How artificial intelligence is revolutionizing travel and events
Listen to audio The future of immersive travel Artificial intelligence is slowly but steadily changing the way we work, live and travel. Smart Meetings spoke with Herman C Deboard II, CEO and founder of Huvr Inc., an interactive video streaming and marketing platform. Deboard's company allows planners to create virtual event spaces and customized experiences. We spoke with Deboard to better understand how the continued development of AI will impact the hospitality and travel industry. Smart meeting What are the benefits of allowing individuals to participate in virtual tours? Herman DeBord I can think of so much in my head. First, virtual tours make travel experiences accessible to everyone. Apparently, virtual tours are cheaper than physical tours. You can experience and explore new places without having to pay for flights, accommodation, and meals. Read more:Winning to maximize virtual audience engagement: 10 fun ideas from Dahlia El Gazzar Virtual tours also offer flexibility. You can get a virtual travel experience anytime,…
Best of 2024: Catering | Smart Meetings
Listen to audio Food and drink can make or break an event, often leaving a lasting impression on attendees. Is there diversity? Is the food well prepared? Does the flavor profile shine? Are mocktails served alongside the cocktails? These details are important. To help event planners deliver unforgettable culinary experiences, Smart Meetings has compiled a list of the top food and drink stories from the past year to help planners keep attendees’ bellies satisfied. How Canada is changing the restaurant industry In this article, Smart Meetings Editor-in-Chief Kate Zaliznock highlights Canada's innovative approach to food and beverage. The country’s restaurant industry emphasizes sustainability, local sourcing and unique culinary experiences that reflect regional culture. Zaliznock also explores how Canadian venues can incorporate sustainable practices and indigenous ingredients to encourage environmental responsibility while providing unique dining experiences. Vegas culinary experiences nourish relationships The 2024 Smart Conference Culinary Experience, held at Paris Las Vegas in August, showcased the importance of convenience, healthy and…
Best of 2024: Event Technology
Listen to audio How event technology can help planners create better events in 2024 The secret to any great event is ultimately event technology, which adds the finishing touch to the visual beauty. Whether it’s lighting, video components or artificial intelligence application integration, each element shapes the structure of the event. Here are some of the top stories we're producing in 2024 to help planners improve their event design with the technology we have available. Smart Technology: Event Technology at IMEX America 2024 This year's IMEX America showcased technological advancements, particularly in the area of artificial intelligence, highlighting the potential to simplify event planning. Amy Kramer, head of innovation at Maritz, discusses the pros and cons of free versus enterprise AI tools. Kramer said that while enterprise solutions like Microsoft Copilot offer scalability and integration across platforms such as Teams, Outlook and SharePoint, they are also more expensive. Kramer also shared Maritz’s artificial intelligence application to improve collaboration and information…
Incentive Travel 2025: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities
Listen to audio Why free time, authenticity and immersion are redefining course content What are the latest trends in incentive travel in 2025 and beyond? Smart Meetings sat down with SITE and SITE Foundation CEO Annette Gregg to discuss trends in budgeting, program inclusion, future challenges and destination selection for the coming year based on results from the SITE Foundation's Incentive Travel Index survey. Click here to watch the entire webinar. Good business prospects After the epidemic, the world situation is difficult to predict, with new regulatory agencies in the United States taking office, global geopolitical conflicts, and unstable stock markets. However, business is booming. “We’re really at an all-time high in occupancy right now, whether it’s luxury or upscale occupancy, which is a popular area that most incentive programs focus on,” Gregg said. Fortunately for planners, incentive travel is growing. Only 8% of North American corporate and institutional buyers reported reduced activity in 2024 and 2025, and only 6%…
2024 Picks: Webinars | Smart Meetings
