Sole Food 2: Men in Heels Help Women's Shelter

Friday, May 4, 2012 by Rebecca Fong

Hell on Heels - 2011 - Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, WEAVE fundraiser

Last year, the Sacramento's very own Nick on the Town (second from right) raised awareness about social issues like domestic abuse that affect our neighbors in the capital community. Local hospitality partners -- Chef Patrick Mulvaney and downtown real estate developers -- weren't shy. In fact, they recruited more friends to increase more awareness and funds to help WEAVE Inc.: Women Empowered Against Violent Environments, formerly Women Escaping A Violent Environment.

This past weekend, Hell on Heels 2 even won an award to further advance education to end sexual assault. It raised the most funds as a non-corporate team. Moreover, it featured more SCVB staffers than ever: Jeff and Matt (third and fourth left), and team leader Nick (fifth from right).

 

Hell on Hells - 2012 - Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, WEAVE Inc. fundraiser

The Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau can help out-of-town visitors give back to the  community. Local service projects and fun runs build camaraderie among conference attendees, and create a unique memory of the host city. If you are a meeting planner who is interested in voluntourism, visit discovergold.org to learn more.

Meetings in Sacramento Fit Neatly Under One Roof

Thursday, February 16, 2012 by Sonya Bradley

Last issue, we looked at using a convention center. This month, we look at using self-contained properties, particularly those located away from the downtown core.

The advantages of a one hotel conference are obvious, number one being that your attendees typically need only travel down an elevator and the length of a hallway to get to their meeting rooms and events. Two, if your budget is tight rates may be lower and parking is either free or lower cost because these properties aren't located in the downtown core.

Sacramento Point West Marketplace is home to premium hotel brands, a 350-acre exposition venue, 200,000 square feet of meeting space and nearby shopping, dining and attractions.One such example is Sacramento Point West Marketplace, a collection of Sacramento area hotels - Hilton, Doubletree by Hilton, Marriott, Woodlake (former Radisson) - all with substantial meeting space under their roofs, and Cal Expo, a 350-acre venue. The properties have plenty of parking available. They're located next to shopping, low to mid-price dining options and family-friendly attractions.

Furthermore, the area is a 10-minute drive to downtown Sacramento, nearby attractions and Sacramento International Airport.

Hobby, fraternal, social and similar type groups are often good fits for the all under one roof conventions. For example, Sacramento has hosted several model train groups at hotels. There's ample space to display working model train displays, retail items and hold seminars.  Plus, there are comfortable sitting areas throughout the hotel for the members to congregate and socialize.

This doesn't mean, of course, your attendees never leave the property. Fraternal and social groups often look for fun things to do in Sacramento for day trips, such as winery visits, or post convention trips to places like Yosemite.

If you're not sure what kind of meeting space you need or don't have the time and resources to research hotels, contact the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau for assistance. We'll find out what your needs are and help you select the right hotel. Also, we can provide convention and meeting services, such as custom microsites to help build attendance or promotional materials to round out your conference.  

Contact Sarah Atilano (satilano@cityofsacramento.org) to help you create a great conference under one roof. 

Ways to spend your MLK, Jr. Day in Sacramento

Thursday, January 12, 2012 by Rachael Lankford

Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

Not everyone has this coming Monday off (alas!) but for those that do, Sacramento has a few options for using your day off to celebrate the man it honors—Martin Luther King, Jr.

March for the DreamMLK365 is presenting the 31st Annual March for the Dream, which includes a peaceful march (choose to begin from the Oak Park Community Center, Grant High School, or Sacramento City College) that convenes on the Sacramento Convention Center for an afternoon of celebration. There will be something for all ages and interests—vendor booths, kids’ crafts & activities, entertainment, an art village featuring local artists, and more.

Lift Every Voice at CrockerThe Crocker Art Museum is opening their doors for their free Holiday Monday program. Monday’s event—“MLK Day – Lift Every Voice”—is a music-infused celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr, with regional choirs performing throughout the day. The event concludes with a screening of Not in Our Town, a documentary about the movement to stop hate.

Live Musical Performances at Old Sugar MillIf you think both those celebrations look fun—and you're also looking to listen to some jazz—consider signing up for Sacramento Wine & Nightlife Tours' MLK Day Experience & Smooth Jazz Celebration. This event meets for the March in front of Sac City College, attends the Celebration at the Convention Center, and then shuttles you to "Lift Every Voice" at the Crocker. From there, the shuttle will take you out to the Old Sugar Mill to enjoy musical performances by Tony Elder & Westbound Groove, Cynthia Douglas, DJ Rock Bottom, and more. This is a great way to make the most of your day and, with a special discount extended to Sac365 users, you can attend for just $20 (use discount code "Daytrips" to save $10/ticket!).

