When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast a decade ago on Aug. 29, 2005, the result was catastrophic, especially in New Orleans. The Category 3 storm, which had sustained winds of up to 140 mph, caused levees to collapse, flooding 80 percent of the low-lying city. Approximately 1,800 people in the region lost their lives, several hundred thousand residents were permanently displaced, and tens of thousands of homes and businesses were completely destroyed. Financially, experts estimate that the devastation topped $100 billion.
Historically, New Orleans was no stranger to natural disasters. Over the past century the resilient city had survived five other big hurricanes. There is no doubt, however, that Hurricane Katrina crippled tourism in a city that depends on it. Statistics from the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau indicate that immediately following the disaster the number of visitors to New Orleans shrank to 3.7 million, and the city had to cancel $2 billion in business.
Aug. 29 marks the 10-year anniversary of the calamity. A decade after Katrina, New Orleans will commemorate the somber event with wreath laying ceremonies, a conference, prayer services and more. But the city that loves to party wants event planners to know that New Orleans has bounced back, and is ready and eager to host your next conference or event.
How New Orleans Bounced Back
While much of the city was devastated, the good news was that the most historic regions of New Orleans, notably Marigny and the popular French Quarter, were relatively intact after the storm. The damaged infrastructure in other parts of the city has been rebuilt and even expanded, which is reeling business and tourists back. Statistics indicate that in 2014, the number of visitors had climbed back up to 9.52 million. They spent a total of $6.81 billion, the highest visitor spending in city’s history.
As Ernie Smith reports for associationsnow.com, the city has 600 more restaurants than it did in 2005, and more than 850 new hotel rooms. New Orleans is also spending hundreds of millions of dollars to expand and refurbish both its airport and convention center. According to the CVB, Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) is actually the fastest growing airport in the U.S. Its numbers have surpassed pre-Hurricane Katrina days. It served 9,785,394 passengers in 2014, outpacing the 2004 total of 9,733,178 passengers.
The New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau could not be more pleased about the strong recovery of the region’s economy, and points out that accolades are flowing in from many sources. Earlier this year Travel + Leisure named New Orleans the second-best city to visit in the United States, the second consecutive year it has garnered the ranking of a world-class destination. Conde Nast Traveler called it the “Best U.S. City for Business Travelers,” while The New York Times deemed it one of the “52 Places to Go in 2015.”
A Decade Later
It is clear that the city is once again a destination hotspot. New Orleans a decade after Katrina has surged back to life and reclaimed its position as one of America’s most vibrant and enjoyable cities.
Explore Minnesota 
Edman has more than 25 years of senior management, sales and marketing experience in the hospitality industry. As director of Explore Minnesota, Edman is responsible for the development and implementation of tourism plans, policies and programs to promote Minnesota as a travel and tourism destination. He is the state’s chief spokesperson for tourism-related issues, and manages an agency with approximately 60 full-time staff and an annual budget of $13.9 million.
It was Belt Buckle Night at AT&T Park on Thursday, where the San Francisco Giants were taking on the Cincinnati Reds. The first 20,000 fans received belt buckles compliments of the 
We watched the game from the spacious 
One of the most stimulating sessions during the annual Destination Marketing Association of the West (DMA West) event is the Best Ideas Program. Each year the organization solicits submissions from convention and visitor bureaus from throughout the West to showcase innovative projects and creative marketing strategies by its members.
Minneapolis is a glorious city in the summertime, and while you’re in town, hitting up a Minnesota Twins game at Target Field is a must. It’s a gem of a ballpark nestled into the heart of the city. It’s a perfect demonstration of why we’re the City by Nature, with endless green space and opportunities for outdoor adventures, including right in downtown. From Target Field, you can connect to biking and walking trails that reach all corners of the city, including the spectacular Mississippi riverfront. Add to that plenty of urban energy and sophistication. Our arts scene is one of the most vibrant in the country, and our collection of hotels, restaurants and shopping make this the ideal place to get the best of nature and the city. We can host any size event you want to throw at us—including the upcoming Super Bowl LII in 2018.
