Conference Centers: today's choice Marion IN

Corporate executives and meeting planners have found a popular partner to help maximize the impact of today's business meetings: conference centers.

Demand is growing for full-service meeting destinations and conference centers are leading the market with trend-setting concepts. Conference centers are an attractive alternative to traditional hospitality facilities because they are designed specifically for business meetings. The trend is catching on across the U.S. and here in Southern California, according to industry sources.

The Conference Center Customer

The ideal conference center customer is a company or organization looking to produce an effective, memorable meeting in a specialized venue. The conference center serves as the ultimate interactive learning environment and is adaptable to any meeting regardless of content or industry. According to PKF Consulting, which reports on conference center trends in a study commissioned each year by the International Association of Conference Centers, the most popular types of meetings over the last year have focused on training and ,education, management planning, professional or technical topics and sales meetings. Not-for-profit organizations are also enjoying the benefits of conference centers.

In Los Angeles County, the Pacific Palms Conference Resort has established itself as one of Southern California's premiere meeting destinations.

Why a Conference Center?

With the abundance of event space throughout Southern California, why would meeting planners or executives consider a conference center?

"Groups are increasingly aware that their needs can be met effectively and efficiently at a conference center. The best centers have the ability to keep a meeting on target while also offering attractive extracurricular options within easy reach," says Robert Farmer, editor of Smart Meetings magazine.

The International Association of Conference Centers, based in St. Louis, sets industry standards for facilities and services and certifies those that meet its stringent standards. Many conference centers are now pushing past basic requirements and expanding the concept by providing the latest in technology and services. The goal is to create an environment that enhances interaction and increases productivity. For example, the Pacific Palms Conference Resort, which recently completed a $32 million renovation, offers more than 45,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, 32 meeting rooms, a business center and technology caf6. Meeting rooms include Internet access, work-surface desks, ergonomic tables and chairs, multiple data ports, drop screens and tack-on wall surfaces.

Recreational activities like golf or spa treatments are a great way to entertain attendees during down time. The Pacific Palms-Conference Resort offers 36 holes cf championship golf, lighted tennis courts and spa services, allowing companies to encourage relaxation onsite.

"Pacific Palms Conference Resort is a marquis conference center. The'/really have set the benchmark for conference centers across the country," said Karen Pendelton, director of sales and marketing for Emory Conference Center Hotel, which offers 23,000 square feet of conference space at Emory University in Atlanta.

Conference centers are on the cutting edge of technological advancements. Wireless networks and T-1 Internet access are standard in most conference centers--a huge must for people who need to get work done while away from the office. Onsite audiovisual departments and multimedia production experts are also available at some locations. Interactive presentations come alive with the latest advancements in plasma TVs, rear-projection screens and theater-quality sound systems. High-tech business centers provide copy services and computer access.