March Bi Month Education a Huge Success!
By Marla Watson-Werst, CSEP
The March Bi-Monthly Education program took on a new direction as program chairs Chris Arredondo and Marla Watson-Werst, CSEP took guests for a ride in the “Fort Worth Venue Experience”. This crawl style event brought members together to learn about the strategic partnership between Fort Worth, Arlington and Dallas. while traveling to the ultimate destination of Fort Worth.
The idea was to re-introduce members to the City of Cowboys and Culture, and show them new venues for future events. The evening started out with guests jumping on buses provided by Roadrunner Charter, and heading to Fort Worth. While on the bus, riders were treated to an educational experience that changed with each new city. The idea was to connect the dots along the way, with a new speaker starting as the City Limits were reached. Cassandra Mataj from the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau started out the discussion talking about Dallas, and its goal to build a new Convention Hotel. As the bus reached Arlington, Lisa Farrimond from the Arlington CVB stood up to talk about Arlington, the new Cowboy Stadium, and the future partnerships with Dallas and Fort Worth.
As the Bus pulled up to the first venue, The Ashton Depot, for the cocktail portion of the evening they were greeted by a Conductor and given special passports describing each stop along the way, a timeline, the menu to be experienced at each stop and sponsors for the evening. While at the Depot, Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Barbara Stone introduced everyone to the new Fort Worth.
Next our conductor called “All Aboard!” as all guests got on buses to head to each new venue. While on the buses, they continued to be educated by Fort Worth Partners and introduced to different facets of the city.
The venues chosen for the event included The Ashton Depot, ArtSpace111, The Norris Conference Center and the brand new Omni Hotel. Each Venue had a different small bite menu, member sponsored décor and unique ambience. Catering took on a unique spin, as each venue hosted a separate menu provided by a different company along the way. The Chef at the Ashton catered the Ashton Depot. Standout menu items included Bite Size Kobe Beef Sliders, Onion Straws and Specialty Pomegranate Mini Martinis. Next came catering from The City Club of Fort Worth at ArtSpace 111. Guests noshed on Grilled Shrimp on a Field Green Salad, Beef Asada Tostadas and yummy Pork Sliders. Next on the list was the Norris Conference Center with catering by Creative Cuisine. The menu included Cured Salmon and Cucumber Salad with Cilantro Crème Fraiche, Pan Seared Ahi Tuna with Wasabi Crème on Wontons and Watermelon Fresca Martinis. Last but not least was the brand new Omni Hotel for Dessert. Guests enjoyed a gorgeous spread of desserts including assorted miniature pastries and Petite Fours, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, Mixed Berry Martini’s and Irish coffee.
Members not only had a great time, but also were educated on the strategic partnerships being built between the three most powerful cities in North Texas. They retuned to Dallas with new ideas for a great future in Fort Worth.
