April 2008 | Insider's Guide | By Angie C. Baldwin
Oklahoma City
Out Of The Heartland Rises A New Second-Tier City
By Angie C. Baldwin"It's not your mom and pop's Oklahoma City," explained Mike Carrier, president of the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Oklahoma City is not what people expect it to be. We have a lot to offer, and big things are happening." Located in the heart of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, is the state's largest city and the second largest city in the Continental United States based on geographical size. And, according to Carrier, the city continues to reinvent itself to bring groups a bit of down-home flair mingled with a progressive, urban environment.
One of the biggest things to happen for the meetings market in the city is the $60 million upgrading of State Fair Park, one of the largest and busiest event facilities in the country, Carrier said. "We are the horse show capital of the world. We began this project two years ago and will complete it in about 18 months. We already have 27 major events scheduled this year, and the events we have hosted so far have had record participation." The park also hosts concerts, rodeos, auto racing events, arts and crafts shows, the Oklahoma Youth Expo, and the annual Oklahoma State Fair.
As work continues on the park, the city is considering construction of a new convention center. "We are in the middle of a major study to determine what we need to do to raise our status to a tier-two city. We are looking at building a new, larger convention facility that would allow us to host larger regional and national meetings," Carrier explained, adding that the study should be completed by May or June.
Carrier said he believes the city is a prime location for larger meetings. "Oklahoma is an excellent value. We are centrally located in the country and have direct flights to 26 cities. And we have great diverse attractions and are family friendly—once you get here, you're treated exceptionally well."
Carrier is also quick to point out the importance of the groups that Oklahoma City now hosts. "The Oklahoma state association market and the regional convention market are very important to the city. We are also a huge sports market hosting NCAA Women's basketball events, national cheerleading events and national rowing events along with national horse shows."
The Oklahoma River, dammed up by the city a number of years ago, plays a large role in the success of the growing market for the city as well as providing quick access around town. As of April, three, 49-seat water taxis now traverse the river, taking passengers to and from destinations such as Bricktown, an entertainment district. "These are climate-controlled passenger boats and can be a meeting location," Carrier said.
As Oklahoma City continues to reinvent itself, six hotels will be opening this year throughout the city. Among the new properties are a SpringHill Suites, Hilton Garden Inn and Holiday Inn Express, officials said.
Meeting Facilities & Hotels
The SMG-managed Cox Business Services Convention Center, located in the heart of downtown, features 31 meeting rooms and 187,000 square feet of function space. According to Communications Manager Kim Ransford, the multipurpose center focuses on conventions, large meetings, concerts and sporting events. In 2002, the Ford Center Arena was added to the facility, while another recent expansion added 105,000 square feet of meeting space. Four, complimentary wireless Internet zones are located in the pre-function areas.
Adjacent to the convention center is the Renaissance Oklahoma City Convention Center Hotel. The 311-room hotel features the state's largest ballroom as well as 33 meeting rooms and 60,000 square feet of meeting space.
Nearby, the 151-room Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown/Bricktown features four meeting rooms and a complimentary hot breakfast, a spa and a fitness center. The Bricktown Canal runs directly behind the hotel, with a water taxi stop that connects with the hotel's walkway.
The 225-room Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City, also adjacent to the Cox Convention Center, recently completed a multimillion-dollar renovation to restore it to the Oklahoma City landmark it once was. The hotel offers eight meeting rooms encompassing 25,000 square feet of function space.
Located approximately five miles from downtown, the 200-room Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites hosts a mix of local and regional meetings and events throughout the year, according to Jessica Knox, sales and marketing manager. Featuring seven meeting rooms and 5,200 square feet of meeting space, the hotel is well suited for groups of up to 150 people, Knox said. "We offer a large number of double rooms, which works well for meeting groups. Our meeting guests also like our open-air atrium with its natural light. Our bar area is popular as well."
Key Info · Sales Tax: 2 percent
· Hotel Tax: 8 percent
· Around Town: Oklahoma City is home to 15,000 hotel guest rooms. Bricktown is Oklahoma City's fastest-growing downtown entertainment district.
· Transportation: Visitors can explore Oklahoma City aboard water taxis that traverse the Oklahoma River or explore downtown for 25 cents aboard the Oklahoma Spirit Trolley. |
Renovations to make its guest rooms more business friendly will begin in April at the Best Western Saddleback Inn and Conference Center, according to Director of Sales Robin Seymour. "We are renovating blocks of 50 rooms at a time and plan to be finished with the project in June," Seymour said. The hotel, best known for its Southwestern décor and deluxe hot breakfast buffet, caters to meeting groups of 10 to 100 people. Upon completion of the renovations, the hotel will offer new Serta bedding packages, electronic safes and ergonomic chairs.
Located near the airport and six miles from downtown, the Embassy Suites Hotel features 236 suites and 12,000 square feet of meeting space, including the hotel's courtyard and atrium. "Our guests love our complimentary breakfast, two-hour manager's reception and wireless Internet access throughout the hotel," said Director of Sales Debi Neumann. Hosting primarily association and corporate meetings, the hotel now boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center and access to three passenger boats that take guests into Bricktown via the Oklahoma River.
The Civic Center Music Hall, built in 1937 and renovated to the tune of $52 million in 2001, features an Art Deco-styled ballroom that hosts weddings, galas and special events throughout the year. The hall also accommodates Broadway, symphony and concert performances. "This facility lends itself to formal events," said Marketing Coordinator Jennifer Lindsey-McClintock. "We also host corporate and trade shows." The hall offers 5,300 square feet of function space and can accommodate 440 people, banquet style.
