Hosting an event at a LEED-certified venue is a great way to incorporate sustainability practices into your organization and bolster your environmental, social and governance framework. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) by the U.S. Green Building Council is a global building certification denoting sustainable design, construction and operations. For organizations looking to reduce their environmental impact, here are five LEED-certified convention centers to consider with recommendations on where to stay nearby through the independent hotels in the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio:
The Oregon Convention Center (OCC) was the first convention center to earn the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification and has long since been at the forefront of green building and environmentally responsible business practices. As one of the largest event venues in the Pacific Northwest, OCC’s amenities include two ballrooms, 255,000 square feet of flexible exhibit space and 52 meeting rooms.
Just a short walk away are a variety of luxury accommodations – including the boutique Hotel Lucia, renowned for its expansive photography collection and eclectic style, and Dossier, which perfectly embodies Portland’s cultural ethos and immerses travelers into the city’s culture and cuisine.
Located in the heart of historic downtown San Antonio, Texas, the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center (HBGCC) is committed to sustainable practices including waste reduction and energy and water conservation. In 2017, HBGCC underwent an extensive renovation and expansion, earning a silver LEED certification for its sustainable building design and operation. The expansion also resulted in an additional 800,000 square feet of new construction. From ballrooms and theatres, to meeting rooms and cafes, HBGCC has a variety of green meetings spaces.
Nearby, meeting-goers can stay at La Cantera Resort & Spa. Overlooking 550 acres of lush Texas Hill Country, the premier luxury resort features a 25,000 square foot destination spa, an 18-hole championship golf course and a signature restaurant.
At the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC), energy, water and waste conservation are at the core of its daily operating strategy. This commitment to minimizing power consumption earned BCEC a silver LEED certification in 2016. At this green convention center, visitors will find a 40,020 square-foot ballroom offering breathtaking views of Boston Seaport District, 516,000 square feet of exhibit space and 82 state-of-the-art meeting rooms.
Less than a mile away is the Boston Harbor Hotel, offering lavish accommodations, stunning waterfront views and ocean-to-table dining experiences.
Boasting flexible event facilities, up-to-date technology, state-of-the-art catering and an easily accessible location, The Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona is a premier meeting and event space built to withstand the environmental tests of the future. The LEED-certified convention center prioritizes energy efficiency, continuous indoor air quality and water conservation, while providing more than 500,000 square feet of exhibit space, 81 meeting rooms and two large ballrooms.
A short drive away, visitors can stay at the iconic Mountain Shadows Resort. There, meeting-goers can enjoy striking desert views, dine at Hearth ‘61, play a round at The Short Course or relax poolside.
The Seattle Convention Center (SCC), previously known as the Washington State Convention Center, is a LEED-certified convention center prioritizing waste minimization, renewable resources, green operations, carbon management and green suppliers. Together, the original Arch building and the Summit, SCC’s addition, cover 1.5 million square feet, creating an expansive meeting campus.
Just a few steps away, visitors can stay at Hotel Theodore, where they can enjoy modern amenities, a museum-curated collection of art and regional cuisine at the newly reopened Rider restaurant. Ideally located, the downtown hotel also offers easy access to Seattle’s best attractions.
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Business travel is on the rise among younger generations – with a recent study from Hilton finding 53% of Millennial and Gen Z employees planning to travel in 2024, vs 38% for Gen X and 26% for baby Boomers.
When it comes to business travel and corporate gatherings, the emphasis is on team-building exercises, as fostering strong team connections ultimately contributes to the success of the business.
In today’s fast-paced world, constant growth and innovation are key to staying ahead of the curve and ensuring long term business success.
As we step into 2024, meetings are placing a greater emphasis on holistic well-being with Benchmark Resorts & Hotels leading the charge.
Studies show that being near bodies of water, soaking up the sun and breathing fresh, island air can provide a myriad of benefits including reduced stress, elevated productivity and enhanced creativity.
Tucked away in the Western part of the United States, the Rocky Mountains offer more than just a picturesque setting for business meetings; they provide an atmosphere of inspiration and innovation.
It's time to infuse business gatherings with a dose of enjoyment by shifting the next meeting to the golf course.
For those in search of refreshing, offsite meeting destinations, consider taking your next event to new heights in the mountains.
Nestled amidst Utah's red rock landscape, Red Mountain Resort stands as a prime destination for meetings and corporate retreats that effortlessly blend business and leisure.
Trade the blurred background of a team video connect for a real backdrop that will prompt sharp thinking and engagement.
At Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, experience a refreshing approach to business travel, where art and music take center stage during your stay.
As many consumers focus on making more health-conscious choices, and the sober curious movement continues to grow in popularity, it’s becoming increasingly important for workplaces to consider incorporating more inclusive F&B options into their gatherings.
Originally built in 1918, The Wigwam has remained a cornerstone of the West Valley for explorers, families and business travelers from near and far for decades.
It’s no easy feat to craft a corporate event that bonds colleagues, inspires business breakthroughs and is unexpected. There’s always a place for the tried-and-true cocktail party or ice breaker, but getting your guests engaged (and maybe out of the comfort zone) has its benefits, too.
Today’s travelers aren’t looking for just any other meal. Increasingly, consumers are making more intentional dining decisions and seeking more enriching, immersive and sustainable meals.
From vibrant cityscapes to awe-inspiring nature wonders, the Pacific Northwest offers a unique blend of work and play for the modern business traveler.
Team bonding is a critical component of workplace wellbeing, helping to build trust, foster collaboration and improve communication among employees. In today’s remote world, scheduling time for team members to connect in-person has become more important than ever – and what better way to connect than over food and drink?
Was the last palm tree your team has seen somewhere on their Windows screensaver? Then it’s time to check your bags—and check in to one of Benchmark Resorts & Hotels’ oceanside properties.
Spring is in full bloom and, as the weather grows warmer and the days stretch longer, it’s the perfect time to move your next team building activity out of the office and into the great outdoors.
From the great outdoors, hiking, boating and beachside yoga, to wine tasting, golfing and more. There’s something for everyone. Bring your team together with a unique teambuilding experience. Here are 10 locations where companies can combine business travel with productive play.
In today’s remote world, it can often be challenging to find a time (and place) to unplug and foster meaningful connections within your company. For those looking to escape the everyday and inspire innovation, collaboration and relaxation, consider a lakeside location for your next company meeting.
For meeting planners, finding new, unique and inspiring destinations for an upcoming event can prove difficult. Here are three Benchmark Resorts & Hotels' destinations dotted around the country, which offer unique experiences for meeting guests.
If your team’s connection relies on your internet connection, it’s probably time to think about making your workplace culture a little more personal. So, move morning coffee from your home office to one of Benchmark Resorts & Hotels’ boutique properties. We’ll bring the to-go cups.
Taking a step away from traditional office spaces and heading to new places can help teams refocus on business objectives, offering a fresh, relaxed environment, free of workplace distractions.
Happy employees are more likely to have a positive attitude when it comes to their work, increasing productivity and the overall culture of a company.
For meeting planners, technology can be a friend or foe. And, in this new hybrid environment with both virtual and in-person attendees to consider, meeting organizers must rely on conferencing technology – to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
Often, the best ideas come when we take a step (far) away from our usual surroundings. However, while the idea of jetting across the globe for meetings sounds inspiring, it can be a logistical challenge for meeting planners.
While company retreats have long been a staple of the business world, they often take place in a busy and overstimulated location like a major city for reasons including accessibility and proximity to a large airport. Planning a retreat in a remote location not only boosts your attendees’ comfort level as they ease back into in-person meetings, but time spent in a remote setting surrounded by nature is proven to improve brain health and stimulate creative thinking as well.
With many companies making the switch to fully remote or hybrid work, there’s added pressure on offsite meetings to make up for lost facetime and build team bonds that can benefit business.
Whether it’s an intimate conference or gathering for a small business or a chance to reward an individual team in a large corporation, Benchmark Resorts & Hotels has some excellent locations to host impactful meetings, executive retreats and events to meet the needs of smaller groups:
Over the past decade or so, sustainability has been at the forefront of workplace initiatives. But that shouldn’t just be a focus in the workplace itself – businesses should strive to ensure that they are engaging in sustainability practices even when traveling for conventions, corporate retreats and meetings alike.
Whether it’s a large corporate gathering or a small group of meeting goers, Benchmark Resorts & Hotels has several excellent locations to host impactful and productive meetings:
Breeze cooling your skin. Sun warming your view. Arms spread wide, floating down through the mountains. Can you picture it? A paragliding escapade through the Grand Tetons is just one of many teambuilding opportunities offered at Benchmark Resorts & Hotels properties around the country, designed to heighten your senses in a way that embraces creativity.
As meeting-goers begin to convene again in person, wellness should be top of mind. Meeting planners and attendees are increasingly aware of the benefits of therapeutic services and how they play a role in the success of any meeting, conference or program.
