A Few Minutes with Harris Rosen. A Florida hotel icon shares his motivations and secrets of success

Florida tourism leaders pinpoint the trends they believe will define 2019.

Safety and security are a top concern for the meeting and event industry. With today’s climate unpredictability, pandemics, acts of terrorism and active shooters, there is a heightened duty to protect the safety of participants and safeguard the organization’s reputation and financial integrity. Many event organizers are confident that they are prepared to handle a crisis, yet they reported having no crisis communication strategy or contingency options in place for their event, leaving many concerned about their personal safety.

There is no clearly defined duty of care standards for the meeting industry. Planners want to integrate risk management into their event design process but do not know where to start.

Whether one is hit with a sudden illness or is a victim of a natural disaster, having a network of industry peers that can extend a helping hand can be a lifeline in times of trouble. For those in the hospitality industry, the SEARCH Foundation is that lifeline.

The InterContinental Houston - Medical Center opened next to the Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical complex. The 354-room, 21-story hotel features Club InterContinental Lounge, a Mediterranean restaurant Safina Restaurant & Bar, an outdoor pool, fitness center and meeting and event space.

Three Florida chefs talk culinary trends, from fermented foods and Asian bowls to exotic spices.

Conrad Washington, DC opened its doors on New York Avenue at the gateway of the high-end, mixed-use CityCenterDC. The 360-room, 10-floor hotel features 30,000 square feet of retail space on its ground floor and 32,000 square feet of meeting space.

A multitude of entertaining nightlife experiences await groups meeting in Ohio when time doesn’t allow for a fun add-on event during business hours. At the end of a day filled with back-to-back meetings, groups can tap into everything from local craft brew scenes to team-bonding activities such as axe-throwing and shuffleboard. In addition, many popular attractions that double as off-site venues for receptions.

It’s certainly easy to find adventure in the rugged open spaces of Michigan, but there’s plenty to explore in the towns and cities as well. From group scooter outings in Detroit and brew tours in Grand Rapids and Traverse City to shooting sports in Lansing and a historic escape room in Muskegon, the state offers up unique thrills and teambuilding experiences for any group.

March 25, 2019, marked the 50th anniversary of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Bed-In For Peace” in room 702 of the Amsterdam Hilton. Hilton Hotels & Resorts, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary May 31, 2019, is marking the occasion by promoting two “Room 702” videos that showcase its mission of connecting people around the world to bridge our differences through travel.