Expect the Unexpected
Meeting at the gateway to the west
By Refugio Garcia
Omaha is many things many people may not expect. Named for the indigenous Omaha people and known as the “Gateway to The West,” Omaha has been home to Native peoples, pioneers, railroad workers and other laborers, lending a diverse aspect to the city that continues to evolve.
The town motto, “those going against the wind or current,” the city on the Missouri River continues to live up to its name. This energy has taken shape in recent years in the form of growth seen at the Omaha riverfront and downtown area in the form of a $2 billion development, which includes the $22-million Bob Kerrey Bridge pedestrian bridge across the Missouri River.
Local Expert Tip
“More than $8 billion in new development is reshaping Omaha and the convention attendee experience. That, coupled with our convention center’s 346,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 18,300-seat attached arena, making it an especially exciting time to meet in Omaha. Omaha’s tourism community offers unparalleled hospitality knowledge and a vast experience in hosting events.”
— Cathy Keller, vice president of sales and services, Visit Omaha
5 Fantastic Places to Meet
CHI Health Center Omaha is Omaha’s premier meeting venue and is Warren Buffett’s go-to space for the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting.
Total of 346,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 18,300-seat arena; AV support provided by Inspire; 194,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibition space.
1316 Jones has been a staple for meetings and events since 1889 and features an aesthetic nestled in the heart of downtown Omaha.
Maximum capacity of 300; AV equipment available; Onsite Lounge and bar; Wireless internet included.
1415-The Meeting Space is exactly that. Downtown Omaha’s dedicated conference center provides planners with a broad set of options for customizing events and event spaces.
Maximum capacity of 55; 2 conference rooms at 317, 208 sq. ft.; a 1,235-square-foot dedicated training room; Open Space room with flexible configurations.
A View venues offer wide-open space options for planners seeking to create a completely custom event with three separate venues including A View on State, A View West Shores and A View in Fontenelle Hills.
A View on State: maximum capacity of 800; A View West Shores: maximum capacity of 1,000; A View in Fontenelle Hills: maximum capacity of 200; Catering by Hy-Vee 156th and Maple.
Bella Terre Vineyard & Reception Hall offers ample meeting space against a gorgeous backdrop and is prefect for receptions, special dinners or corporate events and is located just 15 minutes outside of Omaha.
Maximum capacity of 400; indoor/outdoor options; tables and chairs provided; complete set-up and takedown services.
5 Reasons Meeting Profs Love Omaha
You’ll be surprised by what you learn. Omaha has been the site of incredible historical events and continues to be the stage for incredible activities. It might be hard to fathom that during WWII, a Japanese balloon bomb exploded over Omaha’s Dundee neighborhood. The incident was commemorated with a plaque that’s now flanked by amazing restaurants and bars.
The Reuben sandwich was born in Omaha. The early 1900s creation is a testament to the city’s ongoing tradition of culinary excellence. And don’t forget about the steak that Omaha’s famous for. If you have foodies in your group, you’re in luck. Open Table ranked 360 Steakhouse in the top 100 most scenic restaurants in the U.S. and it features a private dining room perfect for groups.
There are over 15,000 hotel rooms. The Omaha metro area offers a slew of lodging options including the 600-room Hilton Omaha with 38,537 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and a total of 24 meeting rooms. With a wide range of accommodations, planners have the freedom to choose the best option for various budgets and group sizes.
Custom cocktails, craft beers, wine tasting and live music. Omaha has everything a planner needs to provide an entertaining experience. Upstream Brewing Company provides planners with four options for party rooms with accommodations for up to 114 people and includes full-service catering and team-building activities such as billiards.
Art galleries and installations. Omaha has numerous venues for planners to choose from and even includes hands-on activities offered at Hot Shops Art Center in the downtown area. Planners can choose from activities such as glassblowing, sewing, drawing, painting and jewelry making to name a few.
This article appears in the digital-only May 2023 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
