Sakalis is executive chef for Fairmont Vancouver Airport’s Globe@YVR Restaurant and Jetside Lounge. Sakalis arrived in Canada from Thessaloniki, Greece, in 2016, at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Alberta as executive chef, his most recent role. He has also worked as executive chef for Fairmont Southampton in Bermuda and Rosewood Abu Dhabi as chef de cuisine.
Adam Middleton
Fairmont Waterfront’s ARC Restaurant + Bar in Vancouver, British Columbia, named Middleton executive restaurant chef. Middleton comes from Nemesis Coffee in Vancouver, where he worked as executive chef and partner for the last two years. Before this, Middleton worked in the United Kingdom with Wolseley Hospitality Group, where he worked as head chef of several of its venues, Bellanger, The Delauney and Colbert.
Savanna Brodar
Brodar has been named executive pastry chef for The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection, Charlotte in North Carolina. Brodar previously worked as pastry chef at Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel in Charlotte. Before this, she was executive pastry chef for The Grand Bohemian Hotel, also in Charlotte.
Marc Boussarie
Boussarie is executive chef for Snow King Resort in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Boussarie most recently worked as executive chef with The Whistling Grizzly at The Wyoming Inn, as well as Wort Hotel in the same role. Before working in Wyoming, Boussarie worked in California for 21 years, at dining locations such as Public School Restaurant + Bar, where he was corporate chef.
Anthony Fantaroni
Fantaroni is director of food and beverage for Greyfinch Chatham Inn’s sister restaurant The Wild Goose Tavern in Massachusetts. Fantaroni most recently worked as assistant director of food and beverage for Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club in Brewster, Massachusetts. He also worked as general manager for British Beer Company in Framingham, Massachusetts and operations manager for Tavern On The Wharf in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Before this new venture, Nygren worked as director of food and beverage for Gila River Resort & Casino in Chandler, Arizona. He has also worked with Marriott International, working with properties such as Miami’s Marriott Biscayne Bay as director of operations and Los Angeles Airport Marriott as director of food and beverage.
This new position serves as a promotion for Panelli. She has worked in several F&B positions since joining JW Marriott Scottsdale, including pastry cook and assistant sous chef.
Jeremy Degras
Degras has been promoted to executive chef for Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz, Switzerland. He previously worked as executive sous chef. Before this, Degras worked in France, as Michelin-starred restaurants such as Restaurant La Rotonde and Restaurant Le Quartier Gourmand, as chef de partie and executive chef, respectively. Before Badrutt’s Palace, Degras worked as executive sous chef for The Ritz-Carlton Ras al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates.
How the meetings industry is celebrating #GMID2023
Destinations across the United States are showing just how much #meetingsmatter. This year marks the sixth annual Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID), hosted by U.S. Travel Association and Meeting Professionals International (MPI), where meeting professionals display their appreciation for the industry that brings us all together.
“Professional meetings are critical to the success of other industries like manufacturing, education and healthcare, bringing together decision makers across the public and private sectors,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of U.S. Travel Association. “When you think about it, there is practically no industry sector that doesn’t rely on professional travel to advance its business or goals.”
In fact, a survey by J.D. Power and Tourism Economics found that 81% percent of business executives see business travel as vital to their operations. It’s so vital that it’s worth celebrating, read below see ways meeting profs are doing just that.
Meeting Professionals International
MPI is having a 12-hour broadcast from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT (see here). The broadcast features industry leaders, including Paul VanDeventer, CEO of MPI; Julie Coker, president and CEO of San Diego Tourism Authority; and Michelle Allegauer, senior vice president of Financial Services Institute.
Its chapters are holding individual in-person events, as well. PCMA Southeast partnered with MPI’s Carolinas Chapter to hold an event at Bank of American Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The event consists of three education sessions, a legislative session by North Carolina Travel Industry Association, where state politics and its effects on the meetings industry were discussed; a forecast on the future of meetings by Michael Dominguez, president and CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International; and an interactive panel session on how to effectively partners with hotels, CVBs and other vendors.
Las Vegas
Over the course of four days, March 21, 22, 24 and 30, hotel brands Caesars Entertainment, The Venetian and MGM Resorts, and Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), partnered with local charities to host community service events in Southern Nevada.
