FICP Annual Senior Conversation on Meaning
Listen to audio Meeting planners in the finance and insurance industries face complex demands. Many plan internal and customer events, incentive trips and sales meetings. Their role is to lay the groundwork for executive planning sessions and bring remote teams together. The stakes are high and rules must be followed. In response to these evolving challenges, a record-breaking number of people attended the 2024 FICP Annual Meeting this week at the redesigned Sheraton Hotel in downtown Denver. Learn more: From Checkboxes to Strategies: Implementing and Leading Sustainable Event Practices Topics include AI adoption, succession planning, contract negotiation, neurodiversity affordances, transportation management, and sustainable procurement. The big stage features drones, magic and insights into the leadership needed to manage what comes next. Boot from the shadows Former NFL player Justin Fossett Former NFL player Justin Fossett shares the mindset tips he needs to succeed on and off the field. From childhood homelessness to the ups and downs of college and professional…
Smart Travel: The Impact of the Presidential Election on the Hospitality Industry
Listen to audio As Kate Zaliznock travels to NOLA to get an up-close look at how the city is preparing for Super Bowl LIX, I've rounded up some reactions to the U.S. election and How voters will impact the hospitality and tourism industry in the coming years. An election year is always a dampener on events as companies grapple with uncertainty around regulation, taxation and the business environment. Whatever happens, the more you know, the better prepared you can be. Hotel industry reaches out to President-elect Trump The morning after polls closed in the hotly contested presidential election, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Jeff Freeman released a statement congratulating President-elect Donald Trump. "We ... look forward to working with the incoming administration to make the United States a top travel destination in the world and improve the travel experience for the millions of Americans who travel by road, rail and air every day," he said. "As we begin a…
I want to thank the Smart Meetings community…
Listen to audio Being included in the Eventex Awards 100 Index is of great significance I was visiting the convention center in one of my favorite new cities, Providence, Rhode Island, when my dear friend Kate Patay texted me congratulating me on being named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry by Eventex . This takes me back for a minute. Even though I had won before, I felt more comfortable presenting the award. Just as my happy place is asking questions and taking photos, my role is to support, cheer and tell stories. I was delighted to see all of the Smart Conference Women Award recipients on the list, including Kate, Stephanie Harris, Annette Gregg, Carina Bauer, Tahira Endean, Casandra Matej, Julie Coker, Liz Lathan, Nicole Osibodu, Carrie Davenport, Thuy Diep, Valerie Bihet, Wendy Porter, Anh Nguyen, Mahoganey Jones, Dahlia El Gazzar, Rachel Stephan, Tess Wismaier and Liz Caruso. I also spy on our event…
Eudemonia Summit: Optimizing Inaugural Wellness Conference
Listen to audio Does your session include cryotherapy, neurological resets, intravenous drips, toilet stall stool identification charts, celebrity neuroscientist podcasts, fitness stars from The Biggest Loser, and lots of heavy breathing? OK. To get a sense of what this might look like from a corporate meeting professional's perspective, I spent the weekend in Palm Beach, Florida, attending the inaugural Eudemonia Summit at the West Palm Beach Hilton Hotel and Palm Beach County Convention Center. First, a little background on founder Sean Hoess, one of the masterminds behind the Wanderlust music festival movement. The conference's name is derived from the Greek word meaning "human flourishing." Hawes believes that health is a basic human right best pursued in real life with others. His goal is to bring together top health thinkers (or, as he puts it, “the best interpreters of biological science”) to fight misinformation and apathy. Read more: Why meeting planners should make health a priority The list includes renowned Stanford…
Luxury experiences redefine what’s possible in Newport,
