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2020’s BEST CONVENTION CITES AND CENTERS

Convention
Archives, Departments, Executive Getaways, Global Trade Daily

2020’s BEST CONVENTION CITES AND CENTERS

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Editor’s Note: Travmar, which produces intelligence for event planners, is based in Minnesota, but the seeds for the company were planted in the Northeast.

John Horchner left Manhattan and the Hearst Corp. for Providence, Rhode Island, and his startup, The New England Meeting Planning Guide. Similar regional sourcebooks were created for meeting planners around the U.S., and Travmar was born.

In the mid-1990s, Travmar made its mark in the digital world with MeetingSource.com, the first meeting and convention website in the country. ResponseRewards.com and WeddingSource.com followed soon afterward. The company relocated to St. Paul, Minnesota.

This year—quite appropriately given the global you-know-what—Travmar launched DigMeetings.com to help clients move to digital events using WordPress and Zoom teleconferencing. But the company still kept a keen watch over brick-and-mortar conference and convention centers across the nation.

For Travmar’s list of the “Top 25 Convention Cities For 2020,” walkability, affordability, safety, exciting tourism options and city assets were all considered.

Looking at the 166 cities ranked nationwide, judges noted that smaller, so-called “second-tier” cities gained ground this year because of more attractive hotel rates, something they note that may linger due to COVID-19 concerns.

For example, affordable room rates and above-average scores in most other areas like safety propelled Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Boise, Idaho; and Tampa, Florida. Pittsburgh’s city parks also helped it excel, as did St. Paul, Minnesota’s, Madison, Wisconsin’s and Portland, Oregon’s, according to Travmar, whose top convention cities of 2020 follow.

Pacific

San Diego, California
Honolulu, Hawaii
San Jose, California

Southwest

Las Vegas, Nevada
Denver, Colorado
Grapevine, Texas

Southeast

Tampa, Florida
Orlando, Florida
Miami Beach, Florida

Mid-Atlantic

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Northwest

Portland, Oregon
Boise, Idaho
Seattle, Washington

Northeast

Portland, Maine
Hartford, Connecticut

Midwest

Grand Rapids, Michigan
St. Paul, Minnesota
Columbus, Ohio

In ranking U.S. convention centers, Travmar noted that many are positioning themselves to be better than ever once we “return to normal.”

Hotel room affordability, accessibility as well as what the destination has to offer in the way of tourism infrastructure were factors in the rankings of the best of the best of 2020 that follow.

Northeast

Javits Convention Center
New York, New York

Northwest
Washington State Convention Center
Seattle, Washington

Southwest

Las Vegas Convention Center

Las Vegas, Nevada

Pacific

Los Angeles Convention Center
Los Angeles, California

Mid-Atlantic

Pennsylvania Convention Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Midwest

TCF Center
Detroit, Michigan

Southeast

Tampa Convention Center

Tampa, Florida

Don’t see your city or favorite convention center? Find the full lists at Travmar.com.

Archives, Departments, Executive Getaways, Global Trade Daily

ATLANTA OFFERS DELIGHTS FOR THE EYES, MIND AND BELLY

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Rich in history, food and culture, Atlanta is a city that never seems to disappoint visitors. You’ll discover a variety of things to do if you’ve found yourself in Atlanta with time to kill in between meetings and conferences. Bring your appetite, a comfy pair of shoes and plenty of camera space as Atlanta boasts some of the most beautiful things to eat, see and experience. Global Trade magazine took time to vet the best spots to visit while maximizing your Atlanta experience after-hours—whether you’re seeking fancy cocktails, thrills at new heights or simply wanting to learn more about the city’s robust history. 

Centennial Park District

Take the time to unwind while taking in breathtaking views at The Glenn Hotel’s SkyLounge. This distinguished rooftop experience is among the top 23 in the world, as voted by ABC.com, and among the top five in Atlanta according to Forbes Travel Guide. Located in the heart of the city in Centennial Park District, SkyLounge offers unmatched views paired with a refreshing variety of perfectly crafted drinks to satisfy any cocktail lover’s taste buds. If you’re seeking more sustenance during your visit to The Glenn, stop by Glenn’s Kitchen for a tasty meal doused in Southern style for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Seeking more heights? Take a stroll over to the SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel on Luckie Street. Towering 20 stories high, it boasts 42 gondolas with temperature-controlled features. Feeling fancy? Take advantage of the VIP gondola and enjoy Ferrari-style seats and a glass floor to enhance the experience. 