On March 21, the Las Vegas Caesars team met at Drai’s Beach Club at The Cromwell with Communities in Schools (CIS) of Nevada to assemble hygiene kits for those who have a tough time acquiring such items. CIS of Nevada is a national program that works with organizations across the U.S. to address and supports students’ basic needs to be successful.
On March 22, The Venetian organized a food donation to Hero School, City Impact Las Vegas, Las Vegas Rescue Mission and New Day Adult Care. On March 24, LVCVA partnered with Three Square to assemble backpacks for Clark County School District students. Today, MGM Resorts met with Catholic Charities, an organization that provides food, shelter and housing, at Mandalay Bay Convention Center to assemble hygiene kits.
PCMA
PCMA chapter events across the U.S. are taking place, via networking events and presentations from industry professionals.
The PCMA Capital Chapter, which includes Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., came together at Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center for a State of the Industry discussion with eight panelists, including Mary Kreins, president of the PCMA Capital Chapter; Tommy Goodwin, vice president of government affairs for Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance; and Eric Johnston III, director of federal government affairs for Marriott International.
PCMA New England and MPI New England came together in Greater Boston at Encore Boston Harbor, A Wynn Resort. The day involved a sponsor showcase; educational presentation by Kyle Jordan, director of meetings for Informs; and a networking reception.
Greater Philadelphia Chapter held an event titled Meetings Matter: Trends and Tactics. The event included a variety of speakers, including Gregg Caren, president and CEO for Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau and Lee-Jung Kim, service design experience lead for Pfizer Biopharma Group, and two panels that discussed the current trends in the meeting industry and why meetings matter and solutions for current challenges.
New Orleans & Company hosted an interactive panel discussion at Hyatt Regency New Orleans’ Empire Ballroom. Panelists included are Sherif Karamat, president and CEO of PCMA; Lauren Parr, senior vice president of meetings and learning for American Geophysicak Union; and Ryan E. Tucker, deputy executive director for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
More details on New Orleans & Company’s celebration here.
Visit Atlantic City
Visit Atlantic City celebrated GMID by highlighting local business and the impact of meetings on the local economy. In 2022, Atlantic City hosted 209 events, resulting in $300 million in economic impact.
“Last year was an impressive year for in-person meetings and conventions in Atlantic City, and this year is projected to be even better,” said Visit Atlantic City resident and CEO, Larry Sieg, in a press release. “In the first quarter of 2023 alone, we hosted 18 events that have resulted in an economic impact of $62,663,443.
“Atlantic City’s meeting and events industry is a key economic driver that increases visitation into our community and delivers commerce to our local small businesses. We plan on supporting local businesses as much as we can with our ongoing support of in person events, meetings and conventions.”
According to a release, meetings in Atlantic City made up 38% of all business travel in 2022, and that number is expected to grow.
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
Visit Myrtle Beach Meeting Planner Appreciation Day event
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) team came together to celebrate and highlight the value of in-person meetings, including its impacts on the local economy.
“Meetings and events account for a significant economic impact to our local economy,” said Karen Riordan, MBACC and CVB president and CEO. “That’s one of the reasons why this year’s Global Meetings Industry Day is so important. It’s an opportunity for us to let meeting and event planners know that The Beach is ready to host their attendees.”
As part of GMID, Myrtle Beach CVB is providing meeting planners is providing planners in areas like Richmond, Virginia and Atlanta with a Day of Appreciation.
San Francisco Travel Association
San Francisco’s travel industry leaders gathered in New York for the opening day of the 2023 Major League Baseball season, which featured a game between the San Francisco Giants and the New York Yankees.
Hosted by the Giants, SF Travel and Hotel Nikko San Francisco, the event brought nearly 100 clients from across the Northwest who hold business meetings in San Francisco.
Hilton Hotels
Hilton Hotels held a contest where organizations shared stories (up to 250 words or a 30-second video) of a memorable time when people came together and it reminded them of the importance of meetings.