A recent $279 million renovation of Cobo Center has created a world-class, state-of-the-art facility that surprises and delights meeting planners and convention attendees. Besides technology upgrades throughout, Cobo has a new 40,000-square-foot ballroom and a three-story atrium that overlooks the Detroit River and Canada. A very popular feature is the 3,600-square-foot digital board over the front facade. Detroit is thriving with new restaurants, attractions and housing, creating an exciting and vibrant city. Watch a sporting event in the nation’s No. 1 Sports City (according to 
Lansing is Michigan’s Capital City, and meeting 
The personality in Dublin, Ohio, can only be described one way: Irish is an attitude. In a city that completely embraces Irish culture, it’s impossible for meeting attendees to leave without feeling like VIPs (Very Irish People). Who wouldn’t enjoy an Irish-themed welcome reception or Irish music and dancers? The city’s location in the heart of Ohio, just 20 minutes northwest of Columbus, makes it an easily accessible site where you’ll experience Dublin’s top-notch meeting space and excellent service at 15 local hotel properties. During downtime, planners and attendees enjoy the Old World charm of Historic Dublin as they stroll through the shops and restaurants around the town square, then explore various Arts in Public Places installments throughout the city. I invite you to host a meeting in Dublin and discover your own Irish attitude.
Not only do we have first-class meeting facilities in the Chicago Southland, we have a hidden gem in Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center. It’s a great team-building facility located on 38 beautiful acres. Whether it’s overcoming your fear of heights, like I did on the high ropes course, or participating in ground activities such as crate stacking, Irons Oaks has something for everyone. I encourage everyone to experience this fantastic part of the Chicago Southland firsthand and overcome obstacles that might be holding you back.
Baseball is the heartbeat of our community, and catching a Cardinals game is just one of the many experiences visitors can enjoy in St. Louis. We’ve invested more than $5 billion dollars throughout our downtown convention quarter, making St. Louis a destination not to be overlooked. Our metropolitan area has 38,000 hotel rooms, 7,000 within a mile of America’s Center. Along with those first-class accommodations and convenient air access, we have numerous vibrant cultural and entertainment options that make our meeting package one to rival any other top-tier destination. And we’re continuing to swing for the fences. The grounds surrounding the iconic Gateway Arch are being reimagined through a $380 million project that will revolutionize downtown and the Mississippi riverfront. We invite you to come see how we can help make your next event a home run.
We take teamwork to another level at Visit KC. Known for its central location and affordability, Kansas City is making a name for itself in national publications such as 
I love… downtown living with my wife and kids on Mass Ave. Monument Circle, the heart of the city. Georgia Street. The Pacers, Colts, Indians and Fuel. The Indy 500, The Greatest Spectacle in Racing. Hosting Super Bowls and Final Fours. Selling 
When it comes to personality, Branson’s got it. Meeting planners visiting for the first time will use adjectives like charming, dynamic, energetic, friendly, imaginative, warmhearted and versatile. Attendees love our variety. Music fans take in live shows. Outdoor adventurers go fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking or biking. They bring along their families and enjoy museums or an award-winning theme park. Meeting planners love the quality, affordability and mix of our hotels and venue options. The Branson CVB is ready to make your next event a big success.
This glass of Evan Williams on the rocks sums up how we feel about bourbon in Louisville—it’s kind of a big deal. We like to drink it, cook with it, study it and, most importantly, share it with good friends. With the Southern hospitality our city exudes, that means pretty much everyone. So come on down to Louisville to experience the bourbon lifestyle: Sip a mint julep at Churchill Downs, immerse yourself in the history and craft at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, do a tasting led by a master distiller on the Urban Bourbon Trail, savor our chefs’ inspired dishes infused with our native spirit and even book a bourbon-themed hotel package. If you haven’t noticed, it’s happy hour in Louisville.
Unlock Tampa Bay and you’ll find water everywhere. It sparkles outside the immense windows of our waterfront Tampa Convention Center. It flows past the Tampa Riverwalk, which links downtown’s attractions like gems on a string. It floats e-boats, paddleboards and water bikes, inviting attendees to chart their own course for adventure. It even floats the country’s only fully functional pirate ship, the star of Tampa Bay’s yearly Gasparilla Pirate Festival. Looking to explore dry land? A streetcar will carry attendees to Ybor City, the historic home of Tampa Bay’s century-old Cuban community. There, they can sip cafe con leche, smoke hand-rolled cigars or savor authentic Spanish paella and Flamenco dancing at Florida’s oldest restaurant, Columbia. Unlock Tampa Bay and discover the trove of experiences that make us 
People say they know Greater Palm Springs. We say, “Hold Your Tongue!” Truth is, we’re a collection of nine resort cities—and there’s a surprise around every mountain. With 350 days of sunshine, world-renowned festivals and sporting events, and ways to chill from healing hot springs to electric nightlife, our beautiful oasis encourages planners to create a canvas as inspiring as our sunsets. We’ve got outside-the-box events such as the “Bike & Brew” craft beer expedition, getting revved-up at the BMW Performance Driving School West or venturing deep within the San Andreas Fault on a jeep tour. Get “unconventional” with meeting space that includes flowing greens, rows of shady palm trees and flowering bougainvillea with poolside cabana breakouts. Interested? We’ll fly you out with our siteFlight program.
Past. Present. Future. These words personify Seoul as an extraordinary capital city, and here at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (pictured), you will find all three on display. Its futuristic design and metallic fluid shape immediately catch your attention and you can certainly see why it instantly became a Seoul landmark upon its 2014 unveiling. Located in a historic district, it also neighbors the ancient Dongdaemun, the “Great East Gate” that served as one of four entrances to the city during the Joseon Dynasty. From here you can also see remnants of the old fortress wall that protectively encircled the royal kingdom. No wonder the Dongdaemun Design Plaza has been the venue of choice for major events and exhibitions such as the Esprit Dior Exhibition, Andy Warhol Live exhibition and Seoul Fashion Show. This kind of harmonious convergence of seemingly contrasting themes and attributes is just one of the many reasons that Seoul is so attractive for business events.
Come visit Pittsburgh. The Travel Channel has called Pittsburgh “hip.” The 
We believe Nashville works hard to deliver an authentic experience against our musical backdrop. The facilities, hospitality, world-class entertainment and strong relationships throughout the city are just a drop in the tip bucket of what Music City has to offer. Getting here and getting around couldn’t be easier. Nashville is perfectly positioned to draw people together. Gaylord Opryland and the Music City Center offer meeting professionals two great options in one dynamic location. We invite anyone to experience the sights and sounds of Nashville—and we think you’ll agree that this is the stuff legends are made of—after all, doesn’t it all begin with a song?
Chances are you’ve ventured into several visitor centers, but odds are you’ve never been in one like the downtown visitors center in Knoxville, Tennessee. The center is home to WDVX, an award-winning radio station that plays a mix of bluegrass, Americana, county and more. Every Monday through Saturday, the stage is filled with musicians playing the Blue Plate Special. This live radio show sponsored by Visit Knoxville is free to the public and draws guests from around the world. This visitors center is a destination within itself. WDVX tells the story of our region’s musical heritage, and our staff tells about the adventures that await just outside its doors. From museums and galleries to outdoor adventure, fine dining and more, you’re steps from the action. Start your visit to Knoxville at the downtown visitors center. Tour it online at visitknoxville.
Medium-sized with big-city characteristics and a unique brand of Southern hospitality, Greensboro is in the center of it all. Our facilities drive youth sports to the area, and with the revitalization of downtown it has become a great spot for singles as well. It’s a great place to live and visit because there’s something for everyone. We are the perfect city for outdoors enthusiasts, and every corner of the city has convenient places to shop, eat and lounge. Greensboro’s parks, gardens and greenways make for a beautiful city. One of the best things about Greensboro is the location; it is located in the middle of the state and eastern seaboard. The options are endless, the cost of living is low and the peace of mind makes Greensboro the best city.
Charlotte is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, nearly 90 percent of its race teams and three of its most popular races. Connected to the Charlotte Convention Center, the NASCAR Hall of Fame (pictured) is one of my favorite attractions and is a stunning backdrop for a special event or meeting. With easy accessibility, unique event venues and exciting attractions, Charlotte is a high-octane host city. Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the sixth-busiest airport in the nation, is just 7 miles from Center City. And I love that Center City is so walkable and has more than 4,500 hotel rooms, as well as a wide variety of unique dining, cultural venues and nightlife options. Just like we honor the legends of NASCAR at the Hall of Fame, Charlotte is a destination that creates legendary experiences for attendees.
The Atlanta Airport Area’s convenient location places you only 10 minutes from the bright lights of Atlanta and serves as the home of the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, as well as Georgia’s second-largest convention center and the world’s only convention center directly connected to a major airport, The Georgia International Convention Center. With more than 8,000 hotel rooms, it is an ideal location to host trade shows, conventions and corporate events, as well as a fantastic place to stay. Frequent fliers enjoy the Delta Flight Museum, and auto enthusiasts tour the Porsche Experience Center. While you’re in the South, you have to visit our favorite chicken eatery, Chick-fil-A, and enjoy the backstage tour. College Park is a wonderful, peaceful, small Southern town that offers access to the world-leading market of Atlanta and all the benefits of a large city in itself.