If you’re a sports fanatic, look no farther than the College Football Hall of Fame located just off of Marietta Street. Be fair warned, however, and bring yourself dressed appropriately with a comfy pair of shoes if you dare give the Indoor Running Field a try. Test your skills by kicking a field goal or challenge yourself to the obstacle course. If you’re looking for something that doesn’t demand your inner athlete, take your college football team pride to the next level at The Quad, where you can register your team of choice and watch it light up on a three-story helmet wall. There’s also the “Game of Your Life” 4K feature film showing at the Game Day Theater, bringing the big screen to life with all the college football action your heart desires. 

Old Fourth Ward

If you’re a history buff and seeking a region rich in history and heritage, exploring the sites and monuments in the Old Fourth Ward are well worth your time. Established in the 1800s, Old Fourth Ward boasts the very historic birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr. Visitors get the opportunity to experience the very home he grew up in and the church he preached at, Ebenezer Baptist Church at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, also known as “Atlanta’s Top Tourist Destination” by the National Park Service. Take a moment to appreciate the Behold Monument unveiled by the civil rights martyr’s wife, Coretta Scott King, or the beautiful World Peace Rose Garden featuring themes of peace and non-violence through 185 different kinds of roses with unique colors and scents.

Once your craving for history is satisfied, take your appetite for a trip to the Ponce City Market Food Hall, where you can find options ranging from Indian street food, Szechuan-style cuisine, Asian favorites, traditional American dishes, Southern favorites and an impressive elevated craft beer garden at Nine Mile Station. Boasting views that pair well with the beer or cocktail of your choice, if you’re in town on the right day, you might even be able to catch the weekly cult classic film featured on the rooftop. You won’t regret visiting Ponce City Market and might even find yourself going back for seconds. Did we mention there’s also a wine tasting room? 

If the weight of a business trip starts to get heavy, what better way to alleviate it than with laughter? Head on over to Dad’s Garage Theater in the Little Five Points neighborhood for some uniquely showcased humor from classic improv to sketch. It goes without saying, there’s a lot to do in this part of the city. 

Buckhead District 

Buckhead is sure to please those seeking a fancier Atlanta experience–from shopping and fine dining, to historical sites and classy cocktails–all paired with modern landscapes and a refreshing atmosphere that can’t be overlooked when in Atlanta. 

If you have an appreciation for a fine bourbon and fancy atmosphere, be sure to check out the Southern Art and Bourbon Bar in Buckhead. Southern Art takes a different approach to cooking and boasts a fresh cuisine experience with the finest versions of Southern favorites that rely on the seasons to determine their character. Considering Southern Art was founded by Art Smith–known for serving as Oprah Winfrey’s personal chef for a decade–this choice spot is definitely worth a visit that will leave guests satisfied and impressed. If you’re stuck wondering what to do on a Friday or Saturday evening, Southern Art has you covered through its weekly featured “Bourbon Bar Unplugged” with live music and entertainment up until midnight. 

For another taste of history, be sure to give the Atlanta History Center a visit and plan to spend a generous amount of time exploring attractions such as the 1928 Swan House, the Smith Family Farm, the Margaret Mitchell House, and 33 acres of breathtaking gardens, woods and nature’s beauty at the Goizueta Gardens. 

Finish off the night with an elegant cocktail atop the W Atlanta’s Whiskey Blue Bar that sits 125 feet above the city skyline, where you can take in the scenery at one of the two offered patios. If you’re curious about what’s inside, head over and enjoy a cozy yet chic experience at the W’s Living Room Cook Hall or lounge area. 

With Southern hospitality at the forefront of ATL culture, you’re bound to find some interesting and kind folks to mingle with. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed. 

new york
Archives, Departments, Executive Getaways, Global Trade Daily

Executive Getaways: New York

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Business trips and New York tend to go hand-in-hand for travelers. From its major convention centers and expo arenas to its breathtaking skyscrapers and rooftop bars, New York is truly a treat for the business traveler; just make sure to bring an extra pair of shoes for walking and an appetite for adventure, regardless of what part of the state you end up in. 

