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How to host powerful DEI-aligned events in Washington DC

Fresh concepts, rolling out new directives and coordinating new business objectives can involve complex processes. Hosting an event against a backdrop that compliments the depth and nuance of such details can place attendees in an educational headspace, eager to analyze and absorb new information. And a bit of entertainment doesn’t hurt either. The museums and venues under the umbrella of the Smithsonian Institute in the Nation’s capital illuminate the imagination of visitors through history housed in elegance.

Experiencing Afrofuturism

Created through an act of Congress passed in 2003, the National Museum of African American History and Culture and is home to over 40,000 artifacts that document and celebrate the contributions made by African Americans. This month, the museum will launch the new immersive experience, “Afrofuturism” (a term coined by scholar Mark Dery) that “reimagines, reinterprets and reclaims the past and present for a more empowering future for African Americans,” according to a statement on the event website. The exhibition is slated to run until March 2024.

“To think on Afrofuturism is to consider what the National Museum of African American History and Culture has long been dedicated to—that is, the bright future that Black people imagined and brought into being while confronting a perilous present,” said Kevin Young, the Andrew W. Mellon Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. “Afrofuturism has also long been a mix of celebration and resistance, musicality and theatricality, achievement and survival. Much of this mix-making and mythmaking was through music, from the Negro spirituals down to jazz and gospel, funk and hip-hop.”

The experience will be held in the museum’s Bank of America Special Exhibitions Gallery across 4,000 sq. ft. of space, filled with rarely seen artwork, artifacts and interactive exhibits, allowing guests to experience the history Afrofuturism and the experience of African Americans within American history, culture and popular media.

“This exhibition is a way to look at how Afrofuturism has been practiced throughout history and across the diaspora, and the ways it is expressed, historically and in the present, through art, literature and activism,” according to museum curator Kevin Strait. “We hope that visitors learn more about this topic by seeing the various ways that Afrofuturism connects with and influences our popular culture and gain a broader understanding of Afrofuturism, not simply as a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy, but as part of a larger tradition of Black intellectual history.”

Hosting at a National Landmark

exterior of Renwick Gallery — Renwick Gallery

Hosting at the Smithsonian provides planners with limitless possibilities surrounded by the historic grandeur of the nation’s capital. The recently renovated branch of the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) and National Historic Landmark building, The Renwick Gallery, serves as a pinnacle of elegance and sophistication in Neoclassical architecture and is located just a short walk from the White House. The Renwick Gallery boasts a total of 4,000 sq. ft. of event space and is an ideal venue for hosting dinner or an opulent cocktail reception. The two-story venue features four separate exhibition galleries, along with a centrally located court on the first floor and is contrasted with a large Grand Salon and six smaller galleries on the second floor.

Located in the heart of downtown Washington D.C. and surrounded by some of the best hotels and restaurants D.C. has to offer, SAAM’s Donald W. Reynolds Center, located within the National Historic Landmark building, offers event planners access to 12,000 sq. ft. meeting space. The venue’s Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard and can accommodate up to 1,200 for a reception and 850 for seated dinners.

Luce Foundation Center for American Art sits beneath two balconied levels of distinct architectural elements that overlook a sculpture gallery and is ensconced in over 3,000 works of art. Guests can enjoy the various works of art beneath the center’s skylight stretching the length of an entire city block. The Luce Center can accommodate up to 800 for a reception and 300 for a seated event.

The magnitude of the SAAM’s Great Hall is emphasized through the Victorian style of architecture in a space once used by President Abraham Lincoln who greeted the guests attending his second inaugural ball. The captivating venue features a hand-laid encaustic tile floor beneath towering, vaulted ceilings. The Great Hall can accommodate 366 guests for receptions and 300 for seated events.

Nan Tucker McEvoy Auditorium is fully equipped with film projection capabilities, flexible lighting, a concert grand piano and a sprung stage. The auditorium can accommodate 340.

Exploring DEI in DC

interior of the park at 1th — The Park at 14th

The Black history and culture surrounding DC is evident throughout the community. Planners can take advantage of an extensive list of Black-owned businesses and restaurants in the D.C. area that pull inspiration from every aspect of culture from the African diaspora to styles that are distinctly D.C.

