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.
It’s important for all guests of a conference to feel heard – a difficult task with a room full of people and attendees tuning in virtually also. Venues must have the technical capabilities in place to support and deliver user-friendly experiences to all attendees. The top tech requirements to run a smooth event include strong audio quality and sound proofing rooms, high-spec video cameras and flexible computer systems.
Here are four meeting destinations where meeting organizers will find state-of-the-art technology amongst some other impressive amenities.
La Cantera Resort & Spa (San Antonio, TX)
The 2017 Smart Meetings Winner for Best Golf Resorts, La Cantera Resort & Spa offers a wide variety of meeting and event services across its 115,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space.
In terms of technology, the resort offers the latest in conference audio and visual technology as well as an onsite audio-visual professional to assist with any tech needs, a personal meeting concierge and a business center with computers, printers and a full-service UPS store.
Some other perks of the resort include its two magnificent golf courses, a driving range, practice area and golf school with lessons from PGA teaching professionals.
Located on the Texas A&M University Campus, 35,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space can transform to facilitate anything from a casual brainstorm to a formal celebration.
The conference facilities are IACC (International Association of Conference Centers) approved so guests can expect top-of-the-line technology and ergonomic furniture in all event spaces.
Spacious rooms and modern furnishings are rivalled only by the built-in audio visual technology and on-site A/V support team so organizers are equipped with both the technology and the service to ensure presentations, speeches, and anything in between go off without a hitch.
And, with a rooftop pool overlooking the legendary Kyle Field, the venue offers the perfect retreat to beat the Texas heat whilst unwinding and mingling post-meetings.
Located in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, this beautifully restored Tudor-style hotel offers 63,000 square feet of versatile event space. The hotel is a certified IACC member and offers an in-house technology consultant to help organizers design and plan every element of their conference technology.
Utilizing broadcast quality digital video equipment and high-end audio and lighting, conference rooms bring an added level of professionalism to meetings of all sizes. Additionally, the hotel has made a near half million dollars in investments for renovations, infrastructure and equipment to create an inspiring meetings environment that can safely achieve maximum potential in both a live and virtual setting.
For some post conference events, the hotel is centrally located for unique activities such as hiking, biking and kayaking with Roanoke Adventures and cultural exploring at the Taubman Museum of Art and the 188-years-old historic Roanoke Farmers Market.
Housed in a striking new building on The University of Chicago campus, The David Rubenstein Forum is designed to host scholars, researchers, and dignitaries – plus meeting groups – from around the world.
The Forum has significantly invested in advanced technology, delivering seamless concierge-level service, and providing the expertise needed to execute flawless hybrid meetings. In addition, rooms feature projectors on motorized lifts, video playback, audio and video capture and simultaneous interpretation equipment.
The center’s iconic design includes a two-story podium and 10-story tower divided into “neighborhoods,” each with a distinctive identity. The views from higher floors are unmatched in the city, offering visitors unique perspectives of campus, the Chicago skyline, the Midway Plaisance and Lake Michigan.
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.
Five LEED-certified convention centers to consider with recommendations on where to stay nearby through the independent hotels in the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio.
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.
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.