Listen to audio Luxury is in the eye of the beholder. One person's decadent hot spring soak may be another person's rigorous off-road riding. The challenge for meeting professionals is to determine the appropriate amount of "me time" as well as surprise and delight, and be confident that their needs will be met so that they can focus on what is being presented. The Smart Conference Luxury Experience at Harbor Island Resort in Newport, Rhode Island, took on this challenge with a little help from some friends. Newport Harbor Island Resort, Rhode Island The historic, classic coastal town of Newport, Rhode Island, is a New England gem founded by eccentric rebels seeking religious freedom more than 300 years ago. During the Gilded Age, it became a favorite as socialites built mansions and hosted lavish parties in the summer, including Rosecliffe, the same star in Robert Redford's The Great Gatsby The smart conference closing reception was held in a banquet hall.…
Smart Travel: Resources for Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability
Listen to audio This week, Smart Travel Editor Kate Zaliznock is checking out the upscale offerings in Orlando, and I thought I'd jump in and share a few items that make me put down my coffee when they cross my keyboard. The more you know, the easier your job will be, and this is certainly true in terms of resources that will help you find suppliers that leave your destination better and give you shortcuts to reporting on all your sustainable decisions. Also, I'm curious how you feel about lining up for a photo every time you run to the gate. Are you one of the 9 out of 10 people who support biometric screening at TSA stations? The whole "no liquids over 3 ounces" thing if it would speed up the line and maybe better screen the "bad guys". What is the process designed to find? Finally, I added a bonus intro because I like to think of the…
Lessons from top brand experience summits
Listen to audio CMO activated by invitation only during IMEX, demonstrating the power of live events How do you surprise and delight a senior marketing executive who has been through it all? A partnership between the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau, InVision Communications, Allegiant Stadium Private Events and IMEX Group works together to wow the leaders tasked with impacting people every day, and the result is a show that leaves a lasting impression An impressive masterclass performance. We spoke to the forces behind First Experience at the Brand Experience Summit on Monday at IMEX and learned three lessons. 1. Focus on your target audience’s perspective Meeting professionals know that some of the best ideas come between meetings. Angie Smith, CEO of InVision Communications, explained that the idea for the Brand Experience Summit began at the Event Marketing Summit in May, when a hallway conversation involving event planners boss boss boss as part of a conversation about expanding the role…
Meet the cover leaders at IMEX America 2024
Listen to audio Latest Updates on Past Catalyst Award Winners As we walked the aisles of IMEX America 2024 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center this month, we saw many Smart Meetings Catalyst Award winners. We asked these leaders, who also appear on the cover of Smart Meetings, to tell us what's going on in their lives and how they support meeting professionals. Lisa Messina Since Messina was named the 2022 Fusion Catalyst Award winner, she has transitioned from her position as chief sales officer at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to chief sales officer at Visit Orlando. She said the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) recently announced it has an annual economic impact of approximately $3.9 billion on the Central Florida economy, including direct, indirect and induced impacts, according to a new study by PFM Group Consulting . In recent years, OCCC has held an average of nearly 200 events, attracting approximately 1.5 million visitors to the…
APEC and Dreamforce demonstrate San Francisco’s forward-thinking
Listen to audio In November 2023, when the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Summit lands in San Francisco, everyone will be paying attention to the performance of this Asian gateway city on the national stage. The five-day global gathering, based at the renovated Moscone Center, included President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and then-Mexican President Andres Manuel. Lopez Obrador, South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanez and 19 other leaders. Thousands of business leaders attended the related APEC CEO Summit. The theme was "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All" and officials discussed trade, investment, facilitation, digital economy, clean energy and climate, health, gender equity and equality, as well as anti-corruption and food security. question. a powerful meeting John R. McKinnon takes photos in IMEX’s smart conference photo booth John R. McKinnon, CSEP, DMCP, president of Voila Events and the 2024 Meeting Professional of the Year, will provide event management, production support and venue…
