Two Hotels in Mankato – Meetings + Events
Aerial view of Mankato || Photo by Jacob, courtesy of AdobeTwo new hotels are about to open The project is headed to downtown Mankato after the Mankato City Council approved it in mid-October. Both the City Center Hotel and the Landmark Center Hotel have been demolished to make way for hotels that will be built on them under the brand names Element by Westin and AC Hotel by Marriott. Construction has begun and both hotels are scheduled to open in 2026. ac-hotels.marriott.comelementhotel.marriott.com
Terratron acquires dual-brand Rochester Marriott and Hilton hotels
The Homewood Suites by Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area/St. Mary's is one of two adjacent hotels purchased by Terratron Inc. Courtesy Hilton Hotels & ResortsTerratron Inc. has made its first foray into Rochester with the purchase of a dual-branded hotel property on Southwest Second Street for $29.5 million. The company, which is headquartered in Park City, Utah but has hotels in Bloomington and Mankato, purchased the adjoining Homewood Suites by Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area/St. Mary's and Rochester Mayo Clinic Area/St. Mary's Van Yi Hotel and related parking lots.Located across Second Street Southwest from Mayo Clinic's Saint Mary's campus, these 225-room hotels feature the popular Saints on Second Bar and Grill. The acquisition marks Terratron's first Rochester hotel investment. Terratron made the acquisition through its Mankato office.“We have had our eye on Rochester for some time,” Terratron President David Peters said in a prepared statement. "There's definitely an enduring demand generator at Mayo Clinic, St. Mary's Hospital and Destination Medical…
Belfry Hotels & Resorts’ female leaders honored
Kirsten Price Director of Human Resources Women are leading the way at Campanile Hotels & Resorts in the Midlands, with four of its senior leadership team receiving prestigious awards across various departments within the resort. Each woman was praised for her profound impact on their respective industries, demonstrating the fundamental importance of female leaders in the hospitality industry.Emma Cattrall Finance DirectorEmma Catterall, finance director at The Belfry, has won the Inspiring Financial Leader of the Year award at the prestigious 2024 HOSPA Awards. The award is praised for her outstanding leadership and significant impact, setting the benchmark for excellence and recognizing Emma's ability to navigate complex situations. Address financial challenges with integrity and vision, drive sustainable growth, inspire colleagues and contribute to the organization. Contribute to your overall success and resilience.Emma said of her win: "I'm absolutely delighted to have won this award and to rub shoulders with so many brilliant peers in finance and the wider hospitality industry. I'm…
Smart Moves at the Anaheim Hilton, INNOV8 Meetings + Events, and
Listen to audio Martin Mattix Mardeen Mattix, San Diego Convention Center San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) appointed Mattix as its deputy chief executive officer and chief financial officer. Mattix joined the SDCC team in 1998 and has served as Chief Financial Officer since 2018. She has been an integral part of SDCC through moments of change, including transforming the building into an emergency shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic. As CFO, she successfully implemented new sales strategies to attract high-value events, delivering impactful economic growth to San Diego. As SDCC enters 2025 (the center will celebrate its 35th anniversary), Mattix's responsibilities will expand and she will provide strategic direction, drive business initiatives, manage financial operations and oversee day-to-day operations.th anniversary, its events are expected to generate an estimated $1.7 billion in regional economic impact and $40.2 million in tax revenue for the city. justin underwood Justin Underwood, Anaheim Hilton Anaheim Hilton Hotel Named Underwood Director of Hotel Operations. He brings nearly…
AustinPlace Hotels Prepare for Convention Center Closure
Corner Restaurant Austin party inside the JW Marriott Austin ||Courtesy of the JW Marriott AustinWith the spring 2025 closure of the Austin Convention Center looming, planners will soon need options for other hosting venues in the capital. With a total of 220,000 square feet of Austin meeting space spread across 10 downtown hotels, the AustinPlace Hotel Collection offers an option worth considering. The collection, managed by Indiana-based hotel company White Lodging, is undergoing major renovations at the Westin Austin Downtown and the JW Marriott Austin, with its newest hotel, the Trinity Hotel, Autograph Collection, now under construction and expected to open in 2026. Opened in year.The Westin Austin Downtown is in the final months of a major renovation that includes all meeting rooms, pre-function areas and guest rooms. The hotel lobby will also be renovated later next year, including a renovated first-floor restaurant. The JW Marriott Austin is making similar changes to guest rooms and meeting spaces, as well as…
