April 21, 2011

Convention Center Under Way in Iowa

Meetings Focus - the Destination Experts

APRIL 21, 2011


Convention Center Under Way in Iowa Construction started on a new convention center in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that will be the second largest convention facility in the state when it opens in February 2013. Read more »
Embassy Suites Chicago Debuts Redo The Embassy Suites Chicago-Downtown wrapped up a $12.3 million renovation that included the refurbishment of all 367 suites. Read more »
Study Shows Negative Views on Travel Taxes A study conducted by the Travel Tax Institute, a new arm of the U.S. Travel Association, revealed that high hotel taxes and other tourism-related taxes are having a major impact on travel decisions. Read more »
MPI Announces 2011 WEC Agenda With the goal of responding to the needs of meeting and event professionals as they face a resurgence of industry business levels, Meeting Professionals International unveiled a redesigned World Education Congress in Orlando, Florida, July 23-26. Read more »

DuPage Expo

Discover the Chicago area's top exposition and event venue, with diverse space ideal for trade shows, product launches, group meetings, social events, sports competitions, concerts and more.

• Over 23,000 square feet of column-free, carpeted space
• 1,500-square-foot café and registration area
• Acres of beautiful grounds
• State-of-the-art technology and equipment
• Banquet, catering, freight, and coordination services
• Friendly, professional staff to help plan any event with ease

For more information, visit www.dupageexpo.com.

Convention Centers

Beyond the Box

By KATIE MORELL

The steady tide of convention center expansions is continuing in full force, with cities across the nation looking to attract more events.

With competition mounting for convention business, many of these enhanced facilities are being designed to fulfill the requirements for service and technology that planners now expect.

On Jan. 20, a massive expansion was unveiled at the Indianapolis Convention Center, doubling the size of the previous space.

Read more about Convention Centers ...

Saint Charles Convention Center
	The Saint Charles Convention Center in historic St. Charles, Missouri offers a central location just west of Saint Louis and a 10 minute drive from Lambert-St. Louis Airport. The 154,000 square foot Convention Center offers flexible meeting and pre-function space in two exhibit halls, a grand ballroom, a junior ballroom and six additional meeting rooms. The flexibility allows for as many as 18 breakout rooms. The facility is attached to a John Q. Hammons Embassy Suites Hotel with 296 two-room suites.
For more information, click here.

Michigan

Spring Fever

By CAROLYN BLACKBURN

Any time of year is a great time to meet in Michigan, but the warm-weather season offers some notable outdoor advantages for groups convening in this standby Midwest meetings player.

"The best thing about 'Pure Michigan' is that this outdoor splendor is available on both peninsulas within a short drive from even our biggest cities, allowing groups the opportunity to get in a full day's work before walking a beautiful beach, hiking a forested trail or getting in a quick nine holes at an award-winning golf course," says Dave Lorenz, spokesperson at Travel Michigan.

Read more Michigan »

Short Takes

Programs & Packages

Abbey Resort in Fontana, Wis., has an exclusive partnership with Lake Geneva Cruise Line for floating meetings. Groups can board one of the three vessels from the Lake Geneva Cruise Line and choose the route and location they prefer as they tour around the lake while meeting. The "Meet On the Lake Package" is a three-and-a-half-hour option with the choice of a breakfast meeting on the boat, a morning meeting ending with lunch or an afternoon meeting beginning with lunch. The package is available throughout April and May. For more information, call 800.709.1323.

Read more Short Takes

Meetings Focus MidAmerica March/April Digital Edition
	Content that is specific to the digital edition of Meetings Focus MidAmerica includes "Hot Topic: Showdown for Showtime," which explores the escalating competition for conventions and trade shows.
Click here to view our digital edition.


Biz Travel Rebound Higher Than Expected - 04/14/2011 Indianapolis CVB Names New CEO - 03/31/2011 Detroit Plans Major Cobo Center Revamp - 03/17/2011 ASAE Launches Power Week - 03/10/2011 Chicago CTB Announces Key Appointments - 03/03/2011 Carlson Hotels Launches Loyalty Program - 2/24/2011 Crowne Plaza Closes in Cedar Rapids - 2/17/2011 Hotel Transactions Booming - 2/03/2011