There are two sides to every meeting in Virginia Beach, and King Neptune himself will show you that Virginia is for lovers of all kinds: oyster lovers, selfie lovers and sunset lovers. Off the clock, delegates or those looking to collaborate outside a traditional meeting room clear their head or seek inspiration along Virginia Beach’s 35 miles of beaches. There are three beaches to explore, each with a distinct vibe and personality waiting to be discovered. Virginia Beach provides the perfect balance of coastal charm, with a vibrant downtown that accommodates meetings of any size and budget. Virginia Beach takes the guesswork out of selecting a destination and offers meeting planners a wide variety of incentives and accommodations to guarantee a successful and memorable meeting experience.
Believe me when I say that Raleigh has no shortage of personality. North Carolina’s capital city is shaped not by our buildings and amenities, but by the passionate minds of our residents. It’s ingrained in their DNA to make your visit an authentic experience, emphasizing world-class educational institutions, renowned research facilities and meeting venues, plus our city’s cultural heartbeat. Whether it’s award-winning chefs or our science museum providing hands-on access to cutting-edge research at Raleigh’s Nature Research Center, there are experiences in Raleigh that can’t be duplicated in other destinations. Factor in Raleigh Convention Center, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts and Red Hat Amphitheater and you’ve found a destination with state-of-the-art amenities and big personality.
People are talking about us behind our backs. They’re saying things like “Top 10 Places in the U.S. You Absolutely Have to Visit This Year” (MSN Travel), “Top 6 Hot Spots for Travel” (Peter Greenberg, 
Although Donny and Marie don’t hail from the Lone Star State, their most popular song is a perfect descriptor for Irving, Texas. The 275,000-square-foot Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas—and its surrounding Urban Center of gleaming buildings and waterways—is our little bit of rock and roll. Come late 2016, it will be even more so with the opening of the adjacent Irving Music Factory and its 8,000-seat, indoor-outdoor pavilion operated by Live Nation. As for a little bit country, that’s found across town, in the Irving Heritage District and the new Texas Musicians Museum (pictured). Exhibits feature items from Texas artists representing multiple musical genres, including Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Willie Nelson, Janis Joplin, Waylon Jennings, Destiny’s Child and more. The 18,000-square-foot building with an outdoor live-music garden was designed to also serve as a private event venue.
Savvy planners looking for a cost-effective, centralized location with offsite venues and add-ons sure to increase attendance should look no further than Kissimmee, Florida. Here are 10 reasons to meet in Kissimmee: Accommodations and meeting space are unmatched in diversity, including luxurious vacation home rentals for corporate retreats; It’s a wonderfully natural experience, including wildlife spotting from an airboat; Experience Kissimmee staff help create nearly any kind of meeting you can dream up; We have perfect year-round weather; There’s an indoor arena and airport hangars housing vintage airplanes among its unique venues; Our golf courses are designed by legends; Spas offer signature treatments that relax and rejuvenate; There’s convenient access to Orlando’s world-famous theme parks; Orlando International Airport is just minutes away; And fun dinner attractions and themed venues are the perfect antidote to the average ballroom.
Home to an energetic arts scene, celebrated restaurants featuring flavors from around the globe, acclaimed theater groups and the brains behind U.S. space exploration, Houston is a diverse metropolis brimming with personality. Nearly 21,000 concerts, plays, exhibitions and other arts programs are presented in Houston annually, affording visitors access to a wide variety of talent. Houston rates first among the nation’s 10 most populous cities in total acreage of park land. The fourth-largest city in the United States is also one of the nation’s most culturally rich centers. In the Museum District alone you’ll find 19 renowned institutions within walking distance of one another. Come experience a unique and welcoming destination that mixes Houston culture and Southern charm.