DC Hotels Elevate – Meetings + Events
Salamander Washington DC Suite Living Room ||Courtesy of Salamander Washington DCTwo Washington, D.C., hotels with meeting and event spaces underwent renovations this year. Salamander Washington DC renovated its lobby and lobby bar as well as guest suites, all designed by Thomas Pheasant, to reflect a bright aesthetic and warm elements. A luxurious two-story spa is currently being renovated, and a new West African-style restaurant, Dōgon by Kwame Onwuachi, opened at the hotel in early September. salamanderdc.comThe Westin Georgetown in Washington, D.C., just steps away from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, has been remodeled with cool colors throughout the hotel, a refreshed European-style courtyard, and a greater focus on health and wellness. Wellness-focused amenities include Peloton Suites with in-room Peloton bikes for those who prefer a private workout; a local RunWestin program where guests can run with a concierge who knows the best running routes in Washington, D.C.; every guest room All feature Westin Heavenly Beds equipped with cooling technology,…
How to Find Gen Z-Friendly Hotels
From lobbies and public spaces to dining and guest rooms, hotels are being renovated to appeal to Gen Z travelers. Here are some Gen Z-friendly hotel trends to watch. Just as meeting and event organizers are adapting their programs to be more attractive to the latest generation of the workforce, hotels are creating environments designed to meet Gen Z’s preferences for social interaction, digital connectivity, unique experiences and affordable accommodations. So, what makes a hotel suitable for Gen Z? Look for versatile public spaces that transition easily from coffee to cocktails (or mocktails), game rooms and playgrounds, digital sign-ups, locally sourced furniture and decor that reflect the community, and water feature backdrops that provide both ambience and sound deadening Noise and high-altitude hangouts such as rooftop bars and unique top-floor lounges. Some feature vintage furniture to create a lived-in feel, while others feature quirky, tech-focused décor. Many bring in natural light and city views through floor-to-ceiling windows and implement colorful,…
Next steps: further AI innovation and 3D printed hotels –
Rebecca Essess As 2024 slowly draws to a close, it’s time to look ahead to what’s ahead for the hospitality industry in the coming year. While sustainability, luxury and wellness remain key priorities on planners’ minds, exciting new technological developments are emerging that have the potential to further reshape the industry. Artificial intelligence enhances wine experience BetterAI launches VinoVoss, an AI sommelier that delivers highly personalized wine recommendations, revolutionizing the way we discover and enjoy wine. Available on both web and app platforms, VinoVoss uses advanced artificial intelligence and natural language processing to adapt to users' unique tastes, making wine selection easy for everyone from beginners to connoisseurs. The app's intuitive features allow users to search by grape, region, food pairing or mood, with sommelier Smart Somm answering questions like "What red wine goes well with steak?" This innovation is not only designed to make wine selection smoother and more efficient, but also to enhance the overall wine experience that…
Four Diamond Hotels and More
True luxury, style and sophistication effortlessly blend together to create an unparalleled, unforgettable hotel experience in Bethlehem, PA. Details determine success or failure. Special touches are evident from the moment guests enter the soaring, elegant lobby to the glass-enclosed indoor pool with terrace, lounge seating and panoramic views.Wind Creek Bethlehem is a AAA Four Diamond Award-winning hotel with 552 luxurious guest rooms and 50 suites, free self-parking, free Wi-Fi, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a luxury spa.Everything under one roofGather, dine, play and relax at the Northeast's premier resort with amenities to take your event beyond the conference agenda. Wind Creek Bethlehem offers five dining options, from classic steakhouses to contemporary fare. Action-packed games include slot machine games and table games. The on-site spa at Wind Creek offers luxurious treatments and amenities including a sauna, steam room, mud room, co-ed lounge with fireplace, relaxation pool and more.The adjacent Wind Creek Outlets feature a range of high-end apparel and accessories brands,…
