Raleigh is known as the “Smithsonian of the South” for its free-admission museums. For groups with passions for art and culture, Raleigh’s museums make for a welcome activity after meetings. They can also stand in as alternative offsite event venues.

The cities in North Carolina’s Triangle region—Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill—are home to a wealth of cultural venues and experiences for groups, from storied performing arts theaters to renovated industrial spaces.

Podcasting is a simple and often very low-cost strategy to create engagement with clients, potential clients, members of professional associations and others who may be interested in your organization or event. Here is an inexpensive guide to help you start a podcast of your own.

The Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia unveiled an extensive refresh of its meeting and event spaces. The building itself served as the 1929 original Architect’s Building in Philadelphia and was brought back to life through an adaptive reuse and renovation in 2009.

The 251-suite Embassy Suites by Hilton Detroit Troy Auburn Hills completed a five-month, property-wide renovation project. The updates included the hotel's public spaces, restaurant and lounge, pool, meeting/banquet rooms and fitness center.

The newly renamed Port Washington hotel, The Harborview, completed extensive renovations and a rebranding. Wisconsin-based S&L Hospitality has owned and operated the hotel since 1998. In the 21 years that have ensued, the hotel has seen many changes, but none as extensive as this.

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Hotel unveiled phase one of a multimillion-dollar refresh to its meeting and event spaces. Phase one of the restoration project included several of the hotel’s large historic ballrooms and event prefunction space. Phase two of the project is set to be completed in early 2020.

Panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and a seafood-centric Cali Mex menu are served to groups in Southern California’s Laguna Beach at Las Brisas restaurant. Helmed by Orange County native Michael Gaines, Las Brisas is in the midst of a major three-phase renovation that is scheduled to wrap by the end of 2019.

Las Brisas Executive General Manager Michael Gaines gave us access to a favorite restaurant recipe for smoked salmon tostadas that provides an enjoyable appetizer for one or more.

AC Hotel Kingston, Jamaica opened, adding 219 guest rooms and more than 18,000 square feet of meeting space to Jamaica's capital city.