Renowned for its gorgeous desert setting, as well as its confluence of cultures—Mexican, Spanish American, Native American and cowboy—Tucson, a Southwestern hot spot, is buzzing with a continuously new and engaging vibe yet forever treasuring its rich heritage.

Within two hours reach of New York City, Harrisburg, Pa., and Philadelphia, and under four hours from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, northeastern Pennsylvania’s storied four-county, four-season Pocono Mountains region is expanding its already abundant group resources.

Visitors strolling down San Antonio’s festive River Walk can also treat themselves to some of the best Texas has to offer, from the historic lure of The Alamo—the beating heart of the state—to the city’s authentic Mexican cuisine and culture.

For California, the past year has been a time of both upward momentum and daunting challenges.

Few regions are blessed with as many world-class options for meetings as Southern California. Its major urban hubs of Los Angeles, San Diego and Anaheim are first-tier convention destinations constantly staying on top of a competitive game with ever-improving venues, entertainment and more.

With spectacular settings ranging from alpine peaks to desert oases and coastal bluffs, California offers an amazing array of resort meeting destinations just beyond the urban hubs.

Keeping attendees engaged in an era of digital distraction is no small challenge, but innovative California companies make it easy to include interactive experiences at meetings that yield personal growth as well as enjoyment.

Always at the forefront of food trends, California is the place to experience an exciting spin on the way event fare is prepared and presented. Here’s a look at a few culinary experiences and food-centric venues around the state, some of them in unexpected places.

Maryland was given the nickname “America in Miniature” because it’s blessed with diverse terrain and locales, from Chesapeake Bay to a portion of the Appalachian Trail and from small charming towns to major metro areas. America in Miniature also fits when considering Maryland’s grand array of off-site event venues that represent many of the country’s notable pastimes, including baseball, theater and fine dining. Throughout the state, groups with various interests will find a home away from the host hotel for memorable receptions, banquets and more. Following are eight great ideas.

Here is an update on what's new, incoming and in store for the future for the hotel and event venue scene in Texas.