Meetings Focus: What was the driving force behind the entire Prairiefire project, and how long has it been in development?
Liron BenDor and Candy Merrill: The driving force behind the project was building a legacy community for our city and region that matched the market’s focus on education and culture. We wanted to create a place where multigenerational groups could gather and enjoy. We have been working on the project for more than six years.
MF: Which components will be the most group-friendly?
LB & CM: Prairiefire was developed with the idea of “gatherings” in mind. Each component exists to complement the others. The Museum, Cinetopia and Pinstripes all are designed for group activities, ranging from 20 to 10,000 people. Individual restaurants and retailers will also be able to cater to groups of different sizes. For example, Rock & Brews is a fun, casual beer garden that can be set up for many types of gatherings, including meetings, a relaxed meal or a social mixer. REI will host hikes, lectures and outdoor education programs for groups.
MF: How do you predict groups will be able to experience the area? Will it bring in new groups? How will it shape a visit to Overland Park?
LB & CM: Prairiefire will create one-of-a-kind experiences that will be a draw for groups from around the country. The American Museum of Natural History exhibitions are exclusive to Overland Park within a 300-mile radius.They will be complemented by other experiences, such as the Wetlands Interpretive Trail, the Museum of Prairiefire Experience and many annual events such as Rocktoberfest, hosted by Gene Simmons and Rock & Brews.
MF: How did the collaboration with the Museum of Natural History come about?
LB & CM: From the beginning, we sought to develop Prairiefire as an entertainment and cultural destination, and hired a consulting group to help develop that component and make connections, which led to the relationship with the American Museum of Natural History.
Overland Park, Kan., is home to 36 hotels and 5,200 guest rooms, plus a variety of meeting and spaces. The Overland Park Convention Center offers 237,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and is attached to the 412-room Sheraton Overland Park Hotel.
For more information, visit www.visitprairiefire.com.