[Chrissy Scivicque]

This question was asked by one of our focus group members:



Does anyone have a great destination for a convention that offers a variety of activities (other then Vegas!)? What activities are available on a regular basis?

[Kristian Traylor]

Depends on the type of convention...I have attended conventions that were more sort of a "reward" and activities were expected and encouraged...typically for sales folks. For these types of conventions, I would recommend Vegas, New Orleans. Atlanta and Chicago are also top convention destinations.
I found a very good article on this subject as well...check out this link. Business and Convention Travelers' Habits Tracked / Top 25 Cities for Convention / Conference/Seminar Travelers / February 2005

[OA Staff Member]

The following answer was submitted by Ilona:

New York makes a great desitnation for a convention, since virtually all airlines travel there, there are usually good airfares and everythign is ‘walkable’. The only challenge is hotel pricing and I have found that the unions in NYC require that they build everything, from putting up simple booths for exhibors to rolling out the carpet (usually things that can be done oneself, an exhibitor has to pay for). Always lots to do in NYC.

Orlando also makes a good destination for conventions - Disney, need I say more?

[Stuart Wingate]

The best "convention" or "Sales Rewards Program" I ever went on was a week long cruise. We had some meetings, but the cruise ship took us to several locations and you couldn't beat the free food and liquor.

The biggest problem with New York is the expense and all getting large crowds from one place to the next.

I like Vegas, Orlando, Atlanta and Dallas personally.

[dianarowe]

Why not Denver? I live in Denver, temperatures are mild year-round(contrary to popular belief, our winters temps are often 50-ish), 300+ sunny days a year, 4th busiest airport, and plenty to do including 8 professional sports teams. In August Denver is hosting what promises to be a historic event -- Democratic National Convention.

Check out this link: Meeting Planner
The Colorado Convention Center can host any size meeting, and is one of the most practical and "user friendly" meeting facilities ever built. Meeting planners worked with the architects to design the building.

Downtown hotels -- Downtown Denver is a safe and walkable, so hotels are available at various price points with 40,000 Metro Hotels.

Plus pre- and post-meeting options are endless.

Need I say more? Oh -- and I live in Denver!
Have a great weekend!
Diana

[dgallagher]

there are several facotors involved that will determine what is the best convention city for your group:

-air lift in to the city
-room rates for your group
-size of your group
-average age of your group
-what time of year is the convention
-what the city has to offer outside of meeting times

Having said all that here are just some ideas:
-San Francisco; San Diego; Seattle; Austin; San Antonio; New Orleans; Orlando; Miami; Chicago; Phoenix/Scottsdale

[annemarieh]

San Francisco!! What an amazing city. It doesn't get too hot, but it can be cold sometimes. Here is a list of great options:

- There are multiple convention centers like the Moscone Center
- Walkability around the City (only 7 square miles)
- Easy access to many hotels (mainly downtown)that also have meeting rooms and event space
- Amazing restaurants
- Sight-seeing, including Bay tours, cable cars, Golden Gate Bridge, etc.
- San Francisco International airport is 20 minutes away from downtown
- the BART (railway) system runs through the City and outlining cities, including Oakland and Berkeley.

I live in San Francisco as well as doing a ton of event planning with work. Also a wonderful option is Napa Valley, which is only an hour north of here. There are wonderful wineries, which you can take bus trips to, or the wine train.