Industry Insites

A collection of new changes in the meetings world, updated daily.

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• Mission Point Resort Meeting Planner Special

   If you are looking for a unique and exciting destination to hold your next meeting, consider Mackinac Island and Mission Point Resort. For a limited time, the island's largest and most diverse resort is offering a variety of incentives for meeting planners who book a 2010 meeting or event.This is a wonderful opportunity for meeting planners to still host an affordable meeting or event in 2010 at one of the most beautiful resort destinations in the country. Mission Point Resort has exceptional meeting facilities that are uniquely suited to a variety of different markets and group sizes.

• Weber's Inn, Ann Arbor, MI-Ranked as One of World's Best Hotels

   Expedia® travelers have ranked Weber’s Inn & Restaurant among the world’s best hotels on this year’s Expedia Insiders’ Select™ list.

• St. Louis Hotel Introduces IPad Booking Promotion for Meeting Planners

   Just on the heels of a $1 million April renovation to the hotel’s meeting spaces, the Millennium Hotel St. Louis is proud to introduce the iPad Booking Promotion. With this meetings promo, organizations hosting a meeting on or before March 31, 2011 at the property will receive a free iPad*. The Millennium Hotel St. Louis recently completed a $1 million renovation to their 65,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Renovated with the meeting planner in mind, the hotel’s 20 breakout rooms were redesigned to provide a premier conference experience. The remodeled space features floor to ceiling enhancements including brand new textured carpet, wall coverings, modern light fixtures and upgraded corridors. Warm neutral tones were selected to provide a polished look to the meeting space, keeping focus on the client’s needs.“This renovation was part of a well-strategized effort to revitalize our greatest strength,” said Millennium St. Louis Hotel General Manager Jay Campbell. “We understand the need to not only please our meeting planners, but the meeting attendees who vocalize their satisfaction about conference facilities.”

• Settle Inn & Suites Franchise Opens in Seneca, KS

   Settle Inn & Suites®, announces the opening of its newest Settle Inn & Suites in Seneca, Kansas. The Seneca Settle Inn & Suites is a new construction property owned by Mr. Craig J. Altenhofen, and is now the newest property in the franchise.

   “We are excited to join with Settle Inn & Suites as we begin operation of our new hotel.  The support we have already experienced and the direction of the chain reaffirms the decision to become the newest member of this franchise.”  

• Isadore Sharp to be Inducted into US Travel Hall of Leaders

   Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts founder Isadore “Issy” Sharp has been named the 2010 inductee into the U.S. Travel Hall of Leaders. Distinguished individuals are named to the Hall of Leaders maintained by the U.S. Travel Association for “sustained, noteworthy contributions that have positively impacted the travel industry, stimulated greater achievement, and raised industry-wide standards.”

• Ameristar East Chicago to Renovate Hotel

  Ameristar Casinos Inc. has announced a $4.2 million renovation of its East Chicago hotel. It will be the first upgrade since the facility opened in 2001. The project will begin next month and follows nearly $1 million in improvements to the casino's air quality system. 

• Hyatt Regency Chicago Completes West Tower Guestrooms

   Hyatt Regency Chicago just completed a renovation of all West Tower Guestrooms - taking your experience to a whole new level!  Convenient services and amenities, numerous acclaimed restaurants and lounges, flexible space and an ideal downtown location create a premier destination for your meeting.  The authentic hospitality and superior service you will receive tops it all off.

• Country Inn & Suites of Fargo, ND Re Grand Opening!

   The Country Inn & Suites of Fargo, ND would like to invite you to our Re-Grand Opening Celebration, Wednesday, June 23rd 4 pm - 7 pm.  The Country Inn & Suites have just completed their 2010 renovations and are excited to show you their hotel.  

• Courtyard by Marriott Comes to Fort Wayne Downtown, Scheduled to Open September 2010

   Located in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne, the Courtyard by Marriott Fort Wayne Downtown gives business and leisure travelers the opportunity to host meetings and special events in a new, state-of-the-art hotel located within Fort Wayne's central business district.

• Target Field Open and Ready for Business

   The Minnesota Twins^™ MLB^® baseball club moved outdoors to the brand-new Target Field. Previously, the Twins called the Metrodome home, but the inaugural season is well under way at Target Field. With 18,500 infield seats and a 39,504 person capacity, this field of green is a major part of the evolving Minneapolis landscape.

