11/13/2019
You can expect to see licorice syrup, spicy tomato granita and orange wines across banquets, events, restaurants and bars in 2020, according to Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants’ sixth annual Culinary & Cocktails Trends Forecast. More than 130 chefs, sommeliers, general managers and bartenders from over 75 Kimpton restaurants and bars were surveyed to uncover the 2020 trends. Read more.
11/13/2019
Victoria, B.C.’s Wear2Start provides a CSR activity to help women access professional attire and grooming. Watch Jeanette Kelly talk about this program.
11/13/2019
Victoria, British Columbia-based Wear2Start Society gives a helping hand to assist local self-identified women in taking that first step to finding a job and launching a career by providing clothing, accessories, shoes, handbags and essential care items. The service, which is powered by donations, is free of charge to the client. Read more.
11/13/2019
Host your next event in one of these three St. Louis historic hotels. With stunning architecture and captivating pasts, these are ready-made for inspiring meetings.
11/13/2019
Strategic Meetings Management sounds great in theory but many organizations still struggle to understand what exactly it is and how to ultimately implement it. With this ambiguity, SMM is often misclassified as a complicated program that is hard to put together. In this webinar we will debunk the myth that SMM is intangibly complex by breaking it down into bite sized pieces that companies of any size can easily understand and adopt. Learn best practice and tried and true approaches as directed by Cvent SMM gurus.
11/12/2019
Shangri-La Hotel, Suzhou Yuanqu debuted in the city’s central business district of Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP). The 32-story hotel features 303 guest rooms and suites as well as 16 serviced residences with views of Jinji Lake and the city landscape.
11/12/2019
Preparation, wellness and environment play critical roles in performance and success. Those elements are also key as we look at productivity in the world of business meetings. As the hospitality industry continues to evolve and offer wellness alternatives and amenities for health-conscious travelers, the meetings industry is doing the same.
11/12/2019
The new St. Louis Aquarium opens inside historic Union Station in December 2019. Host your next meeting in its shark tank, interact with stingrays and more. Plus, Union Station adds more amenities like restaurants and an observation wheel.
11/11/2019
The Hotel Distil and Moxy Louisville Downtown opened on historic Whiskey Row, sharing the same building. The hotels both are Marriott branded and operated by White Lodging.
11/11/2019
From Huntington Beach down to Dana Point, these beaches in Orange County are a haven for small groups–offering quieter ocean views, luxury properties and beach activities.
11/11/2019
Renaissance Indian Wells reopened as Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa at Indian Wells following a multimillion-dollar design transformation. The property underwent a complete makeover of its 560 guest rooms including 103 suites. Also included in the project were remastered corridors, a new multi-story lobby, a new fitness center, pool-area enhancements and food and beverage innovations, including The Place lobby bar.
11/08/2019
11/08/2019
11/06/2019
Follow these 10 simple tips to greatly increase the impact of your meetings and events social media, from social media guru Alex Plaxen, of Little Bird Told Media. Read more.
11/06/2019
Stamats Communications business-to-business (B2B) publishing brand Meetings Today won a Folio: Eddie Award in the categories of best Full Issue: B2B, Travel/Transportation, for its October 2018 issue; and for Best Website/B2B, General for MeetingsToday.com. Read more.
11/06/2019
Florida is constantly upping its game for meetings, and the recent wave of developments in some of its most popular areas are making a big splash. Read more the latest openings and renovations in Southwest Florida.
11/05/2019
PCMA announced the locations of its 2022 and 2023 Convening Leaders event. The association selected Las Vegas and Caesars Entertainment’s new Caesars Forum conference center for the 2022 event and Columbus, Ohio, for its 2023 event. Read more.
11/05/2019
Executive retreats—where corporate leaders come together to get off site and discuss company problems, progress and goals—are often high stakes. Avoid stumbles out of the gate by recognizing common planner mistakes for this unique type of event. Read more.
11/04/2019
Body Marbling is a hydro-painting process in which drops of paint are added to a fluid surface, allowing individuals to dip their arms or body to transfer the marbled images onto their skin.
11/04/2019
Las Vegas entertainment industry experts show how meeting and event planners can tap into the city’s wealth of performers to add excitement to their events. Read more.
11/04/2019
At Green Bay’s Titletown, a mixed-use development just west of Lambeau Field, every day is game day. The community, developed by the Green Bay Packers, was designed for cheeseheads and visitors to unite for year-round entertainment, activities and experiences. Read more.
11/04/2019
Atlantic City, New Jersey’s ambitious new Tennessee Loop development, located in a formerly rough stretch of Tennessee Avenue, is luring meetings events off the Boardwalk with artisanal offerings and innovative local cuisine and crafted cocktails. Learn more.
11/04/2019
In a time when wellness has become an increasingly important part of the meetings landscape, one company is a step ahead when it comes to impactful programs that align the interests of everyone involved in an event—organizers, attendees and sponsors included. Read more.
11/04/2019
From Boston’s literary legacy and storied sports venues to revolutionary renaissance projects like Encore Boston Harbor, this historic American city’s spirit readies any meeting agenda for victory. Read more.
11/01/2019
The Central Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton opened in Memphis’ South Main District. The 123-room hotel transformed the city’s 105-year-old historic transportation hub and features architectural and design elements that honor the building’s—and neighborhood’s—history.
11/01/2019
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood debuted its Guitar Hotel as part of the property's $1.5 billion expansion. Complementing the 450-foot high Guitar Hotel are a Hard Rock Live performance venue for 7,000 attendees; 13.5-acre pool and lagoon experience with overwater cabanas; more than two dozen dining, lounge and entertainment options; and more than 150,000 square feet of meeting space.
11/01/2019
Circa Resort & Casino is coming to downtown Las Vegas, adding accommodations, meeting space and gaming to the Freemont Street Experiece area.
