Marriott’s Convention & Resort Network (CRN) ventured decidedly out of the box with its recent 48-Hour Film Challenge, which pitted four teams of independent filmmakers against each other to produce short films on an extremely tight deadline. The competition also showed off the flexibility of the meeting space at Vancouver, British Columbia’s the DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection hotel and the convention facilities it shares with the attached JW Marriott Parq Vancouver.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit Executive Chef Guillaume Morance shared a tuna ceviche with mango and avocado recipe and also provided a demonstration of the recipe filmed directly on the beach.

Carrying the tagline “Beyond All-Inclusive, Beyond All Compare,” the Velas Resorts properties offer food and beverage options that rival top non-resort restaurants. Overseeing it all—22 gourmet restaurants brand-wide, with cuisine types ranging from French and Italian to Asian and Mexican—is Michel Mustiere, culinary director for Velas Resorts.

The list of top event and incentive destinations for 2019 are in. Pacific World, a global destination and event management company, announced its annual destination list that is based on requests and number of events confirmed for 2019.

My Hard Rock journey began in 1970, when we moved from Los Angeles to London. The Great American Disaster, Peter Morton’s first burger joint, was our neighborhood go-to. His next venture switched me onto rock music for life: the high-decibel Hard Rock Cafe and its guitar-decked walls, co-launched with Isaac Tigrett in June 1971. Rock is also my Atlantic City touchstone, since first coming here in 1989 to see the Stones at Boardwalk Hall.

Jason Meyers with SmithBucklin explains why meeting planners need to diversify their content.

Meeting U president and event tech expert Jim Spellos shares a simple, free phone app that could save you or your family’s life in the event of an emergency.

Providence’s grande dame Biltmore Hotel recently got an A+ renovation from Graduate Hotels. Meetings Today Senior Contributor Jeff Heilman checks in with Scott Williams, general manager of the Graduate Providence, to find out how the historic property has benefited from its multimillion-dollar makeover.