New concourse at Key West Airport to be built in 25 years
Key West International Airport's new concourse will be completed in 2025 and will add convenience and additional amenities to the southernmost airport. Construction of new A concourse key west international airport The airport reached a turning point earlier this fall with the opening of the first of eight passenger boarding bridges. The fully enclosed high-performance glass boarding bridges, manufactured by ThyssenKrupp, cost approximately $1 million each and provide an air-conditioned boarding process and are also built to hurricane impact standards. "This is another important milestone for the Concourse A project and I have to thank our design team, construction team and my staff," airport executive director Richard Strickland said in a news release. They have been working hard to achieve this.” “I’m excited to see this project continue to grow under the guidance of our committed airport team,” said Monroe County Mayor Holly Raschein. “Concourse A is going to be a masterpiece.” environmental issues The new Concourse A "curtain wall"…
Innovation = Improved Experience
Published by Lisa Simundson of Prevue Meetings & Incentives. While you may immediately think of "technology" when you hear the word "innovation," cutting-edge ideas don't necessarily correlate with technological advancements. The post Innovation = Enhanced Experience appeared first on Prevue Meetings & Incentives.
SITE elects new board of directors
Following the recent open elections for board positions Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE)the following incentive travel professionals have been elected as directors for three-year terms: Kim NapolitanoExecutive Director, Marketing and Industry Relations, Hilton Agency and Professional Group Marina Parra FleisigManaging Director/Owner, Weichlein Tours + Incentives also, Caomuhe riceMoloney & Kelly's Sales Director has been elected to represent Young Leaders on the SITE International Board of Directors for a two-year term. Melissa MortonVice President of Experience & Event Solutions at The Collective | BCD Meetings & Events has been re-elected to a second three-year term. At a recent Board meeting held during the SITE Executive Summit in Muscat, Oman, the SITE International Board of Directors (IBOD) also elected the following directors to executive positions through 2025: president: Nitin SachdevaCEO, Venture Marketing President-elect: Hassan DinkTürkiye ODS Managing Director Vice president and members: Marisa FernandezManaging Director, DMS Destination Marketing Services Vice President of Finance: minaz diamond Vice President of Education and Certification:…
Top Conference 2025
Here's the latest news from Cvent: the top events event planners can't miss in 2025. covent Comb through the industry's top conferences and events to select the best of the best, looking for aspects such as content quality, networking, and overall attendee ROI. Whether you're looking to advance your career, make new connections, or gain new ideas, these 2025 picks virtually guarantee you'll have a quality experience worth your time (and frequent flyer miles). Here are the events listed by date: PCMA Convener, January 12-15, Houston. Professional development and innovation in the meetings and events industry, focusing on event design, attendee engagement and industry trends. ExhibitorLive, March 16-20, San Antonio. Provides education in exhibition design, marketing and management with a focus on trade show and corporate event marketing. Experiential Marketing Summit, April 14-16, Las Vegas. Focuses on experiential marketing strategy and tactics, providing insights into brand experiences, live events and consumer engagement. Event Tech Live, April 30-May 1, Las Vegas.…
IMEX Challenge Winner
Prevue interviews three individual winners of the 2024 IMEX Wellness Challenge, which took place during this year’s IMEX Convention in Las Vegas from October 8-10. powered by Heka Health—Creator of custom-designed, turnkey wellness challenges— IMEX Health Challenge 2024 Invite teams and individuals to participateParticipate in a range of healthy activities while enjoying healthy competition with your peers. Participants have a chance to win Amazing prizes Achieve challenge goals and work your way up the leaderboard. Prevue reached out to three winners Top 10 picturestheir income exceeds 30,000 Accumulate points. Everyone wins a 2-night stay in a Deluxe King Room paris las vegasincluding dinner for two bedfordthe recently opened Martha Stewart restaurant; access to the 25,000-square-foot Voie Spa, including a 50-minute massage for two; and round-trip limousine airport transfers. Pablo Zacharias Pablo Zachariasproject manager custom madeAn award-winning experiential event marketing company based in Denver notes that staying healthy has improved everything in his life, including the way he works. "Taking care…
Caesars Hotel New Orleans
Caesars Entertainment recently celebrated its $435 million transformation of Harrah's into a full Mardi Gras style Caesars New Orleans. The ceremony kicked off with the iconic Mardi Gras floats of Caesar and his court, and a fireworks display officially welcomed Caesar to New Orleans. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed an authentic Big Easy experience with "Caesar's New Orleans," which included food from all six of the hotel's restaurants, as well as entertainment from the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps and numerous showgirls. "We are extremely proud to officially introduce Caesars to New Orleans," said Anthony Carano, president and chief operating officer of Caesars Entertainment, in a media statement. "From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner Chef Nobu " "This year marks our 25th anniversary in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to start a new era with Caesars," added Samir Mowad, senior vice president and general manager of Caesars…
Choose Boise Incentives
