Marriott launches sustainable meetings program
The “Responsibly Connect with Marriott Bonvoy Events” program, which goes live across Marriott managed and franchised brands in late October, is designed to help planners prioritize their events by providing post-event impact reporting and the addition of carbon offsets. of sustainable development - Ang. Impact reports detail the environmental impact of a specific event, including data points such as property-specific sustainability practices implemented, carbon footprint, and water footprint.Access to environmental impact data can help planners create more sustainable meetings and reduce the carbon footprint of events. Photography: weedezign, courtesy of Adobe“There’s nothing better than face-to-face communication, and doing it responsibly makes things better,” Erika Alexander, chief global officer of global operations for Marriott International, said in a prepared statement. "Through the 'Connect Responsibly' initiative, we are giving our meetings and events customers options to better understand the impact of their meetings, while we work together to create a more resilient future for travel."The carbon offset projects will be delivered in…
Host a special meeting – Meetings + Events
Meetings and events benefit greatly from a venue that has something special about it, whether it’s a stunning backdrop, a delicious culinary experience or a memorable team-building activity. In California, two companies are known for their location and products: The Oasis at Death Valley and Greenhorn Ranch in Quincy.Mission Garden Space at Death Valley Oasis||Courtesy of Xanterra Travel CollectionLocated in Death Valley National Park, the largest national park in the lower 48 and known for its desert landscape and record-breaking summer temperatures, Death Valley Oasis offers guests a respite from the dryness and heat. The resort includes two hotels, lush gardens, spring-fed outdoor pools, the world's lowest elevation golf course, multiple meeting spaces, and unparalleled stargazing opportunities as the park is designated by the International Dark Sky Association as the largest Dark Sky Certified national park Sky Association. The Death Valley Inn, one of the hotel's two lodging options, was originally built in 1927 and today has 66 guest rooms…
Rich hotel activities
As fall approaches, the California sun remains warm and the hospitality industry continues to move forward. From refreshed culinary experiences to renovated meeting spaces and debut hotels, the hotel scene across the state is dynamic and ever-changing.this Hyatt Regency San FranciscoThe rotating Regency Club Lounge is now available for online booking and is available for corporate gatherings, meetings and conferences. The 3,238-square-foot venue can accommodate up to 150 attendees and offers stunning 360-degree views of the city's Embarcadero. Other spaces for planners to consider include the Seacliff Room and foyer, oceanfront room, atrium lobby, several conference rooms, grand ballroom, and more. Hyatt websiteRegency Club Lounge ||Courtesy of Hyatt Regency San Franciscothis Long Beach Marriott Downtown The Long Beach hotel unveiled 24,000 square feet of renovated function space in late September. Two main ballrooms and nine meeting rooms cater to groups of varying sizes and feature wireless connectivity, video conferencing capabilities, docking stations and smart whiteboards, supported by on-site audio-visual technicians.…
Amtrak opens temporary route in Florida
Amtrak merged the routes of Capitol Limited and Silver Star trains to create a temporary route, "Floridian", providing nonstop round-trip travel between Chicago, Illinois and Miami, Florida. Stops included Cleveland, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Washington, D.C.; Orlando, Jacksonville, and Tampa, Florida; among several others. The new route will make its maiden voyage on November 10 this year, and the entire journey will take about 47 hours.“The Floridian provides passengers with an extraordinary and sustainable journey to great destinations between Chicago and Miami,” said Eliot Hamlisch, Amtrak’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer. Passengers are provided with the amenities and delicious food they enjoy when flying with us.”Amtrak Chicago Trains ||Photography: Markus Mainka, courtesy of AdobeThe merger comes as New York City's upcoming East River Tunnel (ERT) rehabilitation project will close train tunnels one at a time, minimizing train service in the area and maximizing construction access. "Our members have long dreamed of restoring single-seat travel from the Midwest to Florida,…
Indian Wells Resort Rebranding – Meetings + Events
Following a $64 million hotel-wide renovation, Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa in Indian Wells changed its name to Grand Hyatt Villas Indian Wells in early September. The iconic desert resort is ushering in a new era of luxury with redesigned guest rooms and luxury villas, upscale accommodations, two new food and beverage concepts, an expanded lobby experience, a redesigned pool complex with cabanas and a refreshed Meeting and event space.Aerial view of Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Villas Resort ||Courtesy of Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Villas Resort"Grand Hyatt Hotels showcases bold and dynamic design and architecture, creating captivating destinations within destinations. The newly renovated and renamed Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Villas Resort will bring a new level of hospitality to guests and members Warm hospitality,” said Susan Santiago, president of Hyatt’s U.S. and Canada markets. “Located in a premier destination for leisure and business travelers looking to experience the best of the Coachella Valley, this refreshed resort will help…
