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Find out what's happening in the blog. Below is a list of blog items.

Jul 22

We Made the Dirt Fly

Posted to All the Best! by Erin Coulter

You may have heard that we will be welcoming our first four-star, full service hotel and convention center. But did you know that we’ve already broken ground and construction is underway?

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Oct 31

Allen CVB Is Honored With ConventionSouth’s Annual Readers’ Choice Award

Posted to Allen Texas Convention and Visitors Bureau Is Honored With ConventionSouth’s Annual Readers’ Choice Award by Kristen Cruz

Readers of ConventionSouth Magazine has selected Allen, Texas as a top meeting site in the South by recognizing Allen Texas Convention and Visitors Bureau with a 2019 Readers’ Choice Award.

“ConventionSouth readers and fans have voted to decide the best meeting sites in the South, and it is no surprise to us that Allen Texas Convention & Visitors Bureau has been selected to receive our annual Readers’ Choice Award,” said ConventionSouth Senior Editor Marcia Bradford. “The value in receiving this prestigious recognition is that it comes from the United States’ top meeting professionals who hold events in the South. These planners demand the highest level of customer service and quality facilities, and they have contributed in determining that Allen Texas Convention & Visitors Bureau indeed displays the commitment to professionalism, creativity and service that they require.”

Allen Texas Convention & Visitors Bureau is among 337 convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs), meeting facilities and hotels located across the South to receive this year’s Readers’ Choice Award. Throughout the year, meeting professionals nominated the meeting sites they believe provide exemplary service for group events.

“We’re honored to receive this recognition.” says Karen Cromwell,  Director, Allen Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Our dedicated sales staff and the partnership amongst our hospitality partners create a truly one of a kind experience for our planners and their attendees to ensure a successful event. We share this recognition from ConventionSouth with our amazing destination partners.”

For more information on hosting your next meeting or conference in Allen, TX, contact Kris Buchanan at kbuchanan@visitallentexas.com.

About ConventionSouth

Celebrating over 35 years as a leading meeting planning resource, ConventionSouth magazine is based in Gulf Shores, Ala., and is distributed to more than 18,000 meeting professionals located across the country who book meetings held within the South, according to Bradford.


About Allen Convention and Visitors Bureau

The best kept secret in Dallas and THE up and coming destination in DFW to getaway and play or plan a meeting or convention of any size. Located just north of Dallas, Allen is 25 miles from either DFW or Love Field airports and blends the best of local charm and hospitality with world-class amenities. 


Nov 07

Top Ten Things to do in Allen this Holiday Season

Posted to Top Ten Things to do in Allen this season by Jennifer Barbee

Brace your elves, the holidays are here! Sit back, relax, and plan your next stop with family and friends here in Allen. We’ve got something for the whole family! 

Here's to a fun-filled holiday season. Cheers! 


1. BLADES ON ICE
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One of the most anticipated events this season is the U.S Figure Skating Midwestern Sectional Singles Final and U.S Pairs Final. This exciting event will be held at the Allen Event Center from Tuesday, November 12 at 6 am to Saturday, November 16 at 6 pm. Best of all, parking is always free! Tickets are available at The Allen Event Center Box Office and Ticketmaster. Don’t let this one slide! MORE EVENT INFO 


2. LIGHT THE NIGHT
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Join Watters Creek for a magical evening to kick off the holiday season and welcome Santa. Starting at 4:30, KISS FM’s Billy the Kidd, the evening’s emcee, will help everyone get into the holiday spirit. Mrs. Claus will be passing out free cookies, and there will be complimentary carriage rides, hot cider, caroling, face painting, and more. In addition, the Allen Symphony Chorus will sing seasonal favorites, costumed performers from the Allen Civic Ballet will be present, the Allen Arts Alliance will host children’s holiday crafts and an Allen ISD art exhibit. At 6:30 p.m. guests will be dazzled when Santa lights the 30-foot tree, the centerpiece of Watters Creek’s holiday display. The tree leads a 145,000-glittering light display that includes 20 other trees and Santa’s sleigh with reindeer. The lights are synchronized to holiday music and play every hour from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., daily through New Year’s Day. Finish the evening with a dazzling fireworks display.
MORE EVENT INFO  


