What does your job entail?
I wear several hats in this position, including but not exclusive to meeting planner (planning five educational seminars a year), office manager, budget officer and desktop publisher.
Describe the meeting you held in McAllen?
The meeting we most recently held in McAllen was an educational seminar designed for the Texas Municipal Clerks Certification Program. The meeting was held at the McAllen Convention Center.
Was anyone particularly helpful in executing your event?
Trisha Watts at the McAllen CVB was extremely helpful in helping with all of the logistics of the meeting, including space rental, housing and transportation.
What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most about McAllen?
Our attendees had lots of positive comments about the beautiful McAllen Convention Center, shopping, entertainment venues, and the beauty and “tropical feel” of McAllen itself. They especially enjoyed an evening reception held at Quinta Mazatlan.
Did you use a unique off-site venue for a gathering?
Quinta Mazatlan is a 10,000-square-foot historic adobe hacienda surrounded by lush tropical landscaping. It is also a world birding center where trails wind through more than 15 acres of birding habitat. The hacienda is a unique venue for a reception.
The McAllen Greeters welcomed us with a special Border Buttermilk reception (Border Buttermilk is a pink lemonade margarita) and a local caterer served up a delicious South of the Border meal. Top all that off with music and dancing, and you have a very memorable evening.
Are there any experiences you would recommend for groups meeting in McAllen?
There are lots of parks and recreational opportunities, including golf, canoeing, hiking, rock-climbing, etc., as well as museums, entertainment venues and great shopping in McAllen—something for everyone!
How does McAllen compare to other cities where you have hosted meetings?
If you’re looking for Southern hospitality, you will definitely find it in McAllen, Texas. The McAllen CVB is extremely helpful and will pull out all the stops to make sure you have a successful meeting. Meeting costs are moderate compared to other large cities.
Would you return/recommend McAllen to other planners?
Definitely! I have another meeting scheduled in McAllen for April 2017.