Boise, which describes itself as "half rugged, half refined," welcomes attendees to "meet in the morning and hit the mountains in the afternoon." Downtown Boise features 86,000 square feet of residential space conveniently located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in southwestern Idaho, 7 minutes from the airport Boise Center—The state's premier conference center with 31 multi-purpose meeting and event spaces accommodating groups of up to 2,000 people. Downtown is within walking distance of 1,600 hotel rooms, more than 100 restaurants and breweries, as well as shops, art galleries, entertainment and cultural attractions. New hotels opening in downtown Boise include sparrowfeaturing local-inspired art, a lobby café, permanent food trucks and guest rooms, including a ground-floor king room with a private courtyard terrace. The 122-room hotel is also brand new Renegade Hotelfeaturing Boise’s first supper club, rooftop bar, street cafe and 5,100 square feet of multi-purpose meeting and event space. Katherine Albertson Park, near downtown Boise. Downtown Boise is also…
MPI Academy rates attendees
The MPI Academy continues to grow, with active participation and satisfaction from the entire industry in its four main activities. According to data released by IMEX America 2024 earlier this month, attendees reported a 90% satisfaction rate with education at IMEX America EMEC92% satisfaction World Endurance Championship100% satisfied Thought Leadership Summit and 99% satisfaction event. MPI's Global Meetings Industry Day was once again a success, with 3,836 people registered and a total of 283,230 minutes of education gained, or approximately 2.5 hours per person. Overall, the campaign was a success, with an NPS score of 46, overall satisfaction of 96%, and relevant content of 95%. From January to September 2024, MPI Academy issued more than 1,000 certificates. More than 300 meeting professionals earned certificates in new AI-enhanced events, demonstrating the need for quality education around artificial intelligence and event technology. Newly added this year Event Welfare Champion Certificate from Google Neu project, Golf event planning With partners Frisco, event psychology…
Take advantage of off-site services
After ten years of research Harvard Business Review A performance-enhancing alternative for helping employees build meaningful collaborative networks is pointed out: Corporate offsite. Offsite working or corporate retreats are nothing new. However, recent research in Harvard Business Review provides the first visible evidence that they can be a powerful strategic tool for managers, allowing them to reshape employees' informal organizational networks to promote more ideas and expertise Knowledge sharing. Why choose another place? Collaborative networks, especially across departments, can improve individual and corporate performance. But when more employees are working from home or in hybrid environments, there are far fewer organic opportunities to build critical connections based on trust. Even in a shared office environment, organizational hierarchies and departments can cut off colleagues' opportunities to acquire diverse knowledge and complementary skills. Offsite events—company-sponsored, often multi-day events that bring employees together outside the office—bring about interactions that might not otherwise occur. Being offsite creates unique opportunities for employees to connect face-to-face,…
disney swan and dolphin
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin has announced the largest renovation and expansion in the hotel’s history, most notably the addition of 120,000 square feet of event space. The entire project, a $275 million investment over the next several years, will also include modernization of existing meeting spaces and Swan guest rooms; as well as technology improvements throughout the hotel. The expansion will bring the three-story building’s total meeting space to 469,000 square feet, including swan, dolphin and Swan Sanctuary Its 2,619 rooms make it one of the largest convention hotels on the East Coast. The additional space will expand the hotel's largest contiguous event space to 175,000 square feet, making it one of the largest hotel spaces in the country. "We look forward to delivering such a significant transformation for our customers. These enhancements will complement our iconic and award-winning business," regional general manager Sean Verney said in a media announcement. “It allows our hotel to remain at…
Miami Beach Convention Center Hotel Coming Soon
Miami Beach Convention Center The headquarters hotel finally comes after county commissioners decided last week to pour an additional $75 million into the more than $500 million project, ending years of delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic and planning and permitting issues. 800-room hotel could open as early as 2027 Grand Hyatt Miami Beach Convention CenterConstruction is expected to begin this fall and last 28 months. The new hotel will be located at the intersection of 17th Street and Convention Center Boulevard in Miami Beach, near landmarks such as the New World Center Concert Hall, the Bass Museum of Art and the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens. Additionally, the hotel is just blocks from the beach and the popular restaurants and shops of Lincoln Road, one of Miami Beach's most popular destinations. The Grand Hyatt Miami Beach will include: 800 rooms (including 52 suites) 90,000 square feet of indoor meeting/meeting space, and 10,000 square feet of outdoor space Five food and…
A unique airport in the world
We cover the best airports, the worst airports, the most connected airports and those plagued by technical issues... so let's take a look at the most unusual, creative and unique facilities from around the world. If you and your group are traveling to or passing through any of the following locations, this could be your lucky day (or night). Singapore Jewel Changi Airport Canopy Bridge at Singapore Airport. You'll pray for a stop at: Jewel Changi Airporta veritable playground of attractions including a suspended "walking net" (as well as a stretch net for children); two walking mazes - mirrors and hedges; a canopy bridge suspended above lush plants and trees; and grandeur of Shiseido Forest Valley allows visitors to stroll through a real forest garden. The centerpiece of Jewel Hotel is an indoor waterfall that cascades from seven floors up, bathing in sunlight during the day and surrounded by lights and music at night. No wonder Jewel Changi has a…
