Midwest Meetings Spring 2011

Create events that meet goals and budgets.

Shadia Cook, a veteran of the hospitality industry, is experienced in coordinating

conferences with corporate, government and association meeting professionals.

Have a pressing question? Ask Shadia! Write to [email protected].

Q:Can I hold my meeting at a resort and still stay within my budget?A:Absolutely! In fact, many resorts can offer you even more for your money than traditional hotels and meeting facilities.

2 Midwest Meetings Spring 2011

www.MidweStMeetingS.coM 3


Big City fun with everysmall town advantage!

The Quad Cities straddle the Mississippi where it runs east to west between Illinois and Iowa. That puts us smack in the middle of a circle that includes St. Louis, Chicago, Minneapolis and Omaha. If you live in that circle, its an easy drive. The Quad Cities

International Airport is also one of the most convenient (and reasonably priced) non-hub destinations you can nd!

Our population is about as big as New Orleans, and we have a rich music history of our own. You can walk to the Rhythm City Casino, catch a water taxi to The District, take in a show or help yourself to your choice of some great food!

Four connected venues make it easy!The Quad Cities Event Center includes the RiverCenter (two exhibit halls, ten meeting rooms and more than 100,000 square feet), the beautifully appointed Adler Theatre, and two convention-ready

hotels: Radisson Quad City Plaza and the completely renovated Hotel Blackhawk. Theyre all connected

by an enclosed skywalk that makes moving easy and comfortable, any time of year.

Its a story thats a lot bigger than this ad! So, do yourself a favor and start your own journey of discovery at our website, www.qceventcenter.com

Youll nd links to each venue, localattractions and some fun offers from local merchants eager to show you a good time!

The Quad Cities Event Center136 E. 3rd Street Davenport, IA 52801

563.326.8500


completed just last year, uncovered original architectural details

including arched windows, intricate mosaic tile floors and artful

ironwork trim. The ballroom saw the most spectacular changes of

all, with once bricked-over windows now affording meeting attend-

ees sweeping views of the Port of Dubuque, gleaming parquet floor,

plaster crown moldings and 20 foot-high coffered ceiling adding to

the inspiration. The restoration work also allowed the owners to

build in the latest technology. The hotel can accommodate meet-

ings as large as 400. There are also spaces right off the lobbys grand

staircase tailor-made for small impromptu gather-

ings. A restaurant, lounge with live music, new

wellness spa and sunlit pool and fitness center

round out this 133-suite boutique hotel. Midwest

Living magazine ranked the Hotel Julien Dubuque

as one of the Top Ten Best New Places to Eat,

Play & Stay in 2011. The hotel was also the ex-

clusive featured property for Iowa in the Martha

Stewart Weddings 2010 travel issue in an article

titled 50 Ways to Wed in the United States.

While meetings are decidedly hard-working

these days, downtime is still built into most

schedules. Thats where Diamond Jo Casino

comes into play. It was just one year ago that this

entertainment facility moved in to its new $80

million digs. Diamond Jos has a regular line-up

of entertainment in its Mississippi Moon Bar,

where the investment in sound and lighting

equipment is evident and the VIP concert suites

are Vegas-like. The casino has 975 slots, plus ev-

ery style of game youd expect from an upscale

casino. Groups are also known to take over the

30-lane retro Cherry Lanes bowling facility inside

Diamond Jos. A great side note: In partnership

with Pheasants Forever and Habitat Forever, the

casinos Diamond Conservation Fund supports

sustainable permanent wildlife habitat creation

and water conservation efforts.

That spirit of conservation segues nicely

into a description of the Smithsonian-affiliated

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium,

the states top attraction. Last year was an

expansion year for the museum - they added a

new exhibit covering the history of all American

rivers; a 40,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico aquarium

holding sharks, rays and the beautiful schooling

fish found at the mouth of the Mississippi and an

immersion theater with 3D high definition visuals

and 4D special effects.

Truth be told, it wasnt that long ago that meeting planners

would have been hard pressed to point to Dubuque on a map or

distinguish it from other Iowa cities or know its just 15 miles from

Galena, Illinois. Thats changed. Those whove hosted meetings in

Dubuque - and that includes groups from all over Iowa as well as

Chicago, Minneapolis and Wisconsin border cities - might now tell

you its an historic town, but with a lot of energy. In other words, a

town reinvented.

www.MidwestMeetings.coM 17

WWW.MIDWESTMEETINGS.COM 101

f you havent held a meeting in South

Dakota, what are you waiting for? Se-

rene countryside, friendly atmospheres

and rich history are all within reach

when you visit the Mount Rushmore

State. Encompassing numerous places

of interest, your group can retreat to

the breathtaking Black Hills or stay

east of the Missouri River, which offers an endless amount of

venues and accommodations.

Relive the states frontier history by going to Fort Sisse-

ton State Historical Park. Whether you need an idea for a

teambuilding activity or just want to explore South Dakota,

the park is an attraction you will remember. The Fort Sisse-

ton State Historical Park is listed on the National Register of

Historic Places and now serves as a scenic state park for those

that visit.

Regardless of your location, the great outdoors are minutes

away from any destination. Take a path less traveled and dis-

cover natures beauty or visit one of the 175 natural and man-

made lakes and three major rivers that are in Southeast South

Dakota.

