Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1546515
B M & T ••• September/October 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 49 ALASKA AREA GUIDES FOR A TRULY UNFORGETABLE MEETING EXPERIECE PLANNERS CHOOSE ALASKA Alaska's sprawling, stunning land- scape will make a lasting impression on any traveler seeking outdoor adventure and abundant scenic views. The state is home to the largest national park in America (the 13-mil- lion-acre Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve) and North America's highest mountain peak (Denali, rising 20,310 feet). The landscape is linked strongly to the Alaska Native culture. About 15 percent of the state's residents are Alaska Native, and visitors will find a variety of opportunities to experience their arts, celebrations and other cus- toms. Alaska could be the ideal incentive trip, corporate retreat or meeting des- tination when the aim is to get far away from the ordinary. FAIRBANKS Fairbanks is a popular base for visi- tors to some of Alaska's most iconic attractions, such as Denali National Park and Reserve and the state's Interior and Arctic Regions. It's also world-famous for its views of the aurora borealis, or northern lights. As a meeting destination, Alaska's second-largest city is probably most practical for organizations based in the Pacific Northwest. Seattle, the closest major city in the Lower 48, is more than 2,000 miles away. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the main gateway for travel between Alaska and the contiguous states, with flights ranging from about two and a half hours from Seattle to eight hours from the East Coast. To accommodate groups that make the journey, Fairbanks offers more than 2,800 guest rooms citywide, along with 175,000 square feet of meeting and event space. The largest facility is the Carlson Center, with more than 45,000 square feet flexible meeting and exhibit space. The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center offers free admission to its exhibits of Alaska Native art and history. Winter trav- elers to Fairbanks might want to attend the Festival of Native Arts, while those who prefer a warmer season might want to time their visit to coincide with the Midnight Sun Festival in June or the Tanana Valley State Fair in August. Year- round options include cruising on the Chena river, panning for gold at the Pedro Monument, hitting the links at the Midnight Sun Golf Course and touring a First Friday art show downtown. JUNEAU The premier meeting venue in Alaska's state capital is Centennial Hall Convention center, with 17,000 square feet of rentable space, includ- ing a 12,389-square-foot ballroom that can be divided into three. An additional 2,900 square feet of lobby space can accommodate receptions and exhibits. The center is located on the down- town waterfront close to several hotels, restaurants and shops. Many of the area's buildings preserve the architecture of the city's gold mining days. Attractions such as the state capitol building, Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church and historic South Franklin Street are within easy walking distance for visitors staying downtown. Just a mile and a half east of down- town is Mount Juneau. Along with taking in views of the 3,576-foot peak, visitors can head to nearby Marine Park to gaze through spotting scopes to search for mountain goats. Juneau is a popular port for sum- mer Alaska cruise ships, where passen- gers can book excursions to Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls, whale watching tours and scenic aerial rides on the Goldbelt Tram. Juneau is the only U.S. capital that is accessible only by boat or airplane. Alaska Airlines offers several daily flights to the city, and the state's ferry system also provides year-round trans- portation. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Alaska Travel Industry Association—(907) 929-ATIA (2842) https://www.travelalaska.com/ The Northern Lights {aurora} of Fairbanks Main street of Juneau photo credit: Popmedia Group/Robing