Kimbell Art Museum
Creativity is king these days and luxury is no longer a 4-letter word among corporate groups. Over-the-top experiences, unique destinations and elegant venues are once again enticing groups with the mantra that memorable events can be created to suit any budget. It’s not what you spend; it’s what you gain.
Fort Worth, San Diego and Montreal show us how it’s done.
FORT WORTH By the time the iron wheels of the Grapevine Vintage Railroad grind to a halt in the Rodeo Zone at Fort Worth’s Stockyard Station, the group peering out open window railcars for the 20-mile ride has downed appetizers and refilled glasses. The train is the newest addition to the Stockyards, and most of the group is eager to face the evening’s daunting teambuilding challenges: mechanical bullriding, roping and “horsecycling”—riding bikes around a barrel racing route (200 max). The rest of the group checks out Rodeo Zone’s exhibits of bronco bucking history before everyone chows down under the new Rodeo Plaza, a covered brick expanse of fountains and greenery connecting the Stockyard to the cultural district.
“Nowhere else in the U.S. can you find accessibility to an airport and meeting facilities with authentic western appeal,” says John Cychol, vp of sales for Fort Worth CVB. “With the possibility of hosting an outdoor reception at Rodeo Plaza before or after experiencing the Rodeo Zone just steps away, we’re offering groups a way to maximize their dollars for a true Texan experience.”
While Stockyard Station reflects the city’s rich history, the evolving cultural district heralds the future. The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) took roots last spring next to the downtown botanical gardens. The mechanical agronomy and entomological research areas explore how the environment will cope with population growth. Function space was purposely built into the LEED Platinum building.
“People wanting a green, socially-thoughtful space, like manufacturing, consumer goods and pharmaceutical companies, love this place,” says Cychol.
Also new, the West 7th Street Corridor was developed to cater to “the hubbub of youthful exuberance” in Fort Worth, says Cychol. The former light industrial space has been converted into hip eateries and bars for block parties with lights strung across the streets. The 8-block square is perfect for dinearounds. “But for a cost-effective bonus for a private foodie experience, groups of 75 are booking our designated gourmet food truck plaza for dinners,” suggests Cychol.
Fort Worth’s gallop to the future continues in April 2012 when construction begins on the multimillion dollar expansion of Kimbell Art Museum in the cultural district. The 2013 completion date includes additional meeting spaces and an open air piazza designed for special events.
Comments