The grand prize winner will receive 1 million Hilton Honors Points, and $500 to be used for an industry conference or education course. The second place winner will win a Nespresso machine, Hilton beach towel and Hilton tumbler cup. Third place will receive a Hilton Beach towel and Hilton tumbler cup.
NYC & Company Rebrands, Adds ‘Conventions’ to Name
NYC & Company, the CVB for Gotham has rebranded as New York City Tourism + Conventions, adding the “conventions” to hit home the value the city has for meeting planners.
CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions, Fred Dixon, debuted the name and rebrand on March 28 along with the debut of a social campaign, #whatsgoodnyc, allowing New Yorkers to share their POV on “what’s good” in NYC.
“The introduction of our new name and brand system marks a significant moment for our organization,” Dixon said. “Our new brand captures the essence of New York City in its entirety: an ever-expansive destination that offers diverse and authentic experiences that enrich the traveler and benefit all New Yorkers. This shift strategically positions us to continue leading the City’s nearly $65 billion tourism economy. It makes clear our purpose and mission as the official tourism organization for one of the world’s greatest destinations—our commitment to New York City has never been greater.”
“We are excited about this brand evolution and for the organization’s continued stewardship of New York City’s tourism industry,” said Charles Flateman, New York City Tourism + Conventions board chair and executive vice president of The Shubert Organization. “The creation of this new brand system was informed and supported by dozens of organizations and hundreds of individuals from the tourism industry including members and visitors alike. We look forward to working with all our partners and stakeholders to further the work of connecting local businesses, visitors and residents, and spreading the benefits of tourism across all five boroughs.”
Sharing the Message
The organization’s website, nyctourism.com debuts in May. New social media handles @nyctourism and @nyctourismnews will launch across Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn encouraging New Yorkers and meetings attendees to share using the hashtag #WhatsGoodNYC.
In their announcement, the organization said that New York City’s economic recovery continued in 2022 with over 56 million travelers arriving in the City—a 72.5% increase over 2021. The City saw 9.4 million international travelers visit the five boroughs—more than triple the number in 2021. The City also hosted over 4 million business travelers signaling the return of this important segment. This activity marks the return of 85% of the City’s record 2019 visitation levels. The City remains on track to welcome 63.3 million visitors in 2023. The pace of tourism’s rebound helps fuel New York City’s economic recovery having supported approximately 340,000 jobs in the full leisure and hospitality sector, more than $40 billion in direct visitor spending and approximately $60 billion in total economic impact for 2022.
NYC and Global Meetings Industry Day
In a separate announcement on Global Meetings Industry Day, Jerry Cito, executive vice president, Convention Development, New York City Tourism + Conventions, said:
“New York City Tourism + Conventions is proud to support the Meetings Mean Business Coalition on the eighth annual Global Meetings Industry Day on March 30, 2023. Today and every day, we join our industry colleagues in celebrating the power of face-to-face meetings, conventions and business events, and the significant impact they have on our tourism and hospitality sector and local economies around the country.
In New York City, there is much to be excited about, with over $20 billion in investment across our airports; 127,000 hotel rooms in active inventory; a newly expanded and renovated Javits Center; and world-class ‘only-in-NYC’ experiences across Broadway, dining, arts and culture, entertainment, retail and more. We look forward to continuing our work with business event professionals and welcoming delegates from around the world this year and beyond.”
Meeting Planners Takeaway
New York City Tourism + Conventions morphing out of NYC&Co. is clear evidence that the Big Apple is hungry for meetings (and conventions) again. Financial incentives may be something to look forward to as the city pushes to put itself back on meeting planners’ maps.
It is only fitting that Global Meetings Industry Day and New Orleans Entrepreneur Week coincide, said New Orleans & Company President and CEO Walt Leger III at a GMID panel discussion. Both are focused on advancing new ideas around business, science and society.
The destination brought together 340 members of the local hospitality community at Hyatt Regency New Orleans to talk about why meetings matter and how to better tell our story to decision makers at all levels.
Stephanie Turner, senior vice president of convention sales and strategies with New Orleans & Company, kicked off the conversation. “Meetings are of profound importance. Meeting face-to-face builds friendships and solves problems,” she said. Turner explained that the city was built to host and every meeting touches so many lives, from bakers and florists to chefs and hoteliers.