• Davidson Hotel Company to Manage the Radisson Hotel Bloomington by Mall of America

  Davidson Hotel Company today announced that it has taken over management of the 403-room Radisson Hotel Bloomington by Mall of America, which includes the Water Park of America, the largest indoor water park in the country.  The hotel and water park were recently acquired by an affiliate of Wheelock Street Capital, a real estate private equity firm.

• The Patriot Center - North Central WI largest Event & Conference Center

   Introducing North Central Wisconsin's largest event and conference center! Newly constructed and comprised of over 17 different event spaces, The Patriot Center boasts more than 60,000 square feet of space versatile enough for any special occasion.

  Named to honor the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, The Patriot Center offers a unique combination of American nostalgia, Northwoods charm, and modern amenities to meet all your planning needs. We feature a convenient location and exceptional amenities.

  Nestled in the heart of North Central Wisconsin near Wausau, The Patriot Center is the perfect“meet in the middle” location for your gathering.

   

• Hampton Inn & Suites Merriam Completes Renovation of Entire Hotel(04/22/10)

   KC Global Hotels today announced that it has completed a renovation of Hampton Inn & Suites Merriam located at 7400 W. Frontage Rd in Merriam, KS.

  "This renovation demonstrates our commitment to providing guests with the most up-to-date and high quality accommodations they’ve come to expect during their travels," said Monica Magee, general manager.  "When travelers visit Hampton Inn & Suites Merriam they will continue to find the friendly service and value-added amenities synonymous with the Hampton name, all backed by our 100% Hampton Satisfaction Guarantee." 

  As part of the renovation, improvements were made to the Entire Hotel including lobby, business center, and guestrooms.
  

• Tinley Park Convention Center Expansion!(4/19/10)

   The Tinley Park Convention Center will undergo a major expansion to be completed by mid-2011. Groundbreaking is set for April 13, 2010.The expansion will include 22,000 sq. ft. of additional clear-span exhibit space, bringing the total to approximately 58,200 sq. ft. of clear span exhibit space, bringing the total to approximately 58,200 sq. ft. of clear span exhibit space, and additional 7,100 sq. ft. of divisible meeting space. 

• No Tipping at New Chicago Hotel

  The Elysian hotel in Chicago, which opened in December, has adopted a no-tipping policy, a move that breaks with standard practices across the high-end- and luxury-hotel market, says the head of a trade association. 

• Chateau On The Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center In MO Offering “Midwest Mountain Retreat” Meeting Package

   The AAA Four-Diamond Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center, which sits on an Ozark mountaintop overlooking Southwest Missouri’s scenic Table Rock Lake, is offering a new “Midwest Mountain Retreat” meeting package, tailored for small groups, board meetings, and executive retreats. The 301-room resort features three stately Chateau boardrooms with leather seating, as well as meeting rooms ranging from 924 square feet to the 32,000-square-foot Great Hall, and many picturesque outdoor venues. 

• WHI advises sale of Kansas hotel

   Warmbrodt Hotel Investments, Inc. (“WHI”) announced today it advised in the sale of the three-story, interior – corridor, 93-room Holiday Inn Express located in the Salina, Kansas. Additionally, WHI placed the acquisition and renovation financing with a Kansas-based regional bank.

• Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare Hotel & Conference Center Renovates Ballroom (03/26/10)

   The Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare Hotel & Conference Center (www.CrownePlazaOhare.com), 5440 N. River Rd., has taken another step toward total transformation with the opening earlier this month of the remodeled O’Hare International Ballroom. In conjunction with the new ballroom opening, anyone who books an event at the hotel through June 30 will receive 10% off the total bill, according to Patty Connolly, Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare general manager.

• New Name, new image for downtown hotel (03/18/10)

   The Mankato City Center Hotel has completed its monthslong remodeling and rebranding effort with a flourish.  Or, perhaps more accurately, a swirl. After deciding to sever its 30- year relationship with Holiday Inn last summer, the City Center Hotel focused its efforts on creating an independent brand and local image. And to represent the hotel's newfound personality, managers chose a logo to match the mission: A blue swirl that symbolizes Mankato's location on the Minnesota River.

• Major Expansion Set For Tinely Park Convention Center (03/18/10)

   The Tinley Park Convention Center will undergo a major expansion to be completed by mid-2011. Groundbreaking is set for April 13, 2010.

