Marriott International announced the creation of Beyond Barriers, the next phase of its #LoveTravels program. According to Marriott, “#LoveTravels Beyond Barriers” celebrates and supports those who are actively leading unique strategies to promote inclusion, equality, peace and human rights.

CORT Events announced its top event and meeting design trends for the fall season. Art deco, mixing rustic with industrial and an homage to 80’s decor are in demand design elements for events this fall. The furniture, lighting and accessories rental company is seeing clients go for a dramatic feel and lean into fun themes for fall events.

From September 19-24, 2018, I was immersed in the Terra Madre Salone Del Gusto slow food exhibition in Turin, Italy. As one of more than 250 U.S. delegates, I was attending local and traditional food preservation organization Slow Food’s biennial event, which brings together international food producers, communities, chefs and visitors to celebrate good, clean and fair food.

Marvel’s The Black Panther did more than smash box office records this year. It inspired Wakandacon, a three-day celebration of Afrofuturism at the Hilton Chicago that combined community building with Blerd (short for Black nerd) culture.

Major hotel chains are introducing so-called “panic buttons” to help ensure the safety of their workers. And while the term “panic button” may indeed evoke a highly descriptive tone, Marriott International at least would like everyone to refer to them by the less alarming moniker Associate Alert Devices. The technology is also referred to as Employee Safety Devices (ESD) and it is being rolled out at hotels across North America.

President Trump unveiled new tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods. Here’s how they’ll affect you.

UNITE HERE Local 1, which represents Chicago’s hospitality workers union, has ratified a contract with Marriott International. The Chicago union says it has reached an agreement with Sheraton, W City Center, W Lakeshore, Westin Michigan Avenue, Westin River North, JW Marriot and Hotel Blake.

Confucius once said, “Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.” In that spirit, music-inspired experiences and venues can add life to any meeting or event. Following is just a small sampling of music venues worldwide that can cater to groups.

CWT Meetings & Events just unveiled its predictions for the top 10 North American cities in 2019. The rankings are based on proprietary and industry data in CWT’s 2019 Meetings & Events Future Trends report, to be published in late September.

Columbus, Ohio’s North Market, dating to 1876 and located firmly within walking distance of the city’s major convention hotels and the Greater Columbus Convention Center, offers a full plate of eating and shopping choices, from the hot chicken craze to Vietnamese, Indian, Greek and Italian—among the United Nations-worthy selection of prepared foods—to fresh meats and sugary treats.