Meetings Northwest is fresh off a successful ITS Heartland Annual Meeting. This year the Annual Meeting was held in La Vista, Nebraska near Omaha. This event attracts about 220 attendees and over 30 exhibitors. We love working with the Heartland group for lots of reasons but primarily because they are just good people. After all, most are from America’s Heartland.
“The Heartland Hospitality” was evident in the staff at both hotels (Embassy Suites and Marriott) and the Conference Center in La Vista. Being fairly new to Meetings Northwest, this was my first time planning a conference solo. Lisa and Mary at the Conference Center were easy to work with, prompt with making changes and ever so willing to talk through details. Never did I feel like I was a hassle even though I probably had my moments.
The Conference Center facility is nothing short of fabulous. There is over 60,000 square feet of space that is handsomely appointed. This particular event does not require a lot of flair but there was an event in the ballroom the night before that really showcased the beautiful decor and technology capabilities.
As the conference kicked off, I heard no complaints about rooms, reservations or location. Attendees were more than satisfied with the Conference Center and the hotels. The staff had no difficulty turning the Ballroom around for us the next morning. Our exhibit booths were set up well ahead of schedule. I met with the catering, planning and audio visual managers in the morning to go over BEOs (Banquet Event Orders) and other details. I found them all to be helpful and accommodating. Our registration table was located just inside the Conference Center main entrance and next to us was the AV office. It is always an added bonus when the AV staff is nearby for those unforeseen technical difficulties.
As the conference progressed, we experienced a few hiccups. The meals and breaks seemed incredibly well staffed. In fact, there were so many attendants watching over the food and drinks that as the event planner, I said to myself, “Wow, they have this handled.” However, that just didn’t always seem to be the case. Coffee was empty and not quickly refilled (common issue). At lunch, the staff seemed to just watch as the plates dwindled to none without having more on hand. We had at least 15 people wait 10 or more minutes for plates to be found while their food sat in the buffet. There were also complaints of undercooked food that, to catering staff’s credit, was promptly removed. On the flip side, the staff went above and beyond to locate kosher meals. They prepared vegetarian options on the fly and canceled a vegan plated meal at no cost.
Overall, the event was a success. The issues were sporadic as The Embassy Suites & Conference Center in La Vista does most things very well. The planning staff was exceptional to work with before and during the conference. The facility was well equipped. The technology was outstanding. The internet connection was fast and reliable. The people were friendly and accommodating.
Would we return to the Conference Center in La Vista? Absolutely!
About the author:
Amy Lucke decided long ago, she would never stray far from the mountains and rivers of Montana. She loves sharing the outdoors with her two kids and spends most summer weekends in a 3-person tent with her four person family. She feels fortunate that she gets to write, create and collaborate with the smart and talented women of Meetings Northwest. Little known fact: She once traveled for 4 months on an around-the-world plane ticket.