• “MONONA TERRACE RECEIVES WISCONSIN TOURISM AWARD” (03/17/10)

  Lola Roeh, Chair of the Governor's Council on Tourism, presented Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center with the the Governor’s Tourism Stewardship Award in Milwaukee last night at the Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Tourism.  The award recognizes and acknowledges businesses or communities that use or promote sustainable business practices.  Applicants were also judged on the impact of their environmental efforts with regard to the Tourism industry in the state.  The Frank Lloyd Wright designed convention center is the first to receive the prestigious new award.

• Kalahari Resorts Hires Cindy Foley, CMP for Assistant Director of Sales

  Kalahari Resorts, a leader in the waterpark resort and conference industry in Wisconsin, has hired Cindy Foley, CMP, as the assistant director of sales. With nearly 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Foley will work closely with the director of sales in this newly created position to oversee sales, catering and conference personnel for Kalahari Resort, home to the largest independently owned convention center in the state. 
  
  Over the years, Foley has been an active and widely respected member of the hospitality community. She has held 18 leadership roles in Meeting Professionals International (MPI) - Wisconsin Chapter and has received countless awards from the organization including the Hall of Fame Award, Industry Advocate Award and Supplier of the Year. In addition, she served on the board for the Wisconsin Society of Association Executives from 2004 until 2010 and was presented with the Associate Member of the Year Award in 2007. 
  

• River City Casino Opening Draws Crowds

   Pinnacle Entertainment, a leading owner and operator of resorts and casinos in the United States opened their latest endeavor, the River City Casino in St. Louis yesterday to a crowd of thousands.  River City is a fabulous new tourist destination and entertainment venue for locals and visitors to the St. Louis area and represents an investment of approximately $380 million, one of the largest private investments in the region.

• Meet Minneapolis Announces New VP of Finance & Admin (03/08/10)

  Meet Minneapolis, the Official Convention + Visitors Association™, has named David Knoll to the newly formed position of vice president of Finance and Administration.  

• Q Center is pleased to announce Armon L. Haagen (DOS)

  Q Center, the largest conference center in the United States, today announced that Armon L. Haagen has joined its management team as Director of Sales and Marketing. 

• SmithBucklin Promotes John Stoiber to Sr VP

   SmithBucklin the world’s largest association management and professional services company, announced today the promotion of John Stoiber to Senior Vice President & Chief Executive—Business Trade Industry Practice. He is also a member of the SmithBucklin corporate management team and will continue to work out of the company’s Chicago office and report to SmithBucklin Chairman & CEO, Henry S. Givray.

• UCM to Open New Recreation and Wellness Center March 2011

  Construction of a new state-of-the-art recreation and wellness center at the University of Central Missouri is well underway. The target opening date for the center is set for March 2011, and reservations are now being accepted for the new facility for summer 2011. The wellness center will greatly enhance the amenities currently offered at UCM and more than double the gymnasium space available for use at the university.

• Innovation through Collaboration (02/19/10)
  The Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce, the Middle Michigan Development Corp., and the Mount Pleasant Area Convention & Visitors Bureau are now housed under one roof – creating an opportunity to not only share ideas and resources, but to pioneer new collaborations and ventures as well.

• Crowne Plaza Opens in Downtown Chicago(02/18/10)

   The Avenue Crowne Plaza Hotel Chicago is one of Chicago's favorite choices of Luxury hotels in downtown Chicago, IL.  Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, IL the Ave is steps away from Michigan Avenue's "Magnificent Mile" offering ultimate world-class shopping, dining, arts and entertainment. 

• Doubletree Opens Tenth Chicagoland Location (2/15/10)

   Doubletree Hotels has announced the opening of the Doubletree Hotel Libertyville-Mundelein in the northwest Chicagoland suburbs. Conveniently situated within an hour’s drive of both Chicago and Milwaukee, the 183-room hotel is located in the Village of Mundelein, just minutes from Lake Michigan, majestic state parks, quaint historic villages and first-class shopping and entertainment.

• Sioux Falls Guest House Inn & Suites Joins Guesthouse Intl (2/12/10)

   BOOMERANG HOTELS announces the opening of the Guest House Inn and Suites, Sioux Falls, SD (formerly Kelly Inn). This is the first Guest House Inn and Suites franchise in South Dakota! 

