The Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa reopens its doors following completion of an expansive $60 million interior and exterior transformation. The 310-key resort welcomes a modern and fresh design aesthetic with color schemes inspired by the Gulf of Mexico.

The final phases of the multi-year, $25 million transformation of the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort and Conference Center are now complete. Fueled by a desire to be regarded as one of the leading resorts in the Midwest, the Prospera Hospitality managed property has created a new vision and identity centered on modern design and innovative resort culture. Conveniently located just 18 miles west of downtown Chicago in upscale Oak Brook, the Audubon and IACC certified resort positions itself as an Illinois premier destination for business, leisure, and recreation.

The Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel completed a $35 million renovation. Located on Kapi‘olani Park, the property’s unique location—where Diamond Head meets Waikiki—speaks to all that Hawaii offers, situated steps from the surf breaks of Waikiki Beach and the bustling shopping and nightlife of Waikiki.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort launched a series of major projects that will further enhance the property’s world-class amenities. The internationally recognized resort, located on a barrier island 21 miles south of historic Charleston South Carolina, has broken ground on the first stage of redevelopment, which will continue through the end of 2020 in time to host the PGA Championship in May 2021.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation will join Marriott International, Hilton Hotels & Resorts and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in cutting independent meeting planner commissions from its current 10 percent rate to 7 percent. Jack Horne, global head of sales and revenue for the hotel chain, revealed the news in a letter sent to meeting and event planners who have done business with Hyatt on Thursday, November 15, 2018.

The twisting of reality is becoming common practice in the meeting, tradeshow, event and exhibition world. By using an ever-evolving array of technology such as virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality, users can enter worlds created from scratch to entertain, provide demonstrations and eventually sell a concept or product. But how “realistic” is the implementation of this technology? What is each good at doing and what drawbacks are endemic to which specific medium?

Every turn down every aisle at the San Jose Super Toy Show fills me with an inescapable sense of product lust. I understand why I want the 19 1/2-inch Shogun Warriors Godzilla doll. Sure, it’s going for $600, but it has a spring-loaded fist that can launch across the room. What I don’t get is why I want the Star Wars Early Bird Certificate, a symbol of childhood disappointment.

The expert of record for all things meetings tech for more than 20 years, Corbin Ball—owner of Corbin Ball & Co.—has ingrained himself in the meetings industry on a global level. An inveterate traveler—he spends about a third of his time on the road every year—Ball recently received the highest honor in the industry after being inducted into the Events Industry Council’s (EIC) Hall of Leaders.

Anthony Mancuso, head concierge of the Bungalow Hotel shares what Long Branch, N.J. property can offer as well as an insider’s look at the best of the local scene.

The desert might be known for its dry climate, but garden-like venues rich with native flora and fauna thrive in regions throughout the West. Following are five spots that give groups a chance to immerse themselves in the bounty of the desert.