Vice President of Education and Conventions
American Chamber of Commerce Executives
Alexandria, Va.
Describe your event.
This was our fourth annual convention and the first time we used a convention center for meetings, plus two properties, the Sheraton Grand Sacramento and the Hyatt Regency Sacramento. We had around 1,200, including exhibitors and about 950 attendees.
Why did you decide to host the meeting in Sacramento?
A city’s chamber of commerce puts together a proposal; a lot depends on what kind of support we get from the local chamber, and Sacramento’s had done an outstanding job.
What surprised you the most about Sacramento?
The convention center, the hotels and the facilities they had for us were really top-notch.
What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most?
The compact downtown; they could get out, go to a local restaurant, a bar and get a sense of the area.
Was anybody particularly helpful?
Everybody was—that’s what really bowled us over. All the venues and staff pulled out all the stops to ensure we got what we needed.
What other types of groups would fit well with the property?
Any kind of an association organization. We were the only group in the convention center at that time, so we were able to expand out.
What were some of the unique off-site venues that you used?
Our final-night closing party was down at the Railroad Museum, where we could dine in the cars.
What local suppliers did you utilize?
We used Cal Events to help with decor for special events, and they did an outstanding job. We also used the convention center’s catering company, Classique, and they were amenable to working the menus the way we wanted to.
How does Sacramento compare to other cities where you have hosted meetings?
This is one of the first times I went to a second-tier city for a meeting, and I really liked it.
Would you return?
Definitely.
Do you have any advice for other planners who might bring a meeting to Sacramento?
Make sure they take advantage of the city and the resources and people there.