Meeting planners can save entertainment budget money by combining acts for their event performances. Whether for VIPs, high-end galas, incentive travel programs, awards dinners or corporate groups, pairing up solo acts such as Michael Bublé tribute artist Scott Keo with a professional house band will lessen the impact on your budget.

New CRN member The Westin Michigan Avenue lives the CRN's overarching goal: provide exceptional meeting planner service and support. Discover how this Chicago property provides flexible meetings and personalized attendee experiences, with a beach view.

Christoph Trappe spoke with Keith Kehl, director of marketing and sales with The Westin Michigan Avenue in Chicago, about what it means to be part of Marriott's Convention & Resort Network (CRN) and the personalized meeting experiences the hotel can offer groups.

These luxury suites are exclusive to a select few. How can you book them? Christoph Trappe provides details from his latest conference speaker trip.

What are you feeding your meeting attendees? How you handle menus plays a big role in the success of your meeting. Make sure you’re asking the chef at your meeting venue these four critical considerations.

Christoph Trappe asked Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile Executive Frank Sanchez to identify the things meeting planners should ask their executive chef or catering team about when planning an event. His responses include sustainability, food labeling, local sourcing and menu customization.

That ever-elusive idea of work-life balance seems to be on everyone’s cluttered mind in today’s hectic world. Meetings Today’s Lori Tenny took a breather with Deb Gee, experiential design lead for Lululemon, and Nova Browning Rutherford, workplace wellness facilitator, keynote speaker and media personality, for their mindful perspectives on achieving a healthy and sustainable work-life balance.