Meeting Getaways: Some Suggestions for Your Next Company Retreat

LEAVING THE CORPORATE conference room behind and taking business meetings on the road offers many advantages. For one, an offsite location, free of distractions, can provide a fresh perspective for strategic-planning sessions. Whether it's a laid-back or a high-energy environment that suits your needs, Indiana has an ideal venue. Here are a few suggestions.

Artists Colony Inn

Located in the heart of Nashville, the Artists Colony pays homage not only to Nashville artists, but also to the period in which they thrived. This replica of a 19th century inn opened in 1992, and artfully mixes high-tech with the historical. The main inn houses 20 "quaint" Shaker-style rooms with private baths, TV and telephones. An adjoining building contains three executive suites with living rooms, kitchenettes and whirlpool tubs. One suite has a meeting space for up to 14 people. All rooms and suites are equipped with high-speed Internet connections and are smoke-free. A popular amenity year-round is the rooftop hot tub.

"The No. 1 thing guests comment on about us is our hospitality and our service," says Jeanne Bennett, sales manager. "Companies can go anywhere for corporate retreats, but we really focus on meeting all of their needs. For example, our menus can be modified to fit the group's needs. We'll even do takeout lunches if they want to go offsite."

The inn's meeting area, which can be leased for a minimal charge with room accommodations, can comfortably accommodate 40 to 50 people classroom-style and 80 people banquet-style, although smaller groups may opt to eat in the inn's dining room. A/V equipment is available onsite.

"We are doing more packages this year than ever before, to simplify things for our guests," says Bennett. Packages typically include breakfast and golf or other entertainment, plus shopping coupon books, which are a "big draw."

Caesars Indiana

This award-winning, 503-room luxury hotel, located near New Albany in Elizabeth and across the Ohio River from Louisville, opened in 2001, four years after the Roman-themed, four-deck riverboat casino. Amenities include: Chariot Run, the 18-hole championship golf course; eight restaurants, two of which are fine dining; headliner entertainment; a fitness center; and Roman baths.

"Business is strong," says Bill Mabrey, vice president entertainment, hotel and convention operations. "When you look at the total package, it's a unique offering in this marketplace."