Listen to audio At Smart Meeting, we pride ourselves on bringing the best content, sounds, and tools to your fingertips and computer screens. In 2024, we asked industry experts to offer their insights, tips, and trends to help planners create the best events possible. Our webinar, Knowledge Exchange, brings us great insights into AI, incentives, health, contracts, and more! How to avoid health cleanses Understanding the health needs of your attendees is an important factor. Our February webinar highlighted the importance of incorporating mindfulness, physical activity, healthy food choices, relaxation spaces and wellness programs into the structure of your event. Allowing attendees to explore these healthy options within the event space shows them that they are not just a warm body in the room, but a co-creator of an unforgettable experience. impactful design How do you create something that you know will leave an impression? Devon Montgomery Pasha, CMP, CED, North America Director of Event Design Collective, participated in Smart…
Picks for 2024: Podcasts | Smart Meetings
Listen to audio Have a few minutes to advance your career? Smart Meeting Podcasts deliver powerful insights and abundant smiles of recognition when you need them most. In addition to some of the biggest guests on our original podcast, "What One Thing?", we've launched our newest podcast (formerly Mind Meeting), "Smart Start Radio." An intergenerational blend of working meeting planners with authentic, unfiltered opinions designed to help new and evolving hospitality professionals on their event journey. Between the two podcasts, we discuss elevating the event experience, the art and passion of planning culinary events, bringing empathy to meetings, and supporting women in the industry. We can't wait to show you what the 2025 season has to offer! Until then, enjoy these snapshots of the best podcasts for smart conferences in 2024. What one thing? Create a cooking experience with Thomas Whelan JT Long, Vice President and Director of Content at Smart Meetings, sat down with award-winning catering expert Thomas Whelon,…
Driving Change: How Inclusion and Access Shape
Listen to audio Insights from the Destination International Social Inclusion Summit Destinations International (DI) hosted the 2024 Social Inclusion Summit in Spokane, Washington, October 28-30, where they shared insights and resources on inclusion in the travel and tourism industry. During the summit, DI provided attendees with resources such as the Global Accessibility Report, Workforce Diversity and Retention Industry Brief, Social Inclusion Dictionary 2024, and Social Inclusion Resource Glossary. Attendees also received an “Ideas to Inspire Change” workbook, which provided best practices and ideas for discussion in breakout sessions. Smart Meetings discusses the importance of inclusion and accessibility in the meetings industry with Sophia Hyder Hock, chief inclusion officer at Destinations International. Smart meeting Why do these discussions and resources about inclusion and accessibility in the meetings and events industry make sense? Sophia Hyde Hawk Promoting conversations around inclusion and accessibility makes sense because business events can drive professional development and knowledge sharing and create significant economic impact. According to the…
Case study: The art of creating holiday magic
Listen to audio Tips for planning a multi-day vacation During my recent trip to Amelia Island, Florida, when I had dinner for the first time with Mariela Murphy, CMP, Director of Special Events for the Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, I was immediately drawn to her take on the Dickens Center holiday event. Captivated by excitement and vision. . For those unfamiliar, the Dickens Center is an annual event that will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2024. The festival will be held December 12-15 in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, Florida. This is Murphy’s fourth year leading planning for the event. Her extensive experience provides planners with valuable lessons when organizing their own multi-day events. I sat down with Murphy to discuss her insights, from the Dickens of Coordination Center to what other planners can learn from her experience. Emin Piansai What typically happens during Dickens Central? Marilla Murphy This is a four-day Christmas market and festival, held from Thursday…
How planners can make their events more environmentally friendly
Listen to audio BCD meetings and events Guide helps events become more sustainable BCD Travel released its Meetings and Events Sustainability Guide earlier this year, providing planners with global sustainability trends and best practices. Smart Meetings spoke with Ben Hoeksma, Senior Director, Global Program Lead, to better understand what the guide has to offer planners. Ben Hoeksma Senior Director, Global Program Leader | BCD Conferences & Events Smart meeting How has your BCD M&E Sustainability Guidelines evolved over the years? Ben Hoeksma What people want to ask their suppliers is becoming increasingly complex. SM Your guide covers a variety of topics at conferences like DEI. How and why are they connected? Learn more: Focus on Sustainability: Marriott Bonvoy Events Employs Innovative Practices at Meetings and Events Hepatitis B Attendee expectations have changed dramatically. People talk about different generations of participants, namely generations X, Y and Z, who are attending events now. There are certain minimum things that they expect or…
