Meeting Planner

Putting on a conference or meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada can be a daunting task for any planner or group. The initial issue is first to find the appropriate property to host your meeting among the plethora of options available. Large conventions fit quite nicely into the larger properties near the Los Vegas Convention Center while smaller conferences and training seminars fit well into the smaller properties, or the venues on and off the Las Vegas Strip, or the conference centers which exist in properties without all the bells and whistles of the casinos. The next issue one faces in putting on a conference in Las Vegas is keeping your attendees at the sessions and away from all the Vegas distractions associated with the city such as the shows, casinos and other events. One option is to cut out the evening meals unless working with the large group and letting the attendees dine out in the evening and the experience the Vegas night life. The sheer number of properties in Las Vegas provides a wide variety of options for the planner or group but in order to save costs, one option is to look in the off-season when rates are lower and more deals are likely to be found!

The Days hotel and conference center in Flatwoods West Virginia sits high upon a large hill off of Interstate 79 in the heart of West Virginia. The main feature of this facility is the fact that it is located in what is commonly referred to as the geographic center of the scenic state. Its greatest asset is also its greatest drawback because while it is the geographic center of the state, it is not in the economic center of the state. This facility is a perfect getaway conference center for groups between 50 to 200 people but it is a significant stretch to go much beyond this number. Additionally, there is also not very much to do or see in the surrounding area of the facility as well. The lack of your population in the area also means the conference facility lacks enough staffing the host events much larger than the range noted above. The staff works exceptionally hard to deliver performance during year, perhaps and the facilities are modern and the copper Center is located directly between the two hotel towers. However, the limited staff only permits the delivery of meals by buffets and sit down plated dinners are not an option for any group beyond the very smallest meeting of 20 or less people. This limits food and beverage variety as well as delivery in a meeting or conference which goes beyond a couple days. The hotel provides quality rooms and suites upgrades and the hotel property is directly connected to the conference center and there is ample on-site free parking available for the attendees.

   The area of the northwestern United States offers a wide variety of options for the association, a group or planner looking for a place to hold a meeting in the midst of gorgeous breathtaking scenery. The only caveat to holding a meeting or conference in Portland, Ore. or Seattle Washington or any of the smaller venues nestled in this beautiful region is that it is best to probably avoid the cold, rainy winter months of November through February with the dreary Pacific northwest weather which would put a damper on your conference and the enjoyment of the scenery. Picturesque views of the mountains and the ability to visit Mount Hood, Mt. St. Helens and such interesting sights as the Space Needle, the rose gardens of Portland or to visit to Columbia River Gorge region were hiking and fishing await your participants make this area and exceptional place to host a meeting or Convention.  Washington and Oregon also home to a great wine region which provides some of the best Pinot Noir in the world! The Convention and Visitor Bureaus of the cities in this region take special efforts to assist planners and their needs and the hospitality of the staffs of the various hotels are not to be outdone by anyone in the hospitality industry. I highly recommend the experience of hosting a meeting or conference in the beautiful and scenic Pacific Northwest!

Disney World in Orlando Florida offers a magical treat for any group or association or its planner in putting one a conference or convention. The facilities rival, if not exceed the use of many of the first line hotel properties in the industry. The hotel accommodations are outstanding and are filled with all the latest amenities. However, what makes the Disney meeting planning experience exceptional is the service groups receive throughout their programs. The staff constantly checks on your needs and makes any necessary adjustments for your conference. The food is exceptional and features some of the best chefs in the country. The chefs provide exceptional treats and delicacies for all to enjoy. I would highly recommend the Disney experience for your next meeting or conference-you will not be disappointed. Furthermore, if your membership has children they could bring them along to enjoy all parks and recreation available at Disney or the attendees could enjoy the outstanding facilities themselves!