Business as usual? That"s the last message you want to convey at a special meeting or conference. You don"t have to settle for the blandness of many modern facilities. In this National Trust Guide you"ll find historic places available for business meetings —facilities whose historical distinction, impressive design, or sheer beauty underscore the importance of any event.From charming colonial inns and meeting halls to elegant mansions, imposing castles, and stylish Art Deco hotels, this guide introduces you to historic locations that combine architectural significance with modern business conveniences and comfortable accommodations.Featuring more than 400 listings in all 50 states, the Meeting Planner"s Guide to Historic Places is the ideal resource for meeting planners and travel professionals who want to offer clients an alternative to the standard hotel venue. It provides the information you need to select the setting that is perfect for your next function, including: Noteworthy facts about each building"s history and architecture Specific rental information, including rates and available services Capacity data for meeting spaces and overnight accommodations Location and travel directions from nearby airports and major travel routes Nearby recreational and cultural attractions Booking contacts, including phone, fax, mailing address, and e-mail address Beautiful photos of many facilities.The Meeting Planner"s Guide to Historic Places saves hours of legwork, answers dozens of questions before you make a call, and opens your eyes to authentic history in an array of meeting places.NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION is the only private agency chartered by Congress to encourage public participation in preserving historic sites, buildings, objects, and communities. In carrying out this mission, the National Trust promotes the diverse character and appeal of America"s cultural and architectural heritage, and leads the nation in saving America"s historic places and environments.Hold your next business meeting in one of these historic and stimulating venuesAn award-winning renovation of a nineteenth-century train station, renowned for its elegant conference rooms.The gracious Victorian mansion whose facade is familiar to viewers of TV"s Designing WomenA palatial Italianate villa nestled among terraced formal gardensAn eighteenth-century statehouse designed by renowned architect Charles BullfinchEach of the more than 400 sites listed in this guide is notable for its historic, architectural, or aesthetic significance —sometimes all three. Every historic place will add memorable importance to your business meeting or social gathering.