Blast from the Past at the Discover MuseumAlso open for the Holiday Monday, though not MLK-themed, is the Discovery Museum Science & Space Center, which is celebrating the opening weekend of their new Blast from the Past Exhibit. Kids can enjoy a day of hands-on fun learning all about dinosaurs! There’s a Dinosaur Train creative play area, dinosaur bone replicas on display, a “dino-nest” photo opportunity, and a dinosaur diorama craft.

If you are looking to give back with your day off, consider one of Hands On Sacramento’s volunteer opportunities for MLK, Jr. Day of Service.

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Written by Sacramento365.com Assistant Editor, Alison Kranz

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There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.

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Don't Be Afraid of Using a Convention Center

Wednesday, December 14, 2011 by Sonya Bradley
Moving your meeting or conference from a single hotel to a convention center can be a little intimidating and seemingly so much more work than you have time for, especially if you have a small staff or are a one-person department.

Yet, sometimes circumstances dictate the need to seriously consider a convention center and hotel package:

> Your meeting has or will quickly outgrow its current hotel space.
 
> Your Board would like to move to a larger city with more amenities.

> A particular destination contains certain assets (e.g. University, medical facilities) that tie in well with your group.

Don't let fear or lack of resources keep you from exploring the convention center and hotel package options for your meetings and conventions:

Short Distances Room to Room
Most cities have headquarter hotels either connected, adjacent to or within a short walking distance of their Convention Center. The extra time spent going betwen the two is typcially less than five minutes.  For example, there are two downtown Sacramento hotels approximately 145 feet from the Sacramento Convention Center.  This video is a great illustration of the proximity. There are a several more within a four- to six-block radius. On a nice day - and there are plenty in Sacramento - the walk is very pleasant.

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CVB's Understand Your Needs
Your CVB reps have the greatest amount of experience working with groups who decided to make the switch from a single hotel to a covention center/hotel package. She is there to represent the needs of the customer. She is also the one person who understands the intricacies and complexities of Sacramento meeting facilities and hotels and is well versed in your needs.

Access to Greater Services
When you work with a CVB, you have access to more resources for a better conference. For example, using Sacramento convention and meeting services mean you could qualify for airport and store welcome signage, street banners, information desk staffing, customized landing pages, delegate discount programs and more.

There's no need to view this opportunity as a scene in a horror film, where you're forced to confront a race of aliens known as convention center event planner, AV rep, catering manager, security; or you fear your delegates leaving the safe confines of the hotel and stepping into a convention center will bring unseen horrors with zombies at every turn who chase your delegates sending them screaming back to the safety of their rooms.

Take a deep breath, summon your inner meeting planner Wonder Woman or Lara Croft and do what you would do if you were contacting a hotel and working with a dedicated sales or catering manager.
 
Pull out your ray gun, aka mobile phone, and contact the city's convention & visitors bureau. Your CVB sales rep will be your sole point of contact and will walk with you through every step of the process. They will do the work of bringing the covention center and hotels together to ensure you have a successful conference. 

Contact the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau's Sarah Atilano - satilano@cityofsacramento.org - to start the conversation on moving to a convention center. 

Microsites: Function like a Conference App without the Cost

Thursday, October 20, 2011 by Julie Reilly

You don't need to be a CEO or CFO to debate whether a conference app justifies its cost. We recently received estimates from $750 to $20,000! Like you, your convention delegates want meeting information that is convenient and easy to find.

The Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) has collaborated with Lambda Alpha International to create a microsite that communicates logistics, schedules, off-site events, and interactive maps for its upcoming Land Economics Weekend. The page is optimized for PC users... but smartphone users -- both iPhone and Android fans -- can access the same beneficial information about your event!

Our microsites cost much less than apps; planners simply book a minimum number of room nights. More importantly, our microsites save planners time. These customized sites are immediately viewable across all platforms.

In contrast, apps need to be re-designed to meet requirements of each platform or operating system. Then they go through a lengthy process to get approved for display in app stores... and delegates have to search for them.    

Sacramento Convention Services Customizes LAI's Land Economics Weekend Site

More and more planners are finding value in this convention service. The one-stop source draws together details about downtown Sacramento hotels, dining, tourist attractions, maps, and the calendar of events Sacramento365.com.  

