Missouri is a state that knows which way the wind is blowing. Long famed as a political bellwether, Missouri has voted for the triumphant candidate in every presidential election except one since 1904. It stands to reason that Missourians know a little something about what goes into making a winner.
The meetings-friendly cities and scenic lake resort region of central Missouri offer a winning combination of an easily accessible location, affordability and down-to-Earth charm.
Jefferson City
Rich in history, Jefferson City was chosen as Missouri’s state capital in 1821 and was occupied by Union troops during the Civil War. German immigrants planted vineyards nearby in the Missouri River Valley, creating a winegrowing region today known as the Missouri Rhineland.
“We have the edge over other Midwest destinations because of our central location, affordability and friendly hometown atmosphere,” says Marianne Thies, convention sales manager at the Jefferson City CVB. “Meeting planners appreciate the friendliness and willingness to help, rich history, quiet laid-back way of life we have in Jefferson City and can do attitude of the residents.”
The city’s largest meeting facilities include Capitol Plaza Hotel and Convention Center, with 255 guest rooms and 22,000 square feet of meeting space; Truman Hotel and Conference Center, with 232 guest rooms and 24,000 square feet of meeting space; and the new Doubletree Jefferson City, with 151 guest rooms and more than 6,500 square feet of meeting space.
The city also has a number of interesting alternative spaces, including G2 Gallery, located in the historic Lohman Opera House in downtown Jefferson City. The gallery offers meeting space for 150 people and creative, customized menus. Another option is the Missouri River Regional Library, also located downtown. The library accommodates groups of up to 130 people.
Local history and agriculture present many opportunities for group outings or after-hours exploration.
“Our history makes Jefferson special,” Thies says. “When conventions have free time, the CVB would be happy to schedule tours of the Missouri State Capitol, Governor’s Mansion, Supreme Court Building or Lohman’s Landing, just to name a few. All are free-admission. Not only do we have historic sites and tours, but we also have a downtown that’s like a step back to the 1960s, with locally owned restaurants, shops and cafes.”
Before Prohibition, Missouri was the second-largest winegrowing state in the U.S. Although many wineries never reopened after the nation’s dry spell, around 50 wineries now operate in the state. Among the largest is Stone Hill Winery. Located an hour’s drive from either Jefferson City or Columbia in the German-flavored town of Hermann, Stone Hill welcomes groups for tours and tastings and can host as many as 200 people in its open-air pavilion or smaller meetings in its carriage room.
Jefferson City is focused on the future, and meetings business is a big part of its plans.
“With gas prices not likely to go down, Jefferson City is the perfect central Missouri location for meetings, seminars, conventions and conferences,” Thies says. “Efforts are being made to build a conference center in Jefferson City that will allow larger meetings to take place.”
Columbia
The thriving college town of Columbia is the largest city in central Missouri as well as the home of the University of Missouri. Its educated citizenry and flourishing cultural scene have earned it the nickname “Athens of Missouri.”
Lorah Steiner, executive director of the Columbia CVB, cites location as a prime factor in its success as a meetings destination.
“Columbia is centrally located in Missouri, halfway between our two largest cities, Kansas City and St. Louis, and midway between the north and south borders of the state, at the crossroads of Interstate 70 and Highway 63,” Steiner says. “This central location results in increased attendance for statewide groups. Additionally, Missouri is bordered by eight states, and Columbia is centrally located within that region as well.”
The city has meetings-ready hotels such as the new 151-room Hilton Garden Inn Columbia, with 9,000 square feet of function space, and Stoney Creek Inn, with 180 guest rooms (including suites equipped with stone fireplaces) and 11,000 square feet of function space. The Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia-University of Missouri is set to open this fall with 133 guest rooms and nearly 5,000 square feet of meeting space.
Exhibition venues include Columbia Expo Center, with 34,200 square feet of meeting space adjoining a 311-room Holiday Inn; Midway Expo Center, with six arenas, the largest seating 2,500, used mainly for livestock shows; the 220-acre Boone County Fairgrounds; and the 15,000-seat Mizzou Arena at the University of Missouri.
The University of Missouri offers a variety of meeting options, including the press box area of the football stadium, which is ideal for large receptions, and several large classrooms.
