Now that business is on the upswing and expectations from attendees and organizations are rising, meeting planners need to make informed decisions about what facilities are best suited for their meetings. And who better to get that information from than fellow planners who have held meetings at the properties.

Every year as part of its "Best of…" awards, Meetings Focus polls its readers to get their take on what hotels and resorts throughout the regions it covers delivered a superlative meetings experience.

The properties are judged on the following criteria: the quality of meeting space; guest rooms; guest services and amenities; food and beverage service; high-tech services and equipment; recreational facilities and activities; the efficiency and helpfulness of staff; and overall value and experience.

Best of the West Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Western Canada and Mexico

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Best of the South Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Mexico and the Caribbean

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Best of MidAmerica Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin

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Best of the East Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York,  Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, D.C. and Eastern Canada

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