Contact the Convention Services Dept. to learn more about developing a microsite to spur a gold rush to your next conference or trade show in Sacramento!

SCVB Solves Citywide Conferences Transportation, Parking Puzzle

Tuesday, September 6, 2011 by Julie Reilly
Rush Hour: both a board game and an inconvenient pain

With four different major freeways that flow into downtown Sacramento, the Sacramento Convention Center is a very popular meeting facility among meeting planners who have a significant proportion of drive-in attendees.

Unfortunately this can create a parking and transportation puzzle. Dare I say, 'Nightmare?' While Rush Hour may be a fun board game, such logistics issues are no laughing matter. 

sessions and meetings -- where your delegates should beOrganizers of a series of eight annual citywide conferences sought the expertise and services of the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau (SCVB).

These meetings have gathered more than 40,000 delegates over eight (nearly consecutive) weekends. This requires about 3,000 parking spaces a day! The SCVB works closely with city parking services, private operators, and motorcoach companies, to ensure these delegates are sitting in productive educational sessions -- not traffic.

Have a specific problem during the planning of your meeting, convention or trade show? Don't fret! Ask about the convention and meeting services the SCVB can offer you and your delegates.

Delegates can now Book Conference Housing via Facebook

Tuesday, August 30, 2011 by Julie Reilly
The Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau has been listening to you, our convention and meeting planning clients, to help you increase attendance to important face to face events. We are working smarter and harder to help you fight attrition as well.

So, you've got your Facebook page and members are liking you. You're providing vital industry news and professional development or education opportunities. In turn, they're engaging more with their peers and their association... now what?

Our Convention and Meeting Services team can help you manage the hotel housing needs for your events via Facebook! Like us, most of your members stay connected with family, friends and colleagues via social networking. Now they don't have to leave Facebook to learn more about contracted hotels, photos, maps, amenities, group rates -- prompting them to register for your next meeting or conference.

Sacramento Convention Services can coach you to feature Conference Housing Info on your Facebook page

Have members who could care less about social media? Don't worry. The state of the art Passkey GroupMAXTM housing system is just as convenient for delegates who like making online reservations. It displays live, real time hotel rates and availability. Plus it explains room type options, hotel profiles, photos, maps and amenities. Use it to promote attendance and ensure attendees book their hotel rooms in contracted blocks and/or hotels. 

If you're a meeting professional who wants to make the most of your hard work, partner with Sacramento's convention and meeting services team to take your event to a golden standard of excellence.

Promotion, Promotion, Promotion Drive Conference Registration, Attendance

Tuesday, August 23, 2011 by Julie Reilly

announcerCommon knowledge suggests the value of real estate largely depends on location, location, location. Well, in the meetings and convention industry, perhaps the value of event registration and attendance mostly depends on promotion, promotion, promotion.

As hosts of this year's Train Collectors Association (TCA) national convention, members of the Northern California Division were eager to share their passion for Sacramento and the great Gold Country region with their counterparts and friends from across the United States.

Over the past year, local TCA members attended association gatherings in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Southern California. They brought with them an enthusiasm for their railroad-themed hobby and pride in hosting the 2011 annual event. They also asked the Sacramento CVB's convention and meeting services dynamic duo to send pre-convention publicity and promotional materials

Request a FREE Sacramento Visitors Guide today!Or choose from several Sacramento tourist attraction brochuresThe Visitor's Guide and assorted attraction brochures give delegates a first-class opportunity to preview the future conference destination. They can start to discover gold in Sacramento without lifting pans or mining equipment. Yes, it's that easy to begin the travel planning process! 

The colorful, informative takeaways are known to help families to decide on their next vacation.  

The local organizing committee was mindful of the experience that its children's contingency would have. The SCVB arranged 50 age-appropriate gift bags and goodies for TCA delegates who are younger than age 18. The capital of California is a great destination for young travel companions.

Living history and hands-on demonstrations make Sutter's Fort a popular youth / student tourist attraction in Sacramento, California.
If you'd like professional promotion services to increase awareness and attendance at your next conference or trade show, contact the Sacramento convention services team.

Why Sacramento Area Hotels are Going Green

Tuesday, July 12, 2011 by Dawn Brown

Did You Know?