11/01/2019
The advantages of taking a meeting that is traditionally held in the U.S. across the border to Canada are many, from a currently favorable exchange rate to a division within the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) that is primed to make the transportation of materials go as smoothly as possible. Learn how to take advantage of the system.
11/01/2019
The Axis Hotel Moline, Tapestry Collection by Hilton opened in the historic Fifth Avenue building in downtown Moline, Illinois. The hotel and historic art deco landmark was named for the location’s prominence on Fifth Avenue and 17th Street. When the Fifth Avenue building was originally constructed in 1929, the location was known as the main axis of Moline, connecting business, leisure and transportation.
10/31/2019
Meetings Today held its Meetings Today LIVE Golf! event for meeting planners in Palm Springs, California, from October 27 to October 30, 2019. The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa was the host hotel for the event.
10/31/2019
Besides benefiting those in need, volunteering can be instrumental in building one’s career, whether it be in the meetings, events and hospitality industries or not. Learn more about how volunteering has helped these four industry experts.
10/30/2019
When it comes to producing high-energy events, it doesn’t get any better than Los Angeles-based Extraordinary Events, which has been producing experiential and strategic special events for a wide range of clients for more than 30 years.
Aside from mind-blowing special effects projected at attendees, though, the real key is to get them contributing to and engaged in the action.
Join Meetings Today and Extraordinary Events’ Flo Miniscloux, director of production services, and Rick Turner, regional director of business development, to learn how you can inspire attendees to contribute their energy to turn on the electricity at your meetings and events.
10/29/2019
From biking in Portland to sand dune buggy tours and hikes around a national park, these are the best ways for meetings groups to bond outdoors in the Beaver State. Read more.
10/29/2019
California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Sunday, Oct. 27, as multiple wildfires spread across the state. What does this mean for planners and attendees in these fire zones? Read more.
10/29/2019
Golfing is still a great way to conduct meetings and network. Learn some of the ways this outing has evolved and why scheduling your next golf event goes beyond the course from Mark Crabb with Greater Palm Springs CVB, interviewed at Meetings Today LIVE! Golf 2019.
10/28/2019
Craft beer is taking the spotlight at the Hyatt Ziva Cancun. The property is home to Tres Cerveza’s Brewery, the only microbrewery in an all-inclusive hotel. This onsite microbrewery not only offers attendees a taste of locally made beers—the resort has its own brewmaster and craft beer expert who brews in house—but the venue can also be used for meetings, breakouts and private events.
10/28/2019
Along with new, high-tech stadiums and arenas, sports and entertainment districts are becoming the norm for both large metropolitan areas and smaller destinations. Here are three new developments that are changing the landscape for their cities and neighborhoods as well as giving planners a variety of venues for meetings and events—sports related or not.
10/28/2019
Present-day visitors to Texas can travel back in time to experience the state’s history through these six event-capable, historic spots.
10/26/2019
Meetings Today's Tyler Davidson details some of the top stories on our website, including how one group weathered the California blackout--with tips for handling power outages--VISIT Milwaukee's hiring of Peggy Williams-Smith as president and CEO, and Jeff Heilman's podcast with Middleburg, Virginia's Goodstone Inn & Restaurant.
10/25/2019
Texas’ expansive history is preserved in its many museums, detailing the achievements of astronauts, oilmen, pioneers and war heroes. Experience its storied past by hosting an event in one of seven state treasures. Read more.
10/25/2019
The legal settlement from Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Las Vegas resulting from the October 2017 mass shooting offers a number of lessons for the meetings and events industry regarding crisis management and risk mitigation. Learn more.
10/25/2019
10/25/2019
The deserts of Southwest U.S., in particular, are ripe for corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities for meeting groups who want to aid the environment while enjoying its reliably arid climate. Following are five desert CSR activities that have either given back to the ecosystem or worked in tandem with the environment to help its human residents.
10/25/2019
Teneo Hospitality Group added Nobu Hotels and four of its properties—Nobu Chicago, Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace Las Vegas, Nobu Miami and Nobu Los Cabos—to its U.S. and Mexico portfolios. Read more.
10/25/2019
10/24/2019
As Milwaukee gears up for an event-packed 2020, VISIT Milwaukee announced that Peggy Williams-Smith will be its new president and CEO after a months-long national search. She is a local Milwaukeean and the first woman to lead the organization. Read more.
10/24/2019
Virginia’s history, resorts and culture make it an attractive meetings destination in 2019. Read to discover the state’s best-in-class venues and other group offerings.
10/23/2019
Hard Rock International is offering groups a new way to mix teambuilding and corporate social responsibility at its hotel and casino properties through its partnership with Clean the World. Read more.
10/23/2019
We talked to Kevin Dana, executive director of marketing and product development at CORT Events, to get the scoop on what’s hot this season. And the answer is...Mediterranean Craft Style. Read more.
10/23/2019
The Texas convention center scene is a competitive market. With new developments stretching from the DFW Metroplex to West Texas, read the latest on the Lone Star State convention scene.
10/23/2019
Ahead of IMEX America 2019, Meetings Today content developer Kate Cripe got a sneak peek of the $375 million Caesars Forum. During a hard hat tour, she got a first hand look at how the conference center project, which is expected to open in March 2020, is progressing.
10/22/2019
Meetings Today Senior Contributor Jeff Heilman finds instant kinship and lasting memories at this exclusive group enclave in Virginia's horse and wine country. Check out Jeff's On the Scene story about his visit to the Goodstone Inn.
10/21/2019
Just in time for Halloween, our list of haunted hotels extends from coast to coast, each one teeming with stories of spirits to keep guests company while meeting there with a group. Whether guests are fans of fright or modern-day ghost hunters, we advise entering at their own risk when it comes to making a reservation with any of our picks below.
