages for business and team building events.

goelizabethnj.com

GULF SHORES & ORANGE BEACH, ALABAMA

White sand beaches, turquoise water and outdoor adventure are the hallmarks of Alabama’s Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Faith groups meeting in

the area have their pick of relaxing and fun attractions, including Gulf State Park, which has 28 miles of accessible trails for hiking, biking, birding and nature discovery.

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge protects critical coastal habitats and provides trails where visitors can observe migratory birds, native wildlife and undisturbed beaches. Groups can book dolphin and nature cruises to learn about the area’s coastal ecosystems or explore local art galleries, where visitors can participate in glassblowing demonstrations or take pottery classes.

The Wharf entertainment district features shopping, dining, a Ferris wheel, seasonal light shows and live events, and groups can enjoy a full day of activities on the Intracoastal Waterway. Other attractions include the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and the Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability, which offers guided nature experiences and educational programs focused on conservation. Fort Morgan

State Historic Site is a well-preserved coastal fort on the Fort Morgan Peninsula along Mobile Bay that played major roles in the Civil War, Spanish-American War and both World Wars.

The Lodge at Gulf State Park offers 350 guest rooms overlooking the beach or park and 40,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space, including the Gulf Coast’s largest beach-view ballroom at 12,160 square feet. The 344-room Perdido Beach Resort has 44,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including a 9,000-square-foot exhibit hall and a grand ballroom that can host up to 1,000 guests.

The 257-room Embassy Suites by Hilton Gulf Shores Beach Resort has 21,116 square feet of event space, and the Learning Campus at Gulf State Park can host up to 200 people. Lodging includes a 64bed bunkhouse designed for group stays.

gulfshores.com

Nebraska’s natural setting for unforgettable events.

Surround your group with beauty and meaning at Arbor Day Farm. With versatile spaces, treetop adventures, and charming accommodations at Lied Lodge, your gathering is seamless, sustainable, and truly memorable.

• 260 acres of orchards and forests to explore

• Full-property buyouts for private, distraction-free retreats

• Comfortable lodging steps from your sessions

• Farm-to-table dining and cider tastings

• Team-building experiences and conservation tours

Host with purpose — your event helps plant trees. Start planning today.

arbordayfarm.org/meetings | 402-873-8705 | sales@arbordayfarm.org

MISSISSIPPI’S

Hub City

WBY ZACH CHOUTEAU

hen it comes to Mississippi, it’s hard to top the blend of attractions, hospitality and upbeat atmosphere that have made Hattiesburg a favorite for meetings and events.

“We’re a shopping destination, an attractions destination, and a big city for our region,” said Kristen Brock, vice president of marketing and programs for Visit Hattiesburg, the charming community of approximately 150,000.

Brock remarked that “The Hub City” is also known as a medical and educational mecca, energized by the presence of two local college campuses: William Carey University and the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). “It adds a whole other layer of potential for meetings,” she added.

A major part of that promise comes from the many event spaces planners can choose from at the pair of universities, including some “smaller spaces with character” at William Carey and some larger, splashier event venues at USM. These include the Trent Lott Center, highlighted by a dazzling rotunda-shaped atrium that can host up to 60 for a reception and 100 theater style.

Also at USM is the popular Touchstone Club, a spacious, “completely glassed-in” event suite overlooking the football stadium that is especially appealing to corporate groups because attendees can gaze out at a jumbotron over the field showcasing their logo and customized messaging. Brock said the snazzy setting can host roughly 300 guests and is “a great space any time of year.” During football season, groups of up to 500 can enjoy a nearby rooftop area to take in a game, another popular option.

Brock also described Hattiesburg as “the most progressive city in Mississippi” and a bastion of public art as well. Adding to its allure for drive-to meetings is its central locale within “easy driving distance of a majority of the Southeast.” And the convenient location is boosted further by Visit Hattiesburg’s hospitable nature for any visiting groups.

Active, sports-minded groups will want to take note of the dynamic new Recreation and Sports Events Center at Tatum Park that just broke ground and is slated to open in 2027. The new, fully accessible venue will cover 117,000 square feet, include six basketball and 10 volleyball courts, among many other spaces, and be available for event rentals.

DOWNTOWN HATTIESBURG IS KNOWN FOR ITS HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE AND VIBRANT SHOPPING AND DINING.