  • ... the average-sized hotel purchases more products in one week than 100 California families do in a year?
  • ... the hospitality industry spends $3.7 billion dollars a year on energy? Electricity use accounts for 60 to 70% of the utility costs of a typical hotel.
  • ... that 2% of California’s food waste comes from the hotel and lodging industry? That’s 112,000 tons per year! This food waste can be composted or donated to charities.
  • ... that hotel waste can be as high as 30 pounds per room per day? As much as 80% of these materials can be recycled.
  • ... the typical hotel uses 218 gallons of water per day per occupied room? Water-efficient fixtures can reduce water and sewer bills by 30%.

 
Green Lodging Program

In 2004 California Integrated Waste Management Board created the Green Lodging Program to bring together the lodging industry and state travelers, to protect the environment by diverting waste from landfills, conserving energy and water, and providing cleaner air to breathe. The Department of General Services (DGS) assumed the operation in September 2008.

The program is solely for hotels and was developed to help the hospitality industry minimize its waste and conserve energy and natural resources. The program provides the industry with practical suggestions for sustainability practices that could improve the hotels' bottom line. The California Green Lodging Program is also a way for travelers, including those on state business, to select properties that have been certified as an environmentally preferable lodging option. These travelers can have confidence in their green choice, as certified properties have been verified by program staff.

Click here to learn how a hotel receives a Green Lodging Program certification.


Sacramento Green Hotels

Seventeen Sacramento area hotels currently participate in the Green Lodging Program. The hotels along with the Sacramento Convention Center have taken proactive steps to help make your meetings and conventions a little more green. Feel good about selecting a destination that provides cosmopolitan amenities in a sustainable way. Discover Gold and Green in Sacramento.

To view the Sacramento hotel Green Lodging Program participants, click here. 



Information provided by Department of General Services.

CVB Services Add Fuel to Volunteer-Run Train Convention

Wednesday, July 6, 2011 by Julie Reilly

The National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) has paid staff members, but many of its functions are performed by tireless volunteers throughout the world. The international group has a national convention every year -- but this July the capital promises to host an unconventional convention, Extra 2011 West!

Since Sacramento has long been a railroad town, the local organizing committee wanted to pull out all the stops. They were thinking BIG like the founders of the transcontinental railroad! The Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to help to provide the following convention services to our NMRA guests:

Sacramento offers Passkey GroupMax for EASY housing registration.

  • Housing: Passkey GroupMAXTM allows delegates to book rooms online or over the phone. Reservation acknowledgements are immediately sent to an e-mail address (or fax number, if provided). Otherwise, they will be mailed the next business day.

the official Save the Date / Pre-mailer Postcard from Sacramento, California





Follow that Chef! through the farmers market as he buys ingredients for your lunch
  • Spouse / Guest Programs: Not every spouse or travel companion shares a passion for scale-model trains. Seriously. The SCVB arranged spouse / guest programs for visitors to experience the good life Sacramentans enjoy year-round. Grange restaurant capitalizes on its location across from Chavez Plaza, home to Wednesday farmers' markets & Friday concerts. Its signature 'Follow the Chef' experience includes a market tour, tips on selecting and preparing fresh (and at times unfamiliar) produce, and a three-course meal at the chef's own table.   

Visitors and locals alike enjoy shopping in Sacramento, CAAnother extremely popular activity for friends and/or family members of convention delegates is shoppingSuprised, no? The SCVB prepared 200-300 customized swag bags for NMRA's special guests. Travel companions received information as well as some promotional gifts from area retailers, malls and outlets.

Furthermore visitors are steps away from exploring midtown, a neighborhood known for independent businesses and local flavor.


If you're a meeting professional who heavily relies on the kindness of volunteer association members to make your event a true success, why not recruit Sacramento's convention services team? We're here to take your event to a golden standard of excellence.

Upcoming Conventions Welcome the Public to Their Private Parties

Tuesday, June 28, 2011 by Rebecca Fong
Public invited to Private Conventions in SacramentoThis summer Sacramento is thrilled to host enthusiasts of planes, trains and automobiles. Save these dates and access some of the most fun private events:
  • July 8-10, 2011, the National Model Railroad Association presents the National Train Show. This is the industry’s most respected model train show and trade exposition. See all aspects of model railroading including the newest, unique products and services from the U.S. and around the world. The event will cover 134,000 sq. ft. of space, including 35,700 sq. ft. featuring extraordinary operating model train displays.  
  • September 10-11, 2011, marks the return of the annual California Capital Airshow! Fans of all ages, prepare to be entertained and educated by exhilarating jet demonstrations, world-renowned aerobatic performers, jet trucks, warbirds, and more at Mather Airport.

Meeting planners, if your trade show or convention has a public component, post that event on Sacramento365.com, the citywide calendar of events. It's free and easy to do.
 
The Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau wants to help you to get the word out about your exciting events. Prospect potential new members and become one of Sacramento tourist attractions -- without the hassle of lugging dusty gold pans and costly mining equipment.

The Sacramento Kings and a Sports & Entertainment Complex in California’s Capital city: Does it Really Matter?

Friday, April 22, 2011 by Mike Testa

Why all this hoopla from regional business leaders—the SCVB included—to keep the Kings in Sacramento and to build a new sports & entertainment complex? 

 

Is it about the Kings needing a pretty new arena to bounce their balls in and make more money—or is it about the Sacramento region generating jobs, increasing the hotel transient occupancy tax, and providing sales tools to local companies, all while increasing the bottom line of hundreds of local businesses?

 

Why can’t it be about both? What’s so bad about a scenario where everybody benefits?

 

It’s no secret that Sacramento is mired in a heated debate on the merits of professional basketball and the creation of a new regional sports & entertainment complex. And when arguing those collective merits with the Kings as the lead motivation, some people answer with a resounding NO! After all, if you’re not a basketball fan, why would you care what type of facility they play in—or if they even play at all? 

 

But that argument misses the point of what a new sports and entertainment complex would mean for Sacramento.

 

It’s About so Much More Than Basketball. Aha!

 

A new sports and entertainment complex, built in the right location, serves as a catalyst for new development.  

 

Specific examples from other cities show that downtown Phoenix saw a 20 percent increase at arts and cultural venues after America West Arena opened, not to mention $2.5 billion in development investment in their Central City. The San Francisco Giants pay the City of San Francisco millions of dollars in rent and taxes annually for AT&T Park, which has also acted as a catalyst for development in a previously underutilized area of that city. Coors Field in Denver brought not only a world-class stadium but also an investment in restaurants, shops, hotels and offices that revived a pre-stadium downtown depression. And the revival of the neighborhood surrounding the HP Pavilion in San Jose post-arena construction is nothing short of amazing. 

 

All that aside, and taking the construction of a new facility out of the discussion, you’d still have tremendous value from professional sports in Sacramento.  

 

A recent article in the Sacramento Business Journal estimated that the loss of the Kings would top $100 million for this region. That same article noted that the Kings provide 773 full and part-time jobs for area residents, fund the largest contract for off-duty Sheriff officers in the region and have donated $19 million to local charities in just 11 years.

 

How about the game night business that the restaurants in Natomas do? What about a few years ago when the team was one of the best in the league? How many bars—from Elk Grove to Roseville—were packed with jubilant Kings fans buying drinks and food while they cheered the team on—and how many tax dollars did that generate for local governments that was used to pay for services utilized by the residents of those regional cities? 

 

What other businesses did the team touch? Uniforms for arena staff, legal services paid for by the team to local law firms, chiropractors, taxis and limos companies, sales for local beer distributors, real estate agents and the list goes on and on.

 

Sacramento Convention CenterSacramento Kings Good For Tourism

What about tourism? With about 40 rooms used by the visiting team per game (sometimes for two nights) for 41 home games the numbers add up to more than $320,000 spent on hotel rooms and transient occupancy taxes.  

 

That’s a decent number but it pales in comparison to the $2 billion generated annually by visitors to Sacramento. Our ability to attract business and leisure travelers relies heavily on the image that our city portrays to the rest of the world—and professional sports helps to create that image and identity internationally on our behalf. 

 

Win or lose, the name “Sacramento” appears in newspapers throughout this country for the majority of the year. That’s exposure for this region, which translates into visitors, which benefits the people who live here.

 

It’s also about proactively leveraging the team to generate more business. The SCVB, for example, has attended Kings games in Chicago and Washington, DC, in an effort to meet with various national association groups. At those games, we hosted prospective clients and had upwards of three hours to talk to them about bringing their convention business to Sacramento. 

 

In just two seasons, the SCVB booked four convention groups that delivered more than $4 million worth of economic impact to our city. We also generated leads that, if closed, will provide an additional $10 million in economic impact. The tax revenues generated from those groups (or any convention group, for that matter) goes into the City’s general fund which is then used  to improve roadways, build new parks and hire police and fire officers.  

 

But it’s certainly not just the SCVB that leverages the appeal of the team. Local companies buy suites for the opportunity to conduct business while at the game. They buy sponsorships to increase the visibility of their business. They do these things to increase sales and grow profits—which in turn creates more jobs for those of us who live here.