10/21/2019
Sheraton Kaua’i Coconut Beach Resort debuted its property-wide transformation, including 314 redesigned guest rooms, a new arrival experience, oceanfront bar and restaurants, fully reinvented public spaces, a reenergized pool scene and new programming.
10/21/2019
On the road for meetings in October? Add a little spookiness to the agenda while convening in some of America’s most-haunted big cities. Here’s our recommendations for ghost tours in Savannah, Georgia; Portland, Oregon; New Orleans; San Diego; and Chicago.
10/21/2019
Tucson received an UNESCO designation in 2015 as America’s first City of Gastronomy and has been a culinary leader ever since. Read on for seven ways groups can savor the Arizona city’s Sonoran cuisine.
10/21/2019
James Kerwin, executive chef of Renaissance Nashville Hotel’s Little Fib Restaurant, list 10 tips for creating a memorable food and beverage experience for meetings and events attendees, from the perspective of a restaurant veteran who has opened multiple dining venues. Read more to see how his F&B design musts can inform your next meeting or event.
10/21/2019
Jumping over nine feet in the air on next-generation pogo sticks while throwing down flips and incredible tricks, the Xpogo Stunt Team athletes create crowds in an instant and keep them engaged until the final bounce. Read more to see how they can add energy to your next event.
10/21/2019
Discover the all-inclusive difference with Palace Resorts Meetings and your events will never be the same again. Pay one flat rate for smart-tech facilities, fine à la carte dining, premium drinks, and five-star service every step of the way. We call it AWE-inclusive—and so will you.
10/17/2019
Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid opened on one of the city’s most iconic avenues, Paseo de la Castellana. The opening of this 169-room hotel marks the Hyatt Regency brand’s entry into Spain. The hotel’s guest rooms include 33 suites overlooking the Paseo de la Castellana.
10/17/2019
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor reopened its doors after a six-month closure for renovations and refurbishments. 112 of the landmark property's 119 rooms and suites have been fully refurbished. Among the contemporary touches, spotlights have been added to brighten up the rooms, and power ports and USB charging stations have been fitted.
10/17/2019
The Ascend Hotel Collection by Choice Hotels International welcomed the Thousand Hills Golf Resort to its portfolio. Located within the Ozark Mountains in Branson, Mo., Thousand Hills Golf Resort is just blocks from the destination's Country Music Highway 76, which features dozens of live-performance theaters and over 100 restaurants.
10/17/2019
The 234-room Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin opened. The property is the first Hyatt branded hotel in Ireland. The hotel is located in The Liberties, one of Dublin’s most historic and vibrant areas which dates back to the 10th century. Guests will be within 10 minutes of a number of attractions.
10/17/2019
A massive planned power outage by Pacific Gas & Electric that affected nearly 750,000 Californians starting October 9 didn’t dampen the can-do spirit of the staff and groups at Napa, California’s Carneros Resort and Spa, who banded together to make “light” of a bad situation under the mantra “the show must go on.” Learn more.
10/17/2019
We all want to be the best, and it can sometimes be discouraging when you’re not seeing results. CrowdCompass wants to help you be the best you can possibly be, and to help we’ve compiled data from our customers who see the highest levels of app adoption and engagement. Not only will you see how you stack up against other CrowdCompass users, but you will learn the tips and tricks our highest achievers are using to see such great results. If you are not currently using a mobile event app, no problem! This webinar will help you see how you can most effectively implement mobile technology to increase engagement at your next event.
10/16/2019
MGM Resorts International sells Circus Circus Las Vegas and Bellagio Las Vegas. In the same announcement, made Tuesday, October 16, the company also said there is a deal with Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust to lease back the Bellagio property. Read more.
10/16/2019
Hyatt Place Flint/Grand Blanc opened in Michigan. The new hotel features 106 guest rooms, meeting and event space and 24-hour food offerings.
10/16/2019
San Antonio has many unique offsite venues for meetings and events. The historic Alamo and other popular tourist attractions double as event venues, including San Antonio Botanical Garden and the Witte Museum. Read on for all the options.
10/16/2019
Groups meeting at one of the many lakeside properties and venues in the Midwest often get splendid water views alongside their events, but for a true “lake meeting,” attendees can cruise the waterways aboard an array of vessels. Read about these four options for on-the-lake experiences in the Midwest.
10/16/2019
Nestled in northeast Pennsylvania, the Pocono Mountains region is an easy escape from the metropolitan areas of New York City and Philadelphia. In recent years, the region’s options for meeting groups has expanded with several large casino resorts, as well as retreat-like properties, but the small-town welcome remains strong.
10/15/2019
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa unveiled its $700 million expansion. The extensive renovation includes a new 14-story hotel tower, which add 562 guest rooms and three pools to the property. In total, the expanded Seminole Hard Rock Hotel offers approximately 800 guest rooms, including 86 suites.
10/15/2019
While many in the meetings, events and hospitality industry donate their time and money to helping the less fortunate in the communities in which they live and the destinations where they meet, entertainment producer Mark Sonder answered the call of his country by volunteering in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
10/15/2019
Conrad New York Midtown opened with 562 suites across 54 floors. This is the brand’s second New York City property and is located at the former site of The London NYC. Hospitality design firm Stonehill Taylor led the design. Following a complete hotel renovation, guest suites now more closely resemble a metropolitan pied-a-terre than a traditional NYC hotel room.
10/15/2019
Canopy by Hilton Ithaca Downtown opened steps from Ithaca Commons and within minutes from Ivy League Cornell University and Ithaca College. The seven-story, 131-room property’s design is inspired by the region’s lakes, waterfalls and forests, in addition to the local esteemed academic institutions.
