Smart Meetings | Capitol Tag Feed

Destination | Sacramento, California (Going for the Gold)

2008-02-07T10:55:38Z

From its iconic Sacramento River Bridge to Old Sacramento, there’s much to explore. A 28-acre riverfront area comprised of historic buildings, wooden sidewalks and nostalgic Pony Express monuments, Old Sacramento National Historic Landmark (parks.ca.gov) is a tribute to citizens’ strong preservation efforts.The centerpiece of interest to meeting planners is the 384,000-square-foot Sacramento Convention Center Complex, located in the middle of downtown Sacramento. With three state-of-the-art facilities, the convention center has 134,000 square feet of exhibit space, 31 meeting rooms and arena seating for 6,500. Its elegant 24,000-square-foot ballroom is enhanced by the complex’s award-winning catering. Adjacent to the complex is the 2,452-seat Sacramento Community Center Theater. And on the complex’s other side is the recently renovated 4,000-seat Memorial Auditorium. (sacramenities.com/convctr/facilities)

Sacramento is also the site of the California State Fair, which takes place at 350-acre CalExpo. CalExpo has 18 versatile indoor and outdoor venues: Buildings A and B, for example, measure 35,000 square feet each and are perfect for trade and consumer shows. While the Expo Center’s eight buildings surround a lagoon and an outdoor brick plaza. (calexpo.com)

ARCO Arena (arcoarena.com ), where the Sacramento Kings play basketball, is a $40-million, 442,000-square-foot space that can seat more than 17,000 spectators. More than two million fans attended over 200 events here last year. The arena is available for trade shows and business meetings.

In Sacramento alone, there are more than 10,000 hotel rooms, 1,500 of them downtown. More are being added this year. A Marriott Residence Inn is currently under construction at 15th & L streets, a block from the Sacramento Convention Center. Additionally, a 74-room Fairfield Inn is scheduled to open this month, while the 118-room Townplace Suites is slated for early August.

The two major hotels serving the convention center are the Hyatt Regency Sacramento and the Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel.

The 350-room Hyatt Regency, located directly across from the convention center, is reportedly where Arnold stays when he’s in town. That alone should say something about its lavishness and conduciveness to getting business done. The Hyatt’s twelve meeting rooms include the 15,544-square-foot Regency Ballroom, which, theater-style, can seat as many as 1,700 people. Additionally, the ballroom can be sub-sectioned into six spaces able to accommodate meetings as small as seven people. Most of the hotel’s meeting spaces have views spanning from the Capitol building all the way to the distant San Joaquin Valley. The richly decorated eleventh-floor business suites offer generous work areas and complimentary newspapers along with continental breakfast. (sacramento.hyatt.com)

The Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel, with 500 guest rooms, is steps away from both the Sacramento Convention Center and the State Capitol Complex. Located in the Public Market Building, designed by architect Julia Morgan of Hearst Castle fame, the Grand's public rooms have been restored to its original 1923 Beaux Arts style. The guest rooms are located in the connected new tower next door.

It offers 28,000 square feet of meeting space in the form of 18 meeting rooms and the 10,280-square-foot Grand Nave Ballroom. The hotel’s Wi-Fi-equipped, Morgan’s Central Valley Bistro offers refined California cuisine and stunning atrium views. (sheraton.com/sacramento)

Another area hotel noted for great views is the AAA Four Diamond-rated Embassy Suites Hotel Sacramento-Riverfront Promenade, situated directly across from historic Old Town Sacramento.

Two boardrooms and two ballrooms give the hotel the capacity to host gatherings of up to 350 guests. Its largest, the Old Sacramento Ballroom, is 3,728 square feet. The hotel’s Marketplace Café has an exhibition kitchen. (embassysuites.com)

Just five minutes from the State Capitol, The Raddisson Hotel Sacramento offers a diverting tropical flavor in its landscaping and sheltered lagoon. The property has 309 rooms and suites as well as a conference center. (radisson.com/sacramentoca)

A similarly well located, business-oriented hotel is the 364-room Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza (holidayinnsacramento.com). It’s within four blocks of the Capitol, Old Sacramento, the renowned Crocker Art Museum (crockerartmuseum.org) and the federal courthouse. In addition, the Sacramento Convention Center is only a mile away.