Empowering a new generation of association leaders
Listen to audio How leaders find and support employees The need is real. Meeting planners are needed more than ever. However, finding and retaining qualified employees isn't always easy. The American Hotel & Lodging Association (ALHA) reports that an estimated 67% of hotels are experiencing staffing issues and shortages since the pandemic began, and 68% of planners are new to the meetings industry. The National Council of Nonprofits also noted that 74 percent of nonprofits have job openings. To better understand what this means for the industry and how the association can empower the next generation of future leaders, Smart Meetings spoke with Maisha Hogue, who is the frontline between the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) headquarters and its professional chapters Communicators Network worked with speech-language pathologist and association professional Mariel Solomon, MS, CC-SLP, to explore how associations can attract a younger, more diverse group of potential employees. Click here to watch the full webinar discussion. Defining diversity and…
How to enhance your next corporate catering event
Listen to audio Redefining event catering with chef-driven menus, health-focused products and immersive dining experiences. During the event, one thing always stands out to attendees: the food. Planners often try to improve themselves from event to event, looking for ways to wow and inspire their guests. Smart Meetings spoke with Suzanne Halperin, Head of Meetings & Events, Luxury & Lifestyle, Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts, to better understand the trends she’s seeing emerging in the F&B world and how IHG What new functions has the group added to the catering industry? their dining experience. Suzanne Halperin Head of Luxury & Lifestyle Meetings and Events Americas, InterContinental Hotels Group Hotels & Resorts smart Meeting What kind of dining experience is IHG creating for guests and groups? Suzanne Halperin Across IHG’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio, we understand that the traditional approach to meetings and events is changing dramatically, especially when it comes to food. At our hotels, we are committed to elevating…
How planners can manage the “easy button” at events
Listen to Audio Working with an agency can reduce costs and save time In many cases, planners have limited resources at hand. This often means looking to third-party agencies and independent planners to achieve their goals and put on a great event. Smart Meetings spoke with Michelle Crosby, CMP, CITP, account manager at Bright Spot Incentives and Events, and Yvette Campbell, CMP, conference broker at Meetings Made Easy, about how planners can find third-party agencies and independent planners that fit their needs and integrate resources into their organizations. To watch the full webinar, click here. Read more: Practical budgeting tips for post-pandemic event planners Cooperation with third-party organizations Many third parties only provide sourcing, meaning they find the destination, while others assist with the procurement as well as contract negotiations. Third-party legwork includes registration, promotional items, air manifests, airline reservations, transportation, food and beverage, audio-visual production, information gathering, speaker note collection, agendas, and on-site logistics. “[After that, the third party]completely…
Movie meeting | Smart meeting
Listen to Audio From screen to scene, enhance your next event Finding the perfect meeting space is a process. Planners who are looking for a unique space that will meet their requirements while providing a different experience for attendees may consider their local movie theater as a possible location. To better understand the possibilities of hosting events in movie theaters, Smart Meetings visited Galaxy Theatres Grandscape in Colonie, Texas, and spoke with Galaxy Theatres CEO Frank Rimkus to find out what’s possible. Photo courtesy of Grandscape Cinema Read more: Canada Calling: Event Planning Paradise Smart Meeting What are some unique ways groups can use the Galaxy Cinema Grand Observatory for meetings? Frank Rickus Hosting corporate meetings and events in movie theaters provides an opportunity to make a lasting impression on attendees by moving the meeting from a traditional conference space to the familiar yet unexpected venue of a movie theater. Large wall-to-wall screens and comfortable reclining seats with tabletops for…
Labor Day Focus: Growing Demand for Specialization