Transformation
“Coming to New Orleans feels like coming home,” said Lauren Parr, senior vice president of meetings and learning with American Geophysical Union (AGU)—and a 2020 Smart Women in Meetings Innovation Award winner—which supports earth and space scientists across the country and recently started bringing their 24,000-person meeting to the city. She sees it as a fit because of the robust local scientific community and the sense of urgency about addressing climate change in a nonpartisan way. “You have a front row view on the changing climate,” she said.
Sustainability and walkability is an important deciding factor when Parr is sourcing, but she is not necessarily looking for the most sustainable city, she said. “I want to know how they are approaching recycling and energy and where they are going and how we can partner with them,” she added. In 2022, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center achieved Gold LEED certification and has hired an employee dedicated to sustainable practices. Because the city is compact, some 40 hotels are within a mile of the convention center, so no bus transportation is needed and everyone can have their own experience with varying price points, loyalty programs and styles available.
Parr said she will continue to offer virtual options for her events because she wants to include everyone and some people see reducing travel as an important part of reducing their carbon footprint and she respects that. But she also wants to educate around the full impact of meetings. “Meetings change lives. It’s not just the business, it’s the knowledge and connections that spread around the world. We need to address how meetings can be more sustainable and be transparent about the power of gathering to further ideas and careers to clear up misunderstandings,” she said.
While in town, most groups have the goal of leaving a community better. At AGU, Parr connects the scientific community with local schools to inspire them to go into scientific careers.
The Future of the Industry
Banding together in tough times was the reason a group of black students attending Indiana University started their own affiliation in 1911. Ryan E. Tucker, MPA, deputy executive director with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, is planning a 2024 meeting of the now 150,000-strong fraternal organization in New Orleans because he said there is nothing like southern hospitality and cooking to bring people together. “We train the next generation of leaders so they are prepared for the next stage of life,” he said. “We give our members the tools to be successful so they can be contributors to society and live their best lives. That includes mental health and representation.”
PCMA CEO and President Sherrif Karamat, who has partnered with AGU to develop sustainable meeting curriculum, shared that while every city has beautiful buildings, it is the people inside—particularly in New Orleans—who make attendees feel welcome. He is focused on telling young people that careers in hospitality are fulfilling.
“We have to do a better job at the high school level of letting people know event design jobs exist,” he said. “We need to sex up our industry. There is no better industry to make an impact because touch every issue in the world.” PCMA is building a portfolio of internships available to more people exposure to all the possibilities, including roles in destination marketing organizations. “DMOs serve an important role of connector. A lot of people don’t know that.”
Luxury & Excellence Assured- It doesn’t take a large destination to know how to make a meeting unforgettable. Our partner organizations have embraced the Southern Adirondacks Health & Safety Pledge, staff has been trained and certified as Visitor Champions, and the endless details are never taken for granted! With 4 Star Resorts and international hotel brands, the Lake George Area knows how to treat your group like the special guests they are!
Charm & Atmosphere- Escape into the beauty, culture and understated magic of the Southern Adirondacks of Upstate New York. Discover our Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail, take a winding drive up the pristine lake coastline, or stop at the charming local shops and eclectic boutiques. The downtown areas are filled with fun, vibrancy, and sprinkled with salt of the earth locals.
Unique Venues & Spaces- The Lake George Area can host large groups with our expansive resorts, 7000+ guest rooms, and sprawling ballrooms up to 30,000 sq. ft. But, if you’re looking for something “out of the box”, we will work with you to service catered events, meetings, or entertainment that is sure to enhance your meeting experience! Marvel at the fireworks on a dinner cruise, snack on crudites in a historic theater, or get in touch with your inner child at an indoor waterpark.
Personalized Service- As a gem for tourism in the Northeast, the Lake George Area has countless amenities and accommodations with top notch, personalized service your group will need for a successful event. The team at the Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau is vetted and personally connected to all of our local community partners. As a small destination, we cater to you — and will go to extra lengths to ensure a seamless experience.
