Thomas Roth, president of Community Marketing & Insights, shares ideas about how to cater to LGBTQ attendees and events.

Take some time to tune out all of the tech chatter to focus on important items, suggests Alex Lukachova, senior meeting planner with Kaiser Permanente.

Companies are planning more meetings and larger meetings, and spending more in the process, according to a new study by Cvent, which is holding its four-day Cvent Connect show in Las Vegas through July 26, 2018, with more than 4,000 hospitality professionals in attendance at the event.

Travel costs are expected to rise in 2019, with hotel prices rising 3.7% and flight prices increasing 2.6%, according to the Global Travel Forecast, published by Carlson Wagonlit Travel and Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) with the support of the Carlson Family Foundation. This fifth annual report, which was released on July 24, 2018, cites a growing global economy and rising oil prices as the drive behind this predicted rise.

Meetings Today Destinations Content Director Marlene Goldman sat down with Destinations International President & CEO Don Welsh during its 2018 Annual Convention in Anaheim in July 2018 to find out how the organization is helping DMOs adapt to the next generation of meeting planners, and the challenges DMOs face in areas such as destination boycotts and the “weaponization of travel.”

It didn’t take long for Las Vegas to turn 2017 legalization of adult-use cannabis in Nevada into a glitzy new attraction. Planet 13 Holdings, which currently runs an off-Strip dispensary, is building a 40,000-square-foot cannabis superstore and entertainment space slated to open in phases starting in November 2018. No event space is planned for the facility yet, but it’s a possibility for Phase 2.

Take one look at a delightful dish crafted or co-crafted by Eric Klein, vice president of culinary for the famed Wolfgang Puck Catering (WPC) and former executive chef at Spago Las Vegas, and “simple” is hardly the word that comes to mind. More like “complex,” maybe even “fantastical.”

The age-old concern of how to keep the whole family entertained and happy on vacation also rings true for bringing kids and spouses along to a conference. It’s the solution that is ever-changing. We checked in with four industry experts who have first-hand experience with groups that welcome kids and spouses for their strategies to ensure successful family-friendly meetings based on today’s trends.