 

Wanting to keep the Kings or build a new sports and entertainment complex in Sacramento is not about paying for a team facility that is owned by billionaires. It is about investing in Sacramento, growing local business and tourism dollars to improve the resident’s quality of life—all while continuing to foster regional pride. Whether you’re a Kings fan or not, professional sports make your life better if you live in Sacramento. 

 

 

 

Convention RFP Process Can Run Smoothly

Thursday, March 3, 2011 by Sonya Bradley

The RFP needn't be difficult. Your CVB can help you navigate the process.One area that can seem like a relatively simple process, but you soon discover that the coordination can be time-consuming, daunting even, with results that can be less than desired, is the RFP (request for proposal) process. Primarily, the response rate for proposals can be slow in coming or not at all, causing planners to question if hotels value their business.

The short answer is YES. Hotel sales managers place a premium on meeting planners and their business, as it is often the bread and butter for their properties. 
 
Corporate Meetings & Incentives ran a very good article in its February issue on the RFP process and why it does and can break down.

The writers (Katherine Markham and David Markham) presented some worthwhile reasons why properties don't respond promptly, including hotel sales executives inundated with inquiries, incomplete RFP's and hotels waiting to hear about a better piece of business. 

They also presented solutions for planners to make the process better for both sides, such as ensuring that all the information is covered in the RFP, doing your homework, creating a realistic deadline.

A large part of the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau responsiblities is securing hotel RFP's (request for proposals) for the planner. When you work with a CVB, your sales manager will help you avoid some of the pitfalls and serve as the liaison to the hotel sales managers to get you the best possible service, including prompt responses.

Furthermore, we're the meeting experts on Sacramento meeting facilities and Sacramento area hotels, plus we offer the added bonus of convention and meeting services which are typically free.

We are an extension of your meeting planning department, whether you're a department of one, five or 20, or even a part-timer who slips in meeting planning between a host of other responsibilities.
The Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau can help secure hotels, meeting facilities and necessary services.
A convention & visitors bureau role is pretty straightforward - we work on behalf of the customer (i.e. meeting planner) to find suitable hotels, meeting facilities and amenities to ensure a successful convention/conference/meeting in the destination of choice.

Sacramento Extended-Stay Hotel Exceeds Expectations

Wednesday, March 2, 2011 by Rebecca Fong
When you hear 'extended stay,' what comes to mind? Road warriors like corporate travelers and sales professionals on long-term assignments. Perhaps families who are eager for more space, but only willing to pay the same daily rate for a smaller room at a full-service hotel.

Well, the following exceptional experiences have transient travelers doing a double take. 

RICP from the Rose Garden, Capitol ParkLocation

Unlike other extended-stay (ES) hotels, the upscale Residence Inn Sacramento Downtown at Capitol Park (RICP) is located within a lively, cosmopolitan area that is near Sacramento tourist attractions like the World Peace Rose Garden. Avoid car rental expenses, and your company may nominate you for the employee-of-the-month award... Just don't skip personally enjoying Sacramento dining and nightlife.


3 Fires Lounge at Residence Inn Sacramento Downtown Capitol Park Convenience
Traditional ES accommodations offer larger suites with kitchen facilities, in lieu of amenities such as room service, restaurants, and daily housekeeping. Again RICP pleasantly surprises guests. Executive Chef Anthony Dimasuay of 3 Fires Lounge provides fresh California cuisine in a stylish, yet relaxing setting for lunch, dinner and room service daily. You can bet that this local has returned for business lunches!


Hospitality

Most importantly, you'll be treated to accommodating and professional service. Although this Residence Inn is not a convention hotel like Hyatt Regency Sacramento and Sheraton Grand Sacramento, its team consistently steps up time and time again to house overflow demand from conference attendees and trade show exhibitors. Our convention planning clients actually appreciate negotiations with RICP!

RICP also participates in the Sacramento Gold Card program, extending you even more value.


Contact the SCVB Convention Sales Team to learn more about other great hotels for your citywide or self-contained meetings.

