When traveling for a meeting or convention, many attendees bring their families along so they can enjoy some quality time together before, between, or after meetings. These destinations provide the meeting space planners need and the entertainment options families will enjoy.
ARIZONA
Flagstaff
Located in the heart of Arizona, Flagstaff is close to many of the state’s outdoor attractions, including Grand Canyon National Park. “The Grand Canyon is one of those destinations that could make the family envious if they do not get to come along,” says Lori Pappas, marketing and media relations vice president for Discover Flagstaff. “Flagstaff is a quick, one-cup-of-coffee drive to the Grand Canyon, meaning family members who want to experience one of the seven wonders of the world can check it off their bucket list and make it back to town for dinner on the same day. For even more convenience, there are tours starting in downtown Flagstaff for people who prefer not to drive there themselves.”
Other outdoor experiences include exploring the Wukoki Pueblo at the Wupatki National Monument, Lava River Cave in the Coconino National Forest, taking in panoramic views while hiking the Rim Trail at Walnut Canyon National Monument, and walking the loop trail at Buffalo Park.
For meetings, Flagstaff offers many venues suitable for 10 or 1,000 attendees. High Country Conference Center Flagstaff features 29,700 square feet of flexible meeting space, including a boardroom, breakout rooms, and a ballroom. Additional venues include hotels, museums, and facilities at Northern Arizona University.
Tucson
In southeast Arizona, Tucson welcomes families with a mix of outdoor adventures, informative museums, and historical attractions.
“Tucson is an amazing destination for families,” says Mo Calderon, communications manager at Visit Tucson. “The Sonoran desert is the perfect backdrop for unplugging and making deeper connections with your loved ones. We get more than 300 days of sunshine every year, and our mild winters mean families can partake in outdoor adventures year-round. Plus, Tucson was the first city in the United States to receive a UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation, and we are home to ‘America’s Best Mexican Food’ and the headquarters of DarkSky International. In fact, Saguaro National Park became the ninth Urban Night Sky Place in the world this past winter. There are so many great things to do and see in Tucson.”
Not-to-miss attractions include The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, featuring the iconic Enchanted Tree and an array of miniature displays, dioramas, dollhouses, and microscopic sculptures. Families also will love The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which is a zoo, aquarium, botanical garden, museum, and art gallery
all in one.
Tucson boasts many great meeting spaces. “JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort, for example, offers complimentary activities on property daily, including the Mitakuye Oyasin Morning Ritual (a Native American ritual including the burning of a sage prayer pocket), guided hikes, and a lazy river and waterslide,” Calderon says. “Guests at Loews Ventana Canyon enjoy an easy hike to a natural waterfall without ever leaving the property, and visitors attending a meeting at Tucson Convention Center are mere steps from Tucson’s vibrant downtown districts.”
CALIFORNIA
Palm Springs
Long known as a place for the rich and famous, Palm Springs also features more than enough for meeting attendees and their families.
“With more than 300 days of sunshine and warmth, Palm Springs is the perfect place to bring your family if you are attending a meeting,” says Kimber Foster, director of Palm Springs Tourism. “Families can hike miles of trails, enjoy pools or the new Palm Springs Surf Club, and visit a variety of museums and galleries. There is also the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which has the world’s largest rotating tram car, offering 360-degree views of Chino Canyon on the way to the top of Mount San Jacinto State Park. Also, every Thursday night, visitors can enjoy VillageFest, Palm Springs’ weekly street festival, featuring shopping, dining, live entertainment, and more.”
Palm Springs rises to the challenge for meetings and conventions looking for ways to include all attendees and their families. “Not only do we welcome families to our destination, but we also want to ensure we provide as much information and direction as possible to assist those with special needs,” says Rick Leson, director of sales and marketing for Palm Springs Convention Center. “We are very proud to recently have become the first convention center in California recognized as a certified autism center. Our staff has completed autism-specific training and certification to better understand and improve outcomes when working with individuals on the autism spectrum.”