Last September, the Holiday Inn invested $6 million to renovate, a sum which included a facelift for its 13,388 square feet of meeting space. Five group-oriented rooms on the 16th floor provide panoramic views of Sacramento. Its Grand Ballroom is 8,700 square feet and has a capacity of 1,000 people.

Beyond in-town Sacramento, the Marriott Sacramento Rancho Cordova is an AAA Four Diamond location that was just treated to a multimillion-dollar renovation. With 11 floors and 246 guest rooms, this Marriott also houses 14,000 square feet of meeting space in 13 rooms. Its California Ballroom offers 4,050 square feet of meeting space. (marriott.com)

When looking for a unique venue in Sacramento, Old Sacramento, the aforementioned heritage district along the Sacramento riverfront, is a pleasure to stroll. Groups can come here together and wander into the many western-themed stores and restaurants that make this old-time area unique. Old Sacramento is also home to one of the world's premier railroad attractions, the California State Railroad Museum (CSRM; californiastaterailroadmuseum).

At CSRM, guided tours and interpretive film screenings are offered daily. Among the ten venues within the 225,000-square-foot total is the CSRM Roundhouse which can host up to 550 people. There guests will be surrounded by CSRM’s astonishing collection of restored locomotives and cars. Costumed docents are available to enhance guests’ experiences. For an outdoor location at CSRM, opt for the 1849 Scene, where several thousand people can gather on a sloped grassy area surrounded by historic buildings.

Undoubtedly, first-time visitors to Sacramento will want to see the State Capitol, which is actually a working museum. Though it serves as the seat of California’s legislative branch and offices the state’s governor, there are guided tours, informative films, recreated historic rooms and exhibits to experience from Memorial Day through Labor Day, or upon request. (capitolmuseum.ca.gov)

Destination | Sacramento, California (Heart of Gold)

2008-12-01T16:58:05Z

For many reasons—cultural influence, politics, Hollywood, economic impact and global popularity—California is one of the most dynamic and powerful places in the world, and Sacramento has always been at the middle of it.

Set at the confluence of the Sacramento and American rivers, and a hundred miles from San Francisco Bay, Sacramento was the catalyst for California’s first few moments of fame, when it siphoned hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs to the area from across the globe during the California Gold Rush of the mid-1800s. By the time the gold began to thin out, Sacramento had risen to become the state capital, and would evolve to turn into both a gateway to the Sierra mountain range as well as the epicenter and center stage for many decades of historic California politics.

Today, however, meeting professionals can discover a city that not only embraces its former Gold Rush glory and current political import, but also offers a diverse range of meeting space options and a wealth of truly unique attractions.

“There is this great entrepreneurial spirit that Californians enjoy,” says Steve Hammond, president and CEO of the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Sacramento is at the heart of that.”

Just to the east, the city gives way to gorgeous rolling countryside at the foothills of the Sierra, where the former gold-mining outposts have transformed into charming and well-preserved towns, perfect for smaller, intimate meetings or executive retreats. “Visiting the Gold Country is like taking a step back in time,” Hammond says. “The Old West lives on in these now-tame Wild West towns where you’ll find gold mines, nature trails, antiques stores, historic buildings and more.”

Despite its political importance, Sacramento is only California’s seventh most populous city and has the unique advantage of having a major city’s amenities and quality of service but without the accompanying parking and traffic problems. It is also more affordable than cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles or San Diego. Plus, look out any balcony or window and you will see a city almost hidden by trees, which tower majestically over every street.

Add all of these attributes to the fact that you are rubbing shoulders with the rule-makers of California and surrounded in rich history—and you having a winning combination. “We have enjoyed great success because it is the state capital, it has all the amenities for a meeting planner and California associations just love it, for lobbying reasons,” Hammond says. “And it’s the after-hours experience, the whole Gold Rush history. There is really no other region in the country that can duplicate it.”

Downtown Sacramento
The layout of downtown Sacramento is particularly user-friendly. The main points of interest—historic Old Sacramento and the Capitol—are within walking distance of the convention center, the major hotels and some of the best restaurants in the city. This accessibility is one of the attributes that has sold Sacramento in the past, but the downtown has recently begun to see a rapid rate of change that is making it even more appealing. “Sacramento is very different than just four years ago,” Hammond says. “The most significant thing is the growth and development of the downtown, the new hotel properties going in and more than a dozen new restaurants.”