New & Outdoor Experiences- The Lake George Area offers unique experiences — boasting a rich history, a perfect stage for outdoor adventure, and a stunning backdrop of natural beauty. With over 200 attractions, the place of “The Original Vacation” earns its title! Take a stroll lakeside, participate in team-building activities , or bring the family for an extended trip year-round to experience our waters (inside or out), shopping, and fun-filled attractions. You no longer have to escape the crowds or navigate the tunnels of carpeted hallways!
Ease of Transportation- Getting here is easy and getting around is even easier! Centrally located in the northeast and under an hour from an international airport, the Lake George Area is accessible and easy to navigate! With less traffic and spacious downtown areas, you will navigate the Lake George Area with little fuss! Whether it’s a brief walk to one of our 100+ local restaurants or a hop on the trolley to nearby attractions; shorter transportation windows provide more time for meetings and memories.
Largest F&B trade show showcases latest innovations and products
Pickled-flavored products, creature comforts from mac n’ cheese to fried chicken and doughnuts to an incessant yearning for all things spicy thanks to heat-obsessed consumers—these topics and many others will be top-of-mind at the largest F&B trade show in the country next week. Exhibitors, industry professionals and other attendees will meet at the second annual SIAL America 2023, organized by Emerald X at Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) to showcase food and beverage categories that are key to retailers, wholesalers, food service companies and distributors.
“We monitor the latest trends across the food and beverage industry,” says Colleen Truman, vice president of Global Food Group at Emerald X .
SIAL’s overall event network includes 10 shows worldwide, including France, Canada, China, the Middle East, India and Jakarta, with a total of 700,000 attendees and 16,000 exhibitors annually.
Networking and Education
SIAL’s Matchmaking Lounge
This year’s B2B industry event will feature a hosted buyer program with the intention of connecting key decision-makers with exhibitors in attendance from around the world. The event’s concierge team will curate a Matchmaking Lounge on the exhibit floor, pairing buyers with $10 million annual budgets or more with vendors based on recommendations.
Other attendees meet using LinkedIn-style appointments to pair with companies. “We feel that it elevates the experience and that’s why people are going—they want to have good business meetings,” says Truman. There are currently 1,300 pending meetings slated for the event.
Importers and exporters from the U.S., Canada, Colombia and Mexico will be participating in this year’s hosted buyer program along with major retailers, including 7-Eleven, Blue Apron, Aldi and Harmon’s. Distributors from the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Oman will also be participating. Over 250 exhibitors are scheduled to attend with participation from over 60 countries.
A new addition to SIAL America is the inclusion of the USDA-funded National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) in a new pavilion. NASDA’s goal is to recruit states and select companies. Truman called the funding of NASDA by the USDA a huge step forward. “It’s really a testament to the need of SIAL in the U.S. market,” she says.
Guest speakers from top industry organizations, including Tyson Foods, Aria Resort & Casino and MGM Resorts International will be hosting sessions during this year’s show. “We really tried to elevate our programming this year around the seminar sessions to have key individuals,” Truman says.
Inclusive Food
SIAL America 2023 intends to boost culinary inclusivity by featuring foodstuffs that cater to those with dietary restrictions. Many of the products expected to be introduced include condiments with no sugar added—some gluten-free—as well as products made with ingredients that were naturally or locally sourced. An international pavilion will also be hosted during the event to showcase progressive food products from countries such as Italy, Tukey, Canada, Greece, Poland, Brazil and Argentina.
“All lot of [the products] are focused on alternative sources,” Truman says, adding, “there’s been a big shift over the last couple of years for diverse menus and catering options.” Inclusion of gluten-free, allergen-free, vegan and vegetarian options is visible in the list of vendors and menus of what is available during the event.
“Obviously, allergens have been an issue for some time, starting with peanuts,” she says, adding that the need for inclusive menus has resulted in an increase in marketing efforts to ensure that the industry at large, along with consumers, “understand where menu items are coming from.”
Defining Green
Defining a green catering operation is a slippery slope, but one of the event’s goals. “Sustainability is not only what we do in terms of recycling, but so much more than that,” Truman says. Content will address what sustainability means from the ground up. That means addressing the issue of packaging along with sourcing.