New York is known for hosting some of the most notable annual trade show events, boasting an international presence in sectors including fashion and retail, global logistics, business expos and more at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, Brooklyn’s Expo Center or one of the many luxurious hotels in the region. 

In the Empire State, there’s a plethora of transportation options to choose from. But make sure to always know your options as you navigate various parts of the city and don’t limit yourself to one means of transportation. All in all, the subway and occasional Uber will most likely be your best options; travelers will walk a significant amount either way. 

Upon your arrival, expect to be greeted with the cliché hustle and bustle atmosphere paired with crowds of people trying to get to their destinations as quickly as possible. You’ll find there’s so much to do compact in one state that it would take a couple of weeks to check them all off the list. This quick reference list is for business travelers seeking adventure in between business. The best part is, this list doesn’t require more than a couple of days to knock out. 

BAR 54

There are few rooftop bars that deliver the experience found on the 54th floor of the Hyatt Centric Times Square. Bar 54 offers some of the most fascinating photo opportunities while providing a modern and relaxing atmosphere guaranteed to help one forget they are in New York for business. If you’re seeking a delicious meal, elegant cocktails, upbeat tunes and views that don’t disappoint, Bar 54 is the perfect place for you. Take in the views of the Chrysler Building and take a peek at Times Square from the top, minus the crazy crowds and stuffy streets. Bar 54 is the ideal environment for business networking if you’re seeking an untraditional and exhilarating environment to talk business in. And if you’re simply seeking asylum after a long day of meetings and conferences, Bar 54 has a spot ready for you and you alone. Either way, you’re bound to connect with someone on the rooftop terrace. Also, if your curiosity peaks, a rooftop telescope supplies up-close views of the dozens of buildings and views surrounding the region. Get ready for some unmatched photo opportunities here!

THE VESSEL AT HUDSON YARDS

Yes, you read that correctly–it’s literally a vessel comprised of one giant spiral staircase offering unique viewpoints paired with magnificent river and city views. Let’s face it, if one visits New York and doesn’t relish the views, it’s not really a trip to New York. The Vessel features 154 flights of stairs equating to roughly 2,500 individual stairs. And it gets better: Admission to experience this Thomas Heatherwick/Heatherwick Studios masterpiece is free on the same day. So, spontaneity is fully supported and encouraged. Again, brace yourself for remarkable photo opportunities and an experience you won’t find anywhere else. It’s ideal for those who might have a fear of heights but still crave some high-towering adventure. Don’t worry, there is an elevator that goes straight to the top if the thought of climbing 154 flights of stairs makes your feet hurt. However, we highly recommend taking the stairs due to the intricate and funky mirror images one experiences on the way to the top. 

THE HIGH LINE

We promise we’re not trying to add more steps to your New York adventures, but The High Line is simply a must-do exploration of a different side of New York. In short, this is an all-in-one experience combining the best and most beautiful aspects of nature, art and design throughout a 1.45-mile stretch of elevated rail track showcasing the city’s history and beauty. Owned by New York City, The High Line delivered meat to the Meatpacking District and agricultural goods to local warehouses and factories from 1934-1980. Nowadays, it offers residents and visitors an open invitation to wander and explore its path of various viewing spurs, crossroads and natural scenery. If you happen to catch an appetite on the trail, there are a variety of food options depending on the time of year visited. Throughout the year, Santina serves some of the tastiest Italian-themed dishes that are sure to satisfy the hunger. The High Line is ideal for unwinding and de-stressing and is sure to satisfy one’s need for adventure and wandering or for those seeking a healthy dose of tranquility and a glass of wine.  

9/11 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM

In true patriotic style, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is an unmatched experience, taking its visitors through one of the most devastating events in our country’s history and reiterating the importance to never forget the service and sacrifice given by America’s first responders and the lives lost so abruptly that day. Interestingly enough, what some don’t realize is how the early 1990s World Trade Center bombing is also remembered along with the 9/11 attacks on the WTC and the Pentagon, paired with the world’s response. Although this is a much heavier and serious place to visit, anyone who claims to be an American needs to pay tribute to the beautifully developed memorial, Survivor Tree and museum. If you already know the dates of your upcoming New York trip, take a glance at the Events Calendar to see if you can pencil-in a visit to experience a critical part of America’s history and learn to pause and appreciate the more important aspects of what we do and what we stand for as a united country.