Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/105245
ICI•pg_34-38__BMT_pg3-58 1/22/13 3:02 AM Page 37 that has a 'wow' factor with its affordability, vibrant downtown culinary and wine scene, and access to outdoor recreation. The personal comments we receive from attendees speak volumes as to why Spokane is a great place to meet," says Keith Backsen, Visit Spokane's vice president and Director of Sales. "As a meeting planner, our destination is affordable for both attendees and the planner's budget. We have 10-minute access from Spokane International Airport to downtown with complimentary shuttles, affordable hotel rates and fine dining that is half the price of larger cities. And when you're paying for coffee breaks, our per-gallon rate is also half the cost of some larger markets." Located on the Spokane River in Downtown, the Spokane Convention Center has 24 meeting rooms, 100,160 sq. ft., and a 25,310-sq. ft. ballroom. The Center is connected to the INB Performing Arts Center, allowing even greater flexibility. With its 2,700-seat auditorium, it can be used for both general sessions and performances. For meeting space, there is also the CenterPlace Regional Event Center with 54,000 sq. ft., Spokane County Fair and Expo Center with 93,000 sq. ft., Spokane Veteran's Memorial Arena with 32,000 sq. ft., and The Spokane Masonic Center with 117,000 sq. ft., plus several other locations. For information: www.visitspokane.com PORTLAND, MAINE There are any number of reasons to consider Portland, Maine as a meeting destination. The largest city in the state is scenic with its harmonious seascapes and cityscapes. Perched on a peninsula, jutting out into island-studded Casco Bay, Portland is also Maine's business, financial and retail capital. The city has been described as a progressive, lively city incorporating the character of yesteryear into a modern urban environment. Historic architecture blends gracefully with the new as you stroll along her working waterfront or the cobblestone streets of the restored Old Port section of the city. Old Port area of Portland, ME Photo Credit: Alex Boykov With a metro population of 230,000, the Greater Portland area is home to almost one quarter of Maine's total population. The population of the city is 64,000. Portland, boasting 3.6 million tourists annually, is an easygoing city with friendly people, ranked nationally as one of the 10 safest, culturally most fascinating U.S. cities and one of the top cities for doing business. "With natural beauty and rich cultural attractions, Maine provides the ideal location for a successful event of any size," said Elissa English, director of sales and marketing for the Portland CVB. "Planners observe that their meetings and events have higher attendance when they take place in Maine, due in part to the charm and allure of the area." Recently ranked 4th among the 10 perfect places to live in America, Portland offers all the cultural and entertainment amenities of any metropolitan area. The city has a collection of historic buildings, a vibrant arts district and traditional working waterfront, walkable cobblestone streets, galleries, shops, historic landmarks and diverse dining. Visitors can choose from contemporary hotels, expansive resorts, elegant coastal inns or mountain lodges. There are 1,057 hotel rooms in downtown Portland. Within a 20-minute drive of Greater Portland there are 3,172 rooms. There are also another 1,300 at the University of New England. For pre- and post conference activities, enjoy the Maine Maritime Museum, the Pemaquid Point Light-house, and The Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site, then ride the Maine Eastern Railroad from Wiscasset to Rockland followed, by visits to Owl's Head Transportation Museum, Maine Lighthouse Museum and Camden's Mt. Battie. Visit the Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum, stop at historic Fort Knox, visit Ellsworth, tour Acadia National Park, or travel to Carrabassett Valley and experience a Moose Safari. There are several auditoriums and halls in which to hold a myriad of functions. There is the Augusta Civic Center (49,500 sq. ft.), Cumberland County Civic Center (22,000 sq. ft.), Merrill Auditorium (24,000 sq. ft.), State Theatre (10,000 sq. ft.) and more. Maine is very accessible with major airports in Portland (Portland International Jetport) and Bangor (Bangor International Airport) accepting direct flights from 11 metropolitan areas. Maine is serviced by Amtrak's Downeaster, which connects Southern Maine to Boston/Portland International Jetport. For more information visit www.visitportland.com. B M & T ••• November/December 2012 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 37