Lessons from global medical conferences
Listen to audio ASH works with government agencies, airlines, venues and partners to advance medical science based on reliable data When the goal is to produce 66th anniversary of an important event in Classical and Malignant Hematology, then our first priority is to do everything we can to bring the best people in the world to the plenary session. As chief event strategy officer for the American Society of Hematology (ASH), Bill Reed, FASAE, CMP, brings together 30,000 conference professionals from more than 110 countries to share research on the causes and treatments of blood disorders. While conferences will move around, he's still limited in the number of venues where he can host all events, although he has resorted to tent parking and taking up other spaces. bill reed This December, the destination will become the San Diego Convention Center for the second year in a row. He has also conducted conferences in New Orleans, Atlanta and Orlando. The annual…
How to Nappaify your next event
Listen to audio Meeting in California’s vineyard-covered, rolling Napa Valley feels unlike anywhere else in the world. After spending time at the LEED Platinum-certified Bad Sono Hotel & Spa (one of only three hotels in California to meet sustainability standards), we were curious to learn more about what to expect from this historic boutique hotel. What elements are used in the organic feel. We asked luxury hotel vendors out there for some tips on how to Napa-ify your event. Alain Negueloua, Vice President and General Manager Alan Negrua Bardessono is located in Yountville, in the heart of Napa Valley, where hosting “Napa-ified” meetings and events for groups is second nature. Our venue space features indoor and outdoor spaces set against the backdrop of Yountville’s lush vineyards. Catering is available at Lucy's Restaurant & Bar, our signature farm-to-table dining experience, where the culinary team uses ingredients from our own gardens and our favorite local purveyors. We also prioritize sustainability when it…
Leadership experience fuels Puerto Rico’s indigenous spirit
Listen to audio Meet Boricua brings culture and heart to the Conquistador Resort Ballroom The Smart Meetings Leadership Experience at Conquistador Resort in Puerto Rico sets the stage for top meeting professionals to make new connections to increase efficiency and add some spice to their programs. For three days, attendees danced, tasted and laughed at one of the world's top resorts. sound of victory The celebration kicks off with an empathetic primer from Keynote Rich Bracken. He re-demonstrates his DJ skills, taps into the audience's emotional intelligence, helps them develop skills, and relieves the stress of life in meeting professors. "Emotional intelligence is the most important skill today. More than half of your job performance is affected by your ability to create a positive company culture," Bracken said. "Events require creativity and engagement. Emotional intelligence is the fuel that makes it all possible." Keynote Speech Rich Bracken What advice does he have on how to manage emotions in order to…
2024 Platinum Choice Awards Voting
Listen to Audio Vote for the best in the industry At Smart Meetings, we believe in the power of innovation to transform the way we gather, entertain and reward our guests. For more than two decades, we have been focusing on venues and destinations at the forefront of change, helping you plan events that leave a lasting impression. The Platinum Choice Awards are not only about recognizing industry leaders; they are also about bringing us together as a community to celebrate our shared achievements and aspirations. By voting for the best hotels, venues and convention and visitor bureaus in the industry, you can help make every meeting and event a great experience in the future. Cast your vote Monday, September 30 and help shape the future. Finalists will be featured in the December issue of Smart Meetings Magazine (you can view last year’s winners here). Vote for your favorite hotels and conference centers!
Smart Women Summit brings together leaders to take action together.
