Caution: Robots are invading Cleveland!

More than 1,500 high school students from across Ohio, the U.S. and Canada, will compete in the 11th annual Buckeye Regional FIRST Robotics Competition. The event runs Thursday through Saturday, March 22-24, at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center, 2000 Prospect Ave., Cleveland.

The FIRST Robotics Competition is an annual engineering contest where 40 teams from schools and community organizations from Ohio, and 20 out-of-state teams representing Canada, Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania will compete with their robots for honors and recognition. This year, student teams will build 120-pound robots that play basketball in a new game called Rebound RumbleSM. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information about the FIRST Robotics competition, visit: www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms.

The Wolstein Center is a state-of-art, full service, multi-purpose facility that is capable of seating up to 15,000 people for special events. The center hosts everything from trade shows and conventions to NCAA Men’s Basketball Championships, presidential debates, rodeos and elaborate black-tie affairs.

Whether it’s robots at the Wolstein Center, an industry expo at the I-X Center or a rockin’ business meeting at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Cleveland Plus has a variety of usual and unusual venues for meetings and conventions of all sizes. Check out www.clevelandmeetings.com for planning assistance, venue ideas and meeting planner incentives.

– Lynne Lisner

8th International Public Markets Conference Comes to Cleveland

Cleveland welcomes the 8th International Public Markets Conference Friday, September 21 – Sunday, September 23 2012 in conjunction with the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Cleveland’s West Side Market.

Learn more about the West Side Market here.

Meetings + Conventions in Cleveland Plus February – March 2012

Positively Cleveland’s mission includes bringing meetings and conventions to our convention centers, hotels and unique meeting venues and help facilitate them–often offering registration or housing assistance, logistical help and additional services. Positively Cleveland and other regional organizations have worked to bring the following meetings to Cleveland Plus during the months of February and March.

Feb 6–13
United States Marine Corps, MARFORAF ECOWAS Western Accord 2012 Mid Planning Conference
Estimated Attendance: 30
Headquarter Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland

Feb 10–11
Primerus, U.S. Midwest Regional Members Meeting
Estimated Attendance: 75
Headquarter Hotel: Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade

Mar 1–7
American Collegiate Hockey Association, Men’s Division I National Championships
Estimated Attendance: 500
Headquarter Hotel: Holiday Inn Strongsville

Mar 9–11
Ohio Young Farmers Association, Winter Reunion
Estimated Attendance: 100
Headquarter Hotel: Non-Member Hotel

Mar 9–11
Society for News Design, Board Meeting
Estimated Attendance: 25
Headquarter Hotel: Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade

Mar 18–21
Meeting Professionals International, MidAmerica Education Conference
Estimated Attendance: 300
Headquarter Hotel: Kalahari Resort

Mar 23–25
Garfield Perry Stamp Club, March Party/Exhibit and Bourse
Estimated Attendance: 1000
Headquarter Hotel: Wyndham Cleveland at Playhouse Square

Mar 26–28
Institute for Sustainable Communities, Climate Leadership Academy on Bus Rapid Transit
Estimated Attendance: 75
Headquarter Hotel: Renaissance Cleveland Hotel

Mar 28–Apr 1
Central States Communication Association, Annual Convention
Estimated Attendance: 300
Headquarter Hotel: Renaissance Cleveland Hotel

– Submitted by Lynne Lisner, Communications Coordinator

Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center Announces New Sales Director

Release via Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center:

Craig Thompson named Cleveland MMCC Convention Sales Director
Former I-X Center National Sales Manager to recruit non-medical trade shows

CLEVELAND, OH (January 5, 2011) – Craig Thompson was named Convention Sales Director for Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center (Cleveland MMCC), it was announced earlier today by Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI). An Ohio native with more than 15 years of local and regional tradeshow industry experience, Thompson will be responsible for recruiting non-medical trade shows and conventions to Cleveland MMCC, including initiating, developing, and maintaining relationships with industry tenants, prospects, and associations. Under the direction of Brian Casey, Vice President and General Manager, Thompson will work closely with Anthony Prusak, Cleveland MMCC Director of Convention Sales, who will continue to coordinate recruitment of healthcare industry trade shows and conventions.

