Smart Meetings

The most-populated metropolis in America’s largest geographic state is a mid-sized city set between a glistening bay and massive snow-capped mountains, where downtown wildlife viewing ranges from whales to foxes to meandering moose. Local cuisine can run the gamut from raw kangaroo to reindeer meat, and the heritage is a mix of Gold Rush glory and strong Native American influences.

The city of just under 300,000 residents is set in the Cook Inlet in southern Alaska, on a point of land that has served as everything from a booming railroad town to a fur-trading hotspot. And while many visitors from the “lower 48” will likely see the burg as a wild and rustic locale, Alaskans residing elsewhere in the state have dubbed it “Los Anchorage” for its big-city flavor.

While the destination’s “wild” side is as alive as ever, there is an urban hustle and bustle to today’s Anchorage, with things heating up in more ways than one. “Our entire downtown core area is undergoing an ‘extreme makeover’ this summer,” says Julie Saupe, president and CEO of the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The entire Convention Center District will be connected with heated sidewalks and covered walkways, making access within the whole district easy and comfortable all year round.”

The upgrade coincides with the development of the new Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center, slated for a fall opening, which will increase the city’s civic and convention presence by more than 300 percent—and give planners yet one more reason to consider an Alaskan event.

Despite its exotic setting and its perceived remoteness by most of the nation, Anchorage is surprisingly accessible. The average flight from Seattle, for example, is under three-and-a-half hours, not bad at all for a place that seems a world away from mainstream America.

“It was probably the easiest conference I’ve ever planned,” says Leonore Jordan, CMP, who coordinated an annual conference for the American Society of Civil Engineers in Anchorage. Jordan—now with the Academy of Certified Hazardous Materials Managers—chose Anchorage for the May event of approximately 900 attendees in great part because she thought the rugged landscape would be attractive to civil engineers.

The conference was held at the Egan Center, with lodging headquartered at the Anchorage Hilton and attendees coming from all over the globe. “Every continent except Antarctica was represented,” Jordan says. “And everyone loved it once they got there. A lot of attendees built their vacations around the event.”

A Howard Johnson’s handled much of the overflow for the group, with the varied lodging options also boosting attendance. “The different price-points definitely helped capture more attendees,” Jordan notes.

One highlight of the Thursday-to-Sunday conference was a keynote speech by four-time Iditarod champion Martin Buser, who even brought puppies and a sled to show off while speaking about global climate change. “Everyone also enjoyed the city’s intimate downtown, which they explored during their free time,” she adds. “They felt like it was their own private campus by the time the event was over.”

MAJOR MEETING VENUES AND HOTELS
The new Dena’ina Convention Center is a state-of-the-art facility providing more than 215,000 sq. ft. of diverse space, including a ballroom of more than 25,000 sq. ft. Ample views of the towering Chugach Mountains bring Alaska’s amazing outdoors inside.

The Egan Center, while more intimate at 45,000 sq. ft., is impressive in its own right, a modern and attractive facility with plenty of flexibility—including the 19,000-square-foot Explorers Hall that can be split into three smaller function spaces. The Alaska Center for the Performing Arts has three theater areas and additional function space as well, and is connected to the Egan by a skywalk and by covered walkway to the Dena’ina Center.

Nearby, high-quality properties with substantial meeting space are easily found, including the Hilton Anchorage and its 600 guest rooms and 21,355 sq. ft. of event areas. Hotel Captain Cook is a luxurious property with 14 meeting rooms and three dining options. And the Sheraton Anchorage showcases more than 23,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, 370 guest rooms and club levels with additional amenities and access to an exclusive lounge.

ACTIVITIES
Exploring Anchorage’s astounding countryside is a must for groups, and the possibilities are incredible regardless of the season. Summer and fall fun can include an invigorating group bike tour to scenic Eklutna Lake, visiting half-million-acre Chugach State Park or taking a “flightseeing” tour aboard a sea plane to view bears and fantastic scenery in the wild, or to visit a remote lodge.

Stopping by a fish hatchery and fishing from a stocked lake are quintessentially Alaskan activities as well, and the Alaska Department of Fish & Game is a good resource to find dozens of such sites in Anchorage. And when winter arrives, several skiing options are nearby—including Hilltop Ski Area, with downhill, cross-country and snowboarding among the choices. Winter is also a fine time to take in the Northern Lights—aka Aurora Borealis—a spectacular display of colorful particles colliding in the night sky, easily seen by the naked eye.

UNIQUE VENUES
Alaska Native Heritage Center is an intriguing place to arrange a small meeting, large event or just enjoy a group activity that firmly embraces the region’s strong Native American roots. The spacious Hall of Cultures displays a wealth of artwork and artifacts, and groups can also watch dance performances or partake in an art workshop.

The Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum displays a large and impressive collection of aircraft that includes a 1960 military helicopter used in Vietnam and a 1928 Stearman biplane. Groups of up to 150 can gather for events in the museum’s three hangars.

GROUP DINING
The Glacier BrewHouse is a casual establishment with a touch of class as well; an inventive menu ranges from the expected (grilled salmon) to the colorful (jambalaya fettuccine). Groups of up to 14 can dine in the Conference Room, while the Banquet Room seats up to 32. Both private rooms have flip charts and A/V equipment for use.

ORSO serves classic northern Italian with a touch of regional flavors, and has some nice private areas that can host up to 54. Club Paris is a local standby dating back to the late ’50s that blends French fare, succulent seafood and cocktail kitsch into a great stop for small- to medium-sized groups.

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Getting There

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (dot.alaska.gov/anc) is served by a number of major airlines, including Alaska Airlines, Northwest, United and US Airways. Back to Top