Over the past decade or so, sustainability has been at the forefront of workplace initiatives. But that shouldn’t just be a focus in the workplace itself – businesses should strive to ensure that they are engaging in sustainability practices even when traveling for conventions, corporate retreats and meetings alike. Benchmark Resorts & Hotels has some excellent destinations to host meetings, retreats and events without compromising on sustainability practices.
Located in historic Old Town Scottsdale, Hotel Valley Ho focuses on protecting the environment, saving energy and conserving resources. At Hotel Valley Ho, meeting goers can choose from 20,000 square feet of outdoor space and 13,000 square feet of indoor event space which also includes the only rooftop venue with 360-degree views of Scottsdale. A few sustainable practices that the resort focuses on include green-certified cleaning agents for housekeeping, energy-efficient light bulbs and dual-pane glass to reduce energy usage. Plus, Chef’s herb garden provides ingredients for dishes at ZuZu and the hotel participates in the ‘Adopt-A-Road’ program where employees remove trash along Scottsdale’s motorways.
Groups can opt to stay at Riverhouse on the Deschutes where they will find more than 41,000 square feet of space available for a conference in the properties Silver LEED-certified Convention Center. The convention space allows Riverhouse on the Deschutes to accommodate large conferences with events, meetings, meals, trade shows and breakout sessions while still maintaining sustainable practices. For those looking to relax after a day of meetings, Drift Spa features clean and sustainable treatments, and the banquet kitchen features a composting program.
When it comes to green meetings and corporate event venues in Northern Virginia, Lansdowne in Leesburg is a true standout. The onsite conference services team is committed to protecting the environment and conserving natural resources, while also reducing the resort’s carbon footprint. A few practices to note include resort-wide recycling programs, complimentary car charging stations, locally sourced ingredients (even from the resort’s own property), sustainable wines and organic teas, plus a year-round Hydroponic growing station offering the culinary team fresh herbs for the perfect finishing touch to their creations.
Whether you’re planning a conference or a presentation, a reception or a retreat, or any event in between, Texas A&M Hotel & Conference Center is committed to environmentally conscious practices. With a focus on finding energy solutions to lessen the property’s impact on the environment, the hotel invests in environmentally friendly technologies and renewable energy sources that achieve operational efficiencies through the sourcing of recyclable materials. Examples include minimizing waste when it comes to dining and conserving energy. Also, the ‘Choose to Reuse’ towel program encourages guests to consider reusing their towels to help aid in water and energy conservation.
In today’s remote world, it can often be challenging to find a time (and place) to unplug and foster meaningful connections within your company. For those looking to escape the everyday and inspire innovation, collaboration and relaxation, consider a lakeside location for your next company meeting.
For meeting planners, finding new, unique and inspiring destinations for an upcoming event can prove difficult. Here are three Benchmark Resorts & Hotels' destinations dotted around the country, which offer unique experiences for meeting guests.
If your team’s connection relies on your internet connection, it’s probably time to think about making your workplace culture a little more personal. So, move morning coffee from your home office to one of Benchmark Resorts & Hotels’ boutique properties. We’ll bring the to-go cups.
Taking a step away from traditional office spaces and heading to new places can help teams refocus on business objectives, offering a fresh, relaxed environment, free of workplace distractions.
Happy employees are more likely to have a positive attitude when it comes to their work, increasing productivity and the overall culture of a company.
Whether it’s a large corporate gathering or a small group of meeting goers, Benchmark Resorts & Hotels has several excellent locations to host impactful and productive meetings:
Often, the best ideas come when we take a step (far) away from our usual surroundings. However, while the idea of jetting across the globe for meetings sounds inspiring, it can be a logistical challenge for meeting planners.
Whether it’s an intimate conference or gathering for a small business or a chance to reward an individual team in a large corporation, Benchmark Resorts & Hotels has some excellent locations to host impactful meetings, executive retreats and events to meet the needs of smaller groups:
For meeting planners, technology can be a friend or foe. And, in this new hybrid environment with both virtual and in-person attendees to consider, meeting organizers must rely on conferencing technology – to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
With many companies making the switch to fully remote or hybrid work, there’s added pressure on offsite meetings to make up for lost facetime and build team bonds that can benefit business.
While company retreats have long been a staple of the business world, they often take place in a busy and overstimulated location like a major city for reasons including accessibility and proximity to a large airport. Planning a retreat in a remote location not only boosts your attendees’ comfort level as they ease back into in-person meetings, but time spent in a remote setting surrounded by nature is proven to improve brain health and stimulate creative thinking as well.
Breeze cooling your skin. Sun warming your view. Arms spread wide, floating down through the mountains. Can you picture it? A paragliding escapade through the Grand Tetons is just one of many teambuilding opportunities offered at Benchmark Resorts & Hotels properties around the country, designed to heighten your senses in a way that embraces creativity.
As meeting-goers begin to convene again in person, wellness should be top of mind. Meeting planners and attendees are increasingly aware of the benefits of therapeutic services and how they play a role in the success of any meeting, conference or program.
