Kristie Williams
Meeting Planner/Membership Director; Missouri Press Association; Columbia, Mo.
Describe your event. Missouri Press Association’s event in Branson was held for Missouri advertising managers. This meeting included training and networking opportunities for newspaper sales directors and managers. We held the meeting at the Hilton Promenade Hotel at Branson Landing and had almost 85 people in attendance.
Why did you decide to host the meeting in Branson? We held a similar-sized event for our editors the prior year, and we felt it would also be a perfect spot for this group.
What surprised you the most about Branson? The young and hip feel of the Landing area. It worked great for this group since everything we needed was within walking distance.
What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most? This is a very social group, so we held a casual dinner at Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano Bar. The venue was just steps from the Hilton Promenade, so its location was perfect. However, I was not prepared for how talented the musicians were! For the few people who weren’t in the mood for dueling pianos, there was shopping and other entertainment also within walking distance.
Was anybody particularly helpful? Tony Cantrell was our banquet manager at Hilton Promenade and took care of our needs at the hotel almost single-handedly. He was very personable and wonderful to work with; he just made my job that much easier.
What other types of groups would fit well with the property? The Hilton Promenade would be perfect for groups of 25 people to 90 people for social events, dinners or meetings. The Hilton Branson Convention Center across the street can hold large groups and conventions.
Did you incorporate any interesting activities into the agenda? At this meeting we did not, but the prior year, we took our group to see some of the local shows and exhibits like the Amazing Acrobats of China and the Titanic Museum.
What local suppliers did you utilize? I used the Branson Lakes Area CVB to help me plan. They provided photos and maps of the area for our registration and promotional materials.
How does Branson compare to other cities where you have hosted meetings? The hospitality just can’t be beat! You can tell the people actually care and want you there.
Would you return? Absolutely! Both of our meetings in Branson have been very well received by our membership.
Do you have any advice for other planners who might bring a meeting to Branson? There is more to Branson than meets the eye. It’s more than just country shows. With the new convention center, airport and great new shows, Branson has opened itself up to a wide variety of people. Just visit and you’ll see for yourself!