Venture over to the South Dakota Art Museum in Brook-

ings. Seven galleries feature exhibits that display works from

artists such as, Harvey Dunn and Paul Goble.

For those visiting the state with family, check out the

Gulches of Fun Amusement Park in western South Dakota.

Located in Deadwood, the park has go-karts, bumper boats,

mini-golf, the areas largest arcade and more.

Enjoy the many wonders in South Dakota.

f you havent held a meeting in South

Dakota, what are you waiting for? Se-

rene countryside, friendly atmospheres

and rich history are all within reach

when you visit the Mount Rushmore

State. Encompassing numerous places

of interest, your group can retreat to

the breathtaking Black Hills or stay

I

Previous page, top: Mount Rushmore, (Photo Credits: Chad Coppess/SD

Tourism)

Previous page, bottom (left to right): Great Plains Zoo, Sioux Falls,

(Photo Credit: Chad Coppess/SD Tourism); Redlin Art Center,

Watertown, (Photo Credit: Chad Coppess/SD Tourism); River City

Racin, Chamberlain, (Photo Credit: Chad Coppess/SD Tourism);

Prairie Berry Winery, Hill City, (Photo Credit: Prairie Berry Winery)

Above: Storybookland, Aberdeen (Photo Credit: Chad Coppess/SD

Tourism)

Left: McCrory Gardens, Brookings

Aberdeen CVB .....................................................102Brookings Area C of C & CB .................................103Cedar Shore/Bridges Conference Center ...............107Deadwood C of C & CVB .............................104, 105Mitchell CVB ........................................................106Old Sanctuary .....................................................103Ramada Convention Center ..................................102Rapid City CVB ....................................................110Sioux Falls CVB ............................................108, 109Swiftel Center .......................................................103Visit Spearfi sh ......................................................111Watertown CVB ...................................................112Yankton CVB ........................................................112

Find them here

Spring 2011 97-112.indd 101 2/23/11 2:16 PM


Spring 2011 1-16.indd 3 2/24/11 1:46 PM

WWW.MIDWESTMEETINGS.COM 67

ansas, once referred to as

Freedoms Frontier, is a

meeting planners ideal

spot. View amazing won-

ders sculpted by eons of

wind, water and river ice.

A soft sedimentary layer,

known as Niobrara Chalk,

has produced destinations like the well-known Monument

Rocks. The worlds largest tallgrass prairie sweeps through the

east-central section of Kansas Flint Hills.

Whether looking for a little country or favoring an urban

environment, Kansas has it all. Emporia, Manhattan and Sa-

lina are only a few places that offer one-of-a-kind meeting

opportunities. While in the state, stop over to Chanute His-

torical Museum or cruise over to the Kansas Museum of His-

tory where you can view award-winning exhibits. The Kansas

Underground Salt Museum, in Hutchinson, takes visitors 650

feet below ground for tours through the mine.

Kansas provides family-pleasing accommodations for meet-

ing attendees who arent traveling alone. The Great Wolf

Lodge has an indoor waterpark, which offers many things to

see and do for children and adults.

Outdoor enthusiasts can take in the 6,800-mile American

Discovery Trail that winds through the state from Overland

Park to Coolidge. More than 2,000 miles of recreational trails

are available to hikers and bicyclists.

Create memories that will last a lifetime in Kansas.

Geary County CVB ..................................................... 68Go Wichita ................................................................ 74Hays CVB .................................................................. 69Hilton Garden Inn Manhattan Hotel & Conference Center ........................................ 72Hilton Wichita Airport Executive Conference Center ...... 75Holiday Inn, Wichita .................................................. 75Greater Hutchinson CVB ............................................. 69Kansas City Kansas CVB ............................................. 70Manhattan Kansas CVB .............................................. 71McPherson CVB ......................................................... 72Salina Bicentennial Center .......................................... 73Visit Salina ................................................................ 73

ansas, once referred to as

Freedoms Frontier, is a

meeting planners ideal

spot. View amazing won-

ders sculpted by eons of

wind, water and river ice.

A soft sedimentary layer,

known as Niobrara Chalk,

K

Previous page, top: Sunfl ower

Previous page, bottom: Truckhenge in Topeka

Previous page, bottom: Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, Atchison

Previous page, bottom: Blue Heaven Studios, Salina (photo courtesy

www.blueheavenstudios.com)

Previous page, bottom: Garden of Eden, Lucas

Left: Monument Rocks, near Grove County

Above: Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, Hutchinson

Above: Cowboy cutouts, Dodge City

Find them here

Spring 2011 65-96.indd 67 2/23/11 4:36 PM

32 Midwest Meetings spring 2011

Attendance is key when planning a meeting. Regardless of the size of your meeting, having good attendance is always in the back of a meeting planners mind. There are a handful of things a meeting planner can do to help

increase attendance at a meeting and here are a few of them.

Choosing the Right speAkeRsAnyone can hire a speaker but finding a speaker that fits

just right with your event, it can make all the difference in the

world. Try to select speakers who havent made the rounds at

recent events. Choose a speaker(s) that may be unfamiliar to a

majority of people. At the same time, make sure to market the

speaker well so attendees will be eager to hear them. Look to

see if the speaker(s) you have in mind, have good testimonials.

Strong testimonials will instantly catch your attendees atten-

tion. In addition, it can make promoting them easier as well.

