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VENDOR SPOTLIGHT – Accessible, Affordable and Amazing: Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage, Alaska, is the perfect backdrop for a successful meeting or convention. The state of Alaska conjures up images of untouched wilderness and unparalleled beauty. It is called the “Last Frontier” and remains one of the United States’ most beautiful, expansive places. For most people, Alaska is a place they’ve always wanted to go. Hold a meeting in Anchorage and not only will delegates have the drop-dead, gorgeous backdrop of Alaska’s wilderness, but they will also enjoy the state’s largest city. With two convention centers, more than 8,000 luxurious hotel rooms, an eclectic mix of high-end eateries, world class museums and art galleries, and no sales tax, delegates will be pleasantly surprised to learn they don’t have to sacrifice anything in order to enjoy Alaska.

ON ARRIVAL

Getting to and around Anchorage is easy. As the largest city in Alaska, Anchorage is the best connected. Flights on all the major carriers connect Anchorage nonstop with Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, Chicago, Minneapolis, Denver, Salt Lake City, Houston and many other cities.

International carriers from Asia and Europe also stop in Anchorage. Thanks to Anchorage’s location on the globe, it is often the most convenient meeting point for groups with an international membership.

VENUES

Anchorage has more than 285,000 square feet of meeting space in its two convention centers. Both are located in downtown Anchorage, in the middle of a pedestrian-friendly downtown convention district filled with hotels, high-end eateries, great shopping and art galleries featuring local artists.

The 200,000 square foot Dena’ina Center offers beautifully designed, flexible event space. The largest, most modern facility of its kind in the state of Alaska, the Dena’ina Center is ideal for events from national conventions and trade shows to local meetings, banquets and special occasions. Visitors to this state-of-the-art facility will enjoy meeting rooms and halls that feature breathtaking views, versatile gathering spaces, and both traditional and modern artwork from cultures across Alaska.

The William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center offers more than 85,000 square feet of affordable, highly configurable meeting, exhibit and pre-function space in the heart of downtown Anchorage. A generation of Alaskans have come together at the Egan Center to do business, network, celebrate and be entertained. With the completion of nearly $5 million in upgrades in recent years, the Egan Center is ready to welcome a whole new generation of meetings and events. From conventions and expos to intimate family gatherings, there’s a space at the Egan Center for any type of event.

Add in special venues, theaters and meeting hotels, and planners have an Alaska-sized variety from which to select.

BRING ALASKA INTO THE MEETING

The Chugach Mountains loom large in the Dena’ina Centers large third floor window, and the spirit of Alaska infuses energy in any Anchorage meeting. Special speakers, inspired presenters and the Last Frontier’s cultural ambassadors make a great keynote or an unforgettable feature for an afterhours event.

Hear tales from the Iditarod Trail; the men and women who run the race know a little something about managing a team, facing incredible obstacles, and the thrill of victory.

Get eye to eye with a bald eagle or snout to snout with Alaska’s most famous porcupine; educational programs from wildlife conservation groups are an informative way to learn about Alaska and start things off with animal magnetism.

The rhythmic pounding of an Alaska Native song can often be felt down to the bone. A performance from an Alaska Native troupe will share songs handed down through generations. Native music and dance contains the true soul of Alaska and provides a window on cultures that have shaped Alaska for thousands of years.

EXPLORING ALASKA, PRE AND POST-MEETING

A meeting or convention in Anchorage brings out the explorer in all of us. Alaska is one of those places that conjures up visions of untouched wilderness, untamed places and epic adventures. Host a meeting here and give delegates the opportunity to knock a few things off their bucket list.

Circle the continent’s tallest mountains on a sightseeing flight. Cruise Alaska waters in search of massive migratory whales and even larger glaciers. Unwind on wooded trails that start near the hotel and seem to stretch out beyond the horizon. Or take off for iconic national parks like Denali, Kenai Fjords, Lake Clark or Katmai.

STERLING SERVICE

The staff at Visit Anchorage is seasoned, savvy and standing by to make your meeting a success. With surprising longevity and exceptional service, they ensure the Anchorage meeting is a productive, positive experience.

From site selection and proposal assistance to familiarization tours, attendance promotion and the meeting itself, Visit Anchorage ensures the Anchorage meeting is meticulously organized, well attended, easy and – above all – successful.

Learn more about meeting in Anchorage at www.Anchorage.net/meetings or contact Andrea Schmidt, 907.257.2317 or [email protected].

Thomas RaddeVENDOR SPOTLIGHT – Accessible, Affordable and Amazing: Anchorage, Alaska