New Ideas Annual Conference

2022 Social Events

All social events are included in full registration and are subject to change.
 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Welcome Mix & Mingle Brunch (12:00 - 2:30 PM)

There is no better way to catch up with old friends than over brunch! Join us and our friends at Visit Dallas for a kick-off brunch to welcome all of us to New Ideas 2022. Mingle with your industry friends and colleagues over delicious bites and mimosas. It has been a long since we have all been together let’s catch up over brunch before the show begins.

Newbie Orientation (12:45 - 1:45 PM)

Don’t miss the kick-off of the 2022 TSAE New Ideas Conference. This orientation is open to first-time conference attendees and ambassadors. Enjoy hearing from TSAE leadership and members as you learn about the different aspects of this conference from education sessions, activations, and social events. You’ll also have time to start making connections and seeing your TSAE friends. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Opening Night Celebration: Rock the Red Carpet with Visit Irving (7:00 - 9:00 PM)

Join us for the meeting and event industry's biggest night, set to take the stage at the Irving Convention Center. A who’s who of TSAE stars and Visit Irving royalty will mix, mingle, and dance the night away. The party really gets started as you are escorted from the red-carpet arrivals upstairs to dine, raise your glass under starlit skies and dance the night away.

While red-carpet fashion often takes center stage, the five-star culinary experience, signature cocktails and entertainment will make this the most-talked about opening party you don’t want to miss.

This is your night, so attire is entirely up to you! It’s an indoor/outdoor affaire. Dress in a comfy chic ensemble or go all out for a showstopping red carpet look… because YOU rock Irving!

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Awards Luncheon (12:00 - 1:30 PM)

Enjoy a wonderful lunch and conversation with fellow attendees as we honor the 2022 TSAE Award winners.

Excursions in Irving (3:45 - 6:00 PM)

These exciting afternoon outings will help make the most of your time in Irving, TX. Take a few hours on Monday afternoon to get out and see what the city offers, learn a new skill, or give back to the community. It is a perfect way to meet new people in a fun and relaxed setting. All tours are sponsored by Visit Irving.

Excursions are included in your full conference registration and selected at time of registration and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to change or cancel your excursion, please do so upon arrival at New Ideas at the Visit Irving table. Specific details will be shared prior to the event. Participating in an excursion prohibits you from attending the Deep Dive education session.

Ready, Set, Throw! Stumpy's Ax Throwing

Are you sharp and edgy? Are you ready for a social throwdown that’s sure to give you and your colleagues something to talk about? Stumpy’s Hatchet House, located in the Toyota Music Factory, hits the bullseye! Training will be provided by trusty throwing coaches before you take turns hurling hatchets in your private safe, controlled throwing pit. As you hone in on your form and technique, you might find hatchet “therapy” to be addicting.

This social gathering wouldn’t be a social throwdown without comfy couches to relax and enjoy a variety of beer, seltzer and light bites while cheering on your kick-axe comrades.  Boring stuff to know about your axe-perience: Must wear closed toe shoes. A signed waiver will be required for participation. 

Capacity: 80

Shake it Up, Sip it Down, Martini Making Bar Louie Style

You’ve heard of the three-martini lunch. Well, this isn’t one. But it will most certainly be a two-martini cocktail experience to remember - though some might prefer to call it an educational seminar. Register for this excursion and gather round the bar at Bar Louie for martini making. Pioneers of the original Gastrobar concept, Bar Louie is well known for its craft cocktails - both shaken and stirred - and YOU will have the exclusive opportunity to join one of Bar Louie’s expert mixologists to learn the secrets of making their signature martini cocktails. Then, discover your personal martini-style with hands-on experience making your own. Each participant will choose two of these iconic cocktails: The Diva, The Clover or Bar Louie's signature Cosmo. Additional beverages and light appetizers will be provided.

Capacity: 50 FULL
 

Get in Line & Kick Up Your Heels - Line Dancing at Mama Tried

It wouldn’t be an excursion in the Lone Star state without a little honky tonkin’, so dust off your boots and two-step-it on over to Mama Tried for some “boot scootin’ boogie.” This honky tonk/pool hall and music destination (whew!) boasts cold beer, cocktails and classic country music. With hosted beverages and snacks, line dancing and pool playin’, you’ll be hootin’ and hollerin’ like true Texans.  

Capacity: 30
 

Go All-In for the Win - Poker Run & Pub Crawl

Get ready to sip, play, selfie & stroll at this mosaic of events - a pub crawl, poker run, and photo contest  - all rolled into one BIG time. The fun and games commence as teams of five head to Irving’s adult playground, the Toyota Music Factory, to beat the clock on a quest to find five locations (hint: pub crawl), draw a playing card at each and take a team selfie which will earn the team an extra draw at the last stop. Join a team of fellow attendees for a little friendly competition and lots of fun… and you might also walk away a winner!  

Capacity: 50
 

Make a Splash - Fun at Lake Carolyn

A beautiful lake and Venetian inspired waterways. Tree-lined, cobblestone walkways, with waterfalls, vine-covered bridges and “Old World” charm. Discover all of this in the heart of the Las Colinas Urban Center. 

