Sponsored Content
Incorporating the host city into the framework of the meeting is an effective way to enhance the content of the conference. From local caterers and offsite meetings in the community to city retailers and local businesses featured in attendee gift bags, each item or experience helps connect conference-goers to the host city.
Host in Local Hotel
While attendees might flock to flag hotels, consider a boutique hotel as overflow to showcase the destination. In Lubbock, the DoubleTree by Hilton offers a local flair through design and cuisine; meanwhile, just a few streets south, the Cotton Court Hotel pays tribute to the area’s cotton history through a unique design replicating an 18th century cotton gin that would have been in use at the time. Not only is Lubbock’s cotton-rich history on full display through the specialty 100% cotton sheets, nods to Buddy Holly, the iconic rock ‘n’ roll legend raised in Lubbock, are found throughout the hotel.
Add Local Cuisine
Cuisine is a tasty way to connect attendees to your host city, and locally sourced ingredients featured at restaurants like Lubbock’s Cocina de La Sirena, The Nicolett as well as local food trucks do just that. In Lubbock, impress guests with the original food truck, the chuckwagon at The National Ranching Heritage Center. Showcase Lubbock’s pioneer heritage with a conference breakfast while roaming the 19 acres of historical and authentic ranching structures. For a nightcap, include a signature cocktail as the sponsored drink of choice! You might learn an intriguing story like the creation of Lubbock’s classic Chilton. Legend has it, on a warm West Texas day, Dr. Chilton, with the help of a bartender at the Lubbock Country Club, created a refreshing concoction of vodka, soda water and lemon, topped with a salted rim.
Choose Location-Specific Oddities
Bring the culture of the region to life with attractions like the Buddy Holly Center and the American Windmill Museum. From the legacy of Holly that lives on through up-and-coming musicians that are available to perform live for your group, to the resilience of a community on display for conference goes to marvel, off-site locations will quickly introduce the culture of the Hub City. You might even find local celebrities at places like Prairie Dog Town!
Consider hosting a happy hour at an area winery or craft brewery. As the leading producer of Texas wine grapes, the Lubbock area accounts for 90% of all grape production in the state. Local wineries like McPherson Cellars offer event space to accommodate attendees looking to break out of the meeting room and network over an award-winning glass of vino.
With specialty items like locally roasted coffee, honey from area orchards, and destination stickers, CVBs are a great resource to acquire local products that highlight the destination as well.
Each host city exhibits a unique character, giving insight to the nature of the community. Here people are eager to showcase the West Texas way of life!