Listen to Audio Honoring excellence in event leadership to inspire more people to participate is serious business, but when a strong group of Women in Conference award winners gathered at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas for a day of education, personalized experiences and pageantry, fun activities were on the agenda, too. evolution Smart Meetings CEO Marin Bright launched this iconic leadership accelerator nine years ago, and it remains the only event of its kind for women at all career stages in the events industry. As the founder and CEO of an events company, she realized she was the only woman in that position at the time and wanted to encourage others to find ways to carve out a niche in the hospitality industry. Statistics show that we have made progress since she founded the media world 22 years ago, but we still have a long way to go. Read more: Dear Women Leaders, Stop Struggling and Start Succeeding A recent…
3 New Event Tech Tools to Make Your Conference More Amazing
Listen to Audio Augmented reality, 3D visualization and artificial intelligence add branding, logistics and meaning to projects Will event technology finally become the meeting professional’s best friend? For those looking to further evolve their marketing, procurement and engagement strategies, three new products could be a strong argument in favor of relying on digital assistants. Beyond QR Codes Event production company Animatic Media this week launched a new product called Intelligent Content that is designed to bring conference content to life. The new technology allows attendees to easily share information, videos and messages to their phones through event signage and products, without the need for QR codes. Read more: Can event technology save the world? “With intelligent content, we aim to redefine how conferences and events engage audiences,” said Scott Frankel, CEO of Animatic Media. “Our platform allows event organizers to seamlessly integrate interactive elements into every aspect of their event, from signage and presentations to trade show booths and even…
3 New Event Tech Tools to Make Your Conference More Amazing
Listen to Audio Augmented reality, 3D visualization and artificial intelligence add branding, logistics and meaning to projects Will event technology finally become the meeting professional’s best friend? For those looking to further evolve their marketing, procurement and engagement strategies, three new products could be a strong argument in favor of relying on digital assistants. Beyond QR Codes Event production company Animatic Media this week launched a new product called Intelligent Content that is designed to bring conference content to life. The new technology allows attendees to easily share information, videos and messages to their phones through event signage and products, without the need for QR codes. Read more: Can event technology save the world? “With intelligent content, we aim to redefine how conferences and events engage audiences,” said Scott Frankel, CEO of Animatic Media. “Our platform allows event organizers to seamlessly integrate interactive elements into every aspect of their event, from signage and presentations to trade show booths and even…
Seattle ARVO meeting brings to light the lingering
Listen to Audio In-person medical meetings still face long wait times and inflationary pressures The 2024 Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) meeting, held in Seattle in May with 11,631 attendees, was the culmination of a logistical struggle to return to the levels that brought together ophthalmologists from around the world in 2019. Challenges such as visa approvals, global economic conditions, and attendee delays required creative planning by the ARVO team. Last minute registration shuffle Lancy Cowan A recent Maritz study showed that 45% of attendees at 30 trade shows registered within four weeks of the event date. For the 2024 ARVO Future Vision Conference, half of attendees did not wait until the month before to register, but more than 600 were late registrants, said Lancey Cowan, chief conference and community engagement officer for ARVO, the only such event where ophthalmologists can present research. “They’re not signing up on-site like they used to,” she reports. International visitors, in…
Brennan’s Hospitality in New Orleans: Making Friends
Listen to Audio Restaurant groups offer lessons in setting standards for quality, culture and service Steve Petters According to the Brennan philosophy of world-class New Orleans restaurants, true hospitality begins with making friends. Culinary matriarch Miss Ella and her siblings Dorothy ("Dottie"), Dick and John Brennan understood this when they took over the Garden District landmark Commander's Palace in 1974. The stately museum-like space, once home to chefs Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse, is still run by Brennan family members Claire "Lally" Brennan and Ti Adelaide Martin. In 1991, Dickie's son and sister founded the eponymous Dickie Brennan & Company, preserving this key element of hospitality. Now, the family is expanding on that vision with its fifth restaurant. We spoke with managing partner Steve Petters, who works with Dick and Lauren Brennan Blauer, about the distinctive approach to serving locals and visitors at Palace Cafe, Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse, Dickie Brennan's Bourbon House, Tableau, and now Pascal's Manale. Friendship Zone “Dick…
Inclusive Experiences Welcomes Everyone to Florida
Listen to Audio Genuine, respectful relationships pave the way for business The most important outcome of a conference is making everyone feel welcome. Everything else depends on that. This week, the Smart Meetings Inclusive Experience at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa started with basic hospitality. The spacious hotel hosted a group of top conference professionals, providing an intimate environment to get to know each other better both in and out of one-on-one meetings. While everyone was there to learn from their peers, hearing from subject matter experts helped put everything into perspective and made all attendees super-connectors. Skyworx drones perform at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa Love, compassion and respect When the world is hopelessly divided, the smallest of gestures can make a huge difference. Whether it’s national politics, a Southern California crime scene or a hotel contract negotiation, leading with love, empathy and respect is the fastest way to build relationships across otherwise unbridgeable…
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