Like so many other organizations, SIAL has also taken up the mission of curbing food waste by partnering with local charities to ensure that leftover food gets to those in need. “We encourage our exhibitors to work with local charities,” she says. “So, any food left over from a show, we do donate to a local charity.” SIAL America has partnered with the Las Vegas-based Be a Voice. “They are really focused on making families stronger.”
A Slice of Innovation
The International Pizza Expo & Conference—the industry’s largest trade show event—will run concurrently with SIAL America 2023 at LVCC and will mirror most of SIAL’s aspects and features.
“One we’re seeing across the industry—and we’ll see this at both SIAL and International Pizza Expo—is the use of technology in the kitchen,” Truman says. That includes a noticeable push in implementing automation and robotics. “One thing [the technology] improves is consistency in food production,” she says, noting that the added efficiency will ultimately lead to an elevated experience for guests. “These trends will definitely continue to influence the food and beverage industry.”
An example of innovations in tech finding a path to the kitchen can be seen through the work of Benson Tsai, CEO and founder of Stellar Pizza. Benson and two co-founders previously worked for Space X. “It’s a robotic pizza truck,” Truman says, adding that the mobile prototype is being introduced on college campuses, including UCLA. It can make hundreds of pizzas in a matter of hours and the team has partnered with companies such as Grande Cheese—a high-end cheese producer and restaurant supplier.
As kitchens around the country struggle with waning staffing levels, Truman says that replacing staff with automated processes is yet to be seen, but the new technology definitely has a place in the kitchen. “The technology can shape the dough with consistency and use the right amount of ingredients,” she says.
Truman noted that the technology at this point is more supplemental and geared toward enhancing the guest experience. “I don’t think it will replace the whole kitchen staff—you’ll still need people there for the human interaction.”
Stellar Pizza is funded by Mercy Venture Partners, a venture capital firm co-founded by Jay-Z. Benson will be the keynote speaker on day two of the Pizza Expo. “I’m really overall excited about the future of the industry and the possibilities that are coming along with technology and different innovations that will be showcased at SIAL,” Truman says.
The SIAL Awards will celebrate the best innovations submitted by participating attendees. “We will have judging onsite to look at the 10 finalist products and determine the winner,” Truman says.
The winning product of last year’s SIAL Gold Award came from New Mexico-based Fresh Chile Company, which submitted a freeze-dried Hatch Chile product. The winning product will be featured at every SIAL show over the course of the following year. “A small company won last year at SIAL and it really changed their business,” she reported.
Every planner knows that a memorable meeting is about more than state-of-the-art meeting rooms.
It’s about a place that gives attendees room to relax. Restaurants and attractions that give them more room for fun. Hotel rooms where they can stretch out. An easy-to-get-to location that’s not too crowded or too hard on budgets, where people can enjoy breathing room of every kind.
Whatever meeting you’re looking to arrange, Valley Forge and Montgomery County, PA might be exactly what you’re looking for.
In the heart of the Northeast Corridor and just minutes outside of Philadelphia, Valley Forge has the variety of bigger destinations without the big-time headaches. You can choose from over 80 hotels and 1,600 restaurants. The region boasts must-see historical sites, a vibrant arts scene and some of the best shopping around. If you want indoor fun, you can choose anything from indoor sky diving to award-winning craft breweries, wineries and distilleries. If you love action, Montgomery County is home to a casino and over 50 public and private golf courses.
And along with everything Valley Forge and Montgomery County have to offer, there’s an offer that makes booking your next meeting even more special: earn $10 off per room night when you book 25 room nights or more. Add in the ease of parking and the easy-to-drive location at the confluence of major roadways, and it’s a package that’s hard to beat.
Room to meet. Room to explore. Room to have fun. Room for more. You’ll find it all in here—along with destination experts who will be happy to make planning your next meeting as pleasant as the area itself. Contact Scott Higgins or Stephanie Kilroy at the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board about their state-of-the-art meeting options. They’ve got room on their schedules to chat.
Jaki Baskow reflects on celebrity booking trends in the top convention city
In the 45 years talent broker Jaki Baskow has been booking celebrities in Las Vegas under the Baskow Talent brand, a lot has changed. Prices, for one. “Since some of these entertainers have gotten residencies here, their prices have gone sky high,” said The Queen of Las Vegas in an exclusive interview with Smart Meetings.