Adding MoRe to the MixIts also easier to market a meeting if you have a variety

of activities to offer your prospective attendees. Aside from

a presenting speaker, entertain the idea of a comedy show,

concert, golf tournament, tradeshow, awards banquet or a live

or silent auction. Every attendee will like different things, so

if you dont catch their interest with one activity, you may be

able to with another.

pRoMotionPromotion is one of the biggest indicators of whether you

will have good numbers at your meeting. When promoting a

meeting its not just the amount of marketing that is done, but

its largely the quality of marketing that is done. Be creative,

convince prospective attendees that the meeting is worth their

time and money and address the reasons why they should at-

tend by listing how your meeting itinerary can benefit the at-

tendees.

Use YoUR ResoURCes WiselYGive more than just the basic information when sending out

emails or postcards. Since youre not able to talk to each person

face-to-face that youre inviting, do as much as you can with the

8 tips when planning and what to avoid.


resources you have. A few tips to keep in mind, dont make your

headline for your event, the name of the event (i.e. 2010 Annual

Meeting Conference). Instead say something like, Make This The

Year You Achieve Your Biggest Goals or Reduce Your Costs &

Increase Your Revenues.

A mistake made often is a promotional postcard or flyer with

too much information scattered on it. Its not about fitting as much

information on the promo as you can, its about putting the most

important information on it.

RegistRation incentivesEarly registration incentives are great because often times if po-

tential attendees dont register right away, the meeting can get put

on the back burner and forgotten all together. Incentives such as

early-bird specials, discounts for the first 20 or 50 registrants or a

free gift if they register by a certain date are great ways to motivate

people to attend the meeting.

MaRket to the MassesMake sure you use several different marketing avenues; tele-

phone, website, postcards, flyers, email and fax blasts, newsletters

and magazines. If you send out postcards and have more informa-

tion you want people to know about, let them know they can find

out additional information on your website. If you dont have a

website, send a fax or email later that gives more information. If

you dont reach someone one way, you may catch their attention

another way.

tiMing is eveRythingWhen you are marketing to your prospective audience, market

early and market often. Some meetings can be doomed from the

beginning because the marketing starts too late. Your first form of

promotion for a monthly meeting should go out around three weeks

beforehand. If it is a one-time event, three to four months in ad-

vance and for an annual meeting, six to nine months ahead. Your

first form of promotion doesnt have to give all the details, just the

bare-minimum basics so they know about the meeting and the date

it will be held.

continually DeliveR coMMunicationThe next question is how many times should people be con-

tacted. It may seem like a lot, but for a monthly event three to

four communications, for a one-time event six to eight and for an

annual event nine to twelve. Some individuals may not even read

the promo until the second or third time it is sent. Make sure that

during those times that each promo sent is slightly different from

the previous one. Highlight or focus on different things when mar-

keting the meeting.

Invest in these approaches when planning your next meeting to

see your attendance climb to new heights!

aside from a presenting speaker, entertain the idea of a comedy show, concert, golf

tournament, tradeshow, awards banquet or a live or silent auction. every attendee will like different things, so if you dont catch their interest with one

activity, you may be able to with another.


The standard slideshows and company booklets are the fads of yesterday. Today, people want faster results and per-sonalized attention. Here are some ways to ensure your meeting attendees arent sleeping in their seats

Prezi vs Powerpoint Presentations

Prezi is the more modernized version of Powerpoint. With Prezi,

presentations can be live and on the web by using a single canvas

instead of the traditional multiple slides. Everything from videos,

photos and text are placed on an infinite canvas and grouped to-

gether in frames. Prezi differs from Powerpoint in that the presen-

tations dont have to be linear and users can zoom in and out of a

visual map. For more information on Prezi, visit www.prezi.com.

Edutainment vs. Typical Speaker

Education and entertainment can go hand-in-hand. If youre

planning a meeting, research for speakers that include interactive

displays for their audience or engages the listeners.

Conference Phone Apps vs. Conference Folders

It can be overwhelming when meeting attendees first arrive

at a conference. They must shuffle through event printouts and

schedules, network with colleagues, arrange appointments and get

set-up in their hotel room. There is so much to do, with so little

time. With that said, why not take full advantage of your smart

phone? Easy downloadable apps can help you identify people at

your conference whom you may want to meet by providing you

with their professional profiles. Other apps can instantly help you

exchange your contact information with other attendees by just

having to scan each others nametags if they have a QR code.

Through your smart phone you can locate your schedule, keep

calendars and reminders of sessions and much more.

Personalized URL Marketing vs. Mass Marketing

When you are marketing to attendees, you dont want them to

feel lost in the crowd. Engage prospective attendees with personal

URLs that let them know their participation matters. Its important

to follow up with them as well because that can result in building

relationships. If your time and budget permits, send out a variety of

marketing pieces in the form of different media types (video, fax,

direct mail, etc.) that each reinforce consistent messaging.

Wufoo vs. Word

While Microsoft Word is great for certain things, Wufoo is an

excellent program when it comes to collecting data. Wufoo is por-

table, fast, secure and most importantly - easy. By visiting their

website, www.wufoo.com, you can learn about their features which

include, notifying multiple users, customizing your emails and using

logo personalization. If you have a website, Wufoo can also inte-

grate with your site and by having such a great way to organize your

data, youre able to easily understand it.

