Get Ready for Destination Texas 2019

Registration is now open for Northstar Meetings Group's annual Destination Texas -- the premier event for meeting planners interested in booking business throughout the Lone Star state, taking place Dec. 8-10. Hotels, venues, convention and visitor bureaus, destination management companies and venues from top Texas cities will join together in Austin for multiple days of networking, one-on-one appointments, education and more.

As we gear up to head south, here is what you can look forward to ahead of Destination Texas.

Budding Opportunities

To experience all of Texas in a matter of about 72 hours, Destination Texas is the place to be. Northstar Meetings Group will fully host all qualified buyers, including airfare to and from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport; accommodations at the 189-room Driskill Hotel, an Unbound Collection property by Hyatt; all meals and beverages, and participation in activities that will provide planners with a true taste of Texas hospitality (think cocktails, fun F&B and all that Austin has to offer). Those who attend will participate in:

Two days of one-on-one meetings with Texas-based suppliers and properties.
Insightful educational presentations and activities.
Great meals, receptions and networking opportunities.
Unique experiential activities showcasing Austin and Texas as a meetings and incentive destination.

Among other opportunities, planners can take advantage of a post-Destination Texas fam in Fredericksburg -- a community with German roots nestled in the Texas Hill Country. Fam highlights include wine tastings, a chocolate tour, an interaction with the famed Marketplaz holiday lights display and more.

If you're ready to register for Destination Texas 2019, click here. To learn more about why past buyers say this event is the best Texas networking and education experience in the industry, reach out to Dana Kallman, buyer development manager, Northstar Travel Media, at dkallman@ntmllc.com.

Mingling with the Masters

one-on-one-appointment — One-on-one appointments at Destination Texas 2018.

Planners at Destination Texas will have the unmatched ability to meet with top suppliers offering business and services throughout the state. Among them, Associated Luxury Hotels International, which has been connecting the industry's leading event professionals with a collection of the world's most prestigious hotels, cruise ships, DMCs and travel partners for more than 30 years; and hotels like the Aloft Houston Downtown, the Houstonian Hotel, and the Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel. Other suppliers attendees can rub elbows with include:

Unparalleled Education

Destination Texas will feature insight and education from two of the industry's leading professionals.

mike-dominguez-ALHI — Michael Dominguez, president and CEO, ALHI

Michael Dominguez, president and CEO of ALHI, will discuss the ever-evolving state of the meetings industry. From disruptive technology to the political climate impacting events, it's important to understand the issues planners will be wrestling with over the next decade. Dominguez will touch on the current outlook, economic concerns and forecasts to paint a clear picture of what's to come. He will touch on issues such as automation, cannabis, machine-learning biometrics and beyond to assess how each will impact the hotel industry and an event's dynamics. He'll also share with planners top tips for optimizing their ability to maneuver through the changes.

Nancy Cramer, founder, Correct Course Consulting, LLC

Nancy Cramer, founder of Correct Course Consulting, will delve into the art of negotiation and how to take emotions out of the meetings-contract process. Cramer will impart strategies to help the daunting back-and-forth run more smoothly. She will teach planners how to keep thoughts and emotions in control as they move toward their desired outcome, discussing how emotions are formed and revealing how to subconsciously impact buyers using the data they provide. The session will arm attendees with ways to pick up on the subtle cues that others often exhibit, helping planners adjust their contract conversations toward closing the deal in their favor.

An Ideal Location

Austin offers amenities groups need for a successful event. Several new hotels, like the Austin Marriott Downtown, are in the pipeline, and many more joined the city's portfolio just this year, such as the Hotel ZaZa Austin.

The area is experiencing a growing list of nonstop flight options to and from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, making it a convenient stop for attendees from all reaches of the globe. Once a meeting begins, participants use their free time to venture into the city to enjoy more than 250 music venues -- after all, the city is dubbed the "Live Music Capital of the World" -- and distinct downtown entertainment districts just steps from the Austin Convention Center.

The Hotel

On Sixth Street in the heart of downtown Austin, the Driskill Hotel, our Destination Texas host property, is close to all the city has to offer, including the Texas State Capitol, the convention center, opera and symphony performances, fine dining, shopping and the famed 6th Street music scene.

Looming large in the Lone Star state's rich history, the hotel's dedication to service, memorable experiences, culinary delights and welcoming warmth are Texas-sized. Stroll through the lobby with its marble floors and stained-glass dome, corridors of artwork and grand mezzanine for a glimpse into the property's storied past. Rest in one of the 189 guest rooms and suites. Meet, mix and mingle in the rustic Texas bar with daily live music, or reserve one of the out-of-the-ordinary event spaces.

Come Explore Texas with NMG

There's no shortage of what the state of Texas has to offer for meeting and event groups. There's something for everyone here, from the diverse landscapes -- the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, desert in the middle and rolling terrain of the Hill Country -- to the rich history, world-class cities, diverse culture and booming foodie scene.

Learn more about this truly diverse destination via NMG's meeting and event planning guides.

Hosted buyers, don't miss out. Apply for Destination Texas and meet us in Austin this December!