Conference Centers: today's choice

Corporate executives and meeting planners have found a popular partner to help maximize the impact of today's business meetings: conference centers.

Conference Centers: today's choice
Corporate executives and meeting planners have found a popular partner to help maximize the impact of today's business meetings: conference centers.

Demand is growing for full-service meeting destinations and conference centers are leading the market with trend-setting concepts. Conference centers are an attractive alternative to traditional hospitality facilities because they are designed specifically for business meetings. The trend is catching on across the U.S. and here in Southern California, according to industry sources.

The Conference Center Customer

The ideal conference center customer is a company or organization looking to produce an effective, memorable meeting in a specialized venue. The conference center serves as the ultimate interactive learning environment and is adaptable to any meeting regardless of content or industry. According to PKF Consulting, which reports on conference center trends in a study commissioned each year by the International Association of Conference Centers, the most popular types of meetings over the last year have focused on training and ,education, management planning, professional or technical topics and sales meetings. Not-for-profit organizations are also enjoying the benefits of conference centers.

In Los Angeles County, the Pacific Palms Conference Resort has established itself as one of Southern California's premiere meeting destinations.

Why a Conference Center?

With the abundance of event space throughout Southern California, why would meeting planners or executives consider a conference center?

"Groups are increasingly aware that their needs can be met effectively and efficiently at a conference center. The best centers have the ability to keep a meeting on target while also offering attractive extracurricular options within easy reach," says Robert Farmer, editor of Smart Meetings magazine.

Not Just a Room
The International Association of Conference Centers, based in St. Louis, sets industry standards for facilities and services and certifies those that meet its stringent standards. Many conference centers are now pushing past basic requirements and expanding the concept by providing the latest in technology and services. The goal is to create an environment that enhances interaction and increases productivity. For example, the Pacific Palms Conference Resort, which recently completed a $32 million renovation, offers more than 45,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, 32 meeting rooms, a business center and technology caf6. Meeting rooms include Internet access, work-surface desks, ergonomic tables and chairs, multiple data ports, drop screens and tack-on wall surfaces.

Recreational activities like golf or spa treatments are a great way to entertain attendees during down time. The Pacific Palms-Conference Resort offers 36 holes cf championship golf, lighted tennis courts and spa services, allowing companies to encourage relaxation onsite.

"Pacific Palms Conference Resort is a marquis conference center. The'/really have set the benchmark for conference centers across the country," said Karen Pendelton, director of sales and marketing for Emory Conference Center Hotel, which offers 23,000 square feet of conference space at Emory University in Atlanta.

Technology Advancements
Conference centers are on the cutting edge of technological advancements. Wireless networks and T-1 Internet access are standard in most conference centers--a huge must for people who need to get work done while away from the office. Onsite audiovisual departments and multimedia production experts are also available at some locations. Interactive presentations come alive with the latest advancements in plasma TVs, rear-projection screens and theater-quality sound systems. High-tech business centers provide copy services and computer access.

Convenient Custom Packages
Conference centers offer Complete Meeting Packages that other providers just can't match. The "CMP" includes the meeting facilities and amenities for one price per person, such as: a dedicated conference planner, three meals per day, continuous refreshment breaks, audiovisual equipment, deluxe guestroom, use of the fitness club and gratuities. Meeting planners appreciate the complete meeting package because they can minimize and even eliminate extra costs. The benefit? No hidden charges, which means the meeting stays on budget.

Service, Service, Service
Service is the golden rule in the hospitality industry and conference centers are no exception. A full-service conference resort like Pacific Palms can manage the entire event, from air travel to ground transportation, and recreation to teambuilding. It can also plan excursions and events such as scavenger hunts and wine tasting. Meeting planners appreciate the option of working with such a local specialist, especially when planning meetings outside of their geographic area. Such services can be added to the cost of the meeting package--the ultimate culmination of the conference center experience.

Terry Fitch, regional vice president and general manager for Coca-Cola Enterprises in Los Angeles, reserves Pacific Palms for training, teambuilding, product launches and executive meetings: "Pacific Palms is a great business partner. The resort offers every service that you could possibly imagine, all in one central location. We believe that our meeting investment goes a long way here, and our associates look forward to an exciting experience every time they return."

Flexibility and Attention
Independent conference properties like the Pacific Palms Conference Resort add value when it comes to scheduling dates and negotiating price. The buck stops here--literally. The Pacific Palms Conference Resort writes contracts according to terms and conditions that make the most sense for its customers. And if a problem arises during the meeting, planners have direct access to the onsite management team, which is willing to take ownership and help find a quick resolution.

"It comes down to this" said Jody Wallace, president of EMCVenues, "meeting planners and executives are asking us to make their job easier. They look at us as an extension of their team. We research and collect all of the information on our members' meeting facilities and build packages based on the client's needs," Wallace says. "That is one of the reasons our conference center venues have doubled over the last year."

For more information, go to Conventions.net.


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