Programs & Packages
- Confident in the amazing Southern California weather, the city of Huntington Beach is offering groups a Sunshine Guarantee in 2012. Planners who contract a qualified group RFP by June 30 and hold the meeting on or before Dec. 30 of this year will receive a $1,000 credit towards the final master bill if there is substantial rain on consecutive peak days of the program. For more information, visit www.meetinhb.com.
- With 616 rooms and 45,000 square feet of meeting space, Denver Marriott Tech Center is offering meeting packages ideal for large groups. Groups booking on certain dates and arriving before Dec. 30, 2013 can choose from a list of perks that includes complimentary Wi-Fi, concierge upgrades, audiovisual equiptment and discounts on valet parking and food and beverage. The more rooms booked, the more perks awarded. For more information, call 303.779.1100 or visit www.marriott.com/specials.
- Recently adding corporate offices in San Francisco, Rock the Stars is a creative team-building activity that allows groups to experience the thrill of playing in a rock band. Available for groups of up to 1,000, the musical programs are flexible and can feature costumes, props and friendly competition. Rock the Stars is in its 10th year of business and has organized programs for a long list of clients in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, call 408.368.1058 or visit www.rockthestars.com.
Destination Dispatch
- Colorado Springs expanded its group entertainment options. Colorado Mountain Brewery now offers brewery tours, including group beer education and beer pairing seminars. The brewery’s mountain grill restaurant features local Colorado cuisine and handcrafted beers and rootbeers. In addition to the new tours, the weekly “Brewer’s Whimsy” program releases limited quantities of a new, seasonal flavor every Tuesday with a brewmaster on hand to discuss the batch. For more information, call 719.434.5750 or visit www.cmbrew.com or www.visitcos.com.
- The new Wind Walker Challenge Course in Manitou Springs, Colo. is located 600 feet above Williams Canyon, near the foot of Pikes Peak. Groups of varying ages and skill levels can navigate the three-story obstacle course, which combines mazes, ropes and jungle gym elements. Team-building packages are available and tickets can be purchased in conjunction with Cave of the Winds tours. For more information, visit www.caveofthewinds.com or www.visitcos.com.
- The year-long Arizona Centennial Commemoration celebrates 100 years of statehood with a series of historical and cultural events and activities. Beginning in mid-June, groups arriving by air will notice that the third level of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is transformed to showcase the beauty of the Grand Canyon, with works by artist Bruce Aiken, who lived in the bottom of the canyon for more than 30 years. The exhibit will run until January 2013. For more information, visit www.az100years.com.
Tech Update
- Following its $50 million property renovation, La Costa Resort & Spa launched a new website and mobile app for meeting guests that will help them find their way around its 110,000 square feet of meeting space and 400-acre campus. A new golf course app will allow guests to book tee times and includes flyover views of La Costa’s two championship courses. iPads are stationed throughout the property for guest use. For more information, visit www.lacosta.com.
- Tahoe South launched its new website and a “wild side” publicity campaign that will be integrated with mobile platforms and social media. The adventure travel destination includes the cities of South Lake Tahoe, Calif., and Stateline, Nev., which offer outdoor activities including skiing, golf, hiking and water sports, as well as gaming and meeting venues. For more information, visit www.tahoesouth.com.