Senior Meeting Planner
Texas Association of School Boards (TASB)
Austin
Describe your event.
Our event is the TASB/TASA Convention, a joint conference we hold each fall with the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA). The main purpose of the meeting is for its 9,000 attendees to get continuing education hours, but it also affords them the opportunity to network and catch up with old friends. The main location for the meeting was the George R. Brown Convention Center, and we also held some ancillary meetings at the Hilton Americas–Houston hotel.
Why did you decide to host the meeting in Houston?
Houston is one of the few cities in Texas with a large enough facility and enough sleeping rooms. Plus, we feel very welcome and wanted there. The Greater Houston CVB was willing to work with us to make the pricing affordable for our attendees.
Was anybody particularly helpful?
Overall, the team was great—from our site visits to contracting to on-site logistics. Everyone was professional, courteous and eager to help.
What other types of groups would fit well with the destinaton?
With all the available meeting space in Houston, just about any group would work well there. Even a smaller group would not feel swallowed up.
What local suppliers did you utilize?
Kay Resources for security. Danny Kay is an amazing professional, and we were really comfortable with the officers he brought in for our program. When I arrived early one morning needing to get into our on-site office, the officer on duty who I had not met, wouldn’t allow me into the building without my name badge—exactly what I’d asked them to do.
How does Houston compare to other cities where you have hosted meetings?
I think the people are friendly and eager to help. We scheduled our 2005 convention in Houston, and due to hurricanes Katrina and Rita we had to pull out about 30 days before the event. The folks at the convention center and the CVB were remarkable and welcomed us back the next year with open arms.
Would you return?
Absolutely. We are coming back in 2009 and 2010.
Do you have any advice for other planners who might bring a meeting to Houston?
Houston is a vibrant, friendly, accessible city. Utilize all the available help with the CVB—from sending out leads, to on-site volunteers. They are truly ambassadors for the city.