An Anchorage adventure
When Visit Anchorage invited me to join their September FAM trip, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss. Not only would I check off a few bucket-list items, but I’d also gain first-hand knowledge of what makes Anchorage a perfect fit for group planners.
After five days in this extraordinary city, I can confidently say that Anchorage exceeds expectations as a destination for meetings and events.
Arrive and Stay
I landed at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and headed to Hilton Anchorage downtown, where I’d spend my first two nights. My room key was handed to me before leaving the livery vehicle, so I was able to head straight to one of the property’s 606 guest rooms.
Should meeting professionals decide to bring their groups here, Hilton Anchorage features 22,604 sq. ft. of event space across 19 meeting rooms and the 7,680-square-foot Alaska Ballroom.
Read More: Alaska: Head All the Way North For Luxury
Meet
We explored Anchorage’s top meeting properties, starting with breakfast at Hotel Captain Cook, where the views were as spectacular as the custom omelets. This is where I’d spend the rest of my nights in Anchorage; with over 500 rooms and 27,507 sq. ft. of meeting spaces, it’s no surprise that many planners were already in contract with the hotel.
From there, we visited the William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center and Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center—85,000 sq. ft. and nearly 200,000 sq. ft., respectively—two venues that reflect the spirit of Anchorage with their nods to Native Alaskan culture.
See and Do
The days brought a number of unforgettable experiences. On the first day, our group boarded a coach to Whittier, a scenic 45-minute drive that showcased Alaska’s rugged beauty—towering mountains, rivers and wildlife at every turn. The Phillips Cruises and Tours boat, aptly named The Bravest, took us out to explore some of the most breathtaking glaciers I’ve ever seen. The wildlife sightings—eagles, seals and even bears—added to the magic.
The second day began with a helicopter tour. I felt like I was in a scene from Apocalypse Now as we soared over valleys and mountains, hunting for moose and bear sightings. We landed several times to explore different glacier sites, strapping on crampons to walk on the ice. We even filled our water bottles straight from glacial pools.
For those who weren’t part of the helicopter tour, there were options for ATV rides, kayaking and hiking, making it clear that Anchorage offers diverse experiences for every kind of visitor.
On the third day, I had the privilege of going on a floatplane tour, which offered a bird’s-eye view of snow-covered mountains, glaciers and even an active volcano.
Following the tour, we visited Anchorage Museum and Alaska Native Heritage Center, where I gained a deeper appreciation for the Indigenous history of the region. The facilities’ exhibits and artifacts, including contributions from the Smithsonian, revealed the cultural depth of Alaska. Anchorage Museum features five spaces for private events, like its atrium, Discovery Center and Muse, the museum’s on-site restaurant.
Alaska Native Heritage Center offers 20,000 sq. ft. of event space across six spaces, including the log cabin-style Athabascan Ceremonial House and Hall of Cultures, which features displays highlighting each of the five cultural groups in the area with art from Alaskan natives.
Our final day started with a morning hike through the trails surrounding Alyeska Resort. I opted for the hike while others indulged in the resort’s renowned spa. Our guide, David Kasser, shared insights into the local flora and fauna, enhancing the experience with his personal connection to the area.
We concluded the trip with a visit to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where we saw bears, moose and musk oxen up close. It was a fitting way to end the adventure, surrounded by the wildlife that makes Alaska so special.
This article appears in the November 2024 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
