The Boise Centre (pictured) is undergoing a major expansion to add 36,000 square feet of new meeting space
Straddling the line between vibrant metropolis and expansive outdoors, Idaho provides a wide range of offerings for groups. Whether you're looking for cutting-edge amenities or a more offbeat experience, this northwestern state makes for an attractive destination. And thanks to a number of recent developments, it is perhaps a better time than ever to pay a visit to Idaho.
Boise Bound
The state's capital city, known as the "City of Trees," boasts some substantial group spaces. For example, there is the Boise Depot, a Spanish-style venue that first opened in 1925 and which continues to be maintained by the Boise Parks & Recreation Department. Among its offerings is the 77-foot-high Great Hall, with an atrium of more than 3,500 square feet. Original benches from 90 years ago line the hall's walls, and the space can fit up to 300 for a reception-style event.
International influences can be seen elsewhere in the city, particularly around the Basque Block, the center of gatherings celebrating the culture of the Basque people, thousands of who migrated to Idaho in the late 1800s from the area along the border of France and Spain (Boise is currently home to the fifth-largest ethnic Basque population in the world). Groups can immerse themselves in this culture by hosting an event at the Basque Center, decorated in traditional Basque style and offering a main hall that can accommodate 450, and a lower hall that can hold 300 attendees.
Earlier this summer, the Consumer Cooperative Management Association, based in Washington, D.C., brought 400 attendees to Boise and made a Basque block party a central part of the goings on.
In July, the Council of Writing Program Administrators held an event for 425 people at one of the favorite group meeting spots: the Boise Centre. Currently offering 50,000 square feet of meeting space, this convention center is undergoing a major expansion that will add an additional 36,000 square feet of space -- including a 15,000-square-foot ballroom and another 14,000 square feet of meeting space. The additions will connect with the existing space via an enclosed concourse.
Of course, Idaho's agricultural business remains a defining characteristic of the state, and this year will see the completion of a venue that pays tribute to this: Jack's Urban Meeting Place (JUMP). This $70 million nonprofit, interactive "creative center" aims to meet the needs of groups, with a 65,000-square-foot main building, meeting spaces, and an outdoor amphitheater. It is positioned to serve as a community gathering place, with a public park, five interactive learning studios, and displays of antique tractors that pay tribute to the venue's namesake, agribusiness giant J.R. Simplot.
There are plenty of hotel developments happening in the city too. This November, the city will break ground on a 152-room Hyatt Place that will include a pool and spa, fitness center, and free WiFi. Hotel 43 just wrapped up renovations of its furnishings, bathrooms, and guest rooms. And the Wyndham Garden Boise Airport will be opening (replacing the former Boise Hotel and Conference Center) later this year, with 116 rooms next to the city's airport.
WHERE TO: BOISE, ID
STAY - The Grove Hotel
This downtown property completed a $4.5 million renovation last year, upgrading its 234 hotel rooms. Connected to the 5,000-seat CenturyLink Arena (home to the Idaho Steelheads hockey team), the property will also be adding a covered walkway easement to the Boise Centre some time next year.
PLAY - Idaho Botanical Garden
An idyllic place to spend a leisurely day, this 15-acre garden, located in the Boise Foothills, includes an English Garden, Meditation Garden, Heirloom Rose Garden, and more. Not only a great place to relax, it also includes a number of areas ideal for meetings of 50 to 150 attendees.
EAT - Guru Donuts
This Boise company has grown from selling its delicious donuts made from local ingredients at farmers markets to opening its own store -- in the historic Adelmann Building in downtown Boise. It is open until 2 p.m. every day, or until the donuts sell out.
ESSENTIAL Tool Box
CONVENTION CENTERS & FACILITIES
Boise Centre (50,000 sf)
ROOM TAX
13 percent
READERS RECOMMEND
Pinnacle Awards Go To:
• Coeur d'Alene Resort
Beyond Boise
Outside the capital, groups will find a number of attractive meeting offerings. To the east of Boise in the city of Sun Valley, ID, the Sun Valley Lodge reopened in June after extensive renovations. These include a redesigned and expanded 20,000-square-foot spa with 15 treatment rooms, expanded lounge, improvements to its 94 rooms (65 of which have fireplaces), and even a refreshed bowling alley.
For scenic beauty, North Idaho is hard to beat, with its natural lakes, mountains, and valleys. To get up close to the stunning outdoors, groups can stay at the Coeur d'Alene Resort. Offering 300 deluxe rooms and suites, a 15,000-square-foot spa, and a 50,000-square-foot event center, it's got everything a group might be looking for all on property.
"The lakeside location lends itself to many water-based activities," says Bob Bostwick, director of public affairs for the property. "From lake cruises for large groups to kayaking, paddleboarding, and parasailing, there are ample adventures to be had just outside the resort's front door."
Questions or comments? Email [email protected]
This article appears in the September 2015 issue of Successful Meetings.