Five steps to easier meeting planning.


Step outside of a traditional meeting venue and step into a place where meeting attendees can generate new ideas and make sound decisions collectively in a relaxed and profes-sional atmosphere.

Resorts serve as an excellent meeting destination and place to refresh, revitalize and relax. They provide a beautiful view with first-class service and everything within close reach.

Meeting planners want to find a location where attendees can be productive, enjoy their environment and have all of the needed resources. Resorts initiate ideas, allow creative juices to flow and most importantly are affordable.

In Midwest Meetings special resort section, youll find information

on all aspects of planning a meeting at a resort. The Midwest has an impressive selection of resorts and in this section, you can find a breakdown of what is common to find at resort facilities. In addition, read how meeting planners approach the planning process for resort venues and why resorts serve as an ideal meeting facility.

While most meetings require a budget, find out what deals and discounts are available and in what areas management is willing to negotiate. You may be surprised how flexible resorts can be when discussing cost savings.

So if youre looking for an all-encompassing venue with state-of-the-art facilities, consider a resort for your next meeting.

Your Destination Your guide to resort features and amenities.


What makes this business so fun is the variety of groups and events that we get to host.

We could write a book on memorable events. - Jeff Wild, Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center

conference service staff takes care of all the details from setting

up golf tee times, teambuilding activities, spa appointments,

horseback riding and of course, all the meal arrangements so

groups dont have to worry about a thing!

JT: Meeting attendees can enjoy the experience of staying in our log cabins, cottages, Fairway House, villas and our traditional

hotel rooms. Amenities on property include a full-service spa and

salon, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, saunas, tanning

bed, hot tubs, lighted tennis courts, horseshoe pits and camp fire

rings. Swan Lake Resort has a small town feel with metropolitan

appeal. Did I mention free parking?

DH: Bridgeport Resort offers three meeting rooms accommo-dating from 12 to 80 people - amenities include large flat panel

televisions, state-of-the-art equipment and an abundance of nat-

ural light. Your experience at our resort is complimented by an

indoor and outdoor pool, wireless internet, fitness center and a

convenience store.

MM: Resorts offer plenty of space for meeting planners to hold teambuilding activities. What types of special activities are held

at resorts?

JW: What makes this business so fun is the variety of groups and events that we get to host. We could write a book on memo-

rable events. The best ones are the ones that keep coming back

year-after-year, which a majority of our groups do.

JT: Meeting planners love our property because everything is onsite; conference center and the recreational activities. A

teambuilding activity features our indoor golf academy simulators

and is called, Survivor Golf. Another popular activity is a scav-

enger hunt on our 700 acres, some of which is wooded. A western

bar-b-que themed event by the log cabins camp fire-ring is a fun

Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center, Alexndria, MN

Our specialty is to custom design every detail around the meeting planners vision and theme for their event.

- Jeannette Teall, Swan Lake Resort

Swan Lake Resort, Plymouth, IN


BELT_7314_PerfectMeeting_MWM_AD_c1.indd 1 2/2/11 3:03:32 PM


We have an onsite conference service team, as well as certified teambuilding specialists, who can

work on everything from meeting room set-up to creating over-the-top unique functions to fit the groups theme.

- Maris Brenner, Kalahari Resort

and relationships - the tranquil setting that resorts can offer is as

important, if not more so, than the meeting facilities themselves.

The Abbey property in WI offers a destination location just far

enough away from the city to feel like youve actually gone some-

where (90 miles from Chicago and Madison, 50 miles from Mil-

waukee) yet for most meeting attendees we are no further time wise

than their nearest airport.

Being in WI and on Lake Geneva, with access to the lake ac-

tivities (including group boat cruises through Geneva Cruise Lines

with pickup at the nearby municipal pier), its a destination many

think of in warmer months. However, we are not just a six month

destination The Abbey is a terrific year-round destination as

well. Bonfires with smores, sledding, cross country skiing and ice

skating fill out our other resort activities in colder months.

Kathryn Stotka: Craguns offers much more than a typical urban conference center, our resort is an all-inclusive facility dedi-

cated to great meetings. We have the perfect location to provide a

distraction-free, work-supportive environment.

With over 60,000 sq. ft. in meeting and exhibit space, it sup-

ports most conferences in their needs for meetings and vendor dis-

play areas. We work together to provide families, groups and golfers

with the best experience offering warm hospitality and memorable

meetings since 1940.

MM: What are some excellent services your resort provides, that especially benefits meeting attendees?

MB: We have an onsite conference service team, as well as cer-tified teambuilding specialists, who can work on everything from

meeting room set-up to creating over-the-top unique functions to

fit the groups theme.

The spa offers passive pampering, as well as fitness and

teambuilding sessions for groups, including refreshment break aero-

bics.

Our audiovisual and IT team is also onsite and, because we

opened in September of 2006, our capabilities are state-of-the-art

and include wireless access as well as drop-down/built in audiovi-

sual and new interactive whiteboards.

Other services to note include: satellite check-ins, added lug-

gage assistance on heavy arrival or departure days and stay-over

rates that encourage families to join the attendee after the meeting

days are over.

RS: The Abbey Resort offers 40,000 sq. ft. of meeting space for serious business, yet situated on 90-acres with a beautiful lawn and

patio overlooking a 400-slip marina.