Delano Hotel Las Vegas
MGM Resorts International and Marriott International Plans have been announced to hide the iconic delano las vegasit is located in mandalay bay campusto a Inside the hotel The hotel is part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, according to MGM Resorts International. Renovations are expected to be completed later this year — other plans for the property are pending —W Las Vegas, Marriott Hotel This is the latest step in a long-term strategic licensing agreement announced by the two companies in July 2023. "Our relationship with Marriott has far exceeded our expectations and demonstrated the power of its portfolio of brands and the strength of its distribution channels," Steve Zanella, president of MGM Resorts Operations, said in a media release. "W Las Vegas The Gas Hotel is the latest hotel we have partnered with, and with its unique character, dynamic programming and high-quality service culture, our guests will have access to a new luxury lifestyle experience that is recognized globally." “We…
TTRA Think Tank
Aiming to translate research into real-world applications, these new think tank initiatives aim to leverage the expertise of diverse members and partners, providing a platform to address key industry challenges and explore new frontiers in tourism research. What’s new in 2025? The 2025 Think Tank Initiative consists of three forward-thinking projects designed to address some of the most pressing needs in travel research and data analytics: Use Google search data to predict demand – In partnership with Herrmann Global, Brand USA and Temple University’s School of Athletics, Tourism and Hospitality Management, the project plans to combine Google search data with artificial intelligence (AI) to provide real-time insights into traveler behavior and trends. The goal is to move beyond traditional forecasting methods that rely on historical data and provide a more responsive way to understand changes in demand. why this is important: The ability to more accurately predict travel demand enables destinations to anticipate and respond to changes, allowing for more…
All things tampa bay
Even before the fiscal year ends in August, taxable hotel revenue in Tampa Bay has exceeded $1 billion for the second consecutive year. “As we celebrate another $1 billion milestone for Hillsborough County’s tourism industry, Tampa Bay clearly remains the top choice for travelers and meeting professionals,” Santiago C. Corrada said the President and CEO. Visit Tampa Bay In a media announcement. “Achieving this achievement before the end of this fiscal year is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our community partners, stakeholders and hospitality professionals, who together bring nearly $9 billion to the annual economy of Hillsborough County Influence." Bay Prosperity Hotel The banquet hall of The Edition is set up in a classroom style. The Tampa Bay metropolitan area, which includes cities such as Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, is booming in group travel and business travel, adding more than 2,500 new rooms in the past three years. Among these new properties, Tampa Edition The destination's…
US IMEX in 2024
The numbers speak for themselves – attendance exceeded 15,500, a record high US IMEX in 2024held last week at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Of these, 5,500 buyers (4,300 invited buyers) attended more than 86,000 pre-arranged meetings over the three days, the majority of which were one-on-one meetings with exhibitors. IMEX's various educational programming sessions also saw record attendance, with more than 1,600 people taking part in learning sessions held in the Inspiration Hub on the show floor, evidence of the growing desire for personal and professional development. Prevue publisher Laurel Herman at the Prevue booth during IMEX. In fact, the 13th edition of the show reflects the ever-evolving and elastic nature of the meetings and events sector, with strong business channels visible in meetings, contacts and conversations across the busy exhibition halls and hundreds of ancillary events. The incentive travel industry is one of the industries reporting growth. virgin airwaysFor example, they have renewed their focus…
The future of incentives
IRF and SITE are raising awareness of the motivation industry as a next-generation career path by creating a new course and seeking volunteers to teach it. According to the information just released by SITE 2024 Incentive Travel IndexAttracting and retaining industry talent is a top concern for planners, with 44% of North American respondents citing it as a long-term challenge. As motivation planners look to the future of the industry, it is clearly critical to recruit and develop a workforce that possesses both technical skills and a passion for improving performance. Planners likely know that the motivation industry offers a variety of exciting career opportunities. However, SITE found that a lack of awareness of what the industry does and its career opportunities has been a major barrier to recruiters entering the workforce. Motivational content is not common in colleges and universities. SITE’s message to incentive planners on this issue: “The incentive industry is at a crossroads. With more than 75%…
A city full of creativity
Published by Lisa Simundson of Prevue Meetings & Incentives. Here you'll find a range of hotel and venue options to provide meeting and incentive groups with an unforgettable and unique experience. The post Creative Urban Hustle appeared first on Prevue Meetings & Incentives.