HATTIESBURG MISSISSIPPI

LOCATION

Centrally located between Jackson, Mississippi; Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans; and the Mississippi Gulf Coast

ACCESS

Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport (PIB) and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT); Interstate 59 and U.S. Highways 49, 98 and 11

MAJOR MEETING SPACES

Lake Terrace Convention Center; University of Southern Mississippi campus venues

HOTEL ROOMS

3,000-plus rooms across full-service, boutique and extended-stay properties

OFF-SITE VENUES

Hattiesburg Zoo, African American Military History Museum, Saenger Theater and the historic Hattiesburg Train Depot

CONTACT INFO Visit Hattiesburg 601-296-7475 visithburg.org

Superb Center

Hattiesburg’s most renowned meeting space, the Lake Terrace Convention Center, features more than 33,000 square feet of adaptable event spaces. They include an expansive hall, multiple meeting rooms, generous pre-function areas and a modern conference suite overlooking a tranquil 2-acre lake. Ringed by towering pines, vibrant landscaping and calming water elements, the venue blends natural beauty with polished Southern charm and offers advanced amenities to create a memorable setting for gatherings of all kinds. The facility is operated by the Hattiesburg Convention Commission, and the surrounding landscape and thoughtfully designed interiors work together to create an atmosphere that encourages connection, creativity and celebration for groups of all sizes.

Downtime Diversions

Hattiesburg offers an array of indoor and outdoor options for groups to explore, from the Hattiesburg Area Historical Society Museum and the African American Military History Museum to the breathtaking All-American Rose Garden and the sprawling De Soto National Forest, which spans over 518,000 acres of pine forests. But the real must-see attraction, Brock said, is the colorful and captivating Lucky Rabbit, a bastion of remarkable retail, dazzling displays and fun photo ops. “It’s an eclectic vintage antique experience that’s both immersive and interactive,” she said, adding that the sprawling shop re-creates favorite movie and TV show sets in great detail, including recent takes on “The Golden Girls” and “Schitt’s Creek.”

Hattiesburg

Appealing Off-Sites

Hattiesburg provides planners with a range of distinctive venues that are ideal for off-sites, receptions and special events. Among them is Venue 49, offering a contemporary, flexible space convenient to Highway 49, making it ideal for corporate gatherings or social functions. Ardor Venue, located on East Pine Street, has a polished, modern interior that works well for receptions, workshops and private dinners. For groups seeking a more historic setting with real atmosphere, Ross Mansion is highlighted by elegant indoor rooms and garden areas perfect for intimate events, while Southern Oaks is a

Likeable Lodgings

Hattiesburg’s hotel options offer a solid range of choices, with the top meetings properties highlighted by a trio of promising possibilities. For planners seeking on-site meeting space to work with, the DoubleTree Hilton provides 138 guest rooms and the Magnolia Ballroom, with capacity for up to 250 reception style. The Holiday Inn North, meanwhile, offers 128 guest rooms, a ballroom and boardroom, plus a popular on-site eatery with a full bar, Burger Theory. And while downtown’s boutique beauty, Hotel Indigo Hattiesburg, has limited meeting space, its proximity to USM and the many meet-

Louisiana’s Sure Bets

Meeting Guide

BY CYNTHIA BARNES

For meeting planners, casino resorts can be a winning bet, offering one-stop shopping for lodging, dining, entertainment and conference facilities.

The odds are especially good in the state of Louisiana: The state approved riverboat gaming in 1991, with land-based operations following in 1999.

Today, Louisiana’s casinos hold plenty of aces for planners. With topnotch hospitality and state-of-the-art amenities, these locations provide a winning combination for meetings and events.

KINDER

The largest casino resort in the state, Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder is owned and operated by the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana. Located in the piney flatlands of Allen Parish, about two hours from Baton Rouge and

three hours from both New Orleans and Houston, the resort functions as a standalone destination, with everything a group could need contained on-property. Gambling enthusiasts will find thousands of slot machines and table games, including live poker and bingo, roulette, off-track betting and a sportsbook. The resort has more than 50,000 square feet of meeting space, with a new conference center located next to the golf course that features a ballroom, breakout rooms and event venues.

The resort currently operates three hotels, including the adults-only Grand Hotel and the pet-friendly Inn at Coushatta, as well as an RV park with full hookup pads, its own pool, pickleball courts and one- and two-bedroom chalets. A new eight-story, 204-room hotel is nearing completion and will bring the resort’s total number of guest rooms to more than 1,000.

Multiple dining options include a steakhouse, an Asian restaurant, a food hall located on the casino floor, and two sports bars and grills. A large-scale concert arena hosts nationally touring acts such as Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and Trace Adkins. During the summer, the Dream Pool complex lures guests with a swim-up bar, splash pad, lazy river and two 40foot water slides. For golfers, the 18-hole, par 72 championship course of Koasati Pines Golf Club is sure to please.

coushattacasinoresort.com

BATON ROUGE

Baton Rouge has three casino properties, offering plenty of variety for planners scheduling meetings in the state’s capital. The city’s first land-based casino, The Queen Baton Rouge is within walking distance to Capitol Lake, the Louisiana State Capitol and other downtown destinations. The Queen’s recently renovated meetings and events space features three flexible locations able to accommodate up to 500 guests. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Mississippi River and provide a desirable backdrop. The Queen has no lodging, but its sister property, Bally’s Baton Rouge, is only 2 miles away on the river, and a shuttle offers convenient transportation between The Queen and the fully renovated 242-room hotel.

