Seeking value? Looking for a dedicated learning environment? Need high tech AV? Want access to professional speakers and experts from within a wide variety of fields?
Resourcefu
She further notes that Dixon houses the Office of the Chancellor for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), providing access for meeting and event planners to an addi- tional 14 sites across the state.
"Employers and professionals can take advantage of the customized training opportunities available through various Dixon University Center partner educa- tional institutions," Isbell adds.
If so, you may need to look no further than to an institute of higher learning.
Take, for example, the following colleges and universities in central Pennsylvania. Each offers its own distinct advantages when it comes to hosting meetings and events, but they also have the ability to pool resources and provide planners with a great deal of options.
Dixon University Center is in a unique position to provide excellent services and facilities for meeting and event planners, as it is home to a consortium of ten col- leges and universities that offer program- ming geared toward adult learners in the evenings and on the weekends.
This consortium allows Dixon to offer meeting and event planners not only a high level of customer service and sup- port, but help from conference services coordinators and access to many types of instructional technology, like videoconfer- encing and SMART classrooms.
According to Lorelee Isbell, director, con- tinuing education and conference servic- es for Dixon University Center, "Since we serve not only meetings and events, but also students and faculty, we have a wide array of instructional technologies avail- able, including: computer labs, audience response systems and much more."
86 May June 2011
She also notes that Dixon focuses on groups with a training mission, such as education, team building, workshops, con- ferences and retreats.
Kevin J. Karczewski, general manager for the Conference Center at Central Penn College, says that being able to offer a planner exclusivity is a big advantage for his facility. "Our center typically accom- modates one to two groups per day, allow- ing us to provide personalized service that 'wows' our guests."
Another key advantage is the center's ability to be cost effective. Without a full scale hotel on site, the center doesn't have to worry about the expense of operating things like 24 hour room service, lounges and concierge services.
For planners
where such services are not a priority, the Conference Center at Penn College can save their companies and organizations money while still helping them to achieve their meeting objectives.
Central Penn College and the conference center also manage state-of-the-art com- puter labs that can be utilized by compa- nies for training, a resource that cannot be found at most other meeting locations. "These labs are the perfect training and learning environment," notes Karczewski.
The college also offers a wide array of continuing education classes that can assist employers in getting their employ-
ees up to speed in fields like marketing, accounting, or business administration.
Value is a top selling point among col- leges and universities with meeting facili- ties. This certainly holds true for the C. Ted Lick Wildwood Conference Center at HACC (Harrisburg College).
Area Community
According to Michael D. Baker, director for the Wildwood Conference Center at HACC, "Typically, you'll find great value with exceptional service at many colleges and universities. Atmosphere has become as important as academics for many prospective students. To that end, colleges are building upscale meeting, dining and residential facilities as part of the lure in the admissions process. This is of great benefit to the conference client who has access to excellent facilities at very rea- sonable rates."
Baker observes that college campuses have become very competitive in recruit- ing students. As a result, many colleges and universities have added new facilities and accommodations (including dorms, apartments and special living centers), as well as dining experiences.
"Like the C. Ted Lick Wildwood Conference at Harrisburg
Area
Community College, many colleges and universities now have dedicated confer- ence centers on their campuses," says Baker.
"Some include alumni housing,
guest houses or hotels. Many employ top culinary chefs. Therefore, the food is high quality and possesses a sophistication that can meet high expectations."
He also notes that many college's and universities provide a list of speakers, sometimes called a "speaker series," typi- cally consisting of knowledgeable profes- sors who can speak on a wide variety of topics. "They can be a great resource at lit- tle or no cost."
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