But the woman who has recruited big-name talent such as Billy Bob Thornton’s The Boxmasters and Kevin Costner’s Kevin Costner & Modern West, worked on more than 600 movies and TV shows, and partnered with hospitality companies such as Caesars Entertainment to book corporate speakers and entertainment says groups don’t always have to pay full retail price. Although prices may sometimes look out of reach, when it comes down to it, Baskow has found that people are willing to negotiate a lot of the time, especially when a connection has been made with the client.
“If I have a client who wants somebody, and they tell me what their budget is, I will go after them. I will always go ask,” she said.
Love of Impact
Nick Santonastasso in middle, Jaki Baskow standing behind
Baskow said she is just as motivated now as she was when she packed her bags and moved to Nevada in 1976 from her hometown in New Jersey. “I wake up passionate, I’m still passionate about doing it every morning. And I love putting people to work. I love entertainment,” she says.
Another element of the business that gets Baskow going is the impact made on audiences from the events she orchestrates. “I meet these amazing people, whether it be an entertainer or a speaker, that have stories, and you see people in the audience crying and feeling good and releasing stress.”
Baskow singled out Nick Santonastasso, who opens for Tony Robbins as an example of a transformational speaker who was born with Hanhart Syndrome, a genetic disease that results in the malformation of limbs. “He’s the best speaker I’ve ever booked. He has made people laugh and cry and release things they were harboring their whole life,” she said.
Baskow credits working with successful speakers like Santonastasso for helping her stepping out of her comfort zone. “I’ve been blessed to meet all these amazing people and pass on experiences, because isn’t everything an experience when you’re attending a meeting or you’re going to a concert?” she asks.
Baskow is a firm believer in setting sights high and working hard to achieve them. “That’s how you’re successful in life,” she said. “You have to just reach for it. Because nothing is unreachable. We can have whatever we want.”
How the industry is celebrating and what you can do to support
March 30th marks Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) 2023 and there is more excitement than ever. This year’s focus is #MeetingsMatter, a reference to reminding the business world that meetings are important and a call to action for building a foundation that breeds success for the future. Budget allocation for corporate meetings, mentorship for young professionals and progression in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) are the topics for 2023 and are necessary in the post-pandemic era. With a focus on the future of the industry and a reinvigoration for the importance of meetings, Smart Meetings has listed ways in which leading organizations are recognizing the national holiday and avenues for getting involved to ensure the importance and sentiment behind GMID is celebrated every day of the year.
As the industry recovers from the pandemic era, the focus on innovation and asking “what’s next?” is the topic at hand. Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is giving a live broadcast from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST with a panel of industry leaders to discuss the most current trends and the effects they will have on the future of meetings. The broadcast will include sessions from MPI partners that will provide a variety of angles to the topic of the future of the industry.
Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) will hold a session on the future of incentive travel, while Webex addresses the new reality of tighter budgets yet increasing numbers of attendees. Hilton will be discussing the next generation of professionals and workforce development. These partners and others will be celebrating GMID all day—literally—during their live broadcast on March 30th. Register for free on the MPI website to attend a full day of poignant and relevant conversation.
The future of meetings is also the focus of events PCMA chapters are producing for GMID. The Southeast Chapter is teaming up with MPI Carolinas, SITE SE and Association Executives of NC (AENC) to celebrate the holiday with sessions titled “The Future of Meetings” and “Panel Session: Moving Forward Together.” Register here if you are in the area.
The Next Generation
Propelling and maintaining the future success of the meetings industry means recruiting, mentoring and developing the new generation of meeting professionals. Some GDIM events are focusing on the importance of acquiring talented professionals new to the industry and the approaches the new generation respond when it comes to retaining these valuable employees. MPI’s Greater Midwest chapter is powering the Industry Xchange (IX) GDIM event in which a panel discussion will be held to discuss the changing workforce demographics and mentorship.