• FAVORITE FRENCH RESTAURANT REOPENS AS COLETTE BAR & BISTRO (02/11/10)

  The new Coletter Barr & Bistro, formerly Chez Colette, opens today at the French luxury hotel  Sofitel Minneapolis after a month of renovations, just in time for Valentine's day.  The popular French restaurant's new name comes along with a hip, modern redesign, cutting-edge technology and an additional private dining area.   

• Greater Greenbay CVB Receives International Accreditation (01/29/10)

   The Greater Greenbay CVB was awarded with the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) accreditation. It is one of only 101 CVBs accredited in the world. This accreditation means that the CVB has attained a significant measure of excellence. 

• Rough Riders Hotel and CC Expansion, Medora, ND (1/28/10)

   Located in the heart of downtown Medora this charming, historic hotel is newly renovated with 68 additional tower rooms. Beginning the summer season of 2010 you can stay in one of eight Historic Rooms with one queen or king bed, or one of the sixty-eight  new Tower Rooms with two queen beds or 1 king bed.  The dining room has been expanded and is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

• Eaglewood Resort 7 Spa Announces Its Green Seal™ Silver Certification Awarded For Its Environmental initiatives (01/26/10)

   Eaglewood Resort & Spa, a Benchmark Hospitality property, has achieved the Green Seal™ certification, it was recently announced by Charles Reece, general manager for the property.  This AAA – Four Diamond award-winning resort is just one of only 40 throughout the country to have earned this prestigious distinction.  Green Seal is a 20-year-old, independent, non-profit organization dedicated to creating a more sustainable world. Green Seal created a rigorous, science-based environmental standard for the industry, which includes nearly three dozen environmentally responsible criteria for lodging properties. 

• Kane County Announces New Exhibition Space. (01/25/10)

  The Kane County Fairgrounds is proud to announce our new exhibition space. The new space is perfect for events, such as boat, RV and housewares shows, as well as weddings and other types of banquets / receptions. The new space includes...West Exhibition Hall, 130 X 120, 15,600 square feet of exhibit space, East Exhibition Hall-130 X 120, 15,600 square feet of exhibit space,32,000 total square feet of exhibit space,40 acres of parking, RV Parking utility Hook-up, Available 2nd Level Conference Room, Office space for show coordinators, Full kitchen area, Banquet hall suitable for weddings, gatherings and special events.

• Minnesota's Radisson Plymouth Completes Renovation (01/22/10)

   The Radisson Hotel & Conference Center located in Plymouth, Minn., at 3131 Campus Drive, announced the completion of its year-long renovation.

• Radisson Hotel & CC Announces Completion of Renovation (01/21/10)

   The Radisson Hotel & Conference Center located in Plymouth at 3131 Campus Drive today announced the completion of its year-long renovation.  The million dollar renovation included redesign of the Creekside Café and Lounge, new lobby furnishings including some chandelier lighting, and renovation of the conference rooms on the main and lower levels which included some new ceilings, lighting and sound systems.

• Quad Cities CVB Launches New Website (01/21/10)

  With a new year comes a new look, as the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau launches a new website aimed to make it easier than ever to access all you could ever want to know about the Quad Cities.

• The Dearborn Inn, A Marriott Hotel Unveils Meeting & Event Space Renovation (01/18/10)

  The Dearborn Inn, A Marriott Hotel has just revealed their newly completed meeting and event space renovations.

• Minnesota Lodging Association Selects Dave Brott as "2009 Hotelier of the Year"(01/15/10)

   The Minnesota Lodging Association has honored Dave Brott (Hilton Garden Inn, Bloomington) with its "2009 Hotelier of the Year" Award.

• Congratulations to Judy Tallant (01/15/10)

   Judy was awarded Star of the Quarter for the MPI Heartland Chapter.  The award was presented to Judy Tallant at the January 13th Central POD meeting.  Judy was recognized for her volunteerism to our Heartland Chapter.  Judy was nominated by one of her fellow chapter members.  

• Providence Group to manage Regency Lodge in Omaha, Nebraska (01/11/10)

   Jed C. Heller, President of the The Providence Group, LLC, a Massachusetts-based full service hospitality management company, announced today that the company has been engaged to manage The Regency Lodge, a 145-room property in greater Omaha, Nebraska.

• Chez Colette Receives a Makeover (01/07/10)

   Chez Colette, Sofitel Minneapolis’ popular French restaurant, is being redesigned and renovated for the first time since the hotel opened in 1975.