“Craig Thompson brings more than 15 years of convention center and tradeshow industry sales and special events experience,” said Casey. “During his successful tenure at the I-X Center, Craig has also proven to be successful in selling Cleveland as a tradeshow and convention destination. His sales experience coupled with his enthusiasm for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio will be valuable assets for our team as we continue to expand our sales efforts nearing the fall 2013 opening date.”

Thompson joins the Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. Cleveland-based team after serving as National Sales Manager at the International Exposition (I-X) Center in Cleveland for the past eight years. At the I-X Center, Thompson was a member of multiple show production teams and focused his sales efforts on trade shows and corporate events, including recruiting trade shows, negotiating contracts, generating proposals, and working closely with the Cleveland Airport Hotel Group. Prior to joining the I-X Center, Thompson served as Associate Director of Special Events at the Cleveland Museum of Art and Director of Events at SeaGate Convention Centre in Toledo.

“Within the tradeshow and convention industry, Cleveland MMCC is already on the radar as a future destination location and I am delighted to join the team and expand our sales opportunities as we gear up for the opening of the facility,” said Thompson.

Thompson earned both his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Bowling Green State University, majoring in facility management and hospitality and earning the Andrews/Hooley Award for academic excellence.

Managed by Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc., Cleveland MMCC will integrate state-of-the-art permanent showrooms in a 235,000 square foot medical mart with world-class trade show and conference facilities in an adjoining 230,000 square foot convention center underneath the medical mart and Malls B and C. The facility also includes more than 90,000 square feet dedicated to meeting rooms and a grand ballroom looking out onto Lake Erie. Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. is the world’s leading owner and operator of showroom buildings and trade show facilities, bringing buyers and sellers together in more than 300 market events, trade and consumer shows and conferences each year.

Photo Update: Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center

Workers are moving about quickly at the site of Cleveland’s new Medical Mart and Convention Center. We stopped by to catch a glimpse of the growing steel structures soon to be home to meetings, city events, large tradeshows, the latest and greatest in the medical industry and much, much more. For more images visit www.flickr.com/positivelycleveland and for more updates visit www.clevelandmedicalmart.com.

– Corinne Allie
ZJ76ER42KTAZ

House of Lords: Expect the Royal Treatment at the Newly Renovated DoubleTree Tudor Arms

The towering 11-story Tudor Arms building designed by Frank Mead with imperial, old-world English flair was first home to the luxurious Cleveland Club, an exclusive men’s social center in the 1930s whose patrons were from the prestigious colleges and institutions surrounding University Circle. Fast-forward 80 years and the Tudor Arms building is once again becoming a gathering spot for Cleveland high society – now under the DoubleTree banner as a boutique hotel.

“University Circle has been a hub of growth, research, and education for years,” says Farooq Aziz, director of sales at the new DoubleTree Tudor Arms. “I think the Tudor Arms will serve as an anchor for that University Circle community — a gateway for guests new to Cleveland and an exciting new meeting site for the various institutions within the community.”

The DoubleTree Tudor Arms has undergone a $22-million renovation over the last three years which revamped its old world charm with lots of modern amenities. The hotel’s old stone facade now houses 157 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, recreated with beautiful custom furniture, marble-tiled bathrooms and plenty of European accents. And there are numerous other modern luxuries including state-of-the-art climate control systems, fitness and business centers, and the Canopy Grille, a full-service Mediterranean restaurant.

The building’s ballrooms will wow the biggest crowds. The Crystal Room holds up to 350 with theater-style seating, back dropped by massive Monet-influenced wall murals and an attractive stage for presentations and musical performances. The neighboring Tudor Room is enthroned with shimmering chandeliers, wood support beams, a roaring fireplace, and a two-story main window, which gives a warm glow to the entire room, accommodating up to 350 with theater-style seating. Both spaces are perfect for posh fundraisers, elegant weddings, professional receptions and classy events of all sorts.

“The rebirth of this hotel corresponds with the start of several new projects in the Cleveland area,” says Aziz. “We’re proud to be a part of Cleveland’s growth.”