Since being founded in 2007 by Ramunda and Derrick Young, Mahogany Books has offered readers access to an immense list of titles focused on the Black experience. Mahogany Books—named for the Young’s daughter—aims to raise cultural awareness and connect communities through reading and writing. The Youngs opened the first physical location for their bookstore in 2017.

Many destinations boast high-end shopping experiences featuring designer brands, but The Museum offers shoppers the opportunity to get their shopping fix with a non-traditional retail experience. The Museum features designs for those who appreciate the inspiration of art and fashion. In addition, the boutique-style shop allows local and international creators to introduce and market their goods.

The versatile and stylish restaurant, The Park at 14th provides a chic space overlooking D.C.’s historic Franklin Square and serves contemporary American cuisine complimented by Caribbean flavors. Dinner at The Park at 14^th is served Thursdays and Fridays and is available for receptions or buyouts. The venue can accommodate banquets for groups of up to 300 and receptions for up to 1,000.

Inspired by his mother’s Kentucky-style Southern cooking, DC native Roger Sherman’s passion for BBQ is evident in every mouth-watering detail of the smoked meats served up by The District Pit BBQ Catering Company since 2016. The District makes it easy for panners to provide a memorable meal with catering options made from locally sourced ingredients. The preparation of meats is carried out with specific types of wood and temperatures for each. The District offers 10 different flexible catering options allowing planners to select the appropriate mains, sides and portions for any group size.

Newport, Rhode Island, conveniently located between NYC and Boston, is a historic seaside resort of natural beauty and incredible architecture. Ideal for meetings from 5 to 500, this charming city inspires meeting attendees.

Experience Gilded-Age mansions, the International Tennis Hall of Fame, The Sailing Museum, America’s Cup racing, vineyards, harbor tours, lobsterbakes and more. The walkability of the city combined with incredible private venues and engaging activities complement the convention hotels and boutique inns creating the ideal destination for meetings, conferences, incentives, and team building. Newport is easily accessible from major highways and the state airport serviced by the major carriers (PVD).

Remarkable venues are Newport’s specialty. The famed Newport mansions, our sailing, car and art museums, and private function spaces overlooking Newport Harbor or the Atlantic Ocean, are just some of the options providing a breathtaking backdrop for memorable offsites that will have your attendees inquiring about the next Newport meeting.

Specializing in smaller groups, Newport offers the informal or business atmosphere required to suit your needs and objectives and hotel or boutique inn buyouts are a common occurrence. Take advantage of Newport’s lodging versatility by meeting in a lavishly appointed board room, spacious ballroom, the common area of an historic inn, or a rooftop deck. The city’s walkability allows groups to utilize private space overlooking the harbor or take to the water for an afternoon of brainstorming. Paired with local seafood, wines, and microbrews, your attendees will feel like a native Newporter before the meeting ends.

Discover the Top 5 Reasons to Meet in Newport and then contact the Destination Experts and put our local expertise and free services to work for you covering RFP distribution to arranging and leading site inspections.

Newport, Rhode Island, offers a lot of opportunities to step outside and enjoy wide open spaces. After meetings about meetings, get outside and take a break.

Plan with Confidence

Several distant tourists at Easton's Beach.

SWIM: Dive into the ocean at Easton’s Beach. Newport is blessed with a beautiful coastline and several public beaches to enjoy surf, sand, and sun. The largest of them is Easton’s Beach—locally known as First Beach.

Located on Memorial Boulevard at the start of the City’s famed Cliff Walk, Easton’s Beach occupies a 3/4 mile long stretch of sand facing the classic Atlantic surf. It’s free to swim but during season there is a parking fee.

SAUNTER: Newport’s enchanting 3.5-mile Cliff Walk is the perfect place for a moment of peace. The Cliff walk, which is free and available 365 days a week, combines the natural beauty of the Newport shoreline with the architectural history of Newport’s gilded age. You can walk a part of the trail or the whole thing—it’s up to you.

Panoramic ocean views, crashing waves and the sea breeze is the perfect place to take a break. It’s a unique National Recreation Trail in a National Historic District.

An outdoor seating area at the Wine Garden At Chanler.

