On par with its world-class cities and cultural icons, Australia takes pride in its array of natural wonders, from its famed red center to the world’s largest coral reef. Even urban hubs like Melbourne and Sydney get in the mix with beachside sports, wildlife parks and other open-air options.

Whether indulging in the thriving food and drink scene—craft breweries and distilleries included, exploring diverse, emerging neighborhoods, taking in the vibrant arts and cultural scene or kayaking on the river, planners have plenty of intriguing experiences to weave into Grand Rapids agendas, while attendees have plenty of downtime diversions to enjoy.

Following are six standout ideas in State College that will positively engage attendees outside the meeting room, including fun teambuilding activities, special event spaces for brainstorming sessions and picturesque receptions, and attractions that range from unique museums to a lively ballpark.

The Gateway Arch, the signature architectural masterpiece of St. Louis and the icon of the Westward Expansion of the United States, is even more emblematic as a symbol of the city’s resurgence. Fresh off the $380 million CityArchRiver project that made massive improvements to the Gateway Arch National Park surrounding the Arch, the re-do added a wealth of impressive event options and remedied a critical design flaw that cut off pedestrian access to the park from downtown by a busy six-lane highway.

Unexpected group discoveries extend throughout the Harrisburg, Hershey and Lancaster regions.

Northeast Florida—also known as Florida’s First Coast—is made up of such dynamic destinations as Jacksonville on the great St. Johns River, the beach community of Ponte Vedra and historic St. Augustine, the oldest continually occupied European settlement in North America. It’s also home to Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach and the Palm Coast, all of which offer great accommodations, great restaurants and great fun for meeting groups.

Arts experiences in Greater Springfield, Mass., and the Berkshires are positively popping off the page, from a museum showcasing the delightful works of Theodor Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, to music venues that will have attendees singing the praises of the meeting long after it’s over.

Oregon has long been a magnet for makers and artisans of many kinds. Among them are chocolatiers, cheesemakers, specialty fruit and nut growers and manufacturers of everything from colorful blankets to organic flour. Many of these makers open their doors to visitors, providing insightful behind-the-scenes tours and opportunities for tasting and learning how the products are made.

North Carolina takes the idea of outdoor adventure and runs with it. Depending on when your group visits, you might be snow-skiing or waterskiing, biking or boating, sitting by the fire or by a fishing pole. The possibilities are out there.

Glave & Holmes Architecture (G&HA) believes that “great architecture is contextual, timeless and has the capacity to engage the intellect and elevate the human spirit.” Those same qualities define superior meeting programs, which makes selecting Virginia’s many repurposed heritage properties a reliable blueprint for memorable and inspiring gatherings.