10/15/2019
Whether it’s an internal executive committee meeting at your office or an annual sales meeting for 1,000 people, there must be a plan in place to make it a positive, collaborative experience for all attendees. It must be a plan that will keep attendees engaged, motivated and provide an ROI for their time spent in the meeting.
10/15/2019
Moxy Boston Downtown opened its doors in the heart of Boston’s Theater District. Guests are immediately greeted by the hotel’s food truck-inspired photo booth and tunes streaming from indie617, Boston’s indie rock radio station, which broadcasts its morning show live from Moxy Boston Downtown each day.
10/15/2019
Not having a one-on-one conversation with a speaker may seem like a risky proposition, but following are five tips from experts on how to hire a speaker without actually talking to them, in order to save time and create efficiencies. Read more and tell us if you agree!
10/14/2019
Meet AC President and CEO Jim Wood is stepping down as leader of the DMO at the end of 2019 to take care of his wife, who suffered a severe fall earlier this year. Meet AC’s Board of Directors will institute a nationwide search for a replacement.
10/14/2019
The Magnolia New Orleans Hotel completed its transformation and has come to life in New Orleans’s famous Central Business District. Formerly, the Omni Royal Crescent Hotel, the Magnolia New Orleans is a reimagined boutique experience, just steps from the French Quarter’s world-renowned nightlife and distinguished architecture. The property was originally built in 1863 and has stayed true to the area’s iconic history and offers a vivid reflection of the charm and mystery of New Orleans.
10/14/2019
C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton opened in Houston. Located at the western gateway of downtown, the 354-room property honors Charlotte Baldwin Allen, an instrumental figure in the early development of the city.
10/14/2019
As Savannah’s convention center prepares to expand, so do the up-and-coming city’s unique groups venues and experiences. Read more for a roundup of the best ways for visiting meetings delegates to experience Savannah, Georgia.
10/11/2019
Senior contributor Jeff Heilman reports on what groups meeting at Middleburg, Virginia’s Goodstone Inn & Restaurant can expect on their next visit. Read for meeting space details, culinary offerings and more.
10/10/2019
The new El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie debuted on October 11 on Netflix and is sure to bring fresh attention Albuquerque, which has welcomed several new meeting facility improvements, along with its counterparts Santa Fe and Taos.
10/10/2019
As Nashville’s tourism flourishes, so does the interest from meeting planners. Music City hotels are answering the call, offering new and reimagined spaces—here’s the latest at JW Marriott Nashville, Renaissance Nashville and Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
10/10/2019
Meetings Today Vice President & Chief Content Director Tyler Davidson shares a few yuks from his Laughter Yoga story with Sarah Routman, as well as the best places in Texas for groups to get barbecue, searing your attendees' selfies on pancakes and the importance of speaking up for our industry.
10/09/2019
Chicago is a city that is defined by its architecture, giving rise to the term “skyscraper” with the construction of the first steel-frame Home Insurance Building in 1885. The city is also home to several historic hotels that helped define the modern concept of meeting and convention accommodations.
10/09/2019
Laughter Yoga instructor Sarah Routman will have your meeting and convention attendees laughing with abandon, whether the purpose is as an icebreaker, for relieving stress or just forging a bond of camaraderie. Learn how you can get your attendees sharing the unbridled joy of a good group chuckle.
10/09/2019
Laughter yoga practitioner Sarah Routman shares a few yuks with Meetings Today's Tyler Davidson after her Laughter Lab session at IMEX America. Laughing loudly out of context, it seems, is a tonic that heals and invigorates attendees while creating bonds with their colleagues. Have a laugh on us!
10/09/2019
On a recent trip to St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach, Senior Contributor Jennifer Juergens explores why Northeast Florida is such a treasure trove for outdoor group adventure.
10/09/2019
One of the most exciting entrants to the downtown Nashville market is the Fifth + Broadway development—a mixed-use office, residential and retailer space—that’s set to transform the already buzzing corner of Broadway.
10/09/2019
Today, organizations showcase their brand through experiential marketing by hosting and participating in events. Food and beverage is a vital component of these experiences and often the most prominently featured on social media. With increased attention on sustainable practices by participants, what do these events say about your business?
Join Meetings Today and Nancy J. Zavada, president of leading sustainable meetings and events company MeetGreen, to learn this year's hottest trends in sustainable food and service, how to lighten the carbon footprint of your menus, and how to negotiate menu items to save on your budget. Whether you are just starting out in sustainable events or a seasoned pro, this will be time well spent.
10/08/2019
See our top picks for the best Texas barbecue for groups to experience during their next Lone Star State meeting. From Houston and Austin to El Paso, this is your roadmap for sampling the state’s most treasured cuisine.
10/08/2019
Hershey, Harrisburg, Lancaster and York play an important role in the history of Pennsylvania and the United States. The culture and traditions of the early German setters, known as Pennsylvania Dutch, can be seen and experienced throughout the region today. Here are five ways groups can experience the area's rich history at meetings and events.
10/08/2019
Grand Hyatt at SFO opened as the only on-airport hotel at San Francisco International Airport. The hotel sits on 4.2 acres and features 351 guest rooms including 22 suites, 14,435 square feet of meeting and event space, two distinct culinary concepts and an art collection that was curated exclusively for the hotel by the San Francisco Arts Commission.
10/07/2019
We investigated the many hiking destinations in California and found the North Lake Tahoe and Greater Palm Springs areas have some of the best—and most accessible—hiking around for meetings groups.
10/07/2019
When it comes to meetings and conventions, Las Vegas is in a class by itself. Here are 10 reasons why Las Vegas has your meeting or convention top of mind.
10/07/2019
Meetings Today's Tyler Davidson offers up his experiences at Meetings Today Live! West in Victoria, British Columbia, and how this magical little English Colonial-style city fueled his love for travel. Also, Danielle LeBreck is reporting from Music City, USA—Nashville—during her press trip with Marriott's Convention & Resort Network.
