SMERF segment meeting planners representing social, military, education, religious and fraternal organizations share their greatest event planning tips and challenges. Organizations include Full Gospel Baptist, the Military Reunion Network, Any Reason to Plan and Duke University.

IMEX America 2018 in Las Vegas certainly encouraged attendees to get a move on. Two successful programs—one new and one tried and true—had participants ever-conscious of wellness and the importance of movement. 

Aromatherapy is a powerful tool to engage attendees, whether utilizing essential oils to create a relaxing ambience for participants, gifting them with essential oils or crafting opportunities for them to learn about their benefits.

Meetings, like the world around them, are changing at warp speed, and keeping up on the latest trends is imperative for planners wishing to cater to the evolving desires of attendees. We checked in with IACC CEO Mark Cooper to get his take on the most interesting conference industry trends shaping 2019 and beyond.

Marriott’s Convention & Resort Network (CRN) ventured decidedly out of the box with its recent 48-Hour Film Challenge, which pitted four teams of independent filmmakers against each other to produce short films on an extremely tight deadline. The competition also showed off the flexibility of the meeting space at Vancouver, British Columbia’s the DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection hotel and the convention facilities it shares with the attached JW Marriott Parq Vancouver.

From Massachusetts to Maryland, runaway expansion in the East Coast gaming market continues. Billions have been invested in some 25 new properties over the last decade-plus. On the corporate front, ownership changes, merger talks, competitive maneuvers and more are reshuffling the deck. Amid this volatility, meeting and events remain key house advantages. 

What does bleisure really mean for the future of meetings and events? We explore why this travel trend isn’t going away and how to select your next event destination with business and leisure top of mind.

Meetings Today checked in with five expert international meeting and event planners to get their golden tips for planning and executing successful meetings abroad.

Here are four standout luxury hotels that give groups some of the most unique settings and experiences imaginable for events.

During a recent visit to Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, it was easy to see why the property, not to mention the destination of Aurora, has become a magnet for business and leisure travelers.