Tyler Davidson talks about some of the major stories Meetings Today has covered this week, including puppies at meetings, a controversial teambuilding program and a fresh podcast on Elvis Presley and the Westgate Las Vegas Resort Casino!

From thrill rides and arcade attractions at Pleasure Pier to historic Victorian mansions that somehow survived one of the nation’s biggest natural disasters, Galveston’s array of off-site venues provide a truly unique setting to get away from a day of meetings.

Following are 10 tips for a risk management strategy that puts attendee safety first and meets the four duty of care standards: investigate, inform, recommend and prepare.

Bonnie Wallsh answers additional questions from the 11.28.18 "CVB Update: Services and Bargaining Power" webinar.

Getting to Hilton Head Island is now a lot easier and a lot more convenient. This spring both United Airlines and Delta Airlines begin service to and from the Hilton Head Island Airport. American Airlines began service in and out of the airport in July 2018.

The coastal communities of Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and Daufuskie Island offer outdoor adventures that give groups a sense of the area’s landscape, history and culture along with a healthy helping of excitement. From a dinner cruise on the water, to horseback riding on the beach, to a helicopter tour, attendees can experience Hilton Head Island and the neighboring enclaves through sea, land and air activities.

From Hershey, the “Sweetest Place on Earth,” to the Poconos Mountains Visitors Bureau’s brand pillars of “ease, authenticity and refreshment,” Pennsylvania's historic destinations leverage strategic messaging—and defining venues and experiences—as strong calls to action for memorable meetings and events.

Like the chocolate wrapped in the middle of a croissant, the culinary scene in Central Illinois is surprising and delicious. In this decidedly tasty region, including Springfield, Bloomington-Normal, Peoria and Champaign County, visiting groups are encouraged to include a fun experience featuring local food and beverage sometime during the meeting.

The Inland Empire, nestled in the center of Southern California, is surrounded by mountains and vineyards, and olive and orange groves fill the valleys. Combine this bounty with its spas, resorts and cuisine that highlights this local produce, and there is a bumper crop of wellness options that can be harvested by groups.

Many events promote their conferences up to the last moment and if attendees haven’t booked travel, they’ll likely have to pay the price … unless there’s a way to pay for last-minute travel with miles!