For more information about planning your meeting in Cleveland, contact Dan Williams at dwilliams@positivelycleveland.com or 216.875.6630 or visit www.clevelandmeetings.com. Vacationing in CLE? Check out www.positivelycleveland.com from more things to see, do and eat in Cleveland.

– Keith Gribbins

Recently Renovated: Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center Video

Located in the heart of Downtown Cleveland, the Cleveland Marriott at Key Center  completed the last phase of a multi-year renovation plan with the unveiling of their new Marriott International Greatroom.

Designed to be energetic in the morning, motivating at midday and engaging at night, the Marriott International Greatroom inspires business and leisure travelers to intersect, no matter what time of day.

For more information on this hotel visit www.marriott.com and to take a photo tour of the property, click here. Interested in hosting a meeting at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center? Contact Dan Williams, VP of Sales at Positively Cleveland at dwilliams@positivelycleveland.com or 216.875.6630.

– Freddie Coffey + Corinne Allie

Motivational Venues: Create an Inspiring Event at a Cleveland Plus Landmark

“People who work together win, whether against complex football defenses, or the problems of modern society.” This slogan of single-minded determination to succeed comes from Vince Lombardi could be the theme of your next big business rally or private event. Rent out banquet space at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, and you can set an inspiring and unique message to your special meeting.

“Motivation, teamwork, willpower, success – these are all passions you can find at the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” says Gail McLaughlin, the Hall’s event marketing specialist. “As America’s premier sports showplace, our facilities make a great backdrop for motivational sales sessions, training sessions, off-site dinner programs, seminars, annual meetings, and student groups.”

Another unique venue to host an event in Northeast Ohio is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in downtown Cleveland. Here you can orchestrate a one-of-a-kind group meeting, exploring seven levels, four theaters, numerous interactive exhibits, and the world’s largest collection of rock and roll artifacts.

“Guests quickly realize why Cleveland rocks,” says Sharrona Burns, director of sales. “With our world-renowned architecture, amazing views of Lake Erie, and the downtown Cleveland skyline, guests are guaranteed to have an amazing time. Facility rental options range from $37 to $4,500 for groups from 20 to 2,500.”

On the other end of the spectrum from a spectacle of rock gods is the natural beauty of the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Lush weddings in the Japanese Garden (125 guests), team meetings in modern conference rooms (40-70 guests) and extravagant galas in Clark Hall (280 guests) are just a few of the events you’ll see at the ten-acre complex and its one-of-a-kind Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse.

Cleveland Plus has a sundry of special meeting spaces, and these facilities are constantly expanding. Right now, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is in the midst of a two-year, $27-million renovation called the Future 50 Project.

“The project’s completion will coincide with the Hall’s 50^th anniversary in 2013,” says McLaughlin. “In less than two years, we will have a brand new 3,200-square-foot dividable ballroom, and we are adding 1,200 square feet to the second floor conference room. And, our 3,900-square foot tent will still be available between May and September for outdoor events.” — Keith Gribbins

 

InterContinental Suites Hotel

Located on the campus of the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic, the InterContinental Suites Hotel Cleveland is the region’s only “wellness focused” hotel property. The recently renovated all-suites hotel is an oasis for guests to relax, rejuvenate and improve their overall mental and physical well-being. For information on meeting services and room availability, call 216.707.4168 or visit www.intercontinental.com/cleveland.

Need Help Planning Your CLE Meeting?

The new Cleveland Plus Destination Planning Guide is now available! The Destination Planning Guide provides all the necessary information for planning your next meeting or convention in Cleveland Plus. Inside you’ll find detailed floor plans for meeting spaces, hotel specifications, a directory of convention suppliers and a host of options for things to do. View the Planning Guide online as a virtual guide or click here to order a printed copy.

Also available is the Cleveland Plus Dining + Nightlife Guide which includes restaurant, bar and other entertainment listings and ideas to plan your perfect night out in Cleveland Plus. View the Dining Guide online as a virtual guide or click here to order a printed copy.

For more information about Cleveland visit www.clevelandmeetings.com and www.positivelycleveland.com, or to speak with someone directly call Dan Williams, VP of Sales at 216.875.6630.