Folks, this is not a walking tour! Adventure seekers should get ready to paddle down the iconic Mandalay Canals of Las Colinas in a kayak, wind your way past hotels, residences and office buildings on a stand up paddleboard or glide atop Lake Carolyn on a water trike. No matter what type of water play floats your boat, you’ll find it at the SUP Shack. 

No lessons are required to sit high above the water on an aqua cycle – just get on and pedal for a fun, unique experience. With three wheels, wide paddles, and flexible steering, the trikes are easy to ride, stable, and easily maneuvered. Prefer kayaking, you got it. Want to take on the challenge of stand up paddle? Instructors will be on hand to get you up to speed. 

Life jackets, water and basic instructions are included. Appropriate attire includes swimsuit, shorts, workout gear or whatever you are comfortable in. Just bring sunblock and a bright smile, and the friendly folks at the SUP Shack will take care of the rest. Hosted beverages and snacks included. Signing a waiver will be required for participation.

Capacity: 20 FULL
 

Mix-ology & Mingle at the Two Mules Cantina

As you well know, a margarita cocktail made with tequila is to a Texan what a glass of chilled champagne might be to a Parisian – the preferred local drink to sip on not just on a warm summer evening, but all year long.  In this outdoor excursion planned for the courtyard of the uber hipster and retro Two Mules Cantina located at the Texican Court Hotel, we’ll school you on tequila with a triple tequila tasting (ay-ay-ay!) and then spice things up some more by providing you a hands-on experience making your own margarita. Salud!

Capacity: 30 FULL
 

Boards, Bingo & Wine at Nosh & Bottle

The best part about a cheese board is how perfect it is for every occasion. No wait, actually the best thing about a cheese board is that it is a PLATE FULL OF CHEESE. The second best thing is their wide appeal. A cheese plate is always a welcome addition to any gathering. 

At Nosh & Bottle, gorgeous show-stopping cheese and charcuterie boards take cheese to a whole new level. And the “big cheese” at this quaint neighborhood wine and cheese market located at the Toyota Music Factory, is going to teach you the secrets to building your own charcuterie board. With an assortment of meats, cheeses, artisan breads, olives, fruit, and nuts, creating a cheese board has been likened to artistic self-care. When it’s a completed work of art, a charcuterie board quickly reinvents itself as a party in your mouth. 

And what’s a party without some gameplay? The beat goes on with a few rounds of Musical Bingo. If you’re not familiar with music bingo, the host plays a tune, and you look for the song title or artist on a square on your card. If you like music and friendly places, you’ll be having fun in no time!

Capacity: 40 FULL
 

Perfect Pairings at Mercy Wine & Cheese Pairing

Wine and cheese are two of life’s great culinary pleasures, and finding the perfect match can be a delicious endeavor. Have mercy! Some liken it to a nuanced culinary art - like Vincent, the sommelier at Mercy Bar & Lounge. Vincent will take you on a wine tour of the world by introducing you to both Old World and New World wines and sharing his knowledge about the cheeses that compliments them best. You’ll be treated to a pairing of four wines and four cheeses while learning about the nuances of the perfect pairings. If you are a wine enthusiast, this is a perfectly paired excursion for you.

Capacity: 40 FULL
 

Rock-n-Bowl - Team Bowling VIP Style

Sometimes we do things because we want to feel like a kid again, but sometimes we want to feel like the grown ups we are, too. And when it comes to hanging out with TSAE colleagues, the right combination of riotous fun and adult sophistication can make for an ideal outing. Experience the VIP bowling lounge at Pinstack Las Colinas, for this little excursion, and we promise it will be right up your alley. Seriously, these bowling lanes offer you an elevated bowling experience that is unlike anything you have encountered in your run-of-the-mill bowling alley. Plus, you’ll have a private bar and select hors d oeuvres to nosh on. So bring your socks, rock your bowling shoes, select your lucky ball, and strike out for a fun afternoon adventure. 

Capacity: 56
 

Doing the Most Good: Connect for Kids Community Service

Connect with your TSAE cohorts while giving hope to kids in the Irving community. Bells won’t be ringing, but conversation will be flowing while you assemble Kids Care & Comfort Kits for children in Irving served by the local chapter of the Salvation Army. Each kit will include both hygiene and fun activity items for kids in a reusable bag, and most importantly will bring comfort and maybe even a smile to a child. Smiles all around! Hosted at the Irving Convention Center. Beverages and snacks will be available.                           

Capacity: 30
 

Newbie Meet-Up (6:30 - 7:00 PM)

Want to Meet Up Before Dinner? Connect with other newbies right before grabbing dinner leading up to the Westin Dessert Party. You can discuss today’s sessions, offer advice, and even share stories from the day. Meet us in the Westin Bar as you head out for a bite to eat and connect with new friends from the conference.

The Westin Reception (8:30 - 10:30 PM)

Bring your Sweet Tooth and be ready play at the Candyland Rave! Enjoy an amazing night will be filled with a D.J., games, prizes, sweets & treats! Do not worry we did not forget the cocktails, specialty drinks and a dance floor to dance the night away courtesy of The Westin Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas Hotel and Marriott Hotel & Resorts of Texas.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

Healthy Start (7:15 - 8:00 AM)

It is more important than ever these days to take care of yourself. Sometimes it is hard to prioritize yourself over everything else you have to do – but not today! Join us for an early healthy start yoga with a local yoga instructor to center yourself for the last day of New Ideas with your TSAE family.