10/07/2019
That old onsite photo booth has become so passé. Been, there. Done that. The Instagram gods are no longer pleased. Next up? How about getting your attendees’ mugs seared on a pancake onsite?!
10/04/2019
Joan Eisenstodt and others lend insight on why people—and the meetings industry, our industry—may be silent on issues that impact them directly or indirectly and actions they can take.
10/03/2019
MGM Resorts International reached a settlement with the victims of the October 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting. In a statement on October 3, 2019, MGM said it will pay between $735 and $800 million, depending on the number of claimants.
10/03/2019
An able mixologist at Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa demonstrates the proper technique for mixing up a whiskey/whisky sour during Meetings Today LIVE! West in Victoria, B.C. Add this delicious recipe to your libation arsenal to add a fizzy, celebratory twist to your events.
10/03/2019
After a tour of Nashville's legendary Grand Ole Opry, Danielle LeBreck sat down to talk with tour operations manager Laura Leigh Jones Robertson about the famous country music venue's recently enhanced group tour offerings, event options and celebrity encounters—including Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn and Patty Loveless.
10/02/2019
Meeting planners can take advantage of dinner theater, waterfront restaurants, new food halls and more in North Carolina—from Greensboro to Wilmington.
10/02/2019
Meetings Today held its West LIVE! event for meeting planners in Victoria, British Columbia, from September 29 to October 2, 2019. Fairmont Empress was the host hotel for the event.
10/02/2019
Meetings Today's Tyler Davidson talks with Trippus Event Solutions' Martin Klofver about his company's utilization of facial recognition technology for Keller Williams Realty's Mega Camp 2019, and how this brave new tech may transform the industry and society. They also discuss privacy concerns and pushback.
10/02/2019
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago unveiled a new look in its lobby, guest rooms and suites. The redesign of these spaces was inspired by Lake Michigan and the development along the Chicago Riverwalk, which is visible from the hotel’s window seats. The completion of the lobby project marked the final phase of the property’s renovation.
10/01/2019
Meeting breaks can be an affordable and efficient way to give attendees a refreshing energy boost between intensive sessions. Here are some top tips from planners on how to do them best.
10/01/2019
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts debuted in Mexico with the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, transforming The Resort at Pedregal. The resort, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, was acquired by affiliates of Walton Street Capital Mexico. The new Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is situated on a 24-acre site at the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula.
10/01/2019
Creating engagement with attendees has become the driving force of modern meetings.
10/01/2019
Meetings Today LIVE! traveled to Victoria, British Columbia, for its annual West event at the Fairmont Empress, a historic hotel built in 1908 that features ornate and highly connected meeting and event space and close proximity to phenomenal off-site event venues such as the Royal B.C. Museum's First People's Gallery.
10/01/2019
Little Fib at Renaissance Nashville Hotel aims to "put the supper back in supper time" through its modern take on comfort food classics. Meetings Today's Danielle LeBreck sat down with Chef James Kerwin during a Marriott Convention & Resort Network press trip in Nashville, Tennessee, to discuss the restaurant's group catering options.
10/01/2019
Book your next event in Louisville, Kentucky at the Louisville Marriott Downtown. Located in the heart of Bourbon City, the hotel provides sophisticated amenities such as newly-designed guest accommodations, on-site dining at Porch Kitchen & Bar and a connection via skywalk to the Kentucky International Convention Center.
10/01/2019
10/01/2019
In Sacramento, we’re not just meeting expectations, we’re e x p a n d i n g them. The Sacramento Convention Center is undergoing an extreme makeover featuring a dynamic center for conventions, meetings and cultural experiences.
10/01/2019
With a little bit of this and a little bit of that, Dubuque, IA is the place in the Midwest for great meeting space mixed with trendy locations for entertaining and educating.
09/30/2019
Victoria, British Columbia, is one of those special destinations in North America that offers a modern flavor all its own while also reverberating with the past.
09/30/2019
The great outdoors and exceptional food are top among the attendance-builders for meetings in California. The perfect way for planners to incorporate both is to arrange an outdoor dining experience. Read on for how to plan a food truck park event in San Francisco, a farm-to-table meal in San Diego and more.
09/30/2019
Southern California is a region that insists on getting the group outside. From scavenger hunts and golf tournaments to waterborne adventures, these teambuilding ideas will give attendees a taste of SoCal’s great outdoors and yield your program rave reviews.
09/27/2019
LB Alliance Founder & CEO Zoe Moore explains why planners need to make including diverse participants—and speakers and vendors—a priority for their meetings and events.
09/27/2019
Laugh Healthy's Sarah Routman shares a simple smiling exercise to reduce stress.
09/26/2019
San Francisco and its surrounding Northern California communities set the stage for memorable offsite events. From city rooftops to picturesque wineries, these outdoor venues are sure to impress visiting groups.
09/26/2019
In my 40 years as a meeting professional, I’ve extensively used the services of CVBs/DMOs in organizing and executing events—and those events were better because of it.
09/26/2019
Z Resorts debuted Hotel ZaZa Austin in downtown’s Warehouse District. The hotel features a restaurant, craft cocktail bar, spa, rooftop pool and pool bar and ample meeting and event space.
09/25/2019
Orlando's hotel and event venues are constantly evolving. Between new openings, expansions and renovations, it can be hard to keep up. Here are some highlights of what's new in Orlando for 2019, starting with some big tourism news.
09/25/2019
Michael K. Krouse, CMP, CHME, CASE, President and CEO of the Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau, received the Tourism Advocacy Industry Leader award from California Travel Association (Cal Travel), which advocates on issues and legislation that affects the industry in the state.
09/25/2019
The options for eateries can be overwhelming in Orlando and its surrounding areas. We rounded up some of the best restaurants for groups right now.
09/25/2019
JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa completed a host of property renovations. The project included the lobby, Hashani Spa, JW Market, Salud Terrace and exterior enhancements.
09/25/2019
The only thing constant in our industry is change. This workshop will arm you with tactical strategies that will help you to negotiate and defend your organization in this evolving market. In this high-level workshop, attendees will review key contract clauses, negotiations tips and strategies on how to get to “YES” and review variables that help influence a hotels decision to accept your business.
09/24/2019
As one of the largest convention hotels in Orlando, Disney’s Swan and Dolphin makes updates to its property with meeting delegates in mind.
09/24/2019
Copper Mountain, a POWDR resort, began construction on a new 127-room hotel with an anticipated completion in 2020.
09/23/2019
Caesars Entertainment has sold its Las Vegas off-Strip Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino property for $516.3 million to the New York-based Imperial Companies real estate company. Caesars will continue to operate Rio for two years and pay an annualized rent of $45 million.
09/23/2019
Check out our articles, podcast episodes, videos and other coverage from IMEX America.
09/23/2019
Over a few sips of a Smoked Rye Manhattan, I sat down with Nicole Tilzer, director, Signia Hilton and Hilton Hotels & Resorts Brand Marketing, to talk about Hilton’s innovative new lobby bar concept and an update on the company’s new Signia brand.
09/23/2019
CWT Meetings & Events released its 2020 Future Trends Report at IMEX America 2019 in Las Vegas in September. The report details some exciting trends in the industry like digitalization, expanding markets and the surge of experiential events.
09/23/2019
Well, almost. On a visit to NYC, Playa Cativo Sales and Marketing Director Cesar Vargas talks with Meetings Today Senior Contributor Jeff Heilman about all the temptations of this boutique beachfront eco-lodge accessible only by boat in Costa Rica's rainforest.
09/20/2019
South Carolina is as golf friendly as it is meetings friendly. Read on for seven golf courses statewide that accommodate customized group tournaments as well as pre- and post-play receptions and banquets.
09/20/2019
Planners who are interested in booking a fun and engaging alternative to a traditional golf tournament are increasingly relying on Topgolf’s turnkey entertainment facilities for a new spin on the classic networking event. Topgolf has two locations in South Carolina, Topgolf Greenville and Topgolf Myrtle Beach.
09/19/2019
Tyler Davidson sat down at IMEX America with Jerry Harper, deputy director of the Phoenix Convention Center, to find out what's new in the destination and at the facility, as well as why the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown is used as test hotel for that brand's news innovations.
09/19/2019
Tourism Toronto announced the appointment of Scott Beck as President and CEO. Beck has served as the President and CEO of Visit Salt Lake in Salt Lake City, Utah, for the past 14 years and will begin his new role at Tourism Toronto on Oct. 15.
09/19/2019
Conrad Shenyang opened in the heart of the historic city that was home to the birth of the Qing Dynasty. The a 315-room hotel is situated at the top of Shenyang's tallest building, the iconic Forum 66, which is located in the Central Business District. It is owned by Hang Lung Properties and managed by Hilton.
09/19/2019
Intercontinental Hotels Group welcomes guests to the newly renovated Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia. The hotel is located adjacent to IHG's Americas corporate headquarters and is the Americas flagship property for the brand.
09/19/2019
Detroit’s convention center, formerly known as Cobo Center, was officially renamed TCF Center. The center features 723,000 square feet of exhibit space. The 40,000-square-foot Grand Riverview Ballroom, which includes a stage lift, and more than 100 meeting and banquet rooms comprise 225,000 square feet meeting space.
09/19/2019
Cambria Hotels debuted in Milwaukee with the 132-room Cambria Hotel Milwaukee Downtown. The hotel provides easy access to the region's top business and entertainment destinations, including the Wisconsin Center convention complex, the Harley-Davidson Museum and Fiserv Forum arena.
09/19/2019
Hilton Garden Inn St. Cloud opened adjacent to The Park Event Center and less than 10 minutes from downtown St. Cloud. The hotel offers a variety of onsite dining options, including Mavericks Steak & Cocktails.
09/19/2019
Marriott International debuted Delta Hotels by Marriott in Middle East and Africa with Delta Hotels by Marriott Jumeirah Beach, Dubai. The property is located in Jumeirah Beach Residences with direct beach access and it rises tall between the Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach and The Walk, Dubai’s first shopping and dining promenade.
09/19/2019
The Biltmore Mayfair opened on Grosvenor Square in London. The 307-room hotel is steps from many iconic landmarks and offers views of the gardens of Grosvenor Square across the street. The hotel is also home to several restaurant concepts from Michelin-starred restaurateur Jason Atherton.
09/19/2019
Planners looking to add an authentic experience to a mountain destination meeting or event can turn to a brewery or distillery as a locally inspired offsite venue or group activity. These four establishments across the Western U.S. and Canada can quench any thirst.
09/19/2019
Graduate Fayetteville opened its doors in the city’s Downtown Square. The 234-room hotel is within walking distance to the University of Arkansas campus and surrounded by shops and restaurants. Graduate Fayetteville’s design contrasts the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountain Region with the creative energy that courses throughout Fayetteville.
09/19/2019
For San Francisco residents, such as myself, the greatest getaway secret outside of the city is available about a half-hour drive south in the coastal area around Half Moon Bay. This also holds true for meetings, which can access the bucolic area via the two major international airports in San Francisco and San Jose.
09/19/2019
Carté Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton opened its doors in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood. The 246-room property is located steps away from restaurants, the Embarcadero waterfront and the downtown business district.
09/18/2019
From tantalizing tastes and stimulating art to inspiring structures and fantasy islands, these New York state locales bring serious wow factors to meetings and events.
09/18/2019
Institute for Music Leadership Director James Doser explains how art and music are central to the ongoing revitalization of Rochester, New York.
09/18/2019
Moxy NYC East Village opened in the heart of Manhattan’s East Village directly across from Webster Hall, the legendary concert venue. The hotel features 286 guest rooms, co-working spaces, 13,000 square feet of meeting and event space and tech-savvy amenities as well as restaurants, bars, and cultural programming.
09/18/2019
EnVue, an Autograph Collection hotel, opened in New Jersey. The 208-room waterfront property is located on the Hudson River across Midtown Manhattan. The property is steps from the Port Imperial Ferry, where guests can travel to Midtown Manhattan in just minutes. The hotel features outdoor space with unobstructed views and convenient access to Times Square, Central Park, Madison Square Garden and MetLife Stadium.
09/18/2019
Desert Diamond Casino & Hotel is wrapping up an extensive and detailed renovation of its primary conference and meeting space. This project, which will be compete by the end of September, comes after the total guest total guest room renovation in 2018.
09/18/2019
Tapestry Collection by Hilton will welcome The Bethesdan Hotel to its portfolio this fall. The property is set in downtown Bethesda, just steps from local shops, restaurants and entertainment, with convenient access to Washington, D.C.
09/18/2019
We need to better understand all that those who cater events go through in order to make our events memorable, affordable and safe. So in that spirit, I reached out to meetings professionals on both sides of equation—planners and suppliers—to gauge their thoughts about the high cost of F&B at meetings and events.
09/18/2019
Wisconsin—which offers many popular meetings destinations throughout the state—has a surprisingly long list of unexpected activities that will actually get your group excited about teambuilding outings. We’ve selected four out-of-the-box, hands-on experiences and adventures for groups that are guaranteed crowd pleasers.
09/18/2019
Location, location, location. It’s true when you’re picking your home AND when you’re choosing the destination and venue for a perfect event. Central to the success of any event is the space it’s in. The great news is there are SO many beautiful places that could be perfect event spaces. With a world full of options, how do you find the combination of destination, venue and experience that will help you achieve your event goals?
Before you begin to think about choosing a destination and sourcing a hotel it’s important to align the purpose of the event with the experience you want for your attendees. This webinar is full of best practices about how to make sure the event space you source matches the type of event you’re planning and the attendee experience expectations you’re managing so that your event produces the outcomes that you want.
09/18/2019
Tyler Davidson details Meetings Today's coverage on IMEX America, an On Location broadcast about destination boycotts, an in-house vs. outside AV primer and how to etch your attendees' faces into macarons onsite.
09/17/2019
San Antonio pairs big city amenities with small town charm, making it an increasingly attractive choice for meetings and events in Texas. Read more about how meeting planners can take advantage of it.
09/17/2019
With its versatile arts and cultural attractions and continued investment in its convention district and hotel infrastructure, it’s clear that Houston is a top-tier meetings destination. Read more.
09/17/2019
Galveston is a Texas beach destination known for its laid-back vibe, bleisure appeal and unique group activities. All of this, plus its meetings-friendly resorts, make it an attractive choice for meetings and events. Read more.
09/17/2019
Tyler Davidson sat down with Destination DC President & CEO Elliott L. Ferguson at IMEX America 2019 to find out what exciting new offsite venues and developments are opening up options for meeting planners in the U.S. capital. They also discussed the DMO's ambitious Connected Capital program.
09/16/2019
Groups will see more food and beverage using CBD, plant-based protein and ugly produce next year, according to Benchmark’s recently released Top Dining Trends for 2020.
09/16/2019
The Events Industry Council (EIC) along with global industry partners launched the EIC Centre for Sustainable Events. This virtual space will offer resources and knowledge for those in the meetings and events industry looking to implement or increase sustainable practices. It also provides resources for planners to connect with others that are already doing so.
09/16/2019
The Edible Selfie Booth from MakeLab brings to your event a laser cutting and engraving machine typically found only in architecture and design studios, and uses it to laser-caramelize attendee photos onto macarons and cookies.
09/13/2019
Bishop-McCann's Molly Gilliam shares five simple security tips that will help create the foundation for an on-site emergency management plan for your meeting or event.
09/13/2019
Mindfulness expert Lee Papa explains why it’s important for meeting planners to pack a wellness kit when they travel to events.
09/12/2019
IMEX America’s 2019 edition, held September 10-12 at Las Vegas’ Sands Expo, shattered a number of attendance and exhibition records. Although official numbers have not been released, IMEX Group Chairman Ray Bloom said he expects the final attendance figure to be just under 14,000 meeting professionals.
09/12/2019
We're living in volatile political times in which policy makers are passing laws that may run counter to your group’s beliefs. Many groups are boycotting these destinations, but how does it impact meeting planners in a legal, contractual and logistical sense, both in the U.S. and internationally?
Join Meetings Today and destination strategy expert David Kliman, owner of the Kliman Group; international meetings expert Eric Rozenberg; meetings industry attorney Tyra Hilliard; and Cathy Mason, senior director of events for the Young Presidents Organization and 2019 Meetings Trendsetter for this free one-hour webinar taped at IMEX America 2019.
09/12/2019
Scottsdale is bursting with group dining options. Phoenix’s next-door neighbor has over 800 restaurants—to make it easy, we narrowed down the top six places for meetings groups to dine during their next visit. Read more.
09/12/2019
Meetings Today's Danielle LeBreck met up with Topgolf National Event Sales Manager Beka Romanies to check out the new Topgolf Swing Suite Go, a mobile pop-up activation of its popular Topgolf Swing Suite simulator that replicates the fun of the traditional Topgolf experience.
