Sharon Pierce
State Advisor; Texas Association Family Career and Community Leaders of America; Austin, Texas
Describe your event. We had our annual three-day meeting in Corpus Christi with about 3,500 attendees, which included Texas high school teachers and students. The Omni Corpus Christi was our headquarters hotel, but we used properties in all price sectors.
Why did you decide to host the meeting in Corpus Christi? The city really appeals to both young people and adults. We go there about every three or four years and it’s like going home. We really like the services we get in Corpus Christi. The hotel and CVB staffs have always been so helpful. And for some of the kids who live in the panhandle, it’s a treat to see a beach for the first time.
What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most? The water!
Was anybody particularly helpful? Jackie Ray, the sales manager at the Omni, was wonderful, as was the hotel’s convention services staff. Actually, every department in the hotel worked well together. Yvette Holcomb at the Corpus Christi CVB helped coordinate housing and other suppliers very well. And Ruben Ramirez at the American Bank Center moved mountains for us. He knows how to make things happen for you immediately.
What were some of the unique off-site venues you used for events? We had a dance and party with live music for the students at Concrete Street, an old manufacturing place. It has food concessions and is now a venue for live music, and a lot of conventions use it for outdoor parties.
How does Corpus Christi compare to other cities where you have hosted meetings? Near the top. We meet all over the state from year to year—in Houston, Fort Worth, Austin, Dallas and Galveston—and the city’s attitude about taking care of business is one we really enjoy. I’ve been in this business forever and I know the people there really know how to get it done.
Do you have any advice for other planners who might bring a meeting to Corpus Christi? Plan a good program or your attendees will be on the beach! If a planner is organized and knows what they need, people in Corpus will make it happen, including the last-minute details.