• Xanterra Assumes Management of the Deer Creek State Park Lodge and Conference Center (1/4/10)

  National and state park concessioner Xanterra Parks & Resorts will assume management of the Deer Creek State Park Lodge and Conference Center on Feb. 1, 2010. The lodge will reopen for business on Feb. 26, 2010. The company has begun accepting reservations for lodge rooms after that date.

• Benchmark Hospitality Appoints Wende Blumberg GM for Hotel Contessa, TX(12/22/2009)

  Benchmark Hospitality International has announced the appointment of Wende Blumberg as general manager for Hotel Contessa, the Personal Luxury Hotel(TM) on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas. Greg Champion, chief operating officer, made the announcement. 
  

• Rotary Lauds Bruening's Service

  The Rotary Club of Galesburg at its regular membership luncheon meeting Dec. 3 recognized Diane Bruening as the recipient of the cub’s Outstanding Vocational/Community Service Leader Award for the second quarter of the 2009-10 Rotary Year. Bruening is executive director of the Galesburg Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Welcome Center. 

• Independence Events Center Opens (12/9/09)

   The all new 68 million dollar Independence Events Center, a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose arena with 5,800 fixed seats, 25 luxury suites, a bar/grill and community ice rink has opened its doors for business. Planners have created a spacious feel, with wide concourses, seven full service box offices and plenty of bathrooms. As a plus, 2,000 free parking spaces are on site. Fans will appreciate that no seat is further away from the action than 16 rows.

• Wessels Living History Farm named top tourism attraction in state (12/7/09)

    The Wessels Living History Farm, located on the southern edge of York, was named the Outstanding Tourism Attraction in the state, during the Nebraska Tourism Conference held in Norfolk this week.
  

• Lisa Peterson Named To Lead White Lodging's Region 9 Hotels as Vice President (12/3/09)

   White Lodging has appointed Lisa Peterson to the position of Regional Vice President where she will oversee operational and financial performances for hotels in Utah, Arizona, and Grand Junction, Colorado.

• Radisson Plaza Hotel Minneapolis Appoints New General Manager

   Radisson(R) Hotels & Resorts announced the appointment of Tom Mason as the new general manager of the Radisson Plaza Hotel Minneapolis at 35 South 7th Street in the heart of the city's downtown area. Mason brings more than 25 years of property management experience in the hospitality industry to the position.

• Two Hotels Renovate & Grow in McHenry County, IL (11/24/09)

   Overnight guests and conference attendees are enjoying the results of major renovation and expansion projects at two hotels in McHenry County, Ill.  The Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake completed a $4 million renovation to the entire building, both inside and out, from the guestrooms to the ballroom, and from the lower level to the seventh floor.  The Hampton Inn in McHenry added a second meeting room and 40 guestrooms, increasing total meeting space to 1,500 square feet and guestrooms to 117.

• Staybridge Suites Milwaukee West-Oconomowoc Now Open (11/17/09)

   Pabst Farms Development Inc., developers of the largest master-planned community in southeastern Wisconsin, together with S&L Hospitality, a hospitality development and management company in Madison, Wis., welcomed business owners, chamber members and community leaders to a Grand Opening Ribbon Reception on June 2, commencing the opening of the new, 128-room Staybridge Suites(R) Milwaukee West-Oconomowoc located at 1141 Blue Ribbon Drive, Oconomowoc, Wis., 53066.

• New 21c Museum Hotel to Open in Cincinnati, Ohio

  Building on its mission of engaging the public with contemporary art and supporting the revitalization of American downtowns, 21c Museum Hotels will renovate and restore the former Metropole Hotel - an historic landmark in downtown Cincinnati - to its original purpose as a hotel and a centerpiece of the city.

• Doubletree Arrives at Cincinnati International Airport (11/10/09)

  Newest Doubletree Airport Hotel Located at Terminal Entrance for Easy Take-Offs and Landings. 

• Marriott Bloomington - Normal Hotel & Conference Center Opens (11/04/09)

   Mr. John Q. Hammons announces the opening of his third hotel this year with the debut of the nine-story, 230-room/suite Marriott Bloomington - Normal Hotel & Conference Center (www.marriottnormal.com) in the revitalized Uptown Normal, Ill. Located at 201 Broadway Avenue, the contemporary-designed hotel and adjoining 40,000 gross square feet of meeting space created nearly 150 new jobs.

• Flint HIlls Discovery Center in Manhattan, KS (11/2/09)

  Kansas is very close to adding one more jewel to its crown of attractions with the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan.  Construction on this estimated $23 million facility is expected to begin in the summer of 2011 and will focus on how the people and the land of the Flint Hills shape one another.   

• Staybridge Suites Opens First Kansas Hotel in Wichita (10/27/09)

   IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG] announced that a new 88-room Staybridge Suites recently opened in Wichita. The Staybridge Suites location is the state's first Staybridge Suites hotel. The new Staybridge Suites Wichita is located at 2250 N. Greenwich Road, St. N, Wichita, Kansas 67226.

• Weber's Boutique Hotel and Restaurant Announces the Newest Meeting Facility in MI (10/12/09)

  Weber’s Hotel and Restaurant announces the completion of a full-scale transformation of its Main Ballroom and surrounding areas. $500,000 worth of renovations make a noticeable alteration in the now-expansive, bright setting of Weber’s Main Ballroom.

  The Main Ballroom exudes crisp, white elegance in a panoramic, yet intimate setting. The space is well-suited to accommodate weddings, meetings, and special events in a comfortable, upscale environment. Bright new paint, stylish carpeting, new ceiling

• Introducing the Four Points by Sheraton Indianapolis Carmel

  The city of Carmel, Indiana, on the affluent north side of Indianapolis, is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the Midwest, with scores of international businesses and cultural landmarks having opened in the past ten years. It's also now home to the brand new Four Points by Sheraton Indianapolis Carmel, which recently opened its doors to guests eager to explore this exciting area. 

• Buffalo Ridge Resort & Event Hall

  Back in the first half of the 20th century, the South Dakota School for the Blind was located in Gary, South Dakota – a small town on the eastern edge of the state. In 1959, the school was relocated to Aberdeen, leaving Gary’s campus abandoned. Fast-forward to 2009. Fifty years later, the campus has been revitalized into Buffalo Ridge Resort & Event Hall. The facility has hotel rooms, camping, a convention center, and a recreational lake – all of which maintain its historical appeal. Dormitories have become hotel rooms and office space, and an auditorium has become a ballroom and event hall. 

• Hilton Worldwide Launches New Corporate Identity

   The new corporate name and logo follow the company's recent relocation of its global headquarters from Beverly Hills, Calif., to McLean, Va. Hilton Worldwide (formerly Hilton Hotels Corporation) today announced the launch of its new corporate name and logo. Hilton's new name, Hilton Worldwide, signifies the company's global breadth and reach, and the logo incorporates key design elements that reflect Hilton's rich heritage, vision for the future and commitment to excellence in service.

• Doubletree Hotel Rochester/Downtown Opens

   To celebrate its new Doubletree name, the Minnesota hotel has completed a $10 million renovation project, which transformed the former Radisson(R) hotel into a modern hotel with stylish guest rooms, increased meeting and event space, delicious dining offerings and more.

• Kemper Museum Turns 15 (9/30/09)

   The sleek exterior of Kansas City’s Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, designed by Gunnar Birkerts, only hints at the activity within its walls. The open, light-filled atrium provides a striking setting for art activities in the Museum, which is accessible to all, free of charge, year-round. The permanent collection, temporary exhibitions, free public programs, special events, and the ever-popular Café Sebastienne provide endless opportunities for education and entertainment. 

• Mountain Iron Hotel to Add Conference Center

   The owner of the new Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Mountain Iron announced plans Wednesday to build an adjoining 10,000-square-foot conference and event center -- adding about $1 million more in investment to what was already a $9 million project.

• Minneapolis Convention Center Offers Meeting Planners Option to ‘Green Your Event’

   The Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC), today announced it has entered a partnership with Boulder, Colo.-based Renewable Choice Energy as the first convention center in the U.S. to offer meeting planners and conventions Green Your Event packages to balance the environmental impact of event-related emissions and electricity use.

• Greater Lansing CVB Moving to New Address

   That’s right! In an effort to better serve visitors to the Greater Lansing region, the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau is moving downtown! At our new home in the first floor of the Stadium District building, guests to the area can get valuable information in our new Visitor Center and meeting planners will find the CVB conveniently located across the street from the 125,000 square foot Lansing Center.