Listen to Audio How the gig economy is impacting the events industry In celebration of Labor Day, Smart Meetings caught up with Tracy Judge, founder and CEO of Soundings, to get the latest on current trends emerging in the gig economy for freelance meeting planners. Tracy Judge, CEO and Founder, Soundings Smart Meeting What is the gig trend like for freelance meeting planners? Tracy Judge There is an increasing demand for freelance meeting planners, especially those with specialized skills. There has been a clear shift in the market towards hiring for senior-level positions that require specific vertical experience and technical expertise. This includes positions such as event technology specialists, event registration specialists, meeting and event planners, event marketers, and marketing specialists. There is a clear trend towards hiring local staff for both international and destination country events, driven by concerns for sustainability, cost-effectiveness and a focus on supporting local communities and preserving culture. Additionally, the freelance market is evolving in…
Impact Design | Smart Meeting
Listen to Audio How to increase engagement without increasing costs One of the biggest challenges planners face today is how to maximize attendee engagement while maintaining an exceptional experience on budget. To better understand how this is accomplished, Smart Meetings spoke with Devon Montgomery Pasha, CMP, CED, Director of North America at Event Design Collective. To watch the full webinar, click here. Aesthetic design and experimental design When planners first think of the word “design” in the context of an event, they might think of aesthetic design, such as layout, florals, and lighting. However, at Design Collective, Pasha focuses on experiential design. Pasha gives an example: If someone asked you to cross the street to build a building, would you ask questions or would you continue with your building task? You will most likely want more details and information before moving on to the next step. "It's not just about going from problem to solution. It's about stopping to understand…
Canada Calling: Event Planning Paradise
Listen to Audio Economical, convenient and fashionable Are you a stateside event planner looking for a change of scenery? Our neighbor to the north, Canada, offers a wealth of options for event planners looking to entertain and engage their guests. Smart Meetings reached out to Laura Pallotta, regional vice president of sales and distribution at Marriott International in Canada, who provided some insights into the latest relevant travel trends for travel planners looking to create international experiences. Big Conference Love Canada Canada is welcoming back American association clients in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are also seeing an increase in the number of corporate meetings and launches, trade shows and incentive travel. Canada is currently the top destination for incentive travel for U.S. and European buyers,” Pallotta said. Some of the top cities that are popular with international tourists include Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal – what these cities have in common is a cosmopolitan appeal and great convention…
Drink in Style: YNK Speakeasy Bar Night at Irvine Marriott
Listen to Audio From edible glitter to custom cocktails, here's everything you need for your next intimate getaway On my most recent family trip, I had the pleasure of visiting Irvine, California. I was hosted by the Irvine Marriott. While there, I was invited to the hotel's YNK (You Never Know) bar. During my brief but memorable visit, I sampled a variety of delicious quick bites and tried some of the unique beverages currently available to guests. As someone who always loves savory snacks and drinks, I really loved the look of this and the fact that there was edible glitter in the drink (!). YNK bartender Benjamin Paparella (left) and food and beverage manager Sean Milan (right) I spoke with Sean Milan, Food and Beverage Manager at the Irvine Marriott, about the team’s process and what planners who want to host a private party at YNK can expect. Aimin Piance When I was working at YNK, someone said it…
Drink in Style: YNK Speakeasy Bar Night at Irvine Marriott
Listen to Audio From edible glitter to custom cocktails, here's everything you need for your next intimate getaway On my most recent family trip, I had the pleasure of visiting Irvine, California. I was hosted by the Irvine Marriott. While there, I was invited to the hotel's YNK (You Never Know) bar. During my brief but memorable visit, I sampled a variety of delicious quick bites and tried some of the unique beverages currently available to guests. As someone who always loves savory snacks and drinks, I really loved the look of this and the fact that there was edible glitter in the drink (!). YNK bartender Benjamin Paparella (left) and food and beverage manager Sean Milan (right) I spoke with Sean Milan, Food and Beverage Manager at the Irvine Marriott, about the team’s process and what planners who want to host a private party at YNK can expect. Aimin Piance When I was working at YNK, someone said it…
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