09/12/2019
Meetings Today's Tyler Davidson spoke with Atlantis Paradise Island's Christina Fischer at IMEX America about the luxury resort's ongoing charitable efforts to help Bahamians devastated by Hurricane Dorian. Listen for more information on how you can help, too.
09/12/2019
The main meeting spots in South Texas—McAllen, Harlingen, South Padre Island and Laredo—offer unique cultural charm and a more relaxed vibe than its northern counterparts. Read more for the latest meeting and event offerings.
09/12/2019
Meetings Today’s Kate Cripe talks with Steve Hill, CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau about some of the largest projects happening in Las Vegas now. Hill shares information of the Las Vegas Convention Center expansion and details on the new Allegiant Stadium, future home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, which will debut ahead of the 2020 NFL season.
09/12/2019
New projects are popping up all over Central and West Texas, enhancing the meeting and event capabilities of El Paso, Lubbock and Abilene especially. Here are the big transformative expansions planners should know about.
09/11/2019
Planners should consider making Addison their next Dallas-area home base. Its 180 restaurants, 23 hotels and easy-to-navigate streets make it a stress-free alternative for gatherings in North Texas. Read more.
09/11/2019
From Dallas-Fort Worth to Arlington, the Metroplex is growing its meetings prowess with record new hotel builds and event hubs like the Texas Live! entertainment district.
09/11/2019
Can’t decide if you should stick with the in-house AV team or hire a third-party provider? Will Curran and Brandt Krueger broke down the pros and cons of each at IMEX America during a Smart Monday session. Read on to see which strategy is best for your event.
09/11/2019
Bishop-McCann partnered with neuroeconomics company Immersion Neuroscience to offer its “Return on Experience” event technology that registers the brain waves of attendees in real time so planners can design event programming that delivers maximum impact.
09/11/2019
Bishop-McCann's new Return on Experience software platform with Immersion Neuroscience technology, developed by Dr. Paul Zak, could transform the relevance and impact of meetings and event content via the brain waves of attendees. Far-fetched? Welcome to the future.
09/11/2019
Quirky festivals, historic venues and farm-to-fork foods define Western Pennsylvania’s culinary scene, from downtown Pittsburgh to the shores of Erie. Here’s how groups meeting in the area can take advantage.
09/10/2019
Results from the 2019 Incentive Travel Industry Index, a joint research effort from SITE (the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence), IRF (the Incentive Research Foundation) and FICP (Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals), point to an uptick in incentive travel spend over the next few years.
09/10/2019
The results are in, and the incentive segment is trending up, but what reward program winners desire is rapidly changing. Meetings Today's Tyler Davidson talks with Pádraic Gilligan, chief marketing officer for the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), about the results from the joint study with the Incentive Research Foundation.
09/10/2019
Caesars Forum, the 550,000-square-foot conference center in the center of the Las Vegas Strip, is gearing up for its March 2020 opening. Meetings Today’s Kate Cripe was on location at the facility for a hard hat tour and to talk to Michael Massari, chief sales officer, Caesars Entertainment about the project.
09/09/2019
Corporate incentive travel is a great way to motivate and reward your valuable employees. The following tips will help you plan a program that works for your company’s culture, size and budget.
09/06/2019
Joan Eisenstodt asks meeting and event planners why the profession doesn't get respect, and what they can do to change that.
09/06/2019
Joan Eisenstodt interviews meetings career placement specialist Dawn Penfold on how planners can get more respect from stakeholders and executives.
09/06/2019
Tyler Davidson highlights the latest stories from Meetings Today, including how planners should prepare for hurricanes, our Awe-Inspiring Decor! contest (win a free trip for two to Mexico!) and ways to leverage digital signage at convention centers to save money and foster sustainability.
09/05/2019
The cool, crisp, calm days of autumn call for enjoying brilliant foliage, blazing sunsets, warm scarves, hot cider, homemade pies and a good book by the fire. Lululemon’s Deb Gee shares some of her best ideas for events during a season of reflection, restoration and transformation.
09/05/2019
It’s been a road well-traveled by the time we come to the point of autumn, so it’s a great time to stop, be grateful, honor ourselves, transform with the season and make sure we’re on track with our goals for the rest of the year, according to Deb Gee, experiential design lead for Lululemon.
09/04/2019
Companies flock to Silicon Valley to tap its brain trusts of innovation and snap picks in front of the Google rainbow or the Facebook thumbs up. Afterward, an unexpected world of history, art, nature and, increasingly, excellent and eclectic food and drink experiences indulge visitors. Here are some of the region’s tastiest options.
09/04/2019
What should planners consider when selecting a sustainable city and convention center for their next event? What sustainability questions should they ask facilities to help their meetings go green? We explore all of this and more in an interview with Jeff Johnson, the executive director of the Minneapolis Convention Center, and its director of sales and marketing, Katie Smith.
09/04/2019
CWT Meetings & Events, a division of Carlson Wagonlit Travel, released its annual top 10 cities for meetings and events in North America list—and there’s a lot of movement.
09/04/2019
Several southeastern CVBs are preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Dorian, which continued its move north—dangerously close to Florida's east coast—on Wednesday, September 4. As of Wednesday afternoon at 1 p.m. Eastern, Dorian was a Category 2 storm.
09/03/2019
Meetings industry veterans Tyra Hilliard and Joan Eisenstodt share advice for meeting planners impacted by hurricanes, including legal advice and contract and safety concerns.
09/01/2019
New developments and updates to the largest combined convention, sports and entertainment campus in North America are completely redefining Atlanta citywide meetings and conventions.
09/01/2019
What gives Tucson, Arizona its edge? Savvy meeting planners choose Tucson for its wealth of experiences that go beyond the ballroom. Yes, Tucson boasts world-class resorts and destination spas, but it also has airplane hangars, working cattle ranches, desert gardens, and historic theaters.
09/01/2019