Meetings and Convention Delegates Benefit from a 7th Inning Stretch

Friday, January 21, 2011 by Rebecca Fong
Earlier this month, I wrote about the serendipity of Sacramento as an ideal convention destination that perfectly blends meetings, networking and recreation. (You can revisit the article here.) There's only so much 'classroom' instruction the mind can absorb, so wouldn't it benefit conventioneers to have a recess or seventh inning stretch? 
Raley Field: Home of the Sacramento River Cats

Let's explore a few downtown Sacramento attractions -- beyond the popular eating and drinking holes -- that both engage & re-energize your convention delegates:    
  • Play ball! Build your team's camaraderie with the Sacramento River Cats. The Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland A's has consistently won division, conference and league titles. Notable ballclub members include Barry Zito, Mark Mulder, Huston Street, Eric Hinske and Bobby Crosby. www.rivercats.com
  • Train for the Tour de France. Established in 2006, the eight-day, 700-mile Tour of California has become a compelling road race for cycling's most elite athletes. During your stay in Sacramento, Escape Travel Tours leads a less grueling tour of the 32-mile American River Parkway. Bring your bike or rent a new Trek 7.3 FX road bike. http://www.escapetravelinc.com/amgen.html
  • Walk it out. Learn something new through low-impact exercise. Downtown Sacramento Partnership leads unique tours through downtown Sacramento to introduce visitors to people, places & events that have shaped more than 150 years of state and local history. Topics range from art and architecture to cultural, religious and urban history. http://www.downtownsac.org/DSPAPP/V/life-and-culture/Book-a-Tour.html 
Our Convention Services Department is available for personal consultations on guest / spousal program and activity scheduling. Don't hesitate to contact us... That's why we're here!

Supplier Relations: Steady or Fire Sale Friends?

Thursday, January 20, 2011 by Rebecca Fong
As I read Association Conventions & Facilities' sunny outlook on the exhibition and events industry, this optimist is cautious not to forget lessons learned during the past two years. I have seen the gold lining in the dark economic clouds: Meeting planners and suppliers have worked closer than ever to address budgets, cancellations, attrition and staffing.

Personal relationships stopped fighting technology... and owned it. The proof is in the posting -- of tweets, status updates, blog entries, photos, videos and more. 

Unfortunately the proof is not always in the pricing. During the recession, hotels in first-tier cities offered fire sale prices to get heads in beds -- and to minimize severe financial losses. Almost every association snubbed long-term relationships with second- and third-tier cities to sit at the cool kids' lunch table. Now as business travel rebounds, hospitalty industry experts predict rates will too. Where will you be sitting?       
 
Sacramento CVB: Committed to Your Success

The Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau thanks loyal meeting and event professionals for your business and your continued support. As your organizations face significant challenges, we understand if your programs are under review or decisions are delayed.
 
When you’re ready, we’re here… because we’ve always been, here, for you.
 
We’re here with outstanding accommodations, facilities and amenities. The entire SCVB team is here to ensure your continued success. We’re here with the excellent services you’ve come to expect of Sacramento -- from people who really do know your name.
 
If you have not previously worked with us, introduce yourself to our Convention Sales Team.

Select Sacramento: A Pleasantly Surprising Site

Wednesday, January 19, 2011 by Rebecca Fong
With the departure of now former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver, California's capital has lost some star power... but its luster shines brighter than ever. Why do meeting planners and travelers chose to visit Sacramento long after the days of the Gold Rush?

Zwahlen Images: California State Capitol and Capitol Park

Unlike other cities in the Golden State, Sacramento is not a concrete jungle. Its skyscrapers do not tower above like Amazonian trees; its freeways do not snake like vines. Graced by 320 days of sunshine a year, the City of Trees entices people outdoors -- where conversations create a sense of community. Irresistible are the casual walks and short bicycle rides between downtown Sacramento hotels, meeting facilities, tourist attractions, shopping boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and cafes (many with outdoor dining), theaters and nightlife.

Know what locals know: Neighborhood parks do more than dot city maps. They host a variety of community events from farmers markets to festivals. Don't be left out of the fun! Check Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento calendar of events.

Learn more about complimentary meeting and convention planning services from the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Off-Site Caterers with a Cause

Monday, December 13, 2010 by Rebecca Fong

Triple bottom line (TBL) just may be what my chin looks like after the holidays, if I don't get to the gym or a hotel fitness facility for a few days this month. -- Dear warmer weather, I miss Sacramento recreation with all its kayaks, rafts, fat tire bikes and less muddy trails. Come back soon! 

Mulvaney's B&L inspires youth chefsMore commonly, TBL is a way individuals or businesses measure the impact of their decisions based on values about economic, social and ecological success. It's also one way meeting planners & event professionals evaluate potential vendors & suppliers.

For example, downtown Sacramento dining foodies make a beeline for Mulvaney's B&L and Next Door, its events space. Its Culinary Specialists team offers services for cocktail receptions to company picnics to formal dinners at many off site venues. The commitment to showcasing local products, besides sponsoring opportunities for low-income youth, has a huge following. Rural-Urban Connections Strategy recently recognized Chef Patrick & his wife Bobbin as a business of the year.