3. READY, SET, SHOP!
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We take shopping very seriously here in Allen. For that reason, holiday shopping festivities always makes our list for top holiday fun. From the Allen Premium Outlets, to Watters Creek, to The Village at Allen, Black Friday shopping is a must here. You’ll find a great selection of popular retail stores, boutiques, and unique shops you can only find in Allen. We have no doubt that you will score that perfect gift for your loved ones and even some for yourself. Here’s to great deals, ample parking and shorter checkout lines! 
BROWSE SHOPPING 


4. TURKEY SLIP AND SLIDE
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Come join us for our 8th Annual Great Turkey Skate. You can expect a fun Thanksgiving-theme, on-ice games and activities, including Turkey Bowling. You will also have the opportunity to donate two non-perishable items and receive a free skate rental.
MORE EVENT INFO 


5. DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS ‘DREAM BIG’ 
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For the child inside all of us…and of course, our little ones. Disney on Ice presents ‘Dream Big’ at Allen Event Center with performances from November 27 – December 1. Miguel aspires to be a musician and journeys through the Land of the Dead to unlock his family’s history. Moana and Maui bravely restore the stolen heart of Te Fiti. Anna and Elsa save their kingdom while the Disney Princesses inspire with touching stories. Share every magical moment filled with breathtaking ice skating and beloved songs and stories that give you a reason to believe! Allen Event Center Parking is FREE and located next to The Village at Allen. Enjoy shopping, great restaurants, and a special holiday show all in one place! 
GET TICKETS HERE 


6. COMPLIMENTARY CARRIAGE RIDES
6 holiday

What could be more charming than a cozy horse-drawn carriage ride on a crisp winter evening? Bring the family or that someone special to Watters Creek for a magical holiday experience only a carriage ride can bring. Rides are free and are on a first come first-served basis - No Reservations. Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 - 9 pm: Nov. 29 - 30, Dec. 6 - 7, Dec. 13 – 14 / Sundays: 4 - 7 pm, Dec. 1, 8, 15, and 22 / Consecutive evenings from 6 - 9 pm: Dec. 16 - Dec. 23. FOR MORE INFO VISIT: https://www.watterscreek.com/events 


7. RUDOLPH RUN
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Grab your friends, this event is great for groups! Dash into the holidays at the annual Rudolph Run 5K happening on Saturday, December 7. One race with two options! The Donner Dash (8:05 am), a non-competitive run that will have hot chocolate available to the first 1,000 to complete the dash. The Rudolph Run 5K (8:30 am) where the top 3 runners for each gender and age division of the run will receive a medal. The race will start in front of Rodenbaugh's Appliance Store (102 West Main Street - Allen), go through Allen Station Park and finish at the same location as the race start. This exciting event is open to all ages and even your dog!
GET TICKETS HERE  
 

8. BECAUSE IN ALLEN, HOLIDAYS ARE BETTER ON ICE 
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Allen Event Center is thrilled to invite you to Holidays On Ice, featuring the Allen Academy of Skating and Allen Community Ice Rink Skaters. If you bring a non-perishable food item, your admission is completely free. Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 15 from 4 pm to 6 pm. 
MORE EVENT INFO 


9. MERRY TUBA CHRISTMAS 
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The Allen Philharmonic welcomes area tuba and euphonium players to join us for the Merry Tuba Christmas Concert at Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm. Merry Tuba Christmas was conceived in 1974 by the late Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher and mentor William J. Bell, born on Christmas Day, 1902. This unusual Christmas tradition is firmly established in over 200 cities around the world and 2019 will be the third year the Allen Philharmonic has hosted this tradition. Come enjoy this free performance on Sunday, December 15 at 2:30 pm. Christmas Carols and other crowd favorites will be played. 
MORE EVENT INFO 


10. DROP AND SHOP HOLIDAY SKATE 
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Take a break from your busy schedule and come enjoy the Drop and Shop Holiday Skate event with family and friends on Sunday, December 21. Look forward to on-ice games and activities, including pictures with Santa and more. Take two non-perishable food items to donate and you will receive a free skate rental. Open to all ages, but adult supervision is required for children 8 years and younger. See you there! 
MORE EVENT INFO