InterContinental Hotels Group operates across the Middle East and Asia
InterContinental Hotels Group Hotels & Resorts InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announced the signing of Vignette Collection, Union Han, and Istanbul Karakoy, marking the brand’s first arrival in Türkiye. The converted hotel, owned by Cortex Turizm, will become the city's 16th IHG hotel once it opens in the second half of 2025. Rendering of Vignette Collection, Union Han, Karakoy, Istanbul. Vignette Collection, Union Han, Karakoy, Istanbul It represents the continuation of IHG's growth momentum in Turkey, bringing the total number of hotels opened and signed in the country to 45. Latest signing also joins growing portfolio Vignette collection InterContinental Hotels Group has nearly 900 hotels worldwide and plans to increase its number to 100 within 10 years, further consolidating IHG's luxury and lifestyle portfolio and becoming one of the largest hotel groups in the world. Housed in the historic Tutun Han building, the hotel features 51 unique, stylish rooms, a full-time artisan bakery and specialty gourmet restaurant, as well as premium…
IHG Hotels & Resorts Winter Chalet Experience Returns
IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the relaunch of the Winter Chalet Experience in late October, which includes Chalet Days and a host of seasonal programming and activities that meeting planners can take advantage of. The issuance is valid from November 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025.“At IHG, we have always believed that the magic of the holidays is in bringing people together,” Vicki Poulos, IHG’s head of luxury and lifestyle brands in the Americas and global Kimpton brand, said in a prepared statement. “Whether it’s a gathering of family, friends, or newfound connections, our intimate spaces are designed to create those meaningful moments that bring the season to life through carefully curated, experiential programming.”InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Exterior ||Photography: Elesi, courtesy of AdobeNotable specific meeting and event services include Winter Chalet meeting space takeovers, available at hotels such as the Kimpton Hotel Palomar in Philadelphia, PA and the InterContinental Magnificent Mile in Chicago, IL. These envelope gathering spaces feature comfortable…
Discover Inclusive Vacations at Premium Hotels: Your Ultimate Experience
For the first time, Premier Hotels is offering all-inclusive accommodation packages at five stunning resorts, offering business travelers and leisure guests an unparalleled experience. These packages are designed to take the hassle out of planning, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in relaxation and adventure, with all the essentials covered.Why all-inclusive accommodation is popularAll-inclusive packages are becoming increasingly popular because of the convenience and peace of mind they offer. With accommodation, dining and select activities all bundled into one price, travelers can enjoy a stress-free experience without having to worry about budgeting for additional expenses. Whether you're a business traveler looking for a seamless experience between meetings, or a family looking to focus on fun and relaxation, the all-inclusive model has something for everyone.For enterprise customers, this model offers a great opportunity to blend business and pleasure. With everything available on-site, your team can focus on brainstorming during the day while enjoying a relaxing environment in the evenings. Leisure travelers,…
A new hotel development is underway nearby, and for many
Chicago - Hotel/Convention Center Complex Report, presented by trade show director Published in the November issue, it details convention centers in North America that have hotels within a block, as well as integrated facilities that offer hotel rooms and exhibit space within the venue. The 2024 edition of the report lists 313 complexes and highlights upcoming hotels. One such development is the Courtyard Conference Center, located across from the Fresno, Calif. Convention and Entertainment Center, with 144 rooms and 3,600 square feet (sf) of event space. The hotel is expected to open next month. The Gaylord Pacific Resort & Conference Center on the shores of Chula Vista, California will welcome guests in spring 2025. The all-inclusive hotel has 1,600 guest rooms, 140,049 square feet of primary exhibition space and 52,302 square feet of meeting space. One venue will be able to host both exhibitions and attendees. The Omni Fort Lauderdale is scheduled to first open in the fourth quarter of…