Located on the westernmost tip of Texas, where New Mexico and (old) Mexico meet, El Paso is definitely unique and different than the rest of Texas. With a mountain range right in the middle of the city, outdoor adventure for all skill levels is only 15–20 minutes away from any given place in the city. Covering more than 24,000 acres, Franklin Mountains State Park is the largest urban state park in the nation. Visitors and residents have the opportunity to hike, run or bike trails, rock-climb or even paraglide. Not into extreme sports? No problem. Head over to Wyler Aerial Tramway and sit back, relax and ride a Swiss-made gondola to the top of Ranger Peak, where you can enjoy breathtaking, 7,000-square-mile views encompassing three states (Texas, New Mexico and the state of Chihuahua) and two countries (United States and Mexico).
Where in the world will a big blue horse greet your meeting attendees? Lexington, of course. Our breathtaking scenic beauty, Southern hospitality, easy accessibility and thriving urban core offer meeting planners an opportunity to escape the ordinary. From iconic Keeneland Race Course, host of the 2015 Breeders’ Cup, to the world-renowned Kentucky Horse Park and the more than 450 horse farms that surround the city, Lexington offers plenty of venue options for offsite events, spouse tours and receptions that will incorporate our signature industry into your meeting or convention. In the South we’re known for regional specialties and farm-to-table dining. In Lexington, the culinary scene goes way “beyond grits.” More than 100 restaurants and bars are within walking distance of Lexington Convention Center. Meeting attendees love the wide selection of culinary talent and locally owned establishments. You never know where you’ll find a blue horse, so keep your eyes open.
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Memphis is a unique destination because of its mix of old and new, expected and unexpected. Who would have thought to put a Bass Pro Shops inside a pyramid-shaped building on the Mississippi River? Only in Memphis. Meeting professionals and attendees in Memphis range so vastly on a scale of personality traits that it wouldn’t be fair to try to describe them with one word. They like things that are off the beaten path. In Memphis, we’re different, and we like it that way. People come here because they like our nontraditional atmosphere. There’s a good mix of traditional and historic attractions, but new things pop up all over town to let Memphis step outside the box.
Baltimore is a world-class waterfront destination that’s easy to get to, easy to get around and full of personality. Located in the heart of the East Coast and easily accessible by car, rail or plane, Baltimore presents an authentic city experience filled with great restaurants, world-class museums such as the American Visionary Art Museum (pictured) and outstanding venues. From historic Federal Hill to Fell’s Point, Harbor East to Mount Vernon, Little Italy to Hampden, Canton to the Station North, Bromo Tower and Highlandtown arts and entertainment districts, our intriguing and colorful neighborhoods serve up great food, stories from the past, a world of unique shopping and fascinating things to do and see. Although nearly everything you may want to do and see is within walking distance from the Baltimore Convention Center and major hotels, many of our one-of-a-kind neighborhoods, museums and attractions are also easily accessible via the fast and free Charm City Circulator hybrid buses or the Baltimore Water Taxi.
For out-of-this-world meetings, look no further than Fairfax County, Virginia. With our proximity to Washington, D.C., and with an incredible array of attractions, restaurants and hotels, smart planners know that Fairfax County has an aptitude for meetings. Companies meeting here not only get the big-city vibe without the big city prices, but enjoy easy access to top thinkers in research, government and tech. Attendees benefit from the cutting-edge technology that is developed here, or on display here, such as the space shuttle 
Austin is the capital of Texas, home of the University of Texas at Austin and gateway to the beautiful Hill Country. As the Live Music Capital of the World, the city has a soundtrack all its own. Austin offers amenities groups need for work and play, including two new 1,000-room hotels on the horizon, growing nonstop flight options and some of the most unique meeting spaces in the country. When the work is done, your meeting attendees will enjoy our more than 250 live music venues and distinct downtown entertainment districts, urban trails, tasty cuisine and shopping just steps from one of the most technologically advanced convention centers in the nation. More than 300 days of sunshine lend themselves to a refreshing dip in Barton Springs or stand-up paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake.
At the end of a day, it’s all about the experience. But first, let’s take a selfie. The team at the Grapevine CVB prides itself on providing seamless experiences that go beyond the breakouts and general sessions. Sales and services teams are always ready to talk about Grapevine’s Texas-sized 800,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and the 11,000 hotel rooms within 15 minutes of Historic Downtown Grapevine. More importantly, we’re here to answer planners with a “yes.” That’s what planners have come to know and love about hosting their meetings in Grapevine. It’s the attention to detail. It’s the above and beyond mentality. It’s about building relationships instead of closing sales. So what are you waiting for? Bring hundreds of your friends, grab your selfie stick and see yourself in Grapevine, Texas.