In addition, Palm Springs Convention Center features more than 92,000 square feet of carpeted exhibit space and several outdoor areas, including JLH Plaza. It also is attached to the 410-room Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel, with more than 1,200 hotel rooms within walking distance.
San Diego
If a larger city is preferred for meetings and conventions, especially if the family is coming along, San Diego delivers in spades. “San Diego has so much to offer families,” says Kavin Schieferdecker, chief of sales for San Diego Tourism Authority. “We have 70 miles of sunny beaches, opportunities to learn and explore at Balboa Park, and, of course, our world-famous attractions: San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, Belmont Park, Sesame Place, Birch Aquarium, and more.”
Families who like to hit the trails together will love Mission Trails Regional Park, where they can explore more than 40 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. In fact, if they tackle the Cowles Mountain trail, they will be rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views of San Diego County.
San Diego is equally well-equipped for meetings of all sizes. “If you are looking for a variety of meeting spaces, San Diego is hard to beat,” Schieferdecker says. “Each of our regions has its own distinct personality, offering a lively mix of arts, dining, recreation, and hotels large and small to accommodate any group. Mission Bay and Mission Valley are great central locations for families, with lots of opportunities for outdoor activities and easy access to attractions.”
The obvious starting point is San Diego Convention Center, which boasts more than 525,000 square feet of exhibit space and more than 204,000 square feet of meeting space. In addition, there are many hotels, large and small, along with museums and special event venues ready to host your event.
COLORADO
Colorado Springs
Located at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs embodies all families could want when traveling to a meeting or convention. “Turning your next meeting in Colorado Springs into a vacation for the whole family is a no-brainer,” says Kathy Reak, vice president of sales for Visit Colorado Springs. “With more than 55 man-made and natural attractions, there is fun for people of all ages. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure, arts and culture, or something in between, Colorado Springs has established itself as an incredibly family-friendly destination. Award-winning attractions, like Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Pikes Peak—“America’s Mountain”—offer excitement you will not find anywhere else.”
Coupled with these great attractions is a variety of meeting venues ready to accommodate meetings and events of all sizes. This includes brand-new meeting spaces at Chamonix Casino Hotel in Cripple Creek and Hotel Polaris at the U.S. Air Force Academy, as well as historic and time-tested properties, like The Broadmoor resort hotel and Garden of the Gods Resort & Club.
“Chamonix offers elegant meeting and convention space with enough room to accommodate groups from five to 500,” Reak says. “With 26,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, a 12,000-square-foot ballroom, 11,000 square feet of pre-function space, a 6,000-square-foot junior ballroom, and nine meeting and board rooms, Hotel Polaris has options for events of all sizes.”
Other full-service lodging properties include Lodge at Flying Horse and Cheyenne Mountain Colorado Springs, A Dolce Resort. “Each of these stunning properties has beautiful views; amenities, such as spa, golf, dining, and wellness; and ample event space,” Reak says.
Steamboat Springs
A popular winter destination, Steamboat Springs is also an ideal destination any time of year. “Steamboat Springs has been cherished as a top family destination for decades,” says Annaleigh Bonds, communications manager for Steamboat Springs Chamber. “Here, Western hospitality meets a robust food scene, scenic hiking trails, and local attractions, like the hot springs and alpine slide. There are also family-friendly events happening all summer, like the farmers market and Music on the Green at Yampa River Botanic Park, which bring out the true charm of our special mountain town.”
Summer is just as full of outdoor activities as the winter. “Families visiting Steamboat Springs for meetings in the summer will enjoy strolling along the Yampa River Core Trail, visiting the Yampa River Botanic Park, or hiking one of the many trails close to town,” Bonds says. “Another great option if you are meeting at Old Town Hot Springs is to enjoy one of its many hot pools or cold pools. There even is a waterslide the kids will love.”
Equally impressive are the city’s many meeting and event venues. “Steamboat Springs has meeting facility options ranging from community rooms to hotel conference rooms and a music-venue pavilion,” Bonds says. “Many of the smaller- to medium-sized meeting spaces in town are located within other businesses
or nonprofits, such as the Old Town Hot Springs community room and the Bud Werner Memorial Library’s Library Hall. Larger options include The Steamboat Grand’s ballroom, which can comfortably seat more than 500 people, and the Strings Pavilion, which holds more than 550.”
