In January 2018 independent meeting planners were met with some explosive news that reverberated throughout the industry: Marriott would be cutting commissions for third-party planners! Hilton, Hyatt and IHG joined the party, while smaller chains and independent hotels jockeyed for position by increasing their commission rates. More recently Loews Hotels took a notable stand and temporarily raised commissions.

The Pacific Northwest is a winning choice for adding some team spirit to any function, from attending a game with your group or hosting an event at a sports facility.

Issued every five years, the latest “Arts & Economic Prosperity” study from leading advocacy group Americans for the Arts found that between 2010 and 2015, economic impact from the arts in North Texas tripled from $500 million to almost $1.5 billion. With Dallas, Fort Worth and Irving among the study’s principal participants, contributing factors included expanded public programming; multiple new or renovated cultural venues; and increased spending on hotels, restaurants, parking and more by event attendees.

Combining an intentional service-driven, client-first approach with major infrastructure redevelopment, Rochester, N.Y., continues to establish a ROC-solid position in the Northeast and broader group market. Visit Rochester President & CEO Don Jeffries discussed how the positive momentum from 2018 is carrying New York’s third-largest city forward in 2019.

Roughly 80 to 90 people per day are moving to Nashville, according to recent statistics, and it’s no wonder. Nicknamed “Music City,” this Tennessee melody maker has long tugged at the heart strings of those into country and every other musical genre—from rockabilly and jazz to pop and hip-hop. Today, visitors, including meeting attendees, as well as new residents, are drawn to this city for the endless tunes and then some—a hotel boom, a burgeoning culinary scene that is adding hundreds of restaurants and an ever-creative vibe.

W Hotels Worldwide announced the opening of W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal, the first W hotel in the country. The property is located within a 2,300-acre nature reserve just minutes from Tamarindo, an internationally-renowned surf spot. The 150-room hotel features nearly 13,000 square feet of meeting and event space across eight rooms.

The Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai opened on the West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the world's largest man-made island and archipelago. The property is inspired by the palaces of 18th century Europe and features 6,400 chandeliers and hand-painted 24-carat gold leaf detailing with handcrafted motifs throughout.

Hyatt Regency Hangzhou rebranded to Grand Hyatt Hangzhou following 18 months of renovations. The hotel is expected to conclude an extensive renovation of its public areas, 388 guest rooms, over 35,000 square feet of meeting and event space and restaurants in January 2019. Grand Hyatt Hangzhou will be the first Grand Hyatt hotel in the Zhejiang Province and the 15^th in Greater China.

Resorts World Catskills unveiled plans to open its second hospitality complex in the first week of the new year. The Alder, a new lifestyle hotel, will offer guests an exciting new way to stay and play in the heart of the picturesque Catskill Mountains. The Alder is now taking reservations for stays starting Jan. 4, 2019.

Moxy NYC Downtown, the latest hotel from the Marriott International brand along with developer Mark Gordon and Tribeca Associates, opened in the city’s Financial District.