While this part of Sacramento has always been a hotspot for political celebrities, the election of Hollywood superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger to governor undoubtedly amplified the level of anticipation and excitement for attendees. Just as in Los Angeles or New York, the regular appearance of the bodyguard-bordered governor at certain restaurants has immediately elevated their popularity. There is also no governor’s mansion (in use) in Sacramento, so Arnold and his entourage are regularly seen at one of the hotels close to the Capitol.

Even more alluring than a well-muscled governor, however, is beautifully preserved Old Sacramento, a 28-acre national historic landmark along the Sacramento River. As the first permanent settlement in the area back in 1839, it became the center of commerce during the Gold Rush, replete with all the necessary saloons and houses of ill-repute needed to help lighten the gold-laden pockets of the new entrepreneurs. Today, however, the city has transformed these buildings into a number of classy restaurants and specialty shops, while still retaining the old wooden walkways and classic western storefronts, ideal for post-meeting dining or exploring.

Another facet of Sacramento filled with history is the State Capitol, which is open to the public daily. Not only can you check out museum-like rooms that were the offices of notable former politicians, but you can also watch current legislators hard at work. Guided group tours are also available.

Meeting Venues
Perfectly situated in the heart of downtown, the Sacramento Convention Center is as convenient as it is well-designed. With 384,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, including a 24,000-square-foot ballroom and 134,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, the convention center is set up to handle just about any type of event or meeting. For large presentations, the historic 3,800-seat Memorial Auditorium across the street provides an ornate, classical contrast to the convention center’s modern design.

“The convention center and the facilities were excellent,” says Armando Apodaca, CAE, chief operating officer of the International Right of Way Association. Apodaca brought 2,500 attendees in June, and says it was one of the most successful conferences they have ever had, both in terms of attendee satisfaction as well as financially. “Room rates and food & beverage are much lower than in places like San Francisco or New York,” he says. “And attendees loved the weather and taking tours, such as going to the gold mines.”

Outside the main entry of the convention center, the start of a pedestrian walkway stretches through several blocks of restaurants and shopping before emptying out into Old Sacramento. Just across the street from the center is the 33-acre Capitol Park, which showcases its pristine-white namesake building.

As far as accommodations downtown go, the major hotels supporting the convention center are the Hyatt Regency Sacramento and the Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel, both less than a block away.

The Hyatt features 503 guest rooms and 28,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. In addition to Amourath 1819, its popular atrium lobby bar with an adjoining outdoor poolside patio, the hotel’s upscale traditional steakhouse, Dawson’s, has been known to draw in its share of notable politicians. The rooftop Capitol View room, with spectacular views of the city, is a perfect venue for a midsize meeting, dinner or cocktail reception.

The Sheraton, also with 503 guest rooms, offers 23,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and features a beautiful lobby housed in the restored Historic Public Market Building, an open-air public market built in 1923. With natural light streaming down through the glass roof, original exposed architecture and plenty of tables and couches, the area is a popular public social area as well as a fantastic foyer for much of the meeting space.

Situated right on the river and directly adjacent to Old Sacramento, Embassy Suites Sacramento offers 242 two-room suites and 8,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, in addition to its popular standard complimentary breakfast.

Two brand-new hotels going in will soon add to the diversity of Sacramento hotel options, something that city officials are particularly excited about. Joie de Vivre Hotels, which has almost all of its boutique hotels in the Bay Area, has spread its wings east to downtown Sacramento, moving into the beautiful historic former Cal Western Life building. Slated to open fall of 2008, The Citizen, with 197 guest rooms and 11,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, will offer some of the best views in the city, particularly from its spectacular 3,000-square-foot outdoor terrace overlooking the capitol and also from the private balconies of its top-floor suites. The original historic marble will be preserved in the lobby, and a 120-seat restaurant and bar with a private dining room will complete the scene.

One of Sacramento’s few riverfront hotels, the new 101-room Le Rivage will offer its own marina for private boat-access and beautiful French and Italian Riviera décor. With 5,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, the hotel, slated to open this month, will provide a perfect alternative for smaller, upscale meetings.