Rehabilitation in Galena – Conferences + Events
The 6,800-acre Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, located on the shores of Lake Galena, recently launched a comprehensive group wellness program designed to transform corporate meetings and retreats into a more holistic wellness experience for attendees. Focused on promoting team building, reducing stress and improving focus, the program is led by the resort’s Stonedrift Spa and includes a range of activities including sound baths, guided hikes, yoga, aromatherapy and more.Outdoor Group Yoga at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa || Courtesy of Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa“There is a growing recognition that wellness is an essential component to successful corporate meetings," said Colin Sanderson, the resort’s director of sales and marketing. "Studies such as the 2024 Global Meetings and Events Forecast by American Express show that 77% of meeting planners believe wellness elements are critical to enhancing the attendee experience." In addition to these new wellness-focused options, the resort’s proximity to Chicago and the Quad Cities in Illinois and Iowa makes…
Hixon Joins Travel Portland as Head of Business Strategy
Travel luminary and industry veteran Jon Hixon, CMP, CDME, joined Travel Portland in August as Senior Vice President of Business Strategy. He previously served as General Manager of Sales for Visit Indy in Indianapolis, Indiana. In Portland, he will work closely with the meetings sales and services team to bring enriching and impactful meetings to the Rose City.Jon Hixon | Photo credit: Travel Portland“I’ve always had a passion for traveling and building relationships, and my career allows me to connect people to engaging experiences that inspire them personally and professionally," said Hickson. "I’m excited to further Portland’s reputation as a city committed to diversity and inclusion, and to offer something truly special for meetings and groups. From its natural beauty to the city’s renowned food scene, there’s so much to explore.”Prior to his most recent trip to Indiana, Hickson served as vice president of sales and services at the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau in Texas; director of American Association…
The Davenport Hotel celebrates first renovation
The Davenport Hotel (formerly known as the Historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane, Washington) is revamping its lobby area as it celebrates its 110th anniversary this year. The upgrades were announced in late August and will be officially unveiled at a grand opening on September 20, 2024. It is the largest investment in the hotel since 2002 and will feature a new lobby bar and arcade.The Davenport Hotel's lobby bar after renovation || The Davenport Hotel"The newly renovated lobby embodies our commitment to blending The Davenport's timeless elegance with modern comforts," Melissa Green, vice president and regional general manager of The Davenport (the hotel's management company), said in a prepared statement. "These immersive gathering spaces are designed for our guests and locals to gather. The new lobby bar and arcade elevate the guest experience while continuing to preserve the heart of our historic hotel."Rendering of the new Emporium | Image courtesy of The Davenport HotelDesigned around an original lamp post, the…
Pasadena hotel adds new puppy yoga classes
The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, has partnered with local nonprofit animal rescue organization Pup Culture Rescue to offer monthly Pup Yoga classes to guests and groups. Guided by fitness instructor Anne Harriger, participants practice various yoga poses during the 50-minute class while enjoying the company of friendly and adorable puppies who are available for adoption after class.Puppy yoga class participants|| Photo: Catherine Heath Photography“We received a special request from a corporate group who wanted a unique and memorable team-building experience,” said Cheyenne Bowers, Spa Director at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena. “They wanted something that would not only help their team relax, but also foster a sense of togetherness and joy. We wanted to provide something that would give our guests the ultimate relaxation experience and give back to the community. We researched the benefits of animal therapy for humans and saw that we could help these adorable puppies find loving homes.”The Langham Huntington, Pasadena is a popular meeting and event venue…
Seattle Convention Center welcomes new CEO
The Seattle Convention Center, located in downtown Seattle, Washington, named industry veteran Jennifer LeMaster as CEO in mid-September. She succeeds Jeff Blosser, who retired earlier this year, and is the first woman to hold the position at the venue. The appointment was unanimously approved by the center’s board of directors.Jennifer LeMaster || Photo: Sean Cokes“With her extensive experience in the industry, her talent for strategy and her proven track record of developing and inspiring diverse teams, Jennifer is the ideal leader to lead the Seattle Convention Center into the future,” said Frank Finneran, chairman of the board, in a prepared statement. “The board’s goal was to bring in someone with deep experience in strategic planning, hospitality management and economic development to advance the Washington State Convention Center Public Facilities District’s mission in the years ahead.LeMaster’s career spans 26 years, beginning as the University of Kentucky Athletic Association’s director of collegiate athletics in marketing and special events. He then moved to…
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