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?

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.

As a global sales organization representing more than 300 leading independent and luxury branded hotels, resorts and destination management companies around the world, Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based Teneo Hospitality Group takes pride in selecting the “right” venue for executive retreats, board meetings and high-performance incentive trips. In today’s experience-driven meetings culture, “wow” takes many forms, from overt to subtle. Right for the times and right on the money for smaller, more exclusive and more sensitive meetings, the following venues wow on every occasion.

Convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and destination marketing organizations (DMOs0 are becoming increasingly inventive in the ways they assist planners. These entities can be game-changers when it comes to helping stage outstanding meetings and events. Ventura County Coast, Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau, Destination DC and Visit Savannah share strategic ways to utilize their services and some improvements on tools.

After all New Orleans has been through following Hurricane Katrina, it’s no wonder hospitality community leaders there are so tuned in to giving back. But one would be hard-pressed to find a more dedicated community member than Michael Smith, general manager of the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, who with his team members rose to the occasion during the cataclysmic hurricane and has set a frantic philanthropic pace following the storm.

Joan Eisenstodt shares the thoughts of Jordan Rudner and PCMA's Sherrif Karamat regarding the Tree of Life synagogue and Kentucky killings.

Meetings Today LIVE! South attendees spent three days at the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa from October 28-31, 2018. The event's planner and supplier guests made up the first meetings group to visit the Southwest Florida resort as it completes a $60 million transformation.

The public profile of LGBT+ people in the meetings industry has grown by leaps and bounds in just the past decade and a half, advancing from what some early adopters describe as the “secret handshake” days to a consolidation into the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association (LGBT MPA).

Innovative and interactive museums have become highly desirable visitor lures, especially with the trend toward experiential opportunities that directly reflect the character of a destination. For groups bringing families along to meetings, these types of museums provide ideal places to explore before, during and after meetings, and with venue spaces, they can even be used for private events—which can include the family.

Starting her career at 19 as a budding marketing and promotions executive, Nova Browning Rutherford spent much of the next six years on autopilot. She worked in the hip hop music business in Toronto and Hollywood with artists such as Kanye West and other top names. Under the pressure of it all, combined with personal incidents that led to depression and anxiety, she hit a wall. Today, she is a top personal development coach and mindfulness and wellness expert with plenty of advice for busy professionals.