SIP: Enjoy an afternoon at the newly opened Wine Garden at the Chanler at Cliff Walk. It offers one of the best views in Newport and something delicious to drink as well. Ca’del Bosco and The Chanler have joined forces for an enchanting collaboration showcasing Italian renaissance charm and seaside beauty. 

Guests of the Wine Garden will enjoy a relaxing afternoon up on the Meadow Lawn with internationally renowned sparkling wines while overlooking The Cliff Walk and the Atlantic Ocean. No reservations required. The Wine Garden is open Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

In a March 23 testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation, “Enhancing Consumer Protections and Connectivity in Air Transportation,” William J. McGee, senior fellow for aviation and travel, American Economic Liberties Project, told the Committee that “the nation’s airline industry is broken.”

McGee went on to comment, “Every day passengers are faced with fewer choices, higher fares, and a plethora of junk fees added onto airfares. Flight disruptions have become the norm rather than the exception, and when things go wrong–as they so often do now–we are at the mercy of the airlines’ own Contracts of Carriage, rules written by and most assuredly for the airlines. American Airlines is about to launch “New Distribution Capability,” which will make airfares more opaque than ever. Despite the industry notching record consumer complaints in recent years, Frontier Airlines may have set the tone for all U.S. airlines last November when it permanently shut down its telephone call centers; the message was clear: don’t bother calling, because we don’t want to hear from you.”

Rough Air

The hearing was chaired by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), who said in her opening remarks: “The American consumer has had a rough flying experience over the past few years. In 2020, the Department of Transportation received nearly 30,000 airline refund complaints, more than a 4,600% increase from 2019. The following year, in 2021, DOT received over 6,600 complaints, still nearly a 1,000% increase over pre-pandemic levels. And last year, by November 2022, U.S. consumer complaints were already 603% higher than in November 2019. And then we had the massive disruptions that left nearly 2 million Southwest Airlines passengers delayed and stranded across the country. In these situations, the U.S. consumer is left with limited information, hardly any choices, and very little recourse.”

Cantwell said that she hoped the Senate could work together on creating a “new passenger bill of rights that gets a better deal for the U.S. consumer.”

“We must take down the hurdles to getting your money back when you don’t receive the service you paid for,” she said. “Any travel credit if accepted in lieu of a refund should never expire. That’s your money and should be in your bank account. We also need to have real-time, real-person communication when a system breaks down like in the Southwest situation. That system failure left consumers stranded without any information and no one to talk to. In this kind of a massive shutdown, we need a better communication system. Second, Congress must end unfair and hidden fees known as “junk fees” that are taking real money out of the pockets of Americans. We should force the rebooking fees [to end], when your flight is cancelled or delayed by the airline itself and stop that practice.”

DOT to the Rescue…or Not

In cross-questioning, Cantwell asked McGee if he thought the Department of Transportation (DOT) was doing a good job protecting passengers’ rights. McGee responded that the was “clear” that the DOT doesn’t have enough authority to enforce refunds,” is short-staffed and under-authorized.

McGee recommended that “state governments and citizens should be given greater rights to police the industry. One of the most harmful byproducts of deregulation was the inclusion of a federal preemption clause, which effectively gave only Congress and the U.S. Department of Transportation authority to oversee the airlines. For 45 years, this has meant that state courts, state attorneys general, and state legislatures have been largely powerless in reigning in the excesses of the industry’s anti-competitive greed and mistreatment of passengers, and consumers have had fewer rights when interacting with airlines than they have with virtually any other consumer industry.”

Mergers and Acquisitions

McGee, Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and speaker, Diana Moss from the American Antitrust Institute also testified that the potential merger of JetBlue and Spirit Airlines would in Klobuchar’s words, “harm passengers, workers and communities.”

Sara Nelson, international president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO spoke out in favor of the merger, stating that the merger would level Spirit up to JetBlue’s playing field by standardizing seat pitch to a roomier comfort level and bringing JetBlue’s high customer service ratings to a low-cost carrier. “The JetBlue-Spirit combination is the first merger that we enthusiastically support because it sets competition to the highest standards for workers and consumers,” she said.