NEVADA
Elko
When looking for a small destination in Nevada that is big on family fun combined with meetings, look no further than Elko. “We are located halfway between Reno and Salt Lake City along Interstate 80,” says Annette Kerr, executive director of Elko Convention & Visitors Authority (CVA). “Elko is still the undiscovered American treasure visitors are seeking. Elko is a destination filled with years of history and the true spirit of the West. We are a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts, including fishing, hiking, hunting, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Families can explore old ghost towns, experience various art murals and local culture, and taste unique foods, such as Basque, Native American, Mexican, and more.”
Highlights include the California Trails Interpretive Center, which features the 2,000-mile trek to California by pioneers, and the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway, which winds around the base of the 11,387-foot Ruby Dome and climbs through the glacier-carved canyon to 8,800 feet.
Elko also has a long history of hosting meetings and events of all types and sizes. “For 50 years, Elko CVA has served meeting planners and guests with comprehensive pre-event and program planning for conventions, corporate retreats, conferences, trade shows, reunions, parties, and receptions,” Kerr says.
Opened in 2016, Elko Conference Center offers 19,000 square feet of space for meetings, events, and weddings. “When combined with the convention center, we have the ability to accommodate up to 1,500 attendees, which is easily accomplished with 30,000 square feet of affordable meeting space and a 923-seat auditorium,” Kerr says. “We have a large outdoor plaza, which connects the two buildings, providing the opportunity to further expand catered functions.”
Carson City
Serving as Nevada’s state capital, Carson City overflows with sites and attractions appealing to both meeting attendees and their families. “Nevada’s capital city is a dream for business travelers and their families,” says David Peterson, executive director at Visit Carson City. “With a rich history to be learned about in our museums and multiple, easily accessible trails to explore, like the .3-mile Kings Canyon Waterfall Trail, there is no reason not to bring the family with you on your next meeting or convention in Carson City. Just a 30-minute drive from Lake Tahoe and the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), Carson City is perfectly positioned for you to slow down and extend your trip before or after your meeting or convention.”
Favorite family attractions include Nevada State Museum, where visitors can learn about the state’s natural and cultural heritage; Nevada State Railroad Museum, which highlights the evolution of the railroad and trains through the state; and Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada, which encourages visitors to expand their imagination and creativity.
When planning their next meeting or convention, event professionals can choose from several options in Carson City. “With approximately 30,000 square feet of combined small-meeting and convention space, Carson City is the perfect destination for meetings up to 400 people,” Peterson says. “Our largest and newest convention space sits within Casino Fandango. VisitCarsonCity.biz is a great resource for meeting planners.”
NEW MEXICO
Las Cruces
At the intersection of the Rio Grande Valley and the Organ Mountains, Las Cruces invites meeting attendees and their families to stay and play before or after the meeting.
“Southern New Mexico’s largest city, Las Cruces has retained its charm and flavor, showcasing the rich history and culture of the region,” says Albert Herrera, director of sales for Visit Las Cruces/City of Las Cruces. “With small-town quaintness, friendly people, and generous hospitality, Las Cruces offers all the services and amenities of larger cities. We pride ourselves as a year-round premier Southwest destination for travelers, businesses, organizations, and groups.”
Family members who tag along have plenty of options besides the hotel pool. “Family fun is easy to find in Las Cruces,” Herrera says. “From affordable day trips and a nationally recognized farmers and crafts market to museums and more, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy.”
Notable attractions include Rad Retrocade, featuring 10 pinball machines and more than 50 arcade games from the ’70s to today; New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, highlighting the 4,000-year-old history of farming in the region, through interactive and inspiring exhibits and demonstrations; and Old Town of Melilla, where Billy the Kid stood trial for murder.