Omni Hotels & Resorts to open new hotel in Mexico
Meeting planners, get ready for this game-changing venue in Mexico. Omni Hotels & Resorts Expanding meetings and incentives events in Mexico Omni Puntoc Resort Punta Mitaits first luxury resort in the country. Set to open in late 2026, the oceanfront resort will offer more than 27,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including a 6,000-square-foot ballroom, open-air pavilion, multiple event lawns and dedicated meeting rooms, all with ocean views. "As our first hotel in Mexico, the development of Omni Pontoque marks a particularly exciting milestone in our company's history," said Kurt Alexander, president of Omni Hotels & Resorts, in a press statement "We believe the joy of travel is rooted in an authentic connection to a place, and we're excited to celebrate Mexico's rich culture with our guests and introduce them to unique experiences that Omni has never offered." Omni Pontoque promises an unparalleled experience for both business and leisure guests. Meeting planners can look forward to flexible spaces…
Ongoing hotel, Boeing strikes: What planners need to do
Listen to audio there is always somethingas Gilda Radner often complained when she played Roseanne Roseannadanna on "Saturday Night Live." Meeting a professional can create empathy. In recent weeks, the "something" has been strikes by workers in hotels and airplanes, two industries that rely heavily on successful events. briefing Thousands more hotel workers across the United States went on strike this week as talks between the United Here union and major hotel companies over pandemic cuts and pay increases remain deadlocked. As many as 40,000 hotel workers could go on strike by the end of the year, affecting as many as 22 North American cities. About 33,000 Boeing mechanics went on strike in mid-September after the company's initial proposal was firmly rejected by union members. The strike halted production of Boeing's best-selling 737 Max near Seattle, as well as 777 jetliners and a freighter. Hotel Strike: What to Know The latest strikers, including waiters, waiters, housekeepers and cooks, walked off…
aha Hotels & Lodges expands its portfolio with the opening of the luxurious Skukuza hotel
aha Hotels & Lodges is delighted to announce the management of Skukuza Safari Lodge, a prestigious property located in the heart of the iconic Kruger National Park. The lodge will officially reopen this month, promising visitors an unrivalled safari experience, combining luxury and adventure in one of South Africa’s most precious natural environments.A luxurious paradise in the wildernessSkukuza Safari Lodge has 128 elegantly designed rooms, including 11 family rooms and 8 luxury suites, ensuring comfort and refinement for a safari stay. Guests can relax in the lodge's bar, gymnasium and swimming pool, or dine in the restaurant, which offers both à la carte and buffet menus.For business travellers, the hotel offers the Mondzo meeting room, ideal for intimate gatherings, while the newly refurbished Nombolo Mdhluli Conference Centre can accommodate up to 600 delegates, making it an ideal venue for large corporate events and conferences. The conference centre is equipped with cutting-edge technology to ensure your event is executed flawlessly.A custom…
San Diego’s Top Convention Hotels
San Diego’s Town and Country Resort, with its unique retro design and recently completed a $100 million renovation, has been named one of the “Top 250 Conference Hotels in North America” by Cvent. It was also recently voted “Best Resort in San Diego” by readers of San Diego Magazine. These prestigious accolades underscore the resort’s appeal as a premier destination for both business and leisure – seamlessly blending productivity with play.Convenient and versatileTown and Country Resort is centrally located in San Diego, just 6.5 miles from the airport and minutes from the downtown convention center, the city's top beaches, and popular attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, and Balboa Park. San Diego International Airport offers direct flights from more than 80 destinations, including Atlanta, Georgia, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Chicago, Illinois, Seattle, Washington, Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte, North Carolina, Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., ensuring that all attendees can easily and conveniently reach the resort, making it…
