NORTHEAST
Photo Credit: The Hotel at the University of Maryland
The staff of the Hotel at the University of Maryland in College Park has an enviable reputation for working together to ensure that planners, hosts and attendees experience the commitment and attentiveness needed to make their events unforgettable. Whether a conference, meeting, hybrid event, breakout session or break, the meetings team helps planners comfortably host anything from a small program for five to a large formal gala for 500.
Just a short distance from Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Annapolis, the hotel has 297 guest rooms and a total of 43,000 square feet for events spread among a variety of venues, including meeting rooms, boardrooms, ballrooms, outdoor terraces (with views overlooking the university’s campus) and more. These spaces earn high marks for style and an elegant, modern aesthetic, and are well served by state-of-the-art A/V technology.
Whether convening in well-appointed boardrooms or flexible gathering spots throughout the property, groups at the 403-room Sonesta White Plains Downtown, just north of New York City, know they can count on the in-house events team to help them best utilize the nearly 20,000 square feet of on-site space for events of all kinds. New at the property are all-inclusive small meetings packages, which incorporate essential A/V technology, setups, food and beverage options and even a host to support planners on-site.
Like a certain life-insurance company, planners know they’re in good hands at the 217-room Chatham Bars Inn in Cape Cod, Mass. The meetings specialists here can advise on making the most of spaces such as the Harbor View Room, which can host up to 64 guests, with French doors leading to a patio, an in-ground fire pit and Adirondack chairs. Other unique options include the Boathouse, a stand-alone facility featuring 20-foot vaulted ceilings and splendidly vivid views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the adjacent Monomoy building, where the staff can adjust the setting from traditional to spectacular, either with chandeliers rising into the 26-foot-high ceiling or dramatic LCD lighting dropping into view.
Planners routinely rave about the assistance they get from the events team at the 942-room Resorts Casino Hotel, spanning 21 acres on the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk. Here, 64,000 square feet of meeting space includes 24 rooms, most featuring natural light and ocean views, and a 13,000-square-foot ballroom. Need helping with seating for a gala awards ceremony? Seeking options for outfitting a space with just the right technology? Or do members of your group require assistance with special diets or physical challenges? The specialists at the Resort Casino Hotel are on the case.
SOUTHEAST
Photo Credit: The Harpeth Hotel
True Southern hospitality reigns at the 119-room Harpeth Hotel in Franklin, Tenn., part of the metropolitan Nashville area. What sets the in-house staff apart is a shared purpose and internal drive to serve every guest with unique personalized care, and that extends to planners and their attendees. The hotel’s meeting team is empowered to make real-time decisions with personalized touches to help insure groups get the most out of their gatherings.
The hotel offers 5,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, including the Riverside Ballroom, which can be configured to accommodate anything from small conferences to larger events, as well as smaller spaces such as the Willow Plunge Lounge and the Library. For a gala feast or any manner of special event, the Harpeth’s award-winning chefs and planning staff works with groups to create unique menus tailored to specific needs and requests.
On International Drive in Orlando and connected to the Orange County Convention Center by skybridge, the Rosen Plaza hotel has 800 guest rooms and over 60,000 square feet of event space spread among 22 meeting rooms. At the core of the property’s success is an award-winning team that specializes in giving “regular” guests and event attendees alike personalized service with a close attention to details. These associates form an experienced crew, with many members having been with the hotel since it opened in 1991.
With 1,501 guest rooms and 524,000 square feet of flexible event space, the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando has long been recognized as a top destination for meetings as well as one of the premier golf resorts in the Southeast. This reputation is no accident, but rather the result of a philosophy that holds to hiring the best associates, treating them with respect and empowering them to grow, and in return, these valued employees deliver exceptional guest service across every department. This includes an award-winning culinary team that works closely with planners to provide elevated food and beverage experiences across 15 unique in-house dining venues.
MIDWEST
Photo Credit: Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites
When it comes to extraordinary service and the savvy to solve problems on the go, along with a deep knowledge of the in-house capabilities available to meeting professionals and their attendees, the staff at the Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites is the very model of success. The 231-room property prides itself on inculcating a “can-do” spirit among its event team members, who smartly oversee some 30,000 square feet of flexible space able to accommodate a wide variety of events.
At the heart of the staff’s excellence is a rigorous training program based on the pillars of enhanced customer service, ongoing technical education and the ability to incorporate eco-friendly practices into daily routines and event-support activities. The hotel’s culinary team likewise is well-versed on ensuring that menus are customized to dietary restrictions, cultural preferences and thematic elements.
