Meeting planners who attend Small Market Meetings Conference often come early or stay late to take familiarization (FAM) tours of the host city. That option is offered again during this year’s conference, September 28-30 in Mesa, Arizona.
Behind-the-scenes FAM tours are being organized through Visit Mesa, the city’s convention and visitors bureau. “We’ll have some surprises,” said Michelle Oden-Huebner, the bureau’s national sales manager.
Delegates will tour downtown Mesa, located a couple of blocks from where they’ll be meeting. They’ll take part in team-building activities at several venues, such as 12 West Main, which offers space for corporate meetings and other activities, and The Castle on Main, which also hosts meetings and events..
A social responsibility project, a popular pursuit at many conferences, will allow delegates to donate time and effort to benefit a Mesa charity. At the Mesa Arts Center, a city-owned performing and visual arts complex that is the largest of its kind in the Southwest, delegates will enjoy an immersive arts experience.
Also in downtown, delegates will walk to the new Mesa station of the region’s expanding light rail line for a show-and-tell. The rail line to Mesa will open in mid-2015. “We’ll be giving out some free light rail passes so attendees can come back and experience it,” said Oden-Huebner.
Other interesting FAM options include an Italian tavolo (“come sit at our table”) dinner, featuring the owner/chef at Queen Creek Olive Mill and a visit to one of Arizona’s best fall festivals, the Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Party.
At Queen Creek Horseshow Park and Equestrian Center, attendees will have the opportunity to see Western and English equestrian events. Wine and beer lovers will appreciate tastings and tours at Postino East WineCafe in Gilbert or at the Arizona Brewery.
For more information, visit www.smallmarketmeetingsconference.com.
