Conference Centers
Coping and Hoping

by TONY BARTLETT

· While there are indications that the corporate market is starting to rebound, conference center properties are still feeling the effects of the economic downturn.

"Some are doing worse than others," says Dave Arnold, CEO, East for PKF Consulting, based in the firm’s Philadelphia office, who produces an annual conference center trends survey in conjunction with IACC. "Resorts, which were demonized, are suffering the most. Those [conference centers] that rely on corporate meetings are impacted the most after resort conference centers. Those focused on training are probably doing the best."

Optimistic Outlook
Despite a difficult year, there is cautious optimism among conference center operators and site selection firms such as EMCVenues and Unique Venues.

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Sponsor

DuPage CVB

DuPage, The Magnificent Miles West of Chicago.™ DuPage County offers quick, easy access to Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway international airports, a top-notch commuter airport, convenient expressways and mass transportation. With over 1.9 million square feet of combined meeting space, 16,000 guest rooms, free hotel parking, seven IACC-approved facilities and four golf resorts, DuPage is an outstanding choice for groups up to 5,000.

Ask about our Signature Elite incentive program, which can save you cash on your next event, at meetings@discoverdupage.com or (800) 232-0502.

The IACC Brand

· St. Louis-based IACC continues to market to and educate meeting planners on what IACC properties actually are. It has been aggressive in initiating and expanding programs aimed at maintaining quality and best practices—notably in sustainability and technology—and in positioning to expand overseas.

Of its 300-plus member centers, almost 200 are in North America and more than 80 are in Europe. Since 1981 it has been promoting its conference center model, one designed to maximize the productivity of smaller meetings.

"It is a never-ending job," says Tom Bolman, IACC executive vice president. "There are so many part-time planners now. There are lots of misconceptions. It’s a continual challenge. With an IACC conference center you get a self-contained, distraction-free environment that you don’t get at a hotel."

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Planning in a Tough Economy Webinar

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

In today’s economy you need to plan like your job depends on it, because more than ever, it does! Learn ways to trim your budget without dampening the attendee experience and how to show the savings you gained to the organization you plan for. By employing a few simple cost-cutting strategies from this webinar, you can provide a quality meeting without breaking the bank. In this webinar, Joan Eisenstodt, a premier meetings industry educator and consultant, will let you know how you can make the most with less both for your attendees and the bottom line.
Join Meetings Media for this free webinar Wednesday, Jan. 27, and learn more. There is no fee to register.

Visit MeetingsFocus.com/webinars to register or learn more.

Sponsored by: The Scottsdale Plaza Resort and Glen Cove Mansion Hotel & Conference Center.

Site Scene

Illinois

· The Elysian debuted in December as Chicago’s first home-grown luxury hotel brand. Located in the city’s Gold Coast area, the hotel offers 188 guest rooms and suites, featuring fireplaces, furnished outdoor terraces and private bars. Situated above the hotel’s open-air courtyard is the 14,000-square-foot Elysian Spa & Health Club. The hotel also features two restaurants and bars and 4,500 square feet of function space, including four meeting rooms. For more information, call 312.646.1300 or visit www.elysianhotels.com.

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