St. Louis has undergone an incredible transformation in the last few years, including a $380 million renovation and revitalization to the Gateway Arch grounds. The downtown area has truly become a world-class destination that is more convenient and accessible than ever before.
In addition to the Gateway Arch renovation, the city boasts endless opportunities for meeting planners to organize an unforgettable and truly localized experience for their attendees. As a resident and hospitality professional, I am excited to share all these enhancements with guests to our city. From the delicious St. Louis cuisine (world-famous barbecue and some of the nation’s best craft beer available) to our renowned museums and historical attractions, there is so much to discover. Here are some suggestions for planners looking to add all that good stuff to their agendas.
Get Outside
Groups that meet in St. Louis have all the conveniences of being in an urban setting while also having the unique opportunity to visit a national park at the Gateway Arch.
More: 4 Feel-Good Benefits of Outdoor Meetings
Working at the closest hotel and meeting venue to the Gateway Arch, I’ve noticed that groups are taking more time to enjoy the outdoors since the completion of the park’s renovation. Visitors can enjoy a true national park experience with direct access to more than six-miles of trails and green space surrounding the world-famous monument, as well as regular fitness classes, concerts and events.
Save on Ticket Prices
St. Louis has more airlift and flight options than most mid-sized cities. With our central location, St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) provides more than 71 nonstop flight options and an average airfare ticket of just $201 per person, which translates to easy access and cost-effective transportation for attendees from all over the country.
Be a Fan
One of my favorite things about St. Louis is the immense sense of pride from the city in everything that is local. When planners choose to meet in St. Louis, they have endless opportunities for locally-immersive activities and team-building activities for their attendees.
I’ve seen everything from group trips to Busch Stadium to catch a Cardinals game and customized brewery tours, to rooftop yoga overlooking the Gateway Arch and St. Louis barbecue-making contests. Planners can also coordinate group outings to our many famous museums, including City Museum, the National Blues Museum or the St. Louis Science Center.
Incorporate History
Many people who visit St. Louis are surprised to learn the important history that has happened here. In fact, just steps away from our hotel’s doorstep is the Old Courthouse where Dred and Harriett Scott sued for their right to freedom and Virginia Minor fought for women’s right to vote.
Meeting attendees can now also visit the new, underground Gateway Arch Museum located at the base of the monument. Interactive exhibits showcasing the important role the city had in the westward expansion of the United States.
Have Fun
St. Louis is a fantastic meeting destination to ensure that your attendees have a memorable and fun experience. From exploring Ball Park Village or grabbing a drink at Laclede’s Landing to renting paddleboats at Forest Park and enjoying the must-have St. Louis cuisine staples of toasted ravioli or signature frozen custard, St. Louis offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Jennifer Byrnes is the director of sales and marketing at Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch. She has worked with Hyatt for more than 15 years and has overseen sales and marketing and planning of meetings at the company’s downtown St. Louis location since 2015.