Preview publisher
During IMEX America 2024, top journalists and publishers from the meetings industry trade media gathered in Las Vegas for the inaugural awards ceremony honoring the media for their work in the events industry. Led by the Conference Department Caesars EntertainmentThe event also serves as a launch point for donations to commemorate the initiative of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Hospitality College Scholarship Program. new Media and Momentum: A Morning of Recognition and Influence This event is organized in partnership with: international professional conference (MPI) and with Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau (LVCVA). The awards ceremony was held on October 9 at Ramsay's Kitchen at Harrah's in Las Vegas and hosted by Dianne Devitt, CEO of Dianne Devitt LLC, author and adjunct professor at NYU's SPS Jonathan Tisch Center for Hospitality and Tourism. “We are here today to congratulate you and thank you all for your contributions and commitment to our industry. As you share the stories you…
MPI Conference Outlook
in new Conference Outlook Q3 2024: MPI’s quarterly survey of planners shows that in-person meetings have become stronger, the seller’s market has become softer, and the meeting landscape has become more balanced. The meetings and events industry is “experienced a greater sense of balance,” according to planner responses, with 26% saying the market is balanced, 31% saying it’s a buyer’s market and 43% Considered a seller's market - down significantly from Q1. The number is 61%. At the same time, the number of in-person meetings continues to increase, a trend planners expect to continue, with 76% expecting in-person event attendance to be up from 71% last quarter. Unbalanced budget? Among other reasons, respondents said working from home drove the need for in-person meetings; but doing so led planners directly to budget concerns. In fact, the majority of respondents (60%) expect budget increases of up to 10% in the future. As one planner said, “Whether these companies have the budget to…
Sustainable and accessible meetings industry
There’s a lot of talk about health and sustainability, but more and more convention centers are committed to “walking the walk” on sustainability and community, using state-of-the-art methods that prioritize people and the environment. this Walter E. Washington Convention CenterFor example, LEED Platinum green building certification has just been announced, and you may be taking this designation for granted at this point, but consider the steps you are taking to get there, which include: Reduce energy consumption by 25,306,767 kBtu, equivalent to taking approximately 440 cars off the road for a year, through upgraded lighting, heating and cooling systems, and other efficiencies. Through newly integrated water efficiencies throughout the facility, water consumption was reduced by 3,790,000 gallons, enough to fill approximately six Olympic-sized swimming pools. The center was also recognized for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions in areas such as site development, material selection and indoor environmental quality. Las Vegas promises a thousand dollars The $600 million LVCC…
Teneo Hotel Group
To get an insider's perspective on industry trends, Prevue spoke with company president Mike Schugt. Teneo Hotel GroupRecord growth in 2022 and 2023 signals an important shift in the group travel landscape. Mike Schugt, courtesy of Teneo Hospitality Group. Teneo Hospitality's sales team pairs meeting planners with more than 400 convention hotels and DMCs around the world, which Schugt said report that about 50 percent of their business comes from meetings and groups. "We see the majority of our portfolio hotels 'gathering' in 2024 and beyond as leisure demand normalizes," he said. "Midweek business travel has recovered but remains well below historical levels in most markets. Group meetings and banquet events continue to be a significant source of business for most of our hotels and resorts." Teneo has been closely monitoring market changes and gathering insights to reveal current trends and forecasts for 2025. Please see: Companies continue to see Increased group demand From 2024 to July, new sales leads…
San Francisco Financial District
Since the Gold Rush, San Francisco has been reinventing itself through boom and bust. The city is the intersection of past, present, and future. Today, this is most evident in the city’s Financial District, which is evolving into a hub where commerce, culture, and community meet. On Sept. 12, the Transamerica Pyramid Center unveiled its new public realm and expanded Transamerica Redwood Park. Last week, the first entertainment district of its kind in California debuted in the district. Next month, the Financial District will get a contemporary art museum. The Financial District’s ongoing transformation includes new restaurants, bars, hotels, festivals and more to make it easier for groups to gather. Here’s a closer look at what’s new and worth seeing in one of the largest and oldest financial districts in the western United States. A new era for the Panamerica Pyramid Center This modernist building was completed in 1972. Transamerica Pyramid It immediately became a globally recognized San Francisco landmark.…
JetBlue to open first lounges
JetBlue Announces plans to open first airport lounges in New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 5 will be completed by the end of 2025. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) Soon after, Terminal C "Customers have been asking for JetBlue lounges for years, and we can't wait to open them in New York and Boston," said Marty St. George, president of JetBlue, in a media statement. "Lounges have become a must-have for a growing number of customers seeking premium experiences, and JetBlue lounges will further enhance the value of our TrueBlue loyalty program as we expand our JetBlue credit card portfolio." As the airline expands its affordable premium aviation experience from the air to the ground, the lounge will offer passengers a relaxing place to relax, work and rest when it opens. Airport lounges are increasingly popular — as anyone who’s waited to get in can attest — especially for business travelers, offering some key perks, including comfortable…
