Madeleine Willis joined Meetings Today magazine in September 2025 as a content developer, departments and social media. She is a graduate of the University of Iowa where she studied Journalism and Mass Communication with a certificate in Event Management. She writes for news departments: "The Buzz," "Industry Intelligence," "Going Places" and "New & Renovated." Her contributions to Meetings Today's Next Gen initiatives include her involvement as the editor and producer of the Eventualists podcast. Willis also oversees the publications social media platforms.
The Rainwater Conference Center in Valdosta, Georgia, welcomed a new executive chef on May 11. Michelle Pessia brings more than 15 years of culinary management experience to the center.
Nebraska’s three major meeting destinations—Omaha, Lincoln and Kearney—are welcoming new hotels, entertainment options and major upgrades to airports and meeting spaces.
Three overlooked mental health risks at meetings—information and cognitive overload, isolation for solo attendees and high-pressure environments for speakers—and steps to solve them for an overall better attendee experience.
Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a hot spot for tech meetings, namely because the destination offers onsite venues with testing facilities for live demonstrations.
In Wickenburg, Arizona, Rancho de los Caballeros Resort completed a $100 million renovation in March. The multiyear renovation began in 2021. Spanning across 18 acres, the property boasts 9,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
Located on 300 acres in San Antonio, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas completed a $100 million transformation. After a multiyear renovation, the resort is rolling out a new event venue: Rancher Hall Waterfront Event Venue.