Hampton is an extraordinary city in the heart of Coastal Virginia. The 405-year old settlement is multifaceted—rich in Civil War history, African-American heritage, water recreation, and plenty of shopping and dining opportunities. It is an appealing, friendly destination in which convention and business travelers continue to return for a leisurely getaway. In addition to the 344,000-square-foot Hampton Roads Convention Center and neighboring Hampton Coliseum, the city offers an abundance of unique, offsite meeting venues, including the Virginia Air & Space Center. (Interesting fact: Did you know America’s first astronauts, the Mercury Seven, trained in Hampton?) Hampton boasts more than 100 attractions within a 30-minute drive, including Hampton University Museum, the oldest African-American museum in the United States; Fort Monroe, named a National Monument in 2011; and the Miss Hampton II tour boat, offering narrated cruises of the Hampton Roads Harbor and Chesapeake Bay.
The Palm Beaches have long been known for providing exceptional venues and convention services in an ideal South Florida setting. As America’s first resort destination, genuine hospitality has been a way of life since the start of Florida’s modern era. When meetings break and it’s time to explore, attendees have the option of a dozen cities and towns that boast a multitude of shopping, arts, entertainment and culinary treasures. The uniqueness of this manicured beach destination stretches beyond 47 miles of sun-kissed sand from Boca Raton to Jupiter, which provides the best offshore fishing and some of the world’s best scuba diving experiences. Tee it up at one of our 160 golf courses, sample local craft beers from our booming microbreweries, then dine al fresco beneath swaying palm trees. Stomp the divots at the Winter Equestrian Capital of the World during a world-class polo match. And, don’t forget to take a mental and physical escape at a paddleboard yoga session under a lighthouse. The Palm Beaches deliver the very best that Florida has to offer. See what everyone else already knows.
Little Rock is a city on the move. Our charming hospitality and genuine people are continuously recognized by meeting professionals and visitors. The well-appointed Statehouse Convention Center and the attached, all-new Marriott Little Rock provide the perfect convention setting. Next door is the $70 million renovation and expansion of Robinson Center—a world-class performance theater and conference center opening November 2016. 
There’s no place like Washington, D.C., for its iconic sights, making any meeting or convention unforgettable. Check out this selfie and picture yourself meeting at Top of the Hay, the crown of the historic Hay-Adams Hotel, with a panorama of the White House and Washington Monument in clear view. Museums and D.C. institutions serve as favored settings for events. On the Newseum’s terrace, attendees see breathtaking views of the U.S. Capitol Building. But D.C. is also a cosmopolitan city brimming with personality in diverse neighborhoods, with so much to explore by day and by dark. From live music and hot restaurants on 14th Street to high-end shopping downtown and theater in Shaw, exploring the cool, eclectic side of D.C. has never been easier.
Meeting professionals are often taken aback by San Antonio’s hidden gems, like this mural along the beautiful River Walk. Located in historic downtown, the River Walk is one of San Antonio’s biggest attractions for locals and meetings. This network of garden-bordered pathways along the San Antonio River connects thousands of hotel rooms with restaurants, shops, theaters, museums, Spanish Colonial missions, event venues and the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, which is currently undergoing a $325 transformation that will debut in January. This walkability saves time and transportation costs, but more importantly adds a distinct sense of place to meetings. Attendees can stroll or take a river taxi to so much of what they’ll want to see and do in San Antonio. Another note of convenience is San Antonio International Airport, which is located 8 miles from downtown. It’s definitely an unforgettable meeting experience.
A city rich with history, Natchez, Mississippi, will celebrate its 300th anniversary in 2016. A quaint Southern town, Natchez is a pedestrian-friendly cultural hub home to friendly locals, numerous art galleries, historic homes, live music, authentic Southern cuisine, diverse accommodations and major annual events. Meeting participants are immersed in the city’s culture and personality, particularly with historic venues such as Monmouth Historic Inn, Stanton Hall and more. Facilities such as Hotel Vue comprise indoor meeting and outdoor reception spaces offering impeccable views as the sunsets over the Mississippi River. Natchez Convention Center is located in the historic downtown and features more than 23,000 sq. ft. of divisible function space downstairs, including three meeting rooms, an executive board room, 5,100 sq. ft. of prefunction area, a fully equipped concession area, a full-service kitchen and Wi-Fi.