The 205-room L’Auberge Baton Rouge boasts a 1,370seat events center that hosts country music headliners and rock legends, while the outdoor festival grounds, The Lawn, can accommodate up to 3,500 fans. The 13,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom is fully customizable and features state-ofthe-art A/V equipment as well as a spacious pre-function area. The hotel’s rooftop pool has cabanas and offers poolside dining and cocktails along with panoramic views.

visitbatonrouge.com

Kenner, The Big Easier.

The recently renovated meetings and events space at The Queen Baton Rouge can accommodate up to 500 guests and features floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the Mississippi River.

Our Ponchartrain Center has over 46,000 square feet of continuous space, drive in capabilities, six breakout rooms and 9,700 square feet of prefunction space. Smaller venues are available for more intimate meetings. From Rivertown to Laketown, dine, dance, shop, game & explore with easy parking and airport access! Let us help plan your next Visit Kenner convention or meeting! Call us at 504-468-4094 or go to VisitKenner.us for more information.

SHREVEPORT AND BOSSIER CITY

The combination of Shreveport and Bossier City is a winning pair for meeting planners. Located about 20 miles from the Texas state line and 40 miles from Arkansas, the sister cities straddle the Red River and are a convenient choice in north Louisiana.

Opened one year ago and rebuilt “from the columns up,” the property formerly known as Diamond Jacks in Bossier City is now a luxurious 549room Curio by Hilton property, Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana. The casino resort has undergone a $300 million renovation, ramping up the amenities and constructing an entirely new landside casino with nearly 50,000 square feet of gaming space. Guests will enjoy over 30,000 feet of dining and entertainment options, with 10 new food and beverage concepts including Luk Fu, an open Asian kitchen; The Prime Rib, a sophisticated steakhouse; and Ridotto Grand Cafe, which features decor based on Venice’s historic “Il Ridotto,” which is considered to be Europe’s first casino. A seasonal pool converts into an adults-only space after 6 p.m., and the resort welcomes touring headliners such as 38 Special and JJ Grey & Mofro, while the PBR Cowboy Bar offers live music, watch parties, karaoke and other entertainment.

The 25,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art, multipurpose event center offers customizable space that can accommodate up to 1,170 people. The center includes a large ballroom, multiple breakout rooms, expansive pre-function space and an executive boardroom.

visitshreveportbossier.org

LAKE CHARLES

Billing itself as the “Festival Capital of Louisiana,” Lake Charles is close to the midpoint between Houston and Baton Rouge, with three casino resorts that are well suited to meetings and conferences.

Sitting on over 200 landscaped acres on Bayou Contraband and the Calcasieu River, the 26-story, 1,000-room L’Auberge Casino Resort combines luxury with Hill Country-inspired charm. The elegant ballroom can accommodate up to 1,200 guests or be divided into six separate meeting spaces,

Paragon Casino Resort has the largest convention space in Central Louisiana with a wide variety of room configurations and state-of-the-art equipment to accommodate any size meeting from 10 to 2,000+.

Paragon Casino Resort features 500+ rooms/suites, an exciting casino, restaurants, spa/salon, golf course, movie theater, child care/arcade, shopping, a live alligator habitat, and more! THIS IS HOW WE PLAY!

For booking info, please contact Debbie Hayes at 318-240-6310 or dhayes@paragoncasinoresort.com.

Meeting Guide

and an adjacent outdoor terrace can host events with up to 400 people. An expansive catering menu is available, or guests can split up and enjoy the resort’s eight restaurants and bars. During nice weather, guests and the public hang out at Touloulou’s, a family-friendly beach space where the locals often arrive by boat.

The 1,400-person event center hosts big-name acts like Blues Traveler, while the smaller L Bar offers live music every weekend. L’Auberge also has a top-rated spa, and the Tom Fazio-designed Contraband Bayou Golf Course is listed as one of Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Courses.

On the shores of Lake Charles, the Golden Nugget has more than 30,000 square feet of flexible and sophisticated meeting space, including an 18,000-square-foot Grand Event Center that can accommodate 1,895 people and hosts performances by headliners like Styx and comedian Marlon Wayans. A dozen culinary options cater to every taste, and the resort also offers a championship golf course, a lakefront beach and a pool complex with cabanas, firepits, and a pool and lazy river that are heated throughout the year.

The all-new Horseshoe Lake Charles is refreshed with new amenities, gaming offerings, and completely new entertainment and dining experiences. Nestled among cypress trees along the Calcasieu River, the resort has a lakefront hotel tower with 253 newly renovated guest rooms and suites and 3,835 square feet of meeting space overlooking Lake Charles. Dining options include Gordon Ramsay Steak, pan-Asian flavors at 7 Seven Noodle Bar and elevated pub fare at Brew Brothers. Golfers can tee up on the award-winning fairways at the National Golf Club of Louisiana, with 14 lakes, 65 bunkers and some of the area’s most challenging greens. visitlakecharles.org