Meetings, events help bolster tourism

Over the past few years a number of new construction projects have come on line in the Valley. To me, and I'm sure other residents would agree, this is a very exciting time to see the Valley grow and gain more economic sustainability with these new projects.

I have to say that new construction projects I'm most particularly interest in are those that can accommodate meetings and events. Of course it makes my job of promoting the Valley to prospective meeting planners easier when there are more options, but if you think about it, meetings and events bring more than just something to do. They bring in visitors to the area who overnight at hotels and bed and breakfasts; patronize local restaurants and eateries; partake in other activities like sightseeing excursions and tours; and if their experience was favorable, will most likely return again.

If you really think about it, these meeting and event attendees are fundamentally no different than the leisure visitor with the exception that they tend to spend more dollars and stay in one area longer.

The newest addition to the Valley is the Wasilla Multi-Use Sports Complex. Outfitted with an artificial turf for indoor soccer and other activities, an NHL-size ice rink with locker rooms, an area 20,000 square feet suitable for large events like trade shows and concerts as well as an indoor running track, this facility offers a unique venue for many types of users. In addition to these amenities, there is a dedicated area set aside for meetings appropriate for groups of 100-150 people. Already events have been scheduled in the complex including the Colony High School graduation ceremony, a military band concert and hockey tournament bringing in eight teams from the southcentral region of the state.

Also in Wasilla is the reopening of Settler's Bay Lodge formerly known as Legends. Settler's Bay Lodge has the capacity to host 350 people in the lower level and another 250 in the upper level. There are also two board rooms with a meeting capacity of 50 and 70 people.

The lodge will be open to the public for dining services tentatively early this summer. Already, the lodge has booked meeting and events like weddings, proms and association conferences. A plan to construct a 32-room suite hotel is also in the works and is scheduled to begin this year with a tentative completion date spring 2005.

The hotel property along with the lodge will make a nice combination for those planning multi-day events.

The Palmer Depot, refurbished in 2002, is another popular facility to host meeting and events. In 2003 there were 175 events booked in the depot ranging from weddings, church functions and city and chamber events. Although there is not a full kitchen or dedicated catering service, users are welcome to bring in their own food or hire a professional catering service to provide meals.

Tables and chairs are also provided in the rental of the building. This spring the ATIA Mat-Su Chapter will host the Mat-Su Outdoor Recreation and Travel Show at the depot hoping to draw in locals and residents from places like Anchorage.

With the opening of the new Fred Meyer and soon Spenard Builders' Supply, Palmer is definitely growing. A soon-to-be new addition to the city is the Palmer Ice Arena.

This facility will fulfill a need for more ice time for skaters and hockey players not only locally but for those throughout southcentral Alaska. The arena can draw in hockey games and tournaments and after the games are over, visiting players and their families have the option to spend more time in the valley exploring Hatcher Pass or embarking on a flightseeing trip or visiting local museums. The arena has the potential of fulfilling a specific niche and attracting people who normally would not make a trip to the Mat-Su.

The Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau has information on several other existing group meeting facilities.

If you're looking for a place to host an upcoming meeting or event, contact us for a meeting planner guide at 746-5000 and we'll help get you started.