Western Montana’s Glacier Country has been gaining momentum with meeting planners looking for that unique destination experience to hold their next association meeting or convention. Our Montana-style warm western hospitality welcomes meeting planners and attendees with authentic experiences outside of the meeting rooms and customized options for inside the convention spaces.
Some planners might be surprised to find that Western Montana has significant ballroom space at convention hotels located in our larger cities of Kalispell, Missoula and Whitefish. Missoula boasts the largest meeting space of the three cities, with 33,400 square feet at the University of Montana and 22,000 square feet at its largest convention hotel. Kalispell’s largest convention hotel offers 14,000 square feet of function space, while Whitefish has two convention hotels with roughly 11,000 square feet of space between the two.
However, it’s no surprise that the draw to meet in Montana often times falls outside of the conference room walls. When asked, here is what a few sales directors from our convention hotels had to say about what sets them apart in Western Montana’s Glacier Country and how they can help provide a memorable meeting or convention for your clients and attendees.
Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown
“Location, location, location. The Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown offers easy access to everything that is uniquely Missoula. Whether it’s tubing and fishing on the Clark Fork River, Out to Lunch or Downtown ToNight in Caras Park or the Clark Fork Markets held on Saturday’s throughout the warmer months, the Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown is located in the heart of it all.” ~Dan Young, Sales Manager
DoubleTree by Hilton – Missoula-Edgewater
“After updating our ballroom space at the DoubleTree, we are now in the process of renovating our guest rooms. Our beautiful hotel sits along the shore of the Clark Fork River that runs through downtown Missoula with breathtaking views. Our updated private dining room space looks out over the river and seats up to 25 people—an excellent option for a VIP dinner. In the warmer months, our beautiful renovated deck provides the best views in town and seats about 50 people and can be rented out for a cocktail hour or special event. We have found it is definitely a ‘WOW’ for all guests.” ~Lydia Bryan, Director of Sales & Marketing
Red Lion Hotel Kalispell
“The Red Lion works closely with Discover Kalispell, our local CVB and our local community. We also help plan team-building and group events all around the Flathead Valley. We want our meeting attendees to get the most out of visiting Kalispell and leave knowing their event at the Red Lion was a huge success. I would say one of our best features is our location in the heart of historic downtown Kalispell. We are within walking distance of local shopping, great local food for dine-arounds, craft breweries and wonderful local history. If you want an affordable, true Montana experience without sacrificing comfort or style, the Red Lion is the spot.” ~Heidi Gilmond, Director of Sales
The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
“As the only four diamond resort hotel in Montana, The Lodge at Whitefish Lake often encourage and package in or pre-sell services like cruises on Whitefish Lake on our unique watercraft, Lady of the Lake, along with spa treatments for VIPs or sometimes for all attendees. This has been particularly popular with incentive groups. Planners really seem to appreciate having these activities prearranged before they get to Whitefish, and it creates a more relaxed experience for attendees once they are on the property.” ~Edna White, Sales & Marketing Director
Grouse Mountain Lodge
“Grouse Mountain Lodge is an ideal choice for groups due to our expertise with local attractions and additional accommodations. We strive to make the planning process as easy as possible. What truly sets us apart is our pre- and post-meeting specialties. We make visiting Whitefish and Montana a truly unforgettable experience. We help attendees plan their Glacier National Park vacations before or after their conferences. Our year-round call staff helps attendees work out logistics such as additional lodging outside or inside the park, transportation needs and suggestions for the best hiking trails and fishing spots.” ~Corinna Ceballos, Regional Sales Manager
With two major international airports—Missoula (MSO) and Glacier Park (FCA)—serviced by Allegiant Air, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines and United Airlines, with 13 direct flight options, there are plenty of routes to provide smooth travel plans for meeting attendees visiting Western Montana. Historically, spring and fall have been the prime meeting and conference seasons, which fits perfectly with Western Montana’s shoulder seasons offering great rates and plenty of availability.
For more information on meeting facilities in Western Montana, visit our Glacier Country meetings website. Or, if you need help locating the perfect property for your meeting in Western Montana, drop me a line; I’m always here to help.
Meet in Montana,
DP
February 18, 2019
Related: Incentive, Kalispell, Meeting Planner, Meetings & Conventions, Missoula, Whitefish, Winter
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