The Skating Aratas perform death-defying roller-skating stunts for special events that will leave attendees at opening general sessions amazed. Read more.

Naturopath and former meeting planner John Ayo shares his essential tips for meeting professionals to combat stress in one of the most stressful jobs in the world. From travel and nutrition tips to staying hydrated, meeting planners need to put their health and sanity first. Read more.

 

Record visitor numbers in recent years have made State College, Pennsylvania, a reliable option for meeting planners. Haven’t been yet? Here’s a planner’s guide to the region’s best venues, food and beverage options and group activities. Read more.

 

Sonesta International Hotels added the Royal Sonesta Chicago Riverfront to its portfolio. The property is in the heart of the windy city and centrally located to must-visit attractions, such as the Loop, Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park and the Theatre District.

The Grand Summit Hotel reopened following a renovation of the historic property. The 107 guest rooms and suites in its original 1929 building underwent a multimillion-dollar restoration.

Courtyard by Marriott Edina Bloomington opened with 209 guest rooms and 8,100 square feet of meeting space. The hotel features the brand’s latest lobby design, where guests can enjoy an open and modern environment outside of their rooms.

Hard Rock unveiled its fifth all-inclusive resort in Mexico's Baja Peninsula. Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos opened with 639 guest rooms, multiple dining outlets and 60,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

Nicaragua welcomed the DoubleTree by Hilton Managua, a 147-room hotel in the Villa Fontana area of the country’s capital. After a more than $3 million renovation, the property offers contemporary guest rooms with natural colors inspired by the hotel’s surroundings—from lakes and volcanoes, to islands and mountains—along with decor from area artisans and artists.

Kalahari Resorts and Conventions doubled the size of its convention center offerings in the Pocono Mountains. The expansion, the second since the resort opened in 2015, adds 105,000 square feet to the convention center, bringing the total to 205,000 square feet.

The Ritz-Carlton, Pune debuted in the city’s downtown and across from the Poona Golf Club. The hotel features 198 guest rooms and 35 suites. The Presidential Suite is spread across 3,154 square feet and includes two bedrooms, a walk in closet, a spacious living room and dining area, private bar and in-suite treatment room.