Conferences are tucked away
The conference center is connected to but quietly tucked away from the hotel’s lobby, restaurant and lounge, spa and guest room areas. Four of its six meeting rooms, which include a 4,000-square-foot ballroom, have windows with views of gardens and trees. A 1,600-square-foot salon has views of the lake.
“There’s nothing worse than being stuck in a room all day with no concept of what’s happening outdoors,” said Whyte. “Our meeting spaces feature light and artwork and views of nature that leave attendees feeling refreshed and more alert because they can see daylight.”
Along one corridor, a tall glass case showcases 13 large urns in mute colors, all handcrafted by North Carolina-based potters Mark Hewitt and Ben Owen III, one example of local art acquired by the Goodnights for the property. North Carolina art is a passion of Ann Goodnight; the hotel has more than 40 paintings, sculptures and pottery works by North Carolina artists that guests can see on a self-guided tour.
Intimate gathering spaces lie down corridors and around corners. An impromptu managers’ meeting might transpire in a garden-view lounge over morning coffee. A room off the lobby boasts comfortable chairs near a fireplace, and in nice weather, a door slides to open for a cocktail hour to spill onto a lakeside terrace.
“We bring attendees here and keep them working very hard,” said planner Jordan, “but during breaks, they can step out onto a terrace with beautiful views of nature.”
Art and nature are everywhere, it seems, from the blown-glass tendrils of a Dale Chihuly sculpture on a tabletop in the lobby to a meditation courtyard, where a nine-foot-high bronze fountain created by German-born artist Ulrich Pakker splashes.
Meeting breaks can incorporate afternoon tea, chair massages or yoga stretches with smoothies, partnering the property’s creative food and spa teams.
“I’ve used the Umstead for many meetings for 25 to 250 attendees,” said Erica Hinkle, vice president and event planner at First Citizens Bank in Raleigh. “The staff always goes above and beyond. At a surprise retirement dinner, Carrie Cassidy [director of catering] helped me sneak the honoree’s family through a back door and served them food and drink while they waited. It made them feel special.”
Banquet food there is not an afterthought, and innovation is a byword. Glass reception and buffet tables decorated with art replace standard six-foot tables skirted with linen.
