Boise Adds Modern Twists to its Meeting Options
After touring a Basque neighborhood, groups can visit an Anne Frank human rights memorial and a cutting-edge creative center before heading to one of the many nearby wineries.
This type of stimulating outing conjures up images of San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston and other progressive, multicultural cities. But surprising to many, the experiences are all available in a high-desert city in the Pacific Northwest—Boise, Idaho.
Three New Reasons to Visit Boise, Idaho
Boise has quickly become one of the Northwest’s most vibrant hot spots and many are taking notice. The capital city, a former military outpost along the Oregon Trail, is rapidly branding itself as the place for event planners to organize meetings, conferences and social events.
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In the capital city of Boise, a 36,000-square-foot expansion of Boise Centre debuts this September, complemented by 550 new guest rooms in early 2017. Almost all business hotels in Boise offer free transportation to and from the airport, which is a 10-minute drive from downtown.
Top 10 America’s Best Wine Regions to Visit
Snake River Valley, Idaho Ranked # 10
Must-hit wineries: Bitner, HAT Ranch, Ste. Chapelle all within one hour of Boise.
“The Snake River Valley is young and exciting,” says Boyle, “and the unique combination of long, warm, sunny days and cool nights produces balanced and food-friendly wines that are starting to make a name for themselves.” Of Idaho’s three AVAs, this one is the oldest and many of its wineries boast panoramic views of the Snake River and the nearby Owyhee Mountains. Plus, the region is also one of America’s best for outdoorsy travelers, so your non-tasting time can be spent hiking, whitewater rafting, or mountain biking.
Convention Centers: Finding A Perfect Fit
Whether you require an intimate or immense space, there is a convention or conference center to fit your needs. Small Convention Centers (Under 500,000 sq. ft.) Boise Centre was originally unveiled in 1990, but an expansion project will increase the meeting capacity from 50,000 to 86,000 sq. ft. The event space is expected to open later this summer. Groups will enjoy a new 15,000-square-foot ballroom and 7,000-square-foot kitchen. The expansion will add 14,000 sq. ft. of meeting room space and 7,000 sq. ft. of prefunction space. The new additions will be connected to the existing facility by an enclosed concourse. Boise Centre is located in the heart of the city, with hotels, restaurants, entertainment and recreation just outside the door.
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“Boise is delightfully convenient for busy travelers. From our airport, where you can sample local food and drink, it’s just a 10-minute cab, Uber or shuttle ride to downtown. Once there, visitors might not need to use a car for the remainder of their trip. The Boise Centre, our meeting facility, is in the heart of downtown, just a few minutes’ walk from several Boise hotels, and is expanding with an additional 36,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space by September 2016. And if visitors are planning ahead, they can anticipate more lodging options in the coming years. Boise is experiencing a hotel boom, with at least four new projects underway in the city’s core. From the doorsteps of the convention center, Boise offers dozens of new and revered restaurant options, brew pubs and cafes, as well as a growing wine scene. Need a break? Hop on a Boise Bike Share bicycle and cover even more ground in our compact, welcoming city.”
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Boise is known as the best-kept secret in the West for a reason: This former military outpost along the Oregon Trail is a haven of unbeatable hiking, skiing, rafting and mountain biking. Boise proper has a handful of wineries, but it’s worth the 40-mile drive into Snake River Valley, where life is officially complete upon drinking the 2010 Late Harvest Riesling.
Idaho: Vibrant Cities and the Great Outdoors Offer Groups the Best of Both Worlds
Straddling the line between vibrant metropolis and expansive outdoors, Idaho provides a wide range of offerings for groups. Whether you’re looking for cutting-edge amenities or a more offbeat experience, this northwestern state makes for an attractive destination. And thanks to a number of recent developments, it is perhaps a better time than ever to pay a visit to Idaho.
10 Best Readers’ Choice – Best Travel Worthy State Capitol, Boise ranked # 4
Affordable and often overlooked, Boise offers big city sophistication – wine bars, bistros and a modern cityscape – in a small, unassuming package. Visitors can whitewater raft through an eco-conscious city where a revitalized downtown attracts crowds for culture (there’s a significant Basque heritage) and cuisine.