Adventure and Alaska go hand in hand.
Towering mountains, peaks ringing ocean inlets, glaciers carving their way to the sea, and sightings of bears or whales are not everyday occurrences for most, unless you’re in the Land of the Midnight Sun. The same attractions that appeal to the leisure traveler will enthrall those who attend a meeting or conference in Southeast Alaska. Outdoor diversions, excellent cuisine and luxury accommodations blend seamlessly for a memorable event because who would turn down a whale-watching excursion or glacier flightseeing in between sessions.
Southeast Alaska, commonly called the Inside Passage, boasts spruce-covered islands and small coastal communities settled by Alaska’s native tribes and, later, by gutsy pioneers and miners; all contributed to the rich history and culture. A temperate rain forest, the region boasts stunning scenery, lush vegetation, outstanding marine life and an average 17 hours of summer daylight with temperatures in the 60s. Accessible by water and air, three key cities can act as a hub for your next meeting: Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan.
Juneau: Hub of Culture and Commerce
Juneau, Alaska’s capital, sits on the Gastineau Channel between Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts. Established before the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, downtown’s Victorian architecture reflects the gold-mining days. Attractions include the Capitol, St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church and historic South Franklin Street. On the edge of town, iconic Mendenhall Glacier invites visitors to watch ice calve into Mendenhall Lake. The 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield offers the opportunity for helicopter tours, glacier landings and dog sled rides in summer. Whale-watching is legendary, and many tour operators guarantee sightings.
“Our walkable city is perfect for smaller groups, with hotels around our convention center that keep meetings intimate and compact,” said Liz Perry, president and CEO of Travel Juneau. “We’re also a year-round destination with a city-operated ski area and Nordic skiing, plus live theater, three opera companies, symphony and a hub for northwest coastal arts.”
On Juneau’s waterfront, the recently upgraded 106-room Four Points by Sheraton showcases mountain and water views. The Sheraton works in concert with Centennial Hall Convention Center, located directly across the street. Other hotels, within walking distance, include the Art Deco 195-room Westmark Baranof Hotel with 5,684 square feet of meeting space in seven rooms. They range from the 2,068-square-foot ballroom, which seats 220 theater style and 160 banquet style with full-service catering, to a 12-seat boardroom. A block from the convention center, the waterfront, 60-room Prospector Hotel offers one meeting room for 45 theater style and a restaurant/bar available for events.
“Because we back right up to Tongass National Forest, attendees can get out on the trails or the water in just a few minutes from their hotel or the convention center,” said Perry.
Juneau’s Centennial Hall Convention Center accommodates up to 1,000 theater style or 550 banquet style in its ballroom; the center also has four additional breakout rooms, for a total of 17,000 square feet, plus a commercial kitchen and approved caterers. One block from Centennial Hall, the remodeled Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall offers banquet space for up to 400 and/or breakout rooms. Off-site, the luxurious Jorgenson House, a 1915 bed-and-breakfast filled with art and historic memorabilia, can be reserved. Indoor reception space accommodates up to 60 or dining for 30; an indoor/outdoor cocktail reception can be arranged for 100 guests. For something different, groups of 200 to 250 can attend a mountaintop meeting by way of the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway.
Travel Juneau provides complimentary lead and RFP services customized to specific requests. They will assist in developing a site itinerary and provide a detailed bid presentation. To help generate excitement and attendance, they can provide brochures, postcards, maps, videos, digital images and welcome signage, plus a media contact packet for local media. Coordinating spouse and guest activities, as well as assistance in planning premeeting and postmeeting tours, are available.
Juneau, Alaska
Access: Juneau International Airport, Alaska Marine Highway System
Major Meeting Spaces: Centennial Hall Convention Center, Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall, Westmark Baranof Hotel
Hotel Rooms: More than 1,100
Offsite Venues: Jorgenson House, Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway
Contact Info:
Travel Juneau
888-521-2201
www.traveljuneau.com