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar
Wyndham Grand Riomar Rainforest Beach & Golf Resort in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico has embarked on a multi-million dollar renovation. The transformation of the 542,000-square-foot resort will take place over the next few months and will include a complete rebuild of all 400 guest rooms, 10 different culinary outlets, a revamped lobby and porte cochere, a new pool experience, modern social and nightlife spaces and innovative programming. To ensure minimal disruption to guests, the unveiling will take place in three phases, with the first of the new amenities set to roll out in time for the holidays in December 2024, including two new pools (one no-entry and one adult-only) and new cabanas. Guests will also experience a newly designed porch and lobby, and an enhanced arrival experience with a new observation deck. The second phase will begin in January 2025 and will include newly designed guest rooms and suites and will introduce a new healthy all-day café concept to enhance…
Renew your passport online
Americans can now renew their passports online, eliminating the cumbersome process of mailing paper applications that often causes delays. The U.S. State Department announced Wednesday that after a pilot test, the State Department's online renewal system is now fully operational and available to all adult passport holders whose passports have expired within the past five years or will expire within the next year. It does not apply to renewals of children's passports, first-time passport applicants, renewal applicants living outside the United States, or expedited applications. “By offering this online alternative to the traditional paper application process, the department is digitally transforming to provide the most efficient and convenient passport renewal experience possible,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. The department said it estimates that about 5 million Americans will be able to use the service each year. In 2023, the department processed 24 million passports, about 40% of which were renewals. Due to staff shortages caused…
JetBlue TrueBlue Loyalty Program
JetBlue announced that members of its TrueBlue loyalty program can now earn and redeem TrueBlue points on select Cape Air-operated flights when booking travel on jetblue.com or through the JetBlue mobile app. JetBlue's loyalty benefits with Cape Air expand on a partnership that began in 2007 as JetBlue's first codeshare agreement. Cape Air is one of the largest commuter airlines in the U.S., currently serving 32 cities in the U.S. and the Caribbean with more than 250 daily flights as well as group charter services. Over the years, the two airlines' partnership has evolved to offer seamless connections from New York, Boston and San Juan, Puerto Rico to destinations in the Northeast and the Caribbean on a single booking. “As our first airline partner, we are very excited to expand our partnership with Cape Air and enable our customers to True Blue "We're excited to launch this loyalty program," said Chris Buckner, JetBlue's vice president of loyalty and partnerships, in…
Delta Air Lines Launches TelevisaUnivision Content
As part of its Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, Delta is launching a series of United Television Network In its in-flight entertainment programme, it started offering a variety of movies in September, which was expanded to include TV series in October. Delta Airlines and AeromexicoThe new in-flight entertainment system has been launched, featuring exclusive content from TelevisaUnivision. Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15), customers flying Delta in September and October will have the opportunity to enjoy a limited-time selection of popular TV shows and movies from one of the Spanish-speaking world's top media companies. Delta's in-flight entertainment upgrade program will begin offering a variety of movies in September and will be expanded to TV series in October, aiming to provide passengers with more colorful and culturally diverse options. Content lineup The initial launch will include a range of classic and contemporary content from TelevisaUnivision, including the following films: Attendance (2022): Mexican horror film directed by Luis Mandoki. After his…
Avoiding Network Errors
Everyone knows how important networking is, and much has been written about the benefits of networking when you’re looking to generate business leads and satellite sources. The problem is, if you don’t make effective connections and then follow up after making them, you’re unlikely to reap any of these benefits. Arriving unpreparedYou really want to walk up to the CEO and say, “So how did you get involved?” Research the keynote speakers, and if there’s an attendee list, pick a short list of five people you want to meet, and stick to it. Once you’ve connected with those five people, the rest (as they say) is a piece of cake. Nothing to sayWhen you approach someone you want to meet, sometimes the conversation stalls after a while. This can be avoided. Just take a look at the person's Linkedin profile and you'll find 2-3 interesting topics to talk about. Write them down on your shortlist. And they don't have to…
MPI IMEX Keynote Speakers
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has announced its IMEX America 2024 keynote speakers and Smart Mondays educational program. Smart Monday will take place on Monday, October 7th. IMEX USA The show will be held from Tuesday, October 8th to Thursday, October 10th at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. IMEX Smart Mondays are days dedicated to educational activities and forward-thinking professional development events, all aligned with CMP International standards. This year, MPI will be launching three new educational sessions: Viticus' Healthcare Conference Compliance Certificate and Healthcare Conference Professional Certificate; Certificate Course in Exhibition Basics; and Professional Certificate Program in AI-Enhanced Sales. “IMEX America is the flagship event for the business events industry, and our ongoing partnership with IMEX to create best-in-class educational offerings, forward-thinking professional development, and enriching networking sessions will only enhance its importance,” said Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of MPI, in a media statement. “IMEX America has something for everyone, and our team has done…