New Hotels Near Harbor Springs
Port Otis Hotel and Spa || Photo credit: Petoskey Area Visitors BureauPort Otis Hot Springs The hotel recently opened in the former Birchwood Inn building located along Michigan's famous Interstate 119 tree tunnel.General Manager Kamron Bijeh-Apple said the hotel's design was inspired by boutique hotels in upstate New York. New York, California, and the Southwest, decorated with He described it as a “celebration of mid-century design.” The Otis will open with 31 rooms and will be expanded in the coming years to include additional accommodations and meeting areas.“The idea behind this property is to allow people to reset their mindset, get away from it all and enjoy nature and the environment,” Bijeh-Apple said.otisharborsprings.com
ANEW Hotels: Hospitality experts lead with a personal touch
Tenielle Pienaar's involvement in the hospitality industry was accidental. Tenielle originally planned to work as a nanny in the United States after graduating from high school, but after a 10-minute conversation with her mother, she changed her mind.During the discussion, she revealed that she was a year too young to take care of herself and her mother rejected the option of "doing nothing" for a year. In those 10 minutes, she decided to study International Hotel Management at University College as her mother encouraged her to choose any course from the brochure she gave her. Little did she know at the time, this impromptu decision would not only allow her to enjoy a year at University College, but also mark the beginning of her career in the hospitality industry.Her career took a turn when she moved to the United States to work as a nanny, but she later returned to manage one of the largest hunting companies in Hluhluwe. After…
ANEW Hotels: Hospitality experts lead with a personal touch
Tenielle Pienaar's involvement in the hospitality industry was accidental. Tenielle originally planned to work as a nanny in the United States after graduating from high school, but after a 10-minute conversation with her mother, she changed her mind.During the discussion, she revealed that she was a year too young to take care of herself and her mother rejected the option of "doing nothing" for a year. In those 10 minutes, she decided to study International Hotel Management at University College as her mother encouraged her to choose any course from the brochure she gave her. Little did she know at the time, this impromptu decision would not only allow her to enjoy a year at University College, but also mark the beginning of her career in the hospitality industry.Her career took a turn when she moved to the United States to work as a nanny, but she later returned to manage one of the largest hunting companies in Hluhluwe. After…
Smart travel: the latest Michelin hotels, Google Wallet
Listen to Audio Welcome to Smart Travel, our weekly column where we share our latest tips and tricks to keep you up to date on the can't-miss news in travel. Today we're reviewing Michelin's latest hotel picks, fuming over Delta's latest financial report, packing up our brooms, checking out a new "wicked" experience, and more. Michelin announces new top hotel recommendations for the U.S., Canada and Mexico Michelin announced its U.S. hotel rankings on Thursday, along with new lists for Canada and Mexico. Introducing a new hotel rating system that replaces its famous "stars" with "keys," Michelin has now named Sage Lodge (Montana), Amangiri (Utah), Canyon Tucson Ranch (Arizona), Little Palm Island Resort & Spa (Florida) and Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort (Hawaii) as the top three key accommodations in the U.S. Another 36 U.S. hotels were rated "Excellent," achieving two key ratings. Canada's Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland and Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge on Vancouver Island were named top hotels,…
These West Coast hotels offer unique meeting spaces
Whether it’s a corporate retreat, incentive meeting or creative team-building workshop, these West Coast hotels have the charm and character to go beyond the standard meeting space environment. Juniper Reserve in Bend, Oregon Located on 20,000 acres of federally protected land, Juniper Reserve Oregon combines nature and health with authentic Meeting Venues For planners seeking an exceptional space and ideal team-building environment. Fireside is a small group venue at Juniper Preserve (photo courtesy of Juniper Preserve). Its outstanding features are Lava Tube Siteone of the only public lava tubes in Deschutes County. Guests can enjoy a farm-to-table menu and crafted cocktails in this unique underground natural space. Another onsite location is the 7,000-square-foot Activity Island With panoramic views of the golf course and Cascade Mountains, it can accommodate up to 250 guests. Activity lawnaccommodating an additional 250 attendees, the venue offers ample space for large gatherings. Juniper Preserve’s indoor venues offer space for a variety of uses, e.g. Chanterellesthe largest…
