When Go Cedar Rapids (formerly the Cedar Rapids Area CVB) invited me to tag along on a meeting planner FAM and rebrand celebration, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. We’ve all seen the rebrand announcements from CVBs that can seem like nothing more than a play for media attention.
However, this felt different. Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is in the midst of a development boom after recovering from a devastating flood in 2008, and the Go Cedar Rapids rebrand appeared to be a valid attempt to capture the positive energy of a city that is very much on the rise in terms of new offerings for groups.
So I went in seeing the FAM as a good way to check out some local venues in my hometown and an opportunity to chat with meeting and event planners face-to-face about Meetings Today. I also thought it would be fun to see how out-of-state planners (from as far as Baltimore) viewed the destination.
Here are some of the highlights from the Go Cedar Rapids FAM Tour and Destination Celebration that took place May 2-4, led by Sarah Hermanson, director of meetings and conventions with the CVB.
Exploring the City
The DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex (attached to the U.S. Cellular Center), is the largest meetings facility in town—offering 80,000-plus square feet of meeting and exhibition space—so it only made sense for Go Cedar Rapids to start the FAM trip there with a welcome dinner and reception.
The culinary team at the DoubleTree put together a special build-your-own tacos or stir-fry dinner, which would not only be a fun option for smaller groups, but also showcased the personality of the cooks, who asked trivia questions and gave away some bottles of wine for correct answers.
Afterwards, planners were given the option to check out Need Pizzeria, a hip little pizza joint within walking distance of the convention center that offers vegan-friendly options and also serves local brews. I missed out on this portion of the trip, but I can attest to the charm of the place based on personal experience.
On the second day of the Go Cedar Rapids FAM, we explored a number of iconic venues around town, including the Brucemore, a 19th century mansion that housed three notable families, the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and the Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery (in nearby Swisher).
All of the venues offer opportunities for events, from more intimate corporate gatherings inside the Brucemore to larger-scale receptions (in the 200-person range and beyond). Better yet, each facility has an interesting story to share that will leave a lasting impression on those visiting the area.
Popoli Ristorante & Sullivan’s Bar (think steaks, seafood and pasta dishes), added some extra class to the FAM trip with its fine-dining atmosphere, set in a century-old building that previously housed a bank. The restaurant is available for buyouts with a formal plated dinner option for up to 110 people.
On the third day of the FAM trip, planners were able to check out two excellent arts venues in the area—Paramount Theatre and Theatre Cedar Rapids— that also offer unique off-site event space.
Go Cedar Rapids showed off a number of area hotels in between off-site stops that included the Cedar Rapids Marriott, the Clarion Hotel & Convention Center and the Hotel at Kirkwood Center.
The 71-room Hotel at Kirkwood Center—which serves as a training site for hospitality students—clearly piqued planners’ interest with its 19,000 square feet of meeting space and special group rates.
Go Cedar Rapids Launch Party
The Go Cedar Rapids branding reveal event was held at the brand-new Black Sheep Social Club in downtown Cedar Rapids, a group-friendly restaurant and event space with 24 regional brews on tap, custom cocktails and a menu featuring traditional Midwest dishes with a modern flair.
The venue was abuzz with local and out-of-state guests by the time Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett took the stage to highlight upcoming developments in the area and introduce Go Cedar Rapids President and CEO Aaron McCreight to the crowd. When the energetic McCreight took over the mic, he revealed the new brand name and updated Go Cedar Rapids logo.
Sure, to many in attendance the new name was just that—an updated take on the local tourism bureau in town, which those outside of the industry might not dwell on to any great extent. But to the meeting planners in attendance and myself, who had just spent the day touring facilities and learning about how the city had recovered and grown in the years since the 2008 flood, it was an impactful moment.
Cedar Rapids continues to impress in the three years since I moved here, and it seemed to leave a positive impression on every one of the planners who visited. And that, of course, is the true mission of any FAM.
CONTACT INFO
Go Cedar Rapids
www.gocedarrapids.com