Meeting planners typically look for function space for business

Kalahari Resort


meetings and, of course, we offer all that and more, but planners

typically want something extra to offer their attendees to foster

relationships and add an element of fun. Our property offers the

best of both. Outdoor reception space on the lawn or patio over-

looking the marina, the 35,000 sq. ft. AVANTI Spa, featuring a

private indoor adult pool, full fitness center featuring Life Fitness

exercise equipment, restaurants, The Fontana Grill, The Water-

front and our Porto restaurant specifically reserved for private

dining events. What we dont offer onsite is only minutes away,

including four terrific golf courses, which also enable us to offer

clients a golf experience suited to their budget.

KS: Our resort offers 203 rooms and 42 cottages on almost a mile of prime sandy shoreline on Gull Lake. We have 34 meeting

rooms accommodating groups ranging from four to 1,100 attend-

ees. Our indoor Sports Centre facilities allow for guests to play

tennis, volleyball, basketball, run track or take advantage of our

fitness center. We have a full-service marina, snowmobile center

and outfitter.

In addition, we have one of the largest and most complete

meeting planning staff of any conference resort in the Midwest.

Its our level of comprehensive planning services that really makes

us stand apart from other venues.

Our specialty childrens programs and teambuilding exercises

are available as well upon request. Meeting planners can choose

from one of our ten teambuilding packages that range from Mys-

tery Dinners to Wacky Olympics. We provide the entertainment

and equipment and you provide the participants.

MM: Is there an exceptional service or discount that meeting planners should know about at your resort?

MB: At Kalahari, we have our best rates midweek and espe-cially in September to early December and May and early June.

Weekends, because of high leisure and getaway demand, can actu-

ally be the highest rates. This is the opposite of many cities that

host the larger meetings.

RS: Being in WI and on Lake Geneva, we have access to lake activities, including group boat cruises through Geneva Cruise

Lines with pickup at the nearby municipal pier.

KS: We have quantitative proof of Return on Investment (ROI) that resorts are a better value for our meeting planners.

On average, groups at Craguns meet for 8.5 hours per day. Studies

show downtime restores energy levels, improves concentration,

revitalizes attendees and makes meetings more productive. The

secret is not spending too much time or energy getting to the fun.

We provide all of the necessary tools to refresh, re-energize with

teambuilding and networking at Craguns. You sign only one con-

tract at Craguns, which greatly reduces the potential for mistakes.

Small things mean big savings and less stress for our planners.

MM: Have you had any memorable meetings or events? MB: We do an Indoor Duck Derby for charity every year and

the 5,000 numbered plastic ducks are escorted into the park with

police and military escort, and a drum and bugle group before they

are tossed into the lazy river for a race that lasts just 5 minutes.

Of course... the prize is a car so that keeps everyones attention. It

raises about $100,000 for charity.

Ohio Fire Chiefs celebrated their 100th anniversary with us

and we helped them create a Black Tie, Dress Uniform Event with

fireworks set to music over the parking area that was filled with

hook and ladder trucks.

Since meetings are all about communicating and relationships - the tranquil setting that resorts can offer is

as important, if not more so, than the meeting facilities themselves. - Rob Sheets, The Abbey Resort

The Abbey Resort


My favorite special activity is when we suggest Breakfast at the

Zoo and we incorporate an outdoor function just steps from our

animal park and before attendees head back to the meetings, they

spend some time feeding the giraffes, kangaroos or any of the 345

animals. This is truly unique to this resort.

At the resort, we do a Beyond the Slides Tour which features

meeting with our managers in areas not seen by most guests.

We have teambuilding pros on property who have created scav-

enger hunts that included the unique parts of this themed resort

and woven the corporations messages and question and answers

into the event.

RS: The Abbey has a complete in-house activities department that offers a full menu of teambuilding activities for our group

guests. Our activities director and her team are also available to

customize activities for each individual group. Recently we had a

group from the liquor spirits industry. They were looking for a dy-

namic teambuilding event, so our activities director developed a

mixology and videography event.

Using various liquors, mixers, garnishes and mixing tools, each

group collaborated to create their own unique drink, gave it a name

and determined the key demographic to which they would market.

Each group then received a video camera and further instructions

to direct them in developing and filming a commercial to promote

their drink. Culminating in a round of drink tasting and evaluat-

ing with prizes for the winning team, the event reached a peak as

the teams viewed their final commercial creations heightening the

camaraderie and hilarity of the experience. As you can tell we take

teambuilding seriously!

KS: We host one of the largest annual events for our soldiers

and their families Memorial Day weekend with assistance from

Camp Ripley and others. Silent auction tables line our meeting

rooms, which raises over $30,000 for the families in the state of

MN. Craguns is also the first official drop site for the military fami-

lies in MN.

MM: Do you have any plans or goals for the future to draw more meeting planners to your resort?

MB: We recently announced a 120,000 sq. ft. addition, which will bring Kalaharis convention center total sq. ft. to 215,000 and

will include a 38,000 sq. ft. grand ballroom/expo center, a 12,000

sq. ft. junior ballroom, 14 meeting rooms, a 4,000 sq. ft. themed

outdoor plaza connected to an indoor ballroom and 30,000 sq. ft.

of pre-function space. The expansion is scheduled to open in De-

cember 2011.

