Dallas
Go big in Texas
DALLAS HAS A HUGELY ATTRACTIVE MEETING OFFER , FROM ITS CONNECTIVITY AND ACCOMMODATION , THROUGH TO EXCITING ACTIVITIES FOR DELEGATES
P erhaps the first important consideration for overseas travellers when making a destination choice for meetings and events is the connectivity . Dallas can claim to be America ’ s most connected city , with 900 + daily , direct flights from two international airports .
Second on the planner ’ s list is usually accommodation , and here the Dallas area has more than 15,000 hotel rooms within the walkable downtown city core , representing all the nation ’ s top brands .
Additionally , the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex leads the nation in terms of hotels in the construction pipeline , with a record high of 184 projects and more than 21,500 rooms at the close of the second quarter in 2023 .
Everything may be bigger in Texas , but the CVB , Visit Dallas , says companies can expect their bill not to be , with the cost of doing business in Dallas 7 % lower than the national average .
Additionally , because Texas is a ‘ right to work ’ state , event production costs are lower , allowing companies to focus their budget on attendee engagement and experience .
With more than 20 entertainment districts offering walkable access to music , shopping , arts , and global cuisine , event attendees are usually keen to spend an extra day or two exploring the city .
During the first seven months of 2023 , the CVB reports its meeting sales leads generated were 6 % above 2019 levels for the same period .
New hotels opening recently that have great event spaces include the JW Marriott Dallas Arts District . The 267-room hotel has over 20,000sq . ft . of flexible meeting space and its Harwood Ballroom , at 7,870sq . ft , features a contemporary ‘ knife ’ s edge ’ ceiling detail for lighting , while the Hotel Swexan fuses its Swiss heritage with Texan hospitality ( as denoted by its moniker ).
After hours , be sure to check out Dallas ’ most iconic attractions . Reunion Tower is an observation tower that provides a bird ’ s eye view of the city . History buffs won ’ t want to miss a trip to Dealey Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum to learn about the life and legacy of President John F . Kennedy . And , did you know Dallas is the
Official Home of the Frozen Margarita ?
The Margarita Mile is a free , self-guided tour of the best margaritas . Delegates can sign up for a mobile-exclusive digital pass , check in at participating restaurants , enjoy craft margaritas , and earn cool prizes along the way .
Head over to Deep Ellum , Dallas ’ live music hub , one of the most historically significant neighbourhoods . Enjoy Texas barbecue at Terry Black ’ s or Pecan Lodge and then take a stroll through Blues Alley , a street lined with murals paying tribute to the neighbourhood ’ s long history with blues musicians , all painted by local artists .
Cate Banfield , chief operating officer at Toronto-based corporate event production and management company Wynford , says the city ’ s sprawling layout necessitates organising efficient transportation for attendees , “ but its flourishing business culture , predictable seasonal weather , amazing music scene and Texan charm can yield substantial rewards for well-designed incentive programmes ”. She picks out these highlights of activity options :
1 . Ranch Retreat : A luxury ranch experience just outside the city , with horseback riding , outdoor activities , and relaxation in a picturesque setting .
2 . Cowboy Experience : Immerse participants in Texan culture with line dancing lessons , rodeo events , and a visit to the Fort Worth Stockyards .
3 . Private Golf Getaway : Organise a golf retreat at a world-class golf resort , featuring championship courses and personalised coaching .
4 . Western Art and Culture Tour : Explore Dallas ’ arts and cultural scene , including visits to the Dallas Museum of Art , Nasher Sculpture Center , and local galleries .
5 . VIP Dallas Cowboys Game Day : Treat your team to a VIP game day experience at AT & T Stadium , complete with premium seats and exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities . n More information can be found at : www . visitdallas . com / meetings-events
ISSUE 126 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 23