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ART CREDIT
Omaha Growing its meeting landscape
Omaha is undergoing a bit of a hotel boom, with a dozen new properties under construction or in the pipeline, including a new $27-million Hyatt Place, which is expected to open soon, and a new 350- room convention hotel. Plans are to build the new full-service Marriott hotel across from CenturyLink Center Omaha, the city’s 250,000-square-foot convention center. Hilton Omaha, which is connected via glass- enclosed skywalk to the convention center, is completing a $35-million expansion and renovation project, and now offers 600 rooms, a 7,000-square-foot ballroom, and completely renovated meeting rooms. The Doubletree Hotel downtown has com-
pleted a $20-million renovation and formed a “green team” to develop innovative and environmentally friendly features. The hotel now offers a bicycle checkout station in its
lobby so visitors can save on fuel and pedal to nearby restaurants and shops. Omaha’s riverfront is also changing with
the announcement that Storz — the historic Omaha brewery — will revive its brand with a new microbrewery and restaurant. The new entertainment venue, which is expect- ed to open this November, will sit right along Omaha’s riverfront and within a block of the convention center, creating another great place for visitors and convention delegates to enjoy. And it was just two years ago that the
city’s new, $128-million, 24,000-seat down- town stadium opened. TD Ameritrade Park sits right across from the convention center and adds to the dynamic of the city’s ever- blossoming downtown. More than $2 billion dollars in development has occurred in and around downtown and the riverfront over
Vancouver ‘Factor X’: TED conference moves to Vancouver
There’s just something about Vancouver that continues to draw global events to the city. According to TED curator Chris Ander- son, that something is “Vancouver’s factor X.” “Vancouver is walkable, forward thinking, bursting with innovation, and sustainable,” Anderson said. “This is one of the world’s greatest cities, combining a thriving culture of innovation with glorious nature.” The TED conference — one of the world’s
most prestigious events — will take place at the award-winning Vancouver Convention Centre, March 17–21, 2014, for its 30th anni- versary, and will meet there again in 2015. Katherine McCartney, TED’s director of
operations, added: “Vancouver is truly a unique destination for conferences and meetings. The city’s spectacular beauty sets it apart — the backdrop could not be more
picturesque, and is complemented by the nature-inspired design of the LEED Platinum– certified convention center.” The center is adjacent to or within walking
distance of several five- and four-star proper- ties, creating a “hub that connects the confer- ence with our community,” McCartney said. “Ultimately, that’s what TED is all about.” “TED will inspire our industry to think
bigger and bolder,” said Claire Smith, CMP, vice president of sales and marketing for the Vancouver Convention Centre. “The center’s unconventional design, flexible func- tion space, and location on the downtown waterfront offer an inspirational setting for a community like TED to connect.” A consortium of tourism partners, led by
the Canadian Tourism Commission, Tourism Vancouver, and the Vancouver Convention
World-class host Vancouver is recognized for its unparalleled beauty, superb venues, hotels, and infrastructure, and its welcoming citizens.
Centre, supported by the Vancouver Hotel Destination Association, will welcome TED.
For more information: tourismvancouver.com and vancouverconventioncentre.com
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Treasure Heartland of America Park delights with its fountain, light show, and gondola rides, right across the street from the Old Market area.
the last decade — growth that’s changing the meetings and events landscape of this Midwestern gem.
For more information: visitomaha.com