Pursuing nonconventional venues and activities is another way to address the changing trends of the new generation of professionals. The MPI Southern California chapter is exemplifying the new trend by hosting their GMID celebration at Topgolf in El Segundo. The speakers and panelists will be discussing the benefits and misconceptions of nontraditional venues such as museums, sports centers and multipurpose establishments while providing education regarding the approach to utilizing these edgier locations.
DEI and Accessibility
Recognizing DEI is a necessity in not only the meetings industry but society as a whole is a topic that deserves to be at the forefront of every discussion. At the ICAA North America Summit in Ottawa, Canada, the topic of “advocacy as vehicle to recognition and support” has been confirmed as a main focus of the GMID event. Progress continues to be a theme with the next session of the day—“association meetings: drivers of change and innovation.” GMID 2023 is taking a stance on changing the status quo and discussing creative approaches to ensure inclusivity.
Some GMID events are celebrating by honoring individuals who have worked hard for workplace equity. The Northern California chapter of PCMA is celebrating GMID with their annual Pillar Award reception. This year’s winner is Josh Adams, industry relations strategist. He has worked with PCMA, MPI, SITE and LGBT Meeting Professionals Association and is recognized as a leader in DEI initiatives. “Everyone brings something to the table,” says Adams.
1) Use U.S. Travel’s LinkedIn templates to highlight a meeting in your community and how it was beneficial to the local economy. Post it on social media to get the word out!
2) Host your own event and spread awareness!
3) Take advantage of U.S. Travel’s social media guide to learn how to reach more people when spreading the message of #meetingsmatter.
4) Get political! Engage with the press and your local officials to ensure policymakers understand how in-person meetings and events are critical for businesses.
5) Represent with GMID’s signature color of blue! Wear blue to work, change your social media profile pictures to a blue filter, use blue headers as you publish online content, etc. Last year, even the Empire State Building lit up in blue to honor the holiday!
Editor’s Note: In this series, “Five Things Meeting Planners Can Learn,” we explore ways in which meeting planners can glean tips, ideas, notions, planning options and more from the world and our culture at large.
If you’ve been alive on the planet for the past 20 years or more, you’ve encountered a self-help meeting of one kind or another. Most famously utilized by 12-Step programs, self-help groups populate church basements, Shriner’s halls, community centers and more—bending and stretching space to accommodate the seekers within and offering coffee and donuts and handshakes and hugs along with life wisdom.
Here are five things meetings planners can learn from 12-step programs and other self-help groups.
1. The space is secondary to the people inside it.
Yes, it’s great to stay at a five-star property with luxury amenities but if you find yourself faced with less-than-stellar options for a given meeting, remember this truth. What goes on in the meeting and for the people inside it can transform meeting goers’ perceptions of their surroundings.
2. Warm the soul by nourishing the body.
One great truth of 12-step programs is to not to get too hungry, angry, lonely or tired. Make sure this doesn’t happen by building in generous break out/snack and refueling times and organizing them near meeting spaces. Offer hotel block options at large properties with shuttles to rooms that are far from meeting spaces so participants can get needed equipment or personal care items or just have a quiet solo break and be back in time for the next event.
Have more seating on hand than you think you need. A common issue in large conference and convention centers is dry air. Organize humidifiers or air misters if needed. For those who need accommodation cuisine, deliver food promptly during meal times, not at the end of the break.
Self-help programs encourage sharing by speaking to the group at large rather than cross-talking to other participants. This keeps meetings civil and community-minded. If participants disagree with each other in comment time, encourage them to speak to the group not directly to each other. Chat apps can help attendees easily join in the larger discussion.
4. Break down large ideas into small, personal issues.
Meetings with global agendas can sometimes try to take on topics that are so broad they become vague and unfocused. Self-help programs have succeeded in helping participants break down big goals into small, one-day-at-a-time micro-issues. When organizing talks or agendas, think small and personal rather than over-arching and encompassing.
5. Find time to commune in a circle.
The famous “keep coming back; it works” circle of 12-step programs happens at the end of the meeting and often entails a short hand-holding and affirmation. It may seem corny but there is something in the human psyche that yearns for the company of fellow beings formed in a circle; it gives closure, communion and connection and is a great way to end a session.
