New facilities provide economic boost

The Mat-Su Valley is a great place to host small meetings, retreats and conferences, and we expect that market to grow in the near future thanks to a couple of new infrastructure developments.

Last winter, the Government Peak Chalet opened in Hatcher Pass, giving local residents a great new facility for Nordic skiing, but also giving meeting planners a new option for retreats and conferences. Recently, the chalet was awarded a $200,000 grant by the Rasmuson Foundation for improvements and trail lighting projects, which will only enhance its appeal.

The chalet features a kitchen, which is important when meeting planners are considering facilities when catering is involved. The facility can accommodate groups of up to 150, which makes it ideal for attracting medium-sized groups, including weddings and receptions.

A second, much larger facility is coming on line as well – the Glenn Massay Theatre at Mat-Su College is set to open in early 2015. This 500-seat theater is set to become a jewel in the Mat-Su Valley, attracting everything from concerts to lectures. The theater has state-of-the-art lighting and sound, and it gives the Valley an attractive facility for meeting planners coordinating large gatherings. Its central location is also appealing in attracting groups from Anchorage and the rest of the Southcentral Alaska region.

Alaska Garden Gate B&B and Cottages on Trunk Road, near Mat-Su College, is also expanding by adding a new 4,000 square foot addition, which will contain five guest bedrooms, bringing the total to 18 at the property. A large portion of the new facility will be a breakfast hall, with a certified kitchen, along with meeting space for small meetings and retreats of up to 60 people. On-site catering is also available, which is an important aspect for meeting planners.

These new properties, along with current facilities such as the Menard Center, the Palmer Depot and the various bed and breakfasts with meeting space, help provide an economic boost by attracting groups and corporate retreats. With more options available than ever before, the Valley is positioned nicely to capitalize on the meeting planner market.

Casey Ressler (casey@alaskavisit.com) is the marketing and communications manager at the Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau.