Association Leadership TSAE: Connecting association professionals to peers, resources, information and inspiration.
What’s New & Improved?
The New Marriott Marquis Houston: A River Runs Through It
It’s likely you’ve already seen the phenomenally cool Lone Star State-shaped “lazy river” atop the roof at the new Marriott Marquis Houston, which had its grand opening in April. It’s also likely you might be thinking of hosting an event on or overlooking that $10 million Parkview Terrace – which also includes an infinity pool, along with a poolside bar and grill.
But you know, along with that multimillion-dollar splash is more than 153,000 square feet of meeting space for your next big thing – or small thing, for that matter. This property’s largest-capacity space has room for a whopping 4,400 people. For smaller gatherings, there are 52 event rooms.
Want to see the new property and it’s Instagram-worthy river up close? Don’t miss your chance at the TSAE’s 2017 New Ideas Conference this September. You’ll get an up close look at everything the Marriott Marquis has to offer.
Reimagine the Alamo?
Last month, city of San Antonio officials announced a master renovation plan for the historic plaza, one that looks to restore “the reverence and dignity of the site, and recapture and celebrate its real identity.”
The master plan includes a proposal to lower the plaza by 18 to 24 inches, which will reveal parts of the compound that have never before been enjoyed. Asphalt would be removed and structural glass flooring would allow visitors to take it all in. Then the entirety of the Crockett Block (comprised of the Crockett, Palace and Woolworth buildings) could become a new museum with a rooftop garden. Although the museum may charge admission, the Alamo itself will remain free of charge to visit. Those managing the committee responsible for the master plan will be holding meetings for feedback and approval.
Texas Live!
The Texas Live! Entertainment complex is underway and its newest plans include a $150 million luxury Loews hotel and convention center. Live! by Loews-Arlington will boast 302 guest rooms (that includes 26 suites), with floor-to-ceiling window views of the city’s entertainment district.
Texas Live!, already under construction and set to open next April, is highly anticipated. A statement from the Texas Rangers say the hotel will follow in 2019. The convention space — the Grand Event Center — will feature a 1,500-seat grand ballroom, an executive boardroom plus five additional meeting rooms – along with a 1,500-square-foot terrace overlooking the district and adjacent, picturesque Johnson Creek.
Growing Your Brand
Association professionals are all about professional development, but in an industry that’s so often focused on the career growth of the membership, it can be easy to let one’s own fall by the wayside. But dedicated learning can offer rich rewards, allowing you to adapt and grow along with both evolving technology and the perpetual shift of the global economy. Yes, it’s a time investment, but one that pays off in spades.
> Be the sharpest, shiniest knife. Think about the team you work with every day. Maybe you’re a manager or executive. Maybe you’d like to be one someday. Which of your current colleagues would you hand-pick for your crew? Be honest. Would you be among them? A great employee, no matter the level, reflects beautifully on his or her manager and organization. Honing your tools, your skill set, keeps you current, and makes you the sharpest knife in the drawer.
> The freshest information. Do you know the latest and greatest in your field? When someone asks about a new app, a new seminar, a new service, a trend in education, are you able to jump in with the answer? You want your members to take advantage of the education you and your team are offering. So, too, should you. Attending events is a phenomenal way to learn — not just through the formal programming, but by touching base with colleagues and hearing what’s hot.
> The more you know. It’s not just the knowledge, it’s the people! Professional development conferences, whether online or IRL, connect you to innovative colleagues, connections who can come in handy for innumerable reasons that can help you in current and future positions, whether directly (new job!) or indirectly (amazing resource for your members). Expanding your professional circle is a guaranteed expansion of your professional knowledge.
Author Amy Drew Thompson is a meetings and travel writer based in Florida.
Photo credit: Dean Fikar/Shutterstock.com