Plates Cafe & Catering - St. John's Shelter Program for Women & ChildrenAnother off-site caterer a bit further from the Sacramento Convention Center is Plates Cafe. This nonprofit serves gourmet food and generous portions of compassion and inspiration. St. John's Shelter Program gets once homeless women back on their feet. Trained by Culinary Institute of America alumnus, Executive Chef Stu Edgecombe, participants gain much-needed experience to enter (or re-enter) the workforce. They also get exposed to new flavors & ingredients that foodies and chefs take for granted. Overall, mothers and kids feel confident about their personal accomplishments -- especially as program graduates land full-time jobs.

Plates Catering uses only the freshest, highest quality ingredients and actively supports local growers / producers who engage in organic and sustainable agricultural practices. It supplies bio compostable flatware, plates, cups & other environmentally friendly disposables for all of its events. In addition, the cafe is available for facility rental. Contact David Lose, Business Manager at (916) 381-2233 or dlose@eatatplates.com for more information. 
 

To learn more about planning an event in California's capital, get started here. Have you already booked an event in Sacramento, but still need convention services? Consult our directory or contact us.

Exclusively Theirs: Art Conference Customizes California Capital to Attendees For Their Sacramento Convention

Friday, November 5, 2010 by Rebecca Fong

At a time when meetings budgets are small, conference planners still seek experiences that are BIG. Most convention schedules feature a major evening activity for its attendees. Receptions, banquets, and dances are common... 

Sacramento Art ComplexThis week American Art Therapy Association is making Sacramento exclusively theirs. During its annual conference, visitors will enjoy “Night on the Town: Sacramento Art Walk” on Friday, 11/5/2010. The special event is modeled after the city's very own and very popular Second Saturday. From 6 pm - 9 PM, the customized art tour exhibits artwork and performances from AATA's own members at a number of local galleries and venues.

The walkable midtown venues are bounded by H & L streets, as well as 19th & 22nd streets. Stop by the following locations for some fantastic art and good company: 


Old Soul at Weatherstone
at 812 21st Street

Soul Awareness (NorCATA Member Art Show) 6 pm-9 pm 
featuring artwork by Northern California Art Therapy Association members

 

L Wine Lounge at 1801 L Street

Bruce Moon Performance and DDSO Art Show 6 pm-7:30 pm

 

Sacramento Art Complex at 2110 K Street, Suite 100

“Mutiplicity & Self-Identity: Trauma & Integration in Shirley Mason’s Art” 6 pm-9 pm

And Various Artist Demos throughout the evening

 

20th Street Art Gallery at 911 20th Street
Brick Alley Art Studios
Gong Yuebin Studio at 915 20th Street


Brick Alley Art Studios at 919 20th Street 
 

b. sakata garo Gallery at 923 20th Street


Viewpoint Photographic Art Center
at 2015 J Street, Suite 101


Kennedy Gallery at 1114 20th Street

 

Sacramento: Exclusively Yours

The Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau helps meeting and conference attendees get the most benefit from face-to-face meetings. Like gold, each visitor's time and presence in our city is valuable. Who wants to be another number lost in a big city convention destination? If you are a meeting planner who dreams of being THE main event in a downtown convention center with state-of-the-art meeting facilities and four-star hotels, in a cosmopolitan city that awaits your arrival with customized messages and convention services, then you are ready to discovergold.org. We work closely with our hospitality partners to make Sacramento exclusively yours.

Art Conference Convenes Community Service Project at Sacramento Convention Center

Friday, November 5, 2010 by Rebecca Fong
American Art Therapy Association

Art is food for the soul...
but art therapists also know food is good for hungry families.

During its 41st annual conference (Nov. 3-7), American Art Therapy Association is working with the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. Conference attendees are encouraged to contribute 
non-perishable food items for local families in need.

In addition,
delegates are invited to loan their creativity to help create a sculpture from boxed, canned and packaged donations. The public display will raise awareness about community service, art therapy, and performance art.

People who live and/or work in downtown and midtown Sacramento are welcome to participate. Simply bring non-perishable food gifts to the Sacramento Convention Center (1400 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814) through Nov. 7. Special thanks to Robin Valicenti for coordinating.

The Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau helps out-of-town visitors give back to the global community we share. Local service projects build camaraderie among conference attendees, and create a unique memory of the host city. If you are a meeting planner who is interested in voluntourism, visit discovergold.org to learn more.