(Pictured) Outdoor activities abound throughout this state, and even in its largest city, Billings
ESSENTIAL Tool Box
CONVENTION CENTERS & FACILITIES
Great Falls: Pacific Steel & Recycling Arena at Montana ExpoPark (53,000 sf); Billings: Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark (12,000-person capacity)
Montana evokes images of Rocky Mountains and Great Plains, of diverse terrain and natural attractions such as the vast Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. But there is also plenty happening in some of this state's metropolitan areas. That's certainly true of Montana's largest city, Billings.
"Now is an incredible time to visit Billings," says Stefan Cattarin, sales manager for the city's convention and visitors bureau. "Fall in Montana is one of the premium times of year to visit. As the heat begins to temper off and cooler weather moves in, the Big Sky views begin to take on amber colors of fall. World-class fishing and hunting becomes a major focus here in Billings. As Montana's largest city and economic hub, gearing up in Billings is the thing to do."
It's arguably easier to get to Billings than ever before, with American Airlines' introduction in June of daily direct flights from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Once groups arrive, they will also find newly expanded infrastructure and hotel options. The 289-room DoubleTree by Hilton, located in the center of the city's downtown, recently wrapped up a large-scale renovation, and offers 16,000 square feet of meeting space (including a Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 400 guests, and 12 conference rooms), as well as a 24-hour business center. Among its amenities are the Montana Sky restaurant on the 20th floor, Montana's Lounge, a 24-hour fitness center, and, of course, the warm, chocolate chip cookie at check-in.
Red Lion Hotel and Convention Center, which recently rebranded from the Billings Hotel and Convention Center, features 230 guest rooms and 26,000 square feet of meeting space (including the 1,400-capacity convention center). For attendees looking to blow off some steam between meetings, the property even offers its own indoor pool and waterslides.
WHERE TO MISSOULA
MEET - University of Montana
This campus offers a full-service conference center and spaces for groups ranging from three to 5,000. It provides on-site event services and now offers a full-service restaurant boasting farm-to-table dining and terrific views of the Clark Fork River.
DRINK - Western Cider Co.
Missoula has one of the top craft brewery scenes in the nation, and groups may want to consider signing up for Montana Brewery Tours. But one of the most recent additions to the scene is the city's first cider house, Western Cider Co., which produces all its beverages from organic apples, locally sourced from the Bitterroot Valley.
PLAY - KettleHouse Amphitheater
This outdoor amphitheater, about six miles east of Missoula, can hold up to 4,000 people for outdoor music, conferences, and large-scale events. Set on the scenic banks of the Blackfoot River, it's the only dedicated outdoor amphitheater in the entire state.
The bustling downtown has expanded with the new Walkable Brewery District, including six local breweries, two distilleries, and the new Last Chance Pub & Cider Mill, all within a mile-and-a-half loop through downtown. Many of these are ideal for more casual or unconventional gatherings, or as post-meeting networking spots. Other alternative meeting venues visitors might consider in Billings are the new Camelot Ranch, boasting upscale facilities surrounded by striking landscaping, ponds, and rolling hills where visitors can enjoy Montana's natural beauty and serene environment.
Even bigger developments will be coming to the city in 2019, when One Big Sky Center will be finalized, adding a mixed-used development of an approximately 160-room hotel, conference center, pedestrian mall, restaurants, rooftop park, and more to the city's downtown.
Of course, while the city is only getting denser and higher-tech, it's the outdoor experiences that are most likely to attract attendees. Cattarin adds that the city has two national monuments in its backyard: Pompey's Pillar and the Little Bighorn Battlefield. Later this month, the new historical landmark and city park, Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site, is scheduled to open. Part of the 32-mile Heritage Trail, the new attraction, set on top of Billings' famed rimrocks, showcases 360-degree views of the Yellowstone Valley and beyond -- an ideal place to take in Montana's famed landscape.
Questions or comments? Email [email protected]
This article appears in the September 2017 issue of Successful Meetings.