Featuring over 1,300 acres of stunning landscapes and world-class amenities, the 358-room Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Wisconsin is justly proud of its exceptional on-site support staff, some 1,000 strong. With specialized team members especially designated to handle events, team building, recreational activities, catering and more, every detail can be managed to ensure that attendees enjoy a grand and productive experience. In all, the hotel has over 62,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space, including the 13,500-square-foot Forum Convention Center and 12,000-square-foot Conference Center. the Mountain Top ski and snowboard facility, and several acclaimed restaurants.
At the 375-room Chicago North Shore Hotel, more than 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space is presided over by an expert staff whose passion, consistency and collaborative spirit enhance every event and guest interaction. From anticipating client needs before a request is made to executing intricate event timelines and delivering personalized touches, the team works hard to ensure that each event runs flawlessly. From arrival to departure, this commitment to excellence shines through, from multilingual employees to concierge and front desk teams remaining available 24/7 to address any need with warmth and speed.
SOUTHWEST
Photo Credit: Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas
With over 43,000 square feet of event space, including three ballrooms and a climate-controlled outdoor pavilion, the 235-room Hilton Scottsdale Resort is a great choice for groups seeking to convene in Arizona. But what makes events truly special here is the staff’s commitment to superb service, proactive problem-solving, technological innovation and genuine dedication to clients' success. This talented team is adept at navigating complex event requirements, from coordinating intricate room setups to managing multi-day conference logistics, always with a positive attitude and solution-oriented mindset.
The hotel also offers guests an outdoor pool, a fitness center and sumptuous in-house dining at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, along with casual Southwest-style flavors at the Bluefire Grille. In a picturesque setting in the heart of Scottsdale, the resort is near to attractions such as McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Camelback Mountain, Fashion Square, Old Town Scottsdale and Chase Field. Scottsdale Airport is just seven miles away.
Hospitality at the 328-room JW Marriott Houston Downtown is shaped by a passionate, empowered team that consistently goes above and beyond. Whether transforming suites into private celebrations or responding to last-minute attendee needs, the staff operates with purpose and heart. Based in a landmark 1910 skyscraper, the hotel has 14,000 square feet of dedicated meeting space including a ballroom that can host up to 350 people. Amenities include a 24-hour fitness center with cutting-edge equipment, the award-winning Main Kitchen restaurant and the Spa by JW, perfect for after-work pleasure. Nearby are the Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park and the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Consistently garnering rave reviews, the events staff at the 297-room AT&T Hotel and Conference Center in Austin help groups take the best advantage of the property’s 85,000 square feet of meeting space spread among 53 rooms. This bounty includes the 15,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom complete with pre-function space; a second ballroom spanning 10,000 square feet, showcasing wood beams and chandeliers; a 3,400-square-foot junior ballroom plus a 2,700-square-foot tiered classroom. Within walking distance of the Texas Capital and numerous entertainment venues, the hotel is on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin.
With 1,002 guest rooms, over 265,000 square feet of customizable event space, a 36-hole PGA Tour golf facility, a nine-acre water park, a full-service spa, eight culinary experiences and more, planners and attendees alike have just about everything they need — plus a dedicated on-site support team of seasoned professionals to help them make the most of it all. Composed of experts in meeting planning, culinary arts and guest services, the staff ensures that every aspect of an event is executed flawlessly. Technological proficiency is another hallmark of the LEED-certified resort, with a specialized team handling everything from high-speed wireless connectivity to state-of-the-art fiber-optic cabling.
Event planning at the 387-room Marriott San Antonio Airport is managed by a team of talented associates who apply precision and attention to detail to every on-site meeting, conference and celebration. From initial planning stages to event execution, these experts work closely with planners to customize each experience to their unique needs, including in the realm of food and beverage: Whether it's a grand banquet or an intimate gathering, the culinary experts at the resort play a crucial role in crafting custom catering menus sourced from local ingredients. In all, the resort has more than 265,000 square feet of customizable meeting space spread over 15 rooms, including the 40,500-square-foot Grand Oaks Ballroom.
FAR WEST
Photo Credit: Hotel Yountville
In California’s Napa Valley, the Hotel Yountville exemplifies the gold standard when it comes to the skill and versatility of the event staff. These dedicated individuals preside over a total of 4,400 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor meeting spaces. This includes venues that can accommodate anywhere from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations, in rooms that can be tailored to suit both corporate and social events. The hotel’s tenured team is deeply invested in each group’s journey, going the extra mile to be responsive and exude a spirit of hospitality that’s both genuine and elevated.