Several other inspiring choices are available nearby but off the beaten path. The 1,187-seat historic Missouri Theatre, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a glamorous 1928 vaudeville palace boasting an 1,800-pound Italian crystal chandelier. Set to open in spring 2009, the 67-acre Jefferson Farm & Gardens will offer an educational working farm with a large meeting room for 120 people and four breakout classrooms.
Les Bourgeois Winery and Vineyards presents spectacular blufftop views in Rocheport, just 15 minutes from downtown Columbia. Les Bourgeois Bistro can accommodate as many as 100 for meals, and meeting space is also available.
Between events in Columbia, attendees will enjoy just soaking up the lively cultural scene.
“The downtown district has a distinctive energy vibe, with an edgy, artsy feel,” Steiner says. “The variety of entertainment options is endless: live music, theater, festivals, art events. Also, we are blessed with a good quantity of unique, locally owned restaurants that feature imaginative menus and utilize locally produced foods.”
Columbia is on a course to remain a popular destination for moderately sized meetings on a budget.
“I see Columbia continuing to accommodate midsize meetings that are looking for an affordable, easily navigated meeting spot with a variety of activities for attendees,” Steiner says.
Lake of the Ozarks
The Ozarks became a popular resort region after the damming of the Bagnell River in 1930 created its enormous lake. With more than 200 resorts and hotels, 350,000 square feet of meeting space and 260 holes of golf, the Lake of the Ozarks has the numbers to win many planners’ votes. As a vacation spot with a wide variety of activities and venues, it’s appealing as both a meeting site and a choice for off-site group outings.
“Our central location is a day’s drive from over 6 million people, which makes the Lake of the Ozarks an attractive venue for groups that have attendees coming from across the Midwest,” says Tim Jacobsen, executive director, Lake of the Ozarks CVB. “An obvious advantage also is the many outdoor activities we have at the Lake of the Ozarks, including our 54,000-acre lake with over 1,150 miles of shoreline. We have great activities such as boating, fishing, camping, golfing and shopping.
“The Lake of the Ozarks features very competitive rates that offer a very affordable selection for meeting planners seeking to host a conference, trade show, board meeting or retreat,” he adds.
Many of the larger resort properties offer considerable event space. Tan-Tar-A Resort has 720 guest rooms, including 120 suites, and 93,000 square feet of meeting space. The Lodge of Four Seasons has 320 guest rooms and condos and 65,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. Inn at Grand Glaize has 147 guest rooms and more than 12,000 square feet of meeting space. Resort at Port Arrowhead offers 207 guest rooms and 17,000 square feet of meeting space. The new Resort & Yacht Club at Toad Cove has 116 one-bedroom rental condos and 9,000 square feet of meeting space.
After-hours, groups can unwind and build teamwork skills at any of 16 golf courses (plus seven mini-golf courses), six go-cart tracks, four wineries and the largest state park and factory outlet mall in the state. And that’s not even mentioning the copious water sports options.
Seven Springs Winery, perched atop 160 acres of rolling hills in Linn Creek, offers stunning countryside views and can welcome as many as 300 people inside and 125 outside for events.
Osage National Golf Course, the only Arnold Palmer-designed course in the Ozarks, offers 27 holes of championship golf and catered banquets for as many as 250.
Lake cruises are another great offsite group option. Among the larger vessels plying the lake are the triple-decked Captain Larry Don, welcoming as many as 225 passengers, and the 100-passenger Commander.
“The lake itself is the most unique aspect of hosting a meeting at Lake of the Ozarks,” Jacobsen says. “Every group has the opportunity to host an event lakeside with everything from fine dining to a barbeque. Every meeting planner should consider the options of taking their group out on the lake for a reception, sightseeing cruise or a fine dining experience. All the major convention hotels offer a variety of options to choose from to incorporate the lake experience into their agenda.”
The future for the Lake of the Ozarks as a meetings destination looks bright, according to Jacobsen.
“The options for lodging, shopping and dining will continue to grow at the Lake of the Ozarks, offering additional unique experiences for groups returning to the lake,” Jacobsen says. “With the price of gas and airline fares expected to continue to increase over the next year, many meeting planners will begin to look more regionally for a site selection. The Lake of the Ozarks is a great option for the expense-conscious meeting planner looking to save money without hindering the success of the meeting or conference.”
For More Info
Columbia CVB 573.875.1231 www.visitcolumbiamo.com
Jefferson City CVB 573.632.2820 www.visitjeffersoncity.com
Lake of the Ozarks CVB 573.348.1599 www.funlake.com