RS: We offer meeting planners familiarization (FAM) visits throughout the year. We also would like to continue to host annual

meetings with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the

Wisconsin Society of Association Executives (WSAE) when we

can in the future.

KS: Craguns has completed renovating all lodging rooms. We have a newly installed phone-reservation system that adds effi-

ciency to incoming calls and confirmation responses, which aids

calls from attendees quickly. Our 24-hour security, welcoming and

guarding the only road into the resort, is staffed with experienced,

trained staff. We offer enclosed facilities with walkways to lodging,

meeting rooms and the Sports Centre. We also have expanded the

free, high-speed wireless access to all areas of the resort. Also, for

our first quarter conference media program, we are introducing the

iPad giveaway to attract new planners to Craguns resort.

The secret is not spending too much time or energy getting to the fun. We provide all of

the necessary tools to refresh, re-energize with teambuilding and

networking at Craguns.

- Kathryn Stotka, Craguns Resort

Craguns Resort

Contact us for Planning Assistance!

Visit www.swanlakeresort.com or call 1-800-582-7539

Links to a Great Meeting SWAN LAKE RESORT QUICK FACTS

33,000 sq. ft. Conference Venues

91 Deluxe Hotel Accommodations

Log Cabins, Cottages, & Villas

Restaurant, Lounge & Patio onsite

Courtyard Gazebo

Full Service Spa

Indoor & Outdoor Pools

Resort Shop

Tennis Courts

Fitness Center

Driving Range

Year Round Golf Academy

2 Championship Golf Courses

Hot Tubs & Sauna

Located in beautiful northern Indiana, Swan Lake Resort is home to the United States Golf Academy, Indiana National Golf Club, and the Midwests only Sam Sneads Tavern & Grill. Just as appealing as the skillfully manicure grounds and golf courses are the pristine Pool & Fitness Center and the newly renovated guest rooms, cottages, and log cabins. Swan Lakes 33,000 sq. ft. Conference Center hosts corporate meetings, weddings, and various social events year-round.

Swan Lake Resorts state-of- art Convention Center boasts more than 33,000 sq. ft. of versatile function space with the latest in audio and visual support. Complimentary wireless Internet service is available throughout the conference center and hotel property. There is installed audio visual equipment as well as a collection of equipment in stock to help make your presentation effective and seamless. Full-service catering is provided in-house by our experienced event catering staff. Linen colors can vary by theme of function and focus. Groups can dine in Sam Sneads Tavern & Grill ala carte or in adjacent rooms still enjoying the distinctive dcor and menu of this one-of-a-kind restaurant in northern Indiana.

Accommodations at Swan Lake Resort consist of 91 Deluxe Hotel Rooms, 6 Country Cottages, 4 Log Cabins, Fairway House, and our New Fairway Villas. There are three lit tennis courts, a recreational fishing pond on site, fire rings by the cottages and cabins, and horseshoe rings by the cabins. We welcome every visitor to take a break from the fast-paced world and relax with the comfort and convenience you would expect from a resort atmosphere. There truly is something for everyone at Swan Lake Resort.

the-


decision makers within organizations.Once approved, these outings then need to be executed flawless-

ly so participants will rave about them to their superiors and there wont be a question as to the value of the outing for future years.

Dianna Rom, Regional Director of Sales for Ohio State Park Lodges, agreed that the last couple of years have impacted the way golf outings are run at her facilities, Today, there are far fewer all-day golf outings and the outings we are hosting are increasingly positioned as teambuilding events.

Rom said corporate groups are tending to organize shorter out-ings such as scrambles or events with a shotgun start. Outings are also increasingly designed for golfers of all abilities, so anyone with-in a corporate group, even those with little or no golf experience, can enjoy them. One of the big misconceptions about holding a golf outing, is the idea that those participating need some form of golf skills to join in on the activities. That idea cannot be farther from the truth. Many attendees that take part in golf outings, may not be regular golfers, but enjoy themselves as if theyd played for years.

Danny Ackerman, General Manager of Longaberger Golf Club in Newark, OH, said scrambles are still one of the most popular types of outings because it is a great way to equalize teams when you have a wide-array of skill levels. He also felt that putting contests and golf clinics are perfect teambuilding activities for groups of all skill levels and abilities.

In 2010, Ackermans facility hosted 37 separate corporate events that involved golf. Ackerman said the meeting planners he worked with said they found value in hosting golf events. Some of these meeting planners were also grateful to have assistance with cre-atively scaling back their events from previous years.

Dianna Lilly, Director of Member Services for the Ohio

Trucking Association, is one of those planners. Her association has held several events at Longaberger Golf Club, including an annual all-day fundraiser. For nearly 20 years, the fundraiser was a day-long event, beginning with breakfast, a shotgun start and lunch either on the course in boxes, or as a cookout at the turn or halfway house. Following the round of golf, participants would shower and change, then come to a reception, followed by a dinner and silent, as well as live, auctions.

In 2009 and 2010, the Association made the decision to hold a couple of smaller golf outings. According to Lilly, the association still provided breakfast, lunch and typically a sleeve of balls.

Lilly says the small events drew between 36-60 golfers and they provided an ideal opportunity for members to get together in a re-laxed setting to enjoy each others company during a round of golf. They were also successful at raising money for their event.

Ackerman said his team is also seeing more small groups staying local and playing several local courses instead.