Hilton Hotels reaches 8,000
Entry into global markets, advancements in Hilton’s lifestyle portfolio and hotels joining the Small Luxury Hotels of the World alliance have all contributed to Hilton’s growth trajectory. More than two years after opening its 7,000th hotel, Hilton With more than 8,000 hotels worldwide, Hilton is opening up hundreds of new ways for guests and owners to benefit from the company's vast network, including NoMad, Graduate Hotels, Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Autocamp, to join its portfolio. “It was an important year for Hilton as we formed strategic partnerships and made acquisitions, as well as continued organic growth across our existing brands," Kevin Jacobs, chief financial officer and president of global development, said in a press statement. "The Hilton network ... continues to be an engine of opportunity for guests, owners, team members and communities. We are excited about the growth opportunities ahead and our ability to spread the light and warmth of hospitality to every corner of the…
Ham Court Hotel, Firmdale Hotels
Exhibition room: 1 Ham Yard, Soho, London W1D 7DT United Kingdom View mapSite area: 10,000 square meters Country region: Europe United Kingdom Ham Court Hotel, Firmdale Hotels is located in the vibrantSohocenter,Ham yardThe hotel is the company's most ambitious project to date. The hotel is centered around a unique tree-lined pedestrian street with a Tony·Kragg(Tony Cragg)sculpture,13The property houses a separate boutique, an airy restaurant and a bar with alfresco dining areas. There is also a luxurious lounge, a library and an orangery, and the hotel has a spa, a190theater of seats, and an original50The bowling alleys were imported from Texas in the 1990s. Plus, there's a lush rooftop garden with stunning views of the London skyline. Exhibition Calendar all October 2024 November 2024 December 2024 January 2025 February 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 SO next year
New Hotels in the South and Southwest
The 12th hole at Black Desert Resort is set to open in the first quarter of 2025. The beauty of new and renovated hotels in the South and Southwest is as varied as the climate. Tee off amid ancient black lava fields or relax in the tropical sun. For gatherings and meetings, some locations offer great outdoor settings year-round, while top-notch indoor venues are equipped with the latest event technology. See what's new waiting for your team: Black Desert Resort, Utah A rendering of the Black Desert Resort lounge. The much-anticipated $2 billion Black Desert Resort Expected to be the largest resort in Utah at more than 600 acres, Black Desert Resort will feature a Resort Center, Golf Village and Family Village, all of which will be fully completed in the first quarter of 2025. The Resort Center will open in the fall and will be close to Snow Canyon, Angels Landing and other nearby state parks in the Greater…
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…
Newly renovated: Summer meetings mean sunshine
Listen to Audio Get healthy and happy with these summer grand opening events It’s summer time. It’s the time for beaches, sun, and lemonade. How can you incorporate the cheerful, relaxed vibe of summer into your meetings and events? These new and renovated hotels in South Florida, Santa Barbara and Spain are the answer, each with its own unique way of highlighting sunny destinations, optimizing wellness and creating the perfect atmosphere for connection. Waterside Health Amrit Ocean Resort South Florida's newest oceanfront luxury wellness resort, Amrit Ocean Resortis committed to incorporating its wellness philosophy and programs into meetings and events. The resort is located on seven acres on Singer Island, just 20 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport and less than 20 minutes from the West Palm Beach Brightline Station. Upon arrival, guests will be surrounded by sand dunes and wildlife sanctuaries; when they leave, they will have a new understanding of the five pillars of wellness: mindfulness, nutrition, fitness,…
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