United States
Why You Should Book Your Next Event in the US
Welcome Back to the USA!
Finally! The restrictions we all faced during the pandemic are starting to go away and we can begin to venture outside a little more every day to explore the world. Businesses are opening back up, and with that, conference centers are jumping for joy at the opportunity to welcome large gatherings back into their abodes.
So with the ability to travel the world once again, why not consider the USA for your next international event? The United States has a lot to offer; let’s cover some of the best reasons to select the US as your event destination.
A History of the USA in 3 Sentences
The USA is known for the freedom and bravery of its founders. A history of the USA in three sentences would look something like this:
- 1776 was the year the United States gained its place in the world, severing its ties with Great Britain
- The United States began as the 13 colonies which are on the East Coast, some of which include Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the Carolinas.
- The USA is known as the melting pot; this can be accredited to Ellis Island, which accepted millions of immigrants with open arms and led to the creation of a uniquely diverse cultural makeup.
Best Places for Getting Together
While the US started on the East Coast of North America, it quickly expanded to include 50 states, expanding from coast to coast. This means that the climate, landscape, and experience can vary greatly depending on which part of the country you are visiting.
The four major regions of the United States can be described as:
- West: Hawaii, California, Colorado, & Arizona comprise a mostly mild climate with naturally beautiful landscapes. Hawaii offers premium locations for conferences while other western locations include the desert zones of Phoenix or mountainous areas in Denver. Each has its own advantages with Phoenix being an excellent winter venue choice and Denver being a great destination any time of year depending on the choice of activity.
- Midwest: Flat prairie lands surround the bustling hub of Chicago, comfortable summers and chilly winters, Chicago is a centralized location excellent for hosting exhibitions
- North: New York has wide temperature swings from season to season but it is home to the most populated city in the country, New York City!
- South: Texas and Florida are known for their sweltering hot and humid summers and are popular destinations for winter gatherings with pleasant winter weather.
Our favorite convention centers in the United States include:
- The Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu is centrally located and close to many attractions for your guests to enjoy, including the Iolani Palace and Honolulu Art Museum along with over 30,000 hotel rooms in Waikiki.
- The Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona is one of the most beautiful convention centers in the country, inspired by the Grand Canyon. It is within walking distance of downtown Phoenix with plenty of nearby hotels for your guests.
The Colorado Convention Center in Denver has amazing views from the outdoor terraces which overlook downtown with mountainous backdrops. There are more than 11,000 hotel rooms a short distance from the center on foot.
The McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago boasts over 2.5 million square feet of exhibit space, a two and a half acre rooftop garden, and is proud to host international guests. There are an incredible number of nearby places to stay with over 150 nearby hotels.
Arts & Culture in the US
The United States is home to a diverse range of cultures. If you’re looking to experience the full spectrum of America’s cultural diversity, you might need to come back a few times to cover them all! A few cultural hotspots in the US are:
- New York City: Known for its musical theater on Broadway and home to the Museum Mile, New York City is the place to experience the fine arts. Of course, don’t forget to visit the Statue of Liberty or the 9/11 memorial.
- Chicago: Have you ever experienced The Bean in Millenium Park? It’s kind of a must if you’re in Chicago. This city is also culturally enriched with a long history of Jazz and Blues music.
- Hawaii: If you’re looking for a more relaxed and slower-paced culture for your event, look no further than the beautiful islands of Hawaii. An experience in Hawaii is truly unique because the natives are so interconnected with the land and sea. You’ll experience hula dancing, find out what the Aloha Spirit is, and enjoy the soothing sounds of the Ukulele.
Outdoor Adventures
If you’re looking for a more thrilling experience for your crowd rather than prim and proper, the United States has plenty for adventure-seekers. A short list of some outdoor adventures available in the USA during your travels include:
- Hiking through canyons, national forests, and on historic paths like the Appalachian Trail
- Mountain biking at the Mountain Bike Capital of the World in Bentonville, Arkansas
- White-water rafting in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee
- Skydiving in the serene landscapes of Hawaii or Alaska
- Horseback riding in the south or midwest
- Skiing on the mountains of Aspen Colorado
Diverse Cultural Food
To capture the essence of culture abroad, the cuisine experience is a must! There are a lot of regional foods to try in America. Here are a few:
- Pizza: Chicago deep-dish, New York-Style, Detroit-Style, Brooklyn-Style, and California-Style are the main variations to taste this American favorite.
- Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, & French Fries: The number of burger joints in America is endless, and eating a cheeseburger or roasting a weenie over a fire while visiting America is pretty much a given.
- Philly Cheesesteak: Invented in Philadelphia in 1930, Philly cheesesteak is beef, cheese, onions, and peppers on a hoagie roll making for an easy-to-eat, deliciously-cheesy sandwich. The original Philly cheesesteak restaurant, Pat’s King of Steaks, is still open today!
America has so much to offer in cuisine, and if you prefer more worldly food, there are plenty of places to find authentic European cuisine.
4 Unique Facts about the USA
As if the cultural richness and diversity are not enough to convince you to plan your next event in the United States, here are four more facts to seal the deal.
- The USA is home to multiple natural wonders of the world including Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon.
- Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Michael Jackson, all musical legends, were born and raised in America.
- Las Vegas is an adult playground of casinos and entertainment; it is known as the gambling capital of the world.
- The Statue of Liberty is a symbol representing freedom; the torch lights the path to liberty.
Wrapping Up
Planning a conference or large gathering is a big responsibility. There’s a lot of pressure to choose a destination that is accommodating for all types of people. You cannot go wrong planning your next event in the USA; there is truly something for everyone!