MPI IMEX Keynote Speakers
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has announced its IMEX America 2024 keynote speakers and Smart Mondays educational program. Smart Monday will take place on Monday, October 7th. IMEX USA The show will be held from Tuesday, October 8th to Thursday, October 10th at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. IMEX Smart Mondays are days dedicated to educational activities and forward-thinking professional development events, all aligned with CMP International standards. This year, MPI will be launching three new educational sessions: Viticus' Healthcare Conference Compliance Certificate and Healthcare Conference Professional Certificate; Certificate Course in Exhibition Basics; and Professional Certificate Program in AI-Enhanced Sales. “IMEX America is the flagship event for the business events industry, and our ongoing partnership with IMEX to create best-in-class educational offerings, forward-thinking professional development, and enriching networking sessions will only enhance its importance,” said Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of MPI, in a media statement. “IMEX America has something for everyone, and our team has done…
Caesars Entertainment expands wellness services to Atlantic City
Following the hugely successful launch of wellness services for meeting planners and event organizers at its Las Vegas resorts, Caesars Entertainment Corp. is officially expanding those services to Caesars Atlantic City, Harrah’s Atlantic City and Tropicana Atlantic City. From innovative keynotes, workshops and events to nutritious food and beverage offerings, planners can now incorporate these new wellness offerings into events hosted at the newly updated and renovated Caesars properties nestled along the Atlantic City shoreline. While some people think of big cities when they think of New Jersey, it’s nicknamed the Garden State for a reason—New Jersey is home to more than 9,900 farms covering 750,000 acres. The state leads in many agricultural production categories, with blueberries, cranberries, peaches, spinach, bell peppers and tomatoes ranking in the top five. New Jersey also produces corn, apples, strawberries and potatoes, all of which help the talented chefs at Caesars create menu Food that satisfies the taste buds while refreshing the body. “Innovation…
Hybrid Meetings
As more technological advancements are introduced and emerge, planners are better equipped to meet the dual trends of people working remotely and attending meetings virtually with fewer technical difficulties. The global video conferencing market is expected to reach $20.02 billion According to the 2024 report, the global value will reach $10 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.4%. Macroview Research. While other studies have demonstrated the benefits of in-person conferences, sometimes people simply can’t make it. Perhaps a highly sought-after speaker has a scheduling conflict but is willing to attend virtually. In both cases, this is a good time to do so, as technology can bring people virtually to the venue, as demonstrated earlier this year at the CES 2024. Hello, mixed race Gone are the days when remote attendees could only stare at a screen. Advances in video and audio technology allow them to be physically present in the room or auditorium and fully participate…
Incentive Travel Planners Talk About Incentive Travel
Prevue recently caught up Heidi DillonEvent Operations Manager One10— leaders in Incentives & Recognition, Marketing Services, Travel & Events — discuss incentive trends, results and destination insights. Have expectations for incentive travel changed? One millennial planner said yes, and award winners want different types of experiences from their travel awards. Previous post: What trends or changes have you seen? Heidi Dillon: When I started in 2011-2012, the types of projects I saw were more formulaic… a welcome dinner, three events, a closing dinner, and that was it. Now it feels like some of these choices are more purposeful. Priorities are changing. It’s not just about the destination and the time of departure, it’s about every moment along the way. Heidi Dillon Why do you think this happens? The reality is, we’re all online…on Instagram and TikTok…you see what everyone else is doing, so how do you stand out from the crowd? It’s up to planners and companies to figure out…
First visit to the Venetian Resort & Convention Center
The foyer of the new conference center. In 2023, The Venetian Resort Las Vegas announced a $188 million renovation of its convention center and last week unveiled the completion of the first floor of the renovation. The extensive renovation, which will be completed in phases through 2026, showcases a marriage of classic and modern architecture, redesigned by Las Vegas design firm Woogmaster Studio and inspired by feedback from the resort’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions clients. Meetings and events have been fundamental to the resort’s business since its founding 25 years ago. Key design elements include a new color palette, luxurious meeting lounge spaces, innovative new technology, and premium meeting essentials (including chairs, linens, tableware, and more) designed to keep the resort at the forefront of the meetings industry. Attendees who took their first tour of the convention center’s updates heard firsthand the level of detail and planning that went into the design of the new space, the innovations that…
IMEX Sustainability Report