Meeting spaces also are plentiful, including Las Cruces Convention Center, with more than 42,000 square feet of meeting space, a nearly 9,000-square-foot ballroom, 10 breakout rooms, and outdoor and pre-function space.
Santa Fe
As New Mexico’s capital, Santa Fe offers a lot for families who extend their stay beyond a meeting or convention. “Everyone will find something they love about Santa Fe, as there is so much to do,” says Kim Harmon, national sales manager for TOURISM Santa Fe. “I think allowing each member of the family a chance to investigate options before the trip is planned, each choosing an activity for the visit, allows kids of all ages to learn about travel and get the most out of their stay—creating memories and building strong family bonds while having a great time.”
Given Santa Fe’s depth of history and wealth of outdoor attractions, choosing which activities to do will be a challenge. “Many meeting attendees bring family and book their stay to include several days before or after the meeting dates to explore Santa Fe’s outdoor activities in the nearby Santa Fe National Forest or Bandelier National Monument,” Harmon says. “Some book hands-on workshops with local artists to exercise their creativity or take advantage of opportunities to learn about the many cultures and deep history of the land, including New Mexico History Museum, Palace of the Governors, and nearby Native American Pueblos. There is a great children’s museum, the original Meow Wolf, and Sky Railway Train, all of which are fantastic activities for all ages.”
Santa Fe also offers a great variety when it comes to choosing the perfect venue for a meeting or convention. “In addition to Santa Fe Convention Center, the city boasts beautiful private rooms at many independent and boutique-style hotels and resorts,” Harmon says. “Santa Fe also has many unique offsite (non-hotel) venues, such as Meow Wolf House of Eternal Return, Santa Fe School of Cooking, and New Mexico Museum of Art.”
UTAH
Ogden
With a backdrop like the Wasatch Mountain Range, Ogden provides an idyllic location for both family vacations and meetings. “When you host your event in Ogden, we encourage you to bring your family and explore our community,” says Millie Osguthorpe, director of sales with Visit Ogden. “Families come in all shapes and sizes and with varied interests; so does Ogden’s family adventure. Ogden’s walkable downtown offers families an opportunity to explore the arts, history, and fun, at the base of some of the most stunning mountains you will ever experience.”
Some of Ogden’s most popular family-friendly attractions include Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park, home to more than 100 life-sized dinosaur sculptures; Treehouse Museum, where kids can indulge their imaginations through many hands-on exhibits; and Hill Aerospace Museum, which showcases aviation and military history.
Ogden also offers several notable venues appealing to meeting planners. Ogden Eccles Conference Center has two levels of flexible meeting space for events ranging from 10 to 1,500 attendees. Adjacent to the conference center, Historic Peery’s Egyptian Theater offers several rooms and spaces ideal for meetings, receptions, and conferences.
Built in 1929 as an industrial parking garage, The Monarch provides an artistic atmosphere to any meeting or convention. With several rooms featuring flexible setups for classrooms, boardrooms, and cocktail receptions, The Monarch is a unique venue for a memorable event experience.
Provo
Set in the heart of the Utah Valley, Provo is overflowing with family opportunities. The great outdoors takes center stage in the picturesque town, with hiking at Rock Canyon, fishing the Provo River, and soaking in the Fifth Water Hot Springs.
Visitors also can take a deep dive into history and culture at Provo’s many museums, such as Brigham Young University Museum of Art, Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum, and Museum of Mormon Mexican History.
Meeting and convention venues also are plentiful, starting with Utah Valley Convention Center. The 83,578-square-foot convention center, in the heart of historic downtown Provo, features an abundance of natural light and dramatic mountain views, according to Erin Scott, sales director for Explore Utah Valley. “For larger events, Provo Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, just steps from the convention center, offers almost 20,000 square feet of overflow meeting space and 329 hotel rooms, with more rooms available at the adjacent Hyatt Place Provo,” she adds. “Just a short drive up Provo Canyon is Sundance Mountain Resort. Founded by Robert Redford, Sundance blends art and nature with year-round mountain recreation. The meeting space and lodging offers an upscale rustic experience.”
