Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs, Florida, has named Heather Eubank director of events. She is responsible for leading a team of event managers as the resort introduces its newly renovated meeting and event spaces.
Throughout Eubank’s 35 years in the hospitality industry, she has held various leadership roles, earning accolades such as a nomination for Director of Events of the Year in 2024 from Hyatt.
Here, she shares helpful insights about working with group clients.
Meetings Today: What trends are you seeing from event clients right now? What are they asking for most?
Heather Eubank: Clients are leaning into personalization and flexibility more than ever. They want experiences that reflect their brand and culture, not just a standard setup. Sustainability, wellness integration and hybrid capabilities continue to be top priorities. In the age of AI, I have noticed a growing desire for genuine human interaction. It is not always explicitly asked for, but it’s absolutely expected. Clients are looking for events that are more cared for, more efficient, more impactful and more intentional.
Meetings Today: When you work with clients, what do they appreciate most that a hotel conference services team does?
Heather Eubank: Clients appreciate transparency, creativity and a true sense of partnership. They want someone who listens, solves problems proactively and brings fresh ideas to the table. I have found they value knowing that my team of experts is right behind me, ready to create experiences and deliver more connected meetings and events. Whether it’s me, a member of our planning team, our technology team or our front office team, we are all in this together. That sense of collaboration and shared purpose is what makes the difference.
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Meetings Today: With over 30 years in the hospitality industry, how do you practice "good hospitality" at events?
Heather Eubank: Good hospitality starts with empathy and ends with execution. At Hyatt, and especially through our Together by Hyatt philosophy, we focus on creating meaningful connections and seamless experiences. I prioritize understanding the purpose behind each event, whether it's a celebration, a strategic meeting or a moment of recognition. That insight is critical not only for shaping the program but also for empowering our operations teams to execute with intention. Anticipating needs, being present and making people feel genuinely cared for are the cornerstones of how we deliver good hospitality.
Meetings Today: What is your best advice for planners looking to build a strong working relationship with their hotel partner?
Heather Eubank: It all starts with trust and communication. Be clear about your goals, and don’t hesitate to lean on your hotel partner’s expertise. The strongest relationships are built on mutual respect and a shared vision. As I mentioned earlier, we are all about creating something memorable and impactful, and Hyatt provides the planning tools and support to make that happen. I view each event as an opportunity to make the next one even better, and that mindset helps foster long-term, successful partnerships.
Read about more moves and appointments in the meetings industry.