With 78% of global event planners confirming their organisation plans to set a net zero emissions target by the end of 2024 (AMEX 2024 Global Meetings and Events Forecast), the meetings industry appears to be clearly committed to having a more positive impact on the environment. However, budgets and resources remain tight, so learning real-life lessons from other organisers (with a comprehensive understanding of what works and what can be improved) can save time and money on the journey to net zero emissions. Before this year IMEX USAFrom October 8 to 10, the team published Sustainability Report Uncovering the successes, experiments and learnings from last year’s show. The report was prepared by Sustainability Consultants Green Clubunveiled environmental activities and planning leading up to and during IMEX America 2023, shared notable achievements in waste conversion and energy utilization, and highlighted all important areas for continuous improvement. Sustainability Report Highlights The many sustainability efforts detailed in the report are distilled into three…
ConferenceDirect receives EIC sustainability certification
Event Industry Committee Announced Direct access to conferenceFull-service global meeting solutions company has achieved Silver certification EIC Sustainable Activities Standard Annual Partner Meeting 2024. These standards provide event planners and suppliers with prescriptive actions to host and deliver sustainable events. "We are honored to receive Silver certification from the Event Industry Council, with the 2024 Annual Partner Conference being our largest event of the year," said Jerry Horan, CEO of ConferenceDirect, in a media statement. "ConferenceDirect recognizes the importance of reducing our impact on the environment. This is also our first carbon neutral Annual Partner Conference, a testament to our commitment to sustainability and the collaborative efforts of our team and partners." The EIC Standard for Sustainable Events sets out performance criteria in the areas of organizational management, marketing, communications and engagement, climate action, water stewardship, materials and circularity, supply chain management, diversity, equity and inclusion, accessibility and social impact. The Standard for Event Organisers is one of several comprehensive…
Retreats and Events
Torre Di Bellosguardo Hotel(Florence) Corporate retreats and events are more than a luxury, they are a necessity for teams looking to rejuvenate, reconnect and rethink strategy. The following venues are the best choices for planners seeking a corporate retreat or group getaway that transcends the ordinary and inspires innovation, away from the confines of the traditional meeting room. Torre Di Bellosguardo Hotel(Florence) An elegant space perfect for groups. In the rolling hills of Florence, the capital of Tuscany, brainstorming sessions can be held under century-old olive trees, or strategy meetings can be held in elegant libraries with sweeping views. Torre di Bellosguardoevent spaces also include a luxurious salon decorated with Renaissance art and a tranquil outdoor terrace. The event team is ready to tailor an event to suit your goals, whether it is a guided meditation session to cultivate mindfulness, a wine tasting workshop that combines education with entertainment, or a culinary challenge led by the professional chefs from the…
New Guide for Philadelphia Planners
Image source: PHLCVB The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) has released its latest publication designed to help meeting and event planners, as well as international travel suppliers and tour operators (two of the PHLCVB’s primary audiences) plan Philadelphia’s conference, event and tourism offerings. this 2024 Destination Planning Guide (DPG) is the premier resource for Philadelphia meeting, convention or event planners, and 2024 International Visitors Guide (IVG) offers services in nine languages, enhancing the global visitor experience and reflecting Philadelphia’s commitment to welcoming visitors from around the world. DPG provides planners with a comprehensive overview of why and how to create successful event experiences in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania Convention Center and other unique local venues, knowledge of Philadelphia’s convenient East Coast location, and the Philadelphia Planning Checklist, planners can make informed decisions based on the specific needs of their event. Maria Grasso, chief sales officer for the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, said in a media statement: "In an environment of…
Retreats and Events
Torre Di Bellosguardo Hotel(Florence) Corporate retreats and events are more than a luxury, they are a necessity for teams looking to rejuvenate, reconnect and rethink strategy. The following venues are the best choices for planners seeking a corporate retreat or group getaway that transcends the ordinary and inspires innovation, away from the confines of the traditional meeting room. Torre Di Bellosguardo Hotel(Florence) An elegant space perfect for groups. In the rolling hills of Florence, the capital of Tuscany, brainstorming sessions can be held under century-old olive trees, or strategy meetings can be held in elegant libraries with sweeping views. Torre di Bellosguardoevent spaces also include a luxurious salon decorated with Renaissance art and a tranquil outdoor terrace. The event team is ready to tailor an event to suit your goals, whether it is a guided meditation class to cultivate mindfulness, a wine tasting workshop that combines education with entertainment, or a culinary challenge led by the professional chefs from the…
Florida Keys