Susan Harris, Marketing Director for the Sweetgrass Golf Club and Island Resort & Casino, Harris, MI, agrees that golf groups are definitely looking for value as well as convenience.

Our sales team prides itself on working with each group to in-dividualize their experience and then exceed their expectations while staying within their budgets.

McKinley echoed Harriss comments. He felt those facilities that are able to offer a quality onsite golfing experience at a competitive price point have definite appeal with meeting planners.

McKinleys team has become well-recognized for developing some pretty noteworthy events including challenging putting con-tests on their Himalayas putting greens. They feature everything from 90-degree doglegs, ramps and other unique things including the logos of the clients competitors for negative obstacles.

Cup-style events offer a

means for friendly competition

that can creatively pit two

groups against each other.

- Kevin McKinley, Director of

Golf and Ski operations for

Treetops Resort, Gaylord MI

R. NeibelThe Prairie Club, Valentine

Nebraska:Where Memorable Meetings Happen Every Day

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COSMOPOLITAN CHICIf youre searching for a metropolitan setting, head to Omaha or Lincoln. In both cities, youll find revamped historic districts, outstanding restaurants, popular shop-ping, and top attractions. Omaha, the states largest city, is a vibrant tourist destination. The 250,000-square-foot Qwest Center Omaha Convention Center is just three miles from the airport and sits in the heart of the citys riverside redevel-opment area. In the nearby Old Market district, your guests can enjoy public parks, explore art galleries, or take in a Tony Award-winning musical.

Nebraska Department of Economic Developments Travel and Tourism Division

Break the routine with an event thats affordable, convenient, and exciting. From

urban sophistication to small-town charm, youll find endless possibilities for your

next meeting in Nebraska.

And while youll get the best bang for your buck in Nebraska, you wont have to

sacrifice on technology, accessibility, or other amenities. Youll find golf courses,

wineries, and quality shopping all within reach.

Old Market, Omaha

Soaring Wings Vineyard, Springfield

Historic Haymarket District,

Lincoln

Courtesy of Omaha Cham

ber/T. Keen

Courtesy of O

mah

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R. Neibel

Balancing Business With Fun!


At Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo, ranked as one of the nations top zoos by Readers Digest, visitors will marvel at an aquarium featuring a shark tunnel, the worlds largest indoor jungle, and the new Expedition Madagascar. The zoo also offers unique, usable space for your next meeting. With more than 13,000 rooms in the Omaha metro area, your group may prefer the suburban setting of Embassy Suites Omaha-La Vista Hotel and Conference Center. Parking is free, shopping is plentiful, and you can catch the Omaha Storm Chasers, the Kansas City Royals Triple-A affiliate, in action at the brand-new Werner Park stadium. If youre looking for first-class accommodations and budget-minded meeting space, check out the offerings in Lincoln. Acclaimed for its ideal blend of small-town appeal and urban bustle, the city offers more than 700,000 square feet of meeting space in venues that include golf clubs, wineries, historic mansions, and luxu-rious hotels. The citys newest cultural venueopening in 2013is the $340 million, 16,000-seat Haymarket arena. Meanwhile, your guests can visit art galleries, his-tory museums, the State Capitol, and the world-class International Quilt Study Center & Museum.

SMALL-TOWN CHARM If bright lights and big cities arent your thing, youre in luck. Affectionately known as Greater Nebraska, the area outside Lincoln and Omaha offers quieter settings where the coffee pots always on. Cutting-edge technol-ogy and excellent accommodations mean your meeting will still have a modern edge, but it will be served with a side of genuine Midwestern hospitality.

VisitNebraska.gov

COLUMBUS/PLATTE COUNTY CONVENTION and VISITORS BUREAU402-564-2769www.VisitColumbusNE.com

FREMONT/DODGE COUNTY CONVENTION and VISITORS BUREAU800-727-8323www.fremontne.org

GERING CONVENTION and VISITORS BUREAU800-245-0717www.VisitGering.com

GRAND ISLAND/HALL COUNTY CONVENTION and VISITORS BUREAU800-658-3178www.VisitGrandIsland.com

HASTINGS/ADAMS COUNTY CONVENTION and VISITORS BUREAU800-967-2189www.VisitHastingsNebraska.com

HEARTLAND EVENTS CENTER308-382-4515www.HeartlandEventsCenter.com

KEARNEY VISITORS BUREAU800-652-9435www.VisitKearney.org

LIED LODGE & CONFERENCE CENTER800-546-5433www.liedlodge.org

LINCOLN CONVENTION and VISITORS BUREAU800-423-8212www.lincoln.org

NIELSEN COMMUNITY CENTER402-372-0184www.WPNielsenCenter.com

NORFOLK AND MADISON COUNTY CONVENTION and VISITORS BUREAU888-371-2932www.VisitNorfolkNE.com

NORTH PLATTE/LINCOLN COUNTY CONVENTION and VISITORS BUREAU800-955-4528www.VisitNorthPlatte.com

OMAHA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU866-937-6624www.VisitOmaha.com

SARPY COUNTY TOURISM800-GoSarpywww.GoSarpy.com

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY TOURISM800-788-9475www.VisitScottsBluff.com

SOUTH SIOUX CITY CONVENTION and VISITORS BUREAU866-494-1307www.VisitSouthSiouxCity.com

VALENTINE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/CHERRY COUNTY TOURISM800-658-4024www.VisitValentine.com

YORK COUNTYVISITORS BUREAU888-SEE-YORKwww.YorkVisitors.org

Premium Event VenuesReady to get your Nebraska meeting rolling? Put these organizations on the top of your list!

