Spotlighting movers and shakers on the Texas meetings scene is no small task. Fast-track Austin, with its new Formula 1 facility? What about Midland, set to dazzle when the breathtaking Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center opens in November? Waco, its dynamic convention center expansion taking shape? Fast-growing Frisco, award-winning Plano or expanding expo location Bryan College Station? By no means exclusive, here are three destinations to watch:
- Irving’s (www.irvingtexas.com) ambitions are fittingly symbolized by its iconic galloping Mustangs of Las Colinas statue. Adjacent to DFW International Airport and close to both Dallas and Fort Worth, this corporation-rich locale’s profile includes six Fortune 500 global headquarters, 11,000 guest rooms and numerous restaurants. With the dynamic Irving Convention Center now open—part of over $2 billion in ongoing meetings and hospitality product development—Irving is saddling up for the post-recessionary ride ahead.
“While the center gives us events we could not physically accommodate before,” says Maura Gast, executive director of the Irving CVB, “the returning corporate market is currently playing out there as at our hotels—faster RFP turnarounds and decisions, quicker events.”
Establishing a foothold in diverse markets will help protect against future downturns, according to Gast.
“Before, we were singularly reliant on transient and group corporate business,” she says. “By adding legs to this stool, we can balance ourselves out better in the long run.” - Resilient in the downturn and leading the South Texas market, McAllen (www.mcallencvb.com) celebrates its centennial in 2011.
“One of the fastest-growing metros in Texas, McAllen continues to receive accolades for its low cost of living and economic and retail growth,” says Eduardo Millet, vice president of business development and governmental affairs for the McAllen Chamber of Commerce.
Rated recession-resistant by the Brookings Institute for its diversified economy, which includes manufacturing, healthcare and education, McAllen attracts steady international, national and state association events.
“Attendance was down, reflecting national trends, but 2011 was a record year in convention bookings,” says Nancy Millar, vice president and director of the McAllen CVB. “We continue to leverage our strengths—customer service and weather. Our convention services department has maintained a near-perfect rating for two years running, and latitudinous with Ft. Lauderdale—but more affordable—we are an appealing winter destination.” - In another brand universe, Beaumont (www.beaumontcvb.com) could be labeled a zesty spice or seasoning. As a meetings and events destination, the main selling points of this Texas-Louisiana border city are its flavorsome ambience, ingredients and experiences.
“Groups get the most out of the time they spend here,” says Freddy Willard, director of sales for the Beaumont CVB. “They really enjoy our Texas-Cajun-Southern fusion, which spills over into everything from our music to our food. Hands-on, experiential activities are big, and our giveback programs provide groups with volunteerism opportunities while in town.”
From multivenue Ford Park, which includes the 8,500-seat Ford Arena and 48,000-square-foot Ford Exhibit Hall, to the new multipurpose downtown event complex debuting this fall, the amenity- and attraction-rich group infrastructure in Beaumont continues to mature.