As a vineyard estate-inspired retreat, the hotel extends a Tuscan-European vibe over its total of 80 guest rooms, comprising 10 suites and 70 mid-range rooms, designed to resemble the villas of a small country estate. The on-site spa is a sanctuary with a coed lounge, featuring luxurious treatments including a soothing hydrotherapy tub. Wine lovers will be glad to note that the property is situated near more than 350 wineries.
Built around Pu‘u Keka‘a ("Black Rock") on 23 oceanfront acres, the 508-room Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa has an event team that in 2024 received perfect scores from parent company Marriott’s Convention & Resort Network for on-site event experience. This included F&B service, technology services and coordination. Indeed, from front desk to banquet, every staff member strives to embody Sheraton’s standard of excellence while honoring the property’s Hawaiian roots. On-site meeting space totals 42,307 square feet, including 14 meeting rooms and 12 venue options. The largest room spans 12,000 square feet, and there’s a further 27,839 square feet of outdoor space for events.
In Santa Clarita, Calif., the 244-room Hyatt Regency Valencia is celebrated for its hospitality excellence, service and operational finesse. The hotel’s industrious team of 40 professionals both front-of-house and behind the scenes is central to in-house event success, earning industry recognition through perfect client scores and enthusiastic word-of-mouth. The in-house catering and conference teams routinely exceed expectations, whether developing inventive farm-to-table seasonal menus with a Southern California flair or helping to create innovative team-building exercises that breed success. The hotel’s more than 16,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space includes the 5,600-square-foot Grand Ballroom, the 5,500-square-foot Topiary/Rose/Garden Court area and other smaller spaces.
Driven by passion and professionalism, the on-site support team at the 347-room Hyatt Regency Lake Washington in Renton, Wash., is the heartbeat of the many memorable gatherings that take place among the property’s 60,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space. Each sales and event representative is trained as a Together by Hyatt specialist as part of a program that empowers staff to create more connected, meaningful events with the attendee at the center of it all. The hotel’s seasoned banquet captains, many with over six years of tenure at the property, deliver consistent, high-touch service. Also on-site are walking trails, a spa, a lakefront fitness center and a variety of water sports.
In the heart of the colorful Embarcadero district, the dedicated meetings and events team at the 821-room Hyatt Regency San Francisco helps to craft the ideal setting and itinerary that helps groups to reach their goals. These expert professionals assist planners working with any of the hotel’s 72,000 square feet of total meeting space in areas that include a 17-story atrium, the 11,125-square-foot Grand Ballroom (able to host up to 1,000 guests), the Regency Room (a 1,465-square-foot ballroom divisible into two spaces) and the intricately designed Atrium Lobby. With its proximity to city highlights and an array of dining experiences, the hotel is an ideal location for gatherings of all sizes.
INTERNATIONAL AND U.S. TERRITORIES
Photo Credit: Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters
With the beautiful backdrop of Montego Bay, Jamaica, the 228-room Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters is an exciting vacation property as well as a premier meetings destination. Ever since its debut in 2023, this resort has become a top choice for high-level gatherings, well known for the quality of service provided by the meetings staff. Overseeing more than 15,000 square feet of event space, these resourceful associates are at once attentive hosts, thoughtful collaborators and logistical experts. They have a finely honed ability to understand the unique needs of every group, adapt in real time and deliver seamless experiences, from small summits to conferences for up to 800 attendees.
Just 30 minutes from Montego Bay Airport, the Hideaway also offers nine restaurants, seven bars, a top-rated luxury spa and lots of vibrant local culture, from Jamaica-themed shows to exquisite cuisine featuring all the fabulous flavors of the island. When outside the conference room, attendees can book fully immersive excursions that highlight the best of the surrounding land and sea.
With 369 guest rooms, an exciting Greg Norman-designed nine-hole course and six fabulous on-site dining options, the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, also provides 22,035 square feet for meetings and an expert team of associates to help groups realize their goals in spectacular fashion. This dynamic in-house squad works with planners to take best advantage of spaces such as the Cayman Islands Royal Ballroom (the largest on the island at 8,602 square feet), the Ballroom Terrace (6,604 square feet), the Capella Room (1,031 square feet) and more, altogether accommodating anywhere up to 736 people.
Planners enjoy placing their meetings at the 359-room Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Spa & Casino thanks to a colorfully varied 28,003 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space and a savvy in-house team ready to go above and beyond to help groups succeed. Among the notable gathering spots here are the glittering 5,290-square-foot Regency Ballroom, the breeze-enlivened Events Lawn and a sunny beach area. Just for fun and relaxation are two swimming areas, a lagoon, waterfalls, a spa, a casino, dining at the delectable Piccolo steakhouse and premium wellness programs. This is a beachfront luxury resort that also knows how best to do business — a can’t-miss proposition for meeting professionals.