Meeting Planners Takeaway

U.S. airlines are more and more under fire from politicos and the public but that does not translate into actionable changes. Educate your clients to understand their current rights for canceled or delayed flights and to demand them directly from the airlines—many of whom do not now voluntarily comply with the letter of the law on refunds. During the Senate hearing, McGee cited the case of a colleague present in the room whose Delta flight was canceled and was told he could get a “credit” rather than a refund when a refund was due. McGee asked the Senators present to imagine what the outcome would have been if he hadn’t had a friend who was a consumer aviation advocate.

How meeting profs can keep event data safe with the latest cybersecurity tools

You don’t want to be the next data leak to hit the headlines. Maintaining the security and protection of your organization’s information is a requirement for producing a successful event. Your attendees trust you and are counting on you to treat their information with the utmost care. Ever-evolving malware and ransomware pose growing threats to that sensitive information. You need a trusted cybersecurity program to prevent potentially costly compromises. But what to do?

Ari Schwartz

Smart Meetings spoke with Ari Schwartz, former senior director of cybersecurity at the White House (he worked on technology policy during the Obama administration), and current managing director of cybersecurity services for Venable Cybersecurity Risk Management Group, to discuss best security practices meeting planners should consider in 2023.

Trust in the Cloud

The best way to protect the data of your event and beyond is to make sure you have proper encryption, says Schwartz. That starts with monitoring how and where data is downloaded. USB sticks can be compromised if plugged into a suspect computer. “You run the risk from the different laptops that you use it on,” he says.

Schwartz encouraged planners to look towards cloud storage to prevent possible issues. “I think sometimes people are wary of the cloud, but with the cloud you’re using reputable vendors. They’re investing more in security than you ever could,” he says.

Statistically, the chances of a major cloud incident are low. According to Schwartz, a car or plane crash are far more common than a major security incident in the cloud. “We don’t read about a lot of cloud incidents because they generally have really good security. When you do read about it, it’s something terrible.”

The most recent data breach involved a Washington, D.C.-based healthcare provider that exposed the data of 56,415 individuals including federal legislators and their families. Hackers on the dark web attempted to sell the private information. It was later confirmed by House Leader Kevin McCarthy and Minority Leader Hakim Jefferies that the FBI had purchased the information.

Regardless of the type of cybersecurity planners pick for their event, the success of the security is dependent on the identification authentication process. Multifactor authentication and redundant trained staffing can go a long way to keeping information secure.

“If you’re dependent on one person to get access, and you use multi-factor authentication, and it’s encrypted, you can lose all the data too. Back it up somewhere and keep that encrypted too. But it still comes down to the authentication and key management question, which can be complicated.”

Lockdown Your Laptops

For in-person events that require staff to use laptops and tablets to look up attendee information, or any other info, keep them under lock and key. “Account for all the devices, who has them, how they’re using them, and that they’re trained properly.”

Another smart tip. Don’t let staff download prohibited games onto company devices. It runs the risk of your computer or tablet getting malware and giving hackers the keys to your data.

Improved Public Wi-Fi

One thing that Schwartz noted that meeting planners can be thankful for is the improvement public Wi-Fi. “Public Wi-Fi security has gotten better. That’s helpful for meeting spaces and people because you have less one less thing to worry about,” Schwartz says.

You still need to do some homework. “You want to make sure you have secure modern Wi-Fi. Make sure you’re using the latest standards to communicate,” he says.

Secure internet (with password protection) will help attendees feel more comfortable logging on.

Prevent Monitoring at Events Overseas

If you’re hosting or attending an event overseas in China, Ukraine or Russia, Schwartz suggested bringing a new, blank device that doesn’t connect back to your old information. “Ideally, you’re just pulling down your email from there, rather than having access to everything,” Schwartz says.

If you are traveling to a country where you run of a high risk of being monitored, a clean device may be your best bet.

Cyber Insurance

One important feature Schwartz recommended for planners is a broker to find the best cyber insurance for your event.

Cyber liability insurance typically covers areas such as crisis management expenses, business interruption and cyber extortion. Insurance agencies, like Amtrust Financial, allow for planners to customize their insurance options to include cyber liability. This takes one more thing off your plate.

“Find an insurance broker that knows cybersecurity. They should be able to give