It’s not every day a hotel and conference center is asked to provide lodging for cattle, but for the Hilton Garden Missoula (Montana) and Conference Center, the request was an opportunity to go above and beyond to meet guests’ needs.

On November 11, the Montana Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) arrived in Missoula —with more than 700 ranchers and farmers in tow — for the organization’s 80th annual four-day convention. On November 12, a few more guests showed up. Eighty-plus heifers and bulls were brought in from area ranches for a special one-day showcase, and the Hilton was more than happy to accommodate them.

“‘Special request’ usually means dietary considerations or the addition of unique menu items,” said HGI Sales & Marketing Manager Denise Moore. “The Farm Bureau’s request for space to pen and showcase cattle was certainly unique, but by no means was it out of the question. We strive to surpass our guests’ expectations and provide a seamless travel experience. If that means setting up a cattle showcase, we’ll do it.”

Twenty pens with four cattle each transformed an empty lot in front of the hotel into the desired showcase. And while being able to bring their cattle may have sealed the deal, it was the conference center that drew the crowd. “We toured numerous properties across the state,” said Diana Alkire, MFBF executive secretary and chief financial officer. “We were really excited about the Hilton Garden Inn. It’s an awesome facility with enough space for all of us. We’ve outgrown many other conference centers in Montana.” The Missoula Conference Center is made up of the 13,200-square-foot Grant Creek Ballroom, seating 1,100 guests banquet-style and 1,600 theater-style; the 1,340-square-foot Bitterroot River Room; the 675-square-foot Board Room; and additional creative meeting and event space, such as a 3,150-square-foot courtyard and a 6,400-square-foot rotunda. High-tech capabilities are found throughout each of the meeting spaces.

The Farm Bureau took full advantage of the space for many seminars, lectures, dinners and a marketplace with nearly 40 vendors.

Source