Eight Ideas for Locally Rooted Meetings and Conventions

Imparting a deep, detailed sense of place in meetings can enhance attendees’ experiences and benefit host communities at the same time. There’s an increasing desire among travelers, meeting delegates included, for all things local: a memorable destination, experienced “like a local,” with food, drinks, and activities all locally sourced. 

Best of all, going local can actually save money by reducing expenses on planning and logistics. 

Here are eight ideas to connect to the community for your next meeting, with examples from Anchorage, Alaska. 

1. Give Them the Sense of the Place Before They Go 

Getting into the community starts long before arrival. Setting the stage can help clear up common misconceptions, aid delegates planning their time in the community, and build excitement and attendance for your event. 

Anchorage’s legendary scenery and access to glaciers are firm in the minds of many, but often attendees are surprised to hear about the city’s urban appeals (8,000 hotel rooms, new restaurants, and a symphony that’s been playing since before statehood), or the fact that a place with 300,000 people also makes room for 1,500 moose. 

2. Use Venues That Impart a Sense of Place 

Selecting a venue that imparts the location or sets the stage in a unique way can break away from the standard-issue expo hall or ballroom.  

Anchorage is on Dena’ina Ełnena, homelands of the Dena’ina Athabascan people, and Anchorage’s convention centers were designed to reflect their language, stories, and traditions. Expanded interpretive installations were unveiled in 2024 in the Dena’ina Center. The Egan Center includes several large-scale works by Alaska artists, as well as names of voyagers from the age of sail like Perouse and Cook. 

The Alaska Native Heritage Center, Anchorage Museum, Alaska Aviation Museum, and many other venues host special receptions, functions, or even entire meetings. Arrange a session or dinner aboard the Alaska Railroad for a moving event with breathtaking views, or even on a ship cruising in Prince William Sound for glacier views. 

3. Source Foods Locally  

Picking locally grown, responsibly harvested foods is best. It’s the flavor of the place, fresher by far, supports local jobs, and also reduces transportation costs. 

Alaska seafood like salmon, halibut, and crab, and locally grown produce from regional farms is found on menus across Anchorage, including in the convention centers and many meeting hotels. There are also more than 18 local breweries and distilleries — with products served at the Anchorage Convention Centers. 

4. Welcome Speakers from the Community

Tired of the same keynotes? Feature diverse voices from the community and add to the marketplace of ideas. In Anchorage, Alaska Native leaders, Iditarod champions, Olympians, local artists, and entrepreneurs are all sought-after speakers. As the population center of the state, you’ll also find experts in education, research, and many key industries. Tapping this expertise makes local connections while saving on costs by reducing your speaker travel expenses. 

5. Invite Culture In 

Many events in Anchorage begin with a short land acknowledgment recognizing the Dena’ina Athabascan people who live here and called it home long before Anchorage even existed. Coordinate with cultural organizations for performances or storytelling; the Alaska Native Heritage Center is a resource for deeper understanding. Anchorage is an incredibly diverse place and a hub for Alaska’s creatives, so you’ll also find local musicians to enhance receptions and dinners. 

6. Set Up Shop

Set up a marketplace for local artisans and crafters. It adds another connection during tradeshows or even coffee and meal breaks and is a built-in chance for meaningful souvenirs. In Anchorage, qiviut, ulu knives, birch syrup, Alaska Native art, and traditional crafts are just some of the worthy inclusions. 

7. Provide Volunteer or Donation Opportunities That Leave a Legacy 

The impact of your group doesn’t have to end when the event does. Organize volunteer opportunities with local nonprofits for hands-on projects like habitat restoration or food bank support. Making a donation to a local charity is a meaningful honorarium for speakers that also cuts back on suitcase clutter and swag. 

Encourage attendees to contribute. Alaska’s “Pick. Click. Give.” program was set up to help Alaskans donate to their favorite causes, but also serves as a ready-made, vetted resource to find a reputable charity aligned with your group’s area of focus. 

8. Know a Local Pro

Finally, there’s plenty of assistance in finding all things local. Local event planners understand their location’s unique offerings. And destination marketing organizations like Visit Anchorage can make all the connections with local businesses and residents.  

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