Unique Venues and Activities
Anyone who kept even the most basic train sets as a kid will be absolutely blown away by the California State Railroad Museum. Widely considered North America’s best railroad museum, the 100,000-square-foot main exhibition facility holds more than a dozen authentic engines and passenger cars representing the evolution of trains in North America. Simply standing aside the meticulously maintained behemoths is an amazing experience, let alone boarding the several cars that allow you to inspect the way train travel was “conducted” in previous generations. A favorite is the Canadian National Railways Sleeping Car No. 1683, the St. Hyacinthe, built in 1923. Groups can board and walk through the sleeping car as a simulation system rocks the car around and flashes lights to provide as authentic an experience as possible. Located right in Old Sacramento, the museum can be rented out for a truly memorable event for groups of up to several hundred.

For a different experience of Sacramento, consider renting a river charter for your group. A variety of boats are available through several companies—take a group of several hundred down the river on a large riverboat with meeting space and a full bar, or charter a small yacht for a more-intimate outing. A full range of options are available, from one-hour narrated tours to full evening dinner cruises. Woody’s River City Queen can accommodate groups of up to 80 passengers.

Greater Sacramento
Outside of downtown Sacramento, a number of solid meeting options exist for groups not needing immediate access to the convention center. Cal Expo provides planners with numerous meeting options, with more than 350 acres of indoor and outdoor versatility. This includes ARCO Arena, home of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings basketball team, which can seat more than 17,000, and Raley Field (home of AAA baseball’s Rivercats), seating 15,000. Only about 15 minutes from downtown, Cal Expo is close to 2,500 hotel rooms in the West Point area.

Another remarkable meeting option is the Lions Gate Hotel and Conference Center, located in sprawling McClellen Park, the new incarnation of McClellen Air Force Base. As the former officer’s club and residences, the Lion’s Gate has a relaxing, residential atmosphere, with more than 18 banquet and meeting rooms spread throughout the grounds. It also offers the unique advantage of its own air field, so high-level executives can be flown right in on private jets for exclusive and convenient VIP service.

Unique Venues
Just as the California State Railroad Museum in downtown Sacramento will make a train buff giddy, McClellen Park’s Aerospace Museum of California is enough to cause any pilot to act like a 10-year-old at Disneyland.

The 37,000-square-foot hangar is filled with several original planes from all facets of military and private plane history. Just outside the retractable hangar doors, the giant yard looks like a cocktail party for planes, with meticulously restored fighter jets, bombers, reconnaissance planes and helicopters from every war, and even from former enemies, such as the Cold War-era Russian MiG. Add the fact that you can even climb into some of the cockpits and cargo holds, and it is just about one of the most interesting settings imaginable for your next cocktail reception or event.

Gold Country
Exiting from the flatland suburbs of Sacramento, you emerge into the golden, rounded foothills of the Sierra. Although the town of Sacramento was the center of trade for the Gold Rush, the actual nuggets themselves were found farther up in these hills. Small towns grew up around the hotspots, many of which have been preserved and exist today as some of the most beautiful and quaint small towns in America.

Spread out between Sacramento to the west and such outdoor recreation bastions as Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park to the east, these small historic towns are both ideal jumping-off points and wonderfully peaceful destinations. Today they’re also part of a booming wine region, with tasting rooms and restaurants popping up every month. With relatively small hotels and B&Bs, Gold Country is best suited for small meetings and executive retreats; they’re easy day trips from Sacramento.

During the summer, outdoor meeting possibilities are endless. Head to Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma to see where James Marshall discovered gold in 1848, a perfect spot for scenic group picnics. The Sutter Gold Mine in Amador County will take groups underground into a gold mine, where they can learn about historic mining techniques and even pan for their own gold at the surface.

The city of Folsom is a perfect base for activities in Gold Country, located conveniently between Sacramento and the foothills of the Sierra. Home to the infamous Folsom Prison (and popularized by crooner Johnny Cash), the city also has more hospitable accommodations, offering five hotels with meeting space. The area’s wealth of activities include nearby wine tours, historic Folsom Sutter Street and Folsom Lake for kayaking, water skiing and sailing.

Aside from the calmer pursuits of tasting wine and panning for gold on its shores, the American River offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the country. Whitewater Connection, based in Coloma, offers a number of guided trips and a base camp with hot showers, restrooms and catering options. With three forks of the American River to choose from, and a wide assortment of guiding operations, many different options for group trips are available.