Urban centres are a common pick for meeting planners. However, as past (and recurring) guests of Chatham-Kent in Ontario can attest, there are advantages to choosing a destination with a unique rural appeal.
“We may not be the ‘big city,’ but we offer immense benefits,” notes Katrina Scharuda, Sales and Marketing Manager with the Chatham-Kent John Bradley Convention Centre. “When planners trust their conference, convention, or getaway with us, those advantages quickly become clear.”
Are you considering somewhere new for your next event? Here are eight reasons to put Chatham-Kent on the top of your list.
Ready to serve: Individual groups can get lost in the big city clutter. Not so in Chatham-Kent, where local retailers, venue owners, and service providers are eager to deliver memorable experiences (and deals) that will inspire repeat visits.
Ample accommodations: Between the renovated Holiday Inn, the stylish Retro Suites Hotel, and a host of top-tier hotels, Chatham-Kent offers guests a broad range of accommodations.
Versatile venue: The John D. Bradley Convention Centre offers 40,000 sq. ft. of spacious, modern, and flexible event space for groups of all sizes. With much to offer in terms of room sizes, event planning spaces, and meeting and event amenities, it’s a renowned go-to for corporate get-togethers.
Ready to entertain: Guests of Chatham-Kent are just minutes away from the action. Whether playing the odds at Gateway Casino, getting in a round of golf, enjoying a chartered fishing trip, touring local breweries, hitting the beach, or taking in local arts and culture, there is no lack of activities to keep guests engaged.
Easy on the bottom line: Budgets go further in Chatham-Kent. Compared to expensive big city alternatives, planners can get more space, entertainment, accommodations, and overall value from within city limits than they would elsewhere.
Local connections: Everyone knows everyone in Chatham-Kent’s business community. This makes it easy for planners to collaborate with local organizations, city stakeholders, and commercial partners.
Location, location, location: Situated on the idyllic shores of Southwestern Ontario, Chatham-Kent is easily accessible by car from Windsor/Detroit via the ON-401 E, from Toronto via On-401 West and ON-403, and from Port Huron, via ON-40 S. It is also a short drive from four US border crossings.
Out of the ordinary: There’s something special about a small city gathering. And for groups seeking new surroundings and unique comforts, Chatham-Kent can be the breath of fresh air they’re after.
There’s no denying the appeal of a tight-knit community. There’s also no understating the value of avoiding big city prices. Yet beyond local flavours and budget-friendly opportunities, Chatham-Kent owes its appeal to a “business-meets-play” atmosphere that needs to be experienced to be believed.
“It can be difficult to put into words,” says Scharuda. “But when people entrust us with their event and take the opportunity to explore everything there is to offer in Chatham-Kent, the feedback from their guests and colleagues confirms there’s something special here.”
Katrina Scharuda is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Chatham-Kent John Bradley Convention Centre with the John D. Bradley Convention Centre. Learn more or book space for your next event, at ckcc.ca.