Enjoy a beach picnic at Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club, Curio Collection by Hilton. The Florida Keys are located at the southern tip of mainland Florida, where U.S. Highway 1 ends and merges into the Overseas Highway. Stretching 125 miles across the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay, the Keys are a stepping stone to an unforgettable destination. Though they are located south of Florida’s oldest communities, St. Augustine and Pensacola, they are just as old. Spanish galleons in the 16th and 17th centuries sailed between the islands, making Key West a bustling commercial center in the Caribbean, centuries before the first cruise ship. Today, conference and incentive groups can enjoy a wide variety of accommodations, from rustic Key West to ultra-luxury, while activities range from ocean-like water sports. Flamingo Inn and Restaurant Eco tents at Flamingo Lodge. In the Everglades National Park, a new 75-seat standalone restaurant opened in a 24-unit Flamingo Inn and Restaurantwhich will launch in fall…
Industry Professionals
Everything is moving forward for these industry professionals, who take on new roles and continue to shape the hospitality experience for the meetings and incentive travel community, bringing revolutionary changes to hotels and resorts around the world. Mac McLeod, Hilton Portland Downtown and The Duniway Hilton Portland Downtown and Duniway announced the appointment of Mike McLeod as general manager. Located in downtown Portland, near the Portland Art Museum, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, and Pioneer Courthouse Square, McLeod will oversee the 782-room Hilton Complex It features more than 47,700 square feet of meeting and event space and three restaurants. With a career spanning more than 40 years in the hospitality industry, McLeod brings experience and demonstrable accomplishments to his most recent position. He initially joined the Hilton Portland and Duniway Hotel (formerly Hilton Executive Tower) as Director of Sales and Marketing from 2004 to 2007. He also served as DoubleTree by Hilton Spokane Downtown and Hilton Vancouver Washingtonplayed a key role…
MPI Conference Outlook
Recently released Second quarter of 2024 version MPI Conference Outlook revealed three main factors that influence the success of recent meetings and events: destination appeal, networking opportunities, and spontaneous conversations. While in-person meetings continue to thrive, that momentum has slowed to a slower but more stable pace post-pandemic, according to second-quarter earnings reports. Conference Outlooka compilation of research compiled by Meeting Planners International (MPI). Expectations for a favorable business environment in the year ahead also fell slightly as the pace of meetings slowed, while there were reports of full-time hiring stagnating and a majority of people believed it was still a seller's market. But is this bad news or market normalization? The report believes it is the latter, as the survey results are closer to the situation before the outbreak. The good side Meanwhile, respondents cited the report’s highlights – destination appeal, social hospitality and impromptu conversations – as the top three factors that contribute to successful meetings. When it…
Conference Center
The Savannah Convention Center is located on the banks of the historic Savannah River. Convention centers across the country are constantly improving, upgrading to keep up with technology and facilities, expanding to attract more groups and city visitors, or increasing their visibility to stay competitive in the market. Here are some of them. Savannah Convention Center this Savannah Convention Center Currently undergoing a massive renovation project that will double its size, the $276 million expansion will double the exhibit space available for events to 200,000 square feet, add a 40,000 square foot ballroom, 15 new meeting rooms, a 58-foot-wide hangar door, and a new parking garage with 900 parking spaces. The expansion underscores the Savannah Convention Center’s commitment to providing guests with unparalleled amenities and services, further enhancing its reputation as a premier destination for events of all sizes. The SCC is Georgia's first LEED Gold-certified convention center and has been managed by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority since…
Team Building Activities
Bull riding at Hyatt Hill Country Resort & Spa is part of the “Rodeo Olympics” program. Team building has many uses for team meetings, one of which is that it gives management and team members a chance to see their colleagues in a new light and take on different roles—roles they may excel in. Here are some ideas for bringing those new perspectives to life. Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa Everybody wears cowboy hats. Located just 20 minutes from downtown San Antonio in the Texas Hill Country, Hyatt Hill Country Resort & Spa and Southbound DMCspecializes in serving meetings and events in Texas and helps resort teams plan one-of-a-kind team-building activities to suit each group’s preferences. In this Olympic year, look Rodeo Olympics Programs include team roping (participants use lassoes and life-size replicas of calves to learn basic roping and rodeo techniques) and armadillo racing (which allows groups to get up close and personal with one of Texas'…
American Hotels and Resorts: Present and Future
The lobby of the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa. From the Pacific to the Atlantic, hotels and resorts across the country are undergoing stunning, multimillion-dollar renovations to enrich experiences for groups during and after meetings and events. Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa Kaleiopapa Conference Center at the Outrigger Hotel. $60 million renovation Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa Now complete, the 22-acre resort is ready to welcome guests to Keauhou, a name that means "a new era." Perched on the cliffs of Keauhou Bay with stunning ocean views of the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, the revitalized resort features 511 newly renovated guest rooms/suites and meeting spaces that skillfully blend the resort's rich heritage and reverence for sailing with a modern aesthetic. Kaleopapa Conference Center It has also been improved, solidifying its status as a premier event venue with more than 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. During downtime, groups can relax in upgraded lounge chairs…
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