Association Leadership - November/December 2007 - (Page 35)

in focus: El Paso El Paso: By Vanessa Andrade With a variety of cities in the Southwest region to choose from, the ideal location for any meeting requires certain distinctiveness for its attendees. Many cities offer a blend of cultures, comfortable weather and great cuisine, but El Paso offers more than you imagined. Much more awaits you in El Paso – historic missions, Mexican cuisine, theatre and exuberant festivals. From our colorful legacy of Native Americans, Spanish conquistadors, cowboys, ranchers and settlers, we’ve grown into one of the most modern, convenient locations in the Southwest. A variety of attractions are sprouting around El Paso, wooing planners to bring their meetings to the western-most city in Texas. In 2007 alone, the city unveiled new meeting spaces, a premium golf course, new museums and the newest outlet shopping center in the Southwest. These burgeoning incentives have impacted the number and quality of conventions, meetings and entertainment which are scheduled in El Paso for the future. A vibrant growth in meeting space has further cultivated the downtown convention campus anchored by the Judson F. Williams Convention Center and featuring off-site venues such as the Abraham Chavez Theatre, the Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre and the museum district, which was recently expanded with three new additions in 2007. The Oasis (street-level banquet area/bar), the Philanthropy Theatre (191-seat theatre) and the Alcantar Sky Garden (private rooftop patio) all adjacent to the Historic Plaza Theatre have added ﬂexibility for meeting planners as well. Minutes away from downtown, a different approach on meeting venues can be found. Groups can book an event within the walls of the majestic mountains at the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre and Pavilion. The outdoor amphitheatre and enclosed pavilion gives attendees the opportunity to enjoy something unique. The 4,600-square-foot Pavilion is available for groups to rent and accommodates 150-300 guests while the amphitheatre sits 1,503. Also, only in El Paso will attendees ﬁnd the greatest new golf course in North America designed by world-renowned course architect Tom Fazio. The Butterﬁeld Trail Golf Club highlights the Southwest’s natural beauty by utilizing the distinctive desert topography, including natural sand dunes and native ﬂora and fauna. As the only public premium Fazio-designed golf course in Texas, this par-72 will give attendees a chance to bring their “A” game to their meeting. Attendees can also take a day off and enjoy the newest outlet mall in the Southwest, the Outlet Shoppes of El Paso. According to D.K. Shifﬂet Associates Ltd., a travel research company, shopping ranks as the second major driver for out-of-town visitors in Texas and in the United States. With retail being a big driver for More than you imagined traveling, El Paso’s new center will offer patrons, 385,000 square feet of exhilarating shopping with dozens of brand name stores. Shopping and fun is not only limited to the U.S. Discover a two-nation vacation, with Juarez, Mexico only minutes away. Enjoy an international experience as you immerse yourself in traditional music, a kaleidoscope of colors and a taste of Mexico with authentic food. From markets to missions, Juarez is an exciting day trip for anyone visiting El Paso. For your next meeting, look to El Paso and ﬁnd a city where hospitality is tradition, cultures converge and memories are made. Moving forward, city plans are calling for a downtown revitalization that would bring additional meeting space, restaurants and entertainment. With a fusion of ﬂexible meeting space, affordable lodging options, convenient ﬂights and entertainment for all, El Paso should be your meetings next stop. ◆ This is a special advertising section. For more information please contact Naylor at (800) 369-6220. Business and pleasure meet at water’s edge You should, too • Newly constructed 9th floor meeting/banquet space with a dramatic harbour view. • Complete facilities for corporate retreats, reunions, business and social events. South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center On the south shore of scenic Clear Lake 2500 South Shore Blvd. League City,TX 77573 800/442-5005 www.sshr.com November/December 298095_SouthShore.indd 1 2007 | Association LEADERSHIP 35 10/7/06 1:46:14 PM

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Association Leadership - November/December 2007

Association Leadership - November/December 2007 Contents Chairman’s Column Homepage 60-Second Solutions TSAE Annual Meeting and Educational Conference Award Winners Event Sponsors Conference Highlights Adaptability During Difficult Times/Reinvented Associations 7 Measures of Success: Organizational Adaptability Crisis Calling Association Case Study: Who is Minding the Store – External Factors Between the Covers New Members Community Spotlight El Paso Index to Advertisers/Advertisers.com Board of Directors

Association Leadership - November/December 2007

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