Lied Jungle at OmahasHenry Doorly Zoo, Omaha

E. Stenb

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Located in the center of the country, Nebraska is just a days drive from most major Midwest cities. Several of the states smaller cities, such as Kearney and North Platte, have airports, and many towns ideal for meetings and conferences are easily accessible from Interstate 80. And all of our Convention and Visitor Bureau officials are ready to accommodate your groups unique needs. If youre looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, youll find it at the Great Platte River Road Archway. Spanning Interstate 80 near Kearney, this award-winning museum tells the story of our countrys western expansion. Kearney offers ample meeting space, plenty of lodging, and the Thunderhead and Platte Valley breweries, which are popular with conference attendees. Plan your meeting for the spring and your group can experience one of the worlds most impressive wildlife events. More than half a million sandhill cranes

VisitNebraska.gov

converge on the Platte River Valley between mid-February and mid-April as they migrate northjust as they have for the past nine million years. Kearney, Grand Island, and Hastings serve as excellent headquarters for crane watching. Grand Island features more than 100 restaurants and 1,500 sleeping rooms, as well as attractions such as the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, which the Washington Post proclaimed one of Americas top 12 Living History Museums. In Hastings, you can learn how Kool-Aid was invented at the Hastings Museumof Natural & Cultural History. In the northeast corner of the state, the award-winning Norfolk Lodge & Suites Divots Conference Center will get your group moving with recreational golf and sand volleyball activities. The full-service conference center accommodates up to 400 people.

BACK TO NATURE For meetings with a natural touch, choose the Lied Lodge & Conference Center in Nebraska City. Located on the 260-acre Arbor Day Farm and recipient of Meetings MidAmericas Best of MidAmerica award in 2009 and 2010, the lodge features timbered meeting and guest rooms, award-winning food, and dozens of group activities that take visitors outdoors. Hiking trails, a 50-foot tree house, and guided tours of the orchards, forest, and wineries are some of the opportunities awaiting your guests. Located on the Oak Bluff overlooking the scenic Platte River Valley near Ashland, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is an idyllic setting for any meeting. Peter Kiewit Lodge is the parks centerpiece and offers spa-cious rooms, a restaurant, and meeting and conference rooms. Activities run the gamut from water slides and miniature golf to ice-skating and cross-country skiing.

GO WEST If you really want to get out and go, then head to west-ern Nebraska. Discover rolling hills, massive geologic rock formations, unique sandhills, and pine-studded buttes. If your group appreciates beautiful scenery and the pioneering spirit of landmark country, seek out the excellent meeting facilities in Scottsbluff or Gering. Visitors can experience Scotts Bluff National Monument and Chimney Rock, two of the most famous milestones on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. Youll also find wagon ruts of the settlers who trekked across the prairie. In North Platte, youll find meeting rooms capable of accommodating 1,500 people, a relaxed atmosphere, and a wide selection of entertainment. Treat your guests to a taste of the Wild West at the Bufffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park and State Recreation Area.

No matter the destination you choose, your meeting in Nebraska is sure to be a success. The settings and venues are perfect for your organization and attendees. Indeed, Nebraska means possibilities . . . endless. Go online to VisitNebraska.gov and request your FREE Nebraska Travel Guide today!

Scotts Bluff National Monument,

Scottsbluff

Great Platte River Road Archway, Kearney

Lied Lodge & Conference Center,Nebraska City

Courtesy of L

ied Co

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R. Neibel

J. N

abb


IN NEBRASKA, YOU CAN RECAPTUREthe magic of road trips past. And with so much to

experience at Omahas Henry Doorly Zoothe

worlds largest indoor desert and rainforest, a

71,000-square-foot aquarium, and the new Skyfari

its easy to let loose and relive the good times.

So what are you waiting for?

VisitNebraska.gov888-444-1867, Dept. 1MMC


R E D I S CO V E R T H E ROAD TRIP.


red i scover the ROAD TRIP i n nebra ska .

NETOUR1MMC_MWMCoop_8875x11375.indd 1 1/19/11 2:31:57 PM


VisitNebraska.gov 888-444-1867, Dept. 1MMC

Meet Me in nebraska. With exciting attractions, lively cities, picturesque landscapes, and top-notch

facilities, your next event will be more than just a meeting.


Give YoUr itinerarY a neW best Friend bY orderinG YoUr Free coPY oF the nebraska traveL GUide todaY. Information on attractions, events, lodging, and

cities will help take the guesswork out of planning

your Nebraska road trip. After all, your getaway

should be relaxing.


order YoUr Free coPY oF the NEBRASKA TRAVEL GUIDE todaY. Find everything you needto begin planning your next Nebraska road trip, including

information on attractions, events, lodging, and cities.


Holiday Inn ExpressNorth Platte, Nebraska 1-888-562-9500Lexington, Nebraska 1-866-669-9731

5,000 square feet of meeting spaceFour meeting roomsPersonalized serviceCatering available

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Ashland

Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer,

Grand Island

Buffalo Bill Ran

ch State

Historical Park,

North Platte


Midwest Meetings Spring 2011

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