Archive: February 2009

The Tulsa Convention Center is undergoing a $50.5 million expansion and renovation, including the creation of the state’s largest ballroom. [...] Read more

A fusion of people, food, music, and attractions, the loosely defined but very distinct cities of the Mid-South resemble the rich gumbo that characterizes the region, taking on a different flavor in each location. [...] Read more

The Southwest-Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and Oklahoma-is an amalgam of contradictions: rugged, lush, arid, remote, urban, flat, hilly and unique. [...] Read more

Allegiant Airlines plans to add new routes, buoyed by an 11.1 percent operating margin that the unit of Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Co. says was the most profitable of any U.S. airline last year. [...] Read more

Treat volunteers with respect (they are doing the group a big favor and saving the organization money). [...] Read more

In response to the public backlash against lavish corporate events, members of the meetings, events and incentive travel industry aligned to form a “Keep America Meeting” campaign February 17, 2009. [...] Read more

Ground was broken on the $45 million Montego Bay Convention Center at Rose Hall in Jamaica February 14. [...] Read more

For some planners jotting down all those reasons why a destination should click for attendees is the key to their meeting’s success. That said, it’s no surprise to find the West Coast, from San Diego to Seattle, winning out among the competition. [...] Read more

David Rogers’ Big Bugs, featuring 10 gigantic bug sculptures, will land at the Huntsville Botanical Garden in Huntsville, Alabama, March 13-July 13, 2009.

Sure to please any group, the exhibit includes three 25-foot long gigantic ants crawling through the special events meadow; a 1,200-pound, 18-foot tall praying mantis lurking near the Aquatic Garden; a 17-foot long red cedar dragonfly; a 7-foot long assassin bug; and many other gargantuan insects. Special planting scenes will surround the giant [...] Read more

If you’re taking time out of your busy schedule to attend a conference, here’s some advice from the experts on getting the most out of the event.

• Network. Don’t sit with your co-workers and associates during scheduled meals. Sit next to someone you don’t know and introduce yourself. Mingle and mix at social events, and be sure to collect cards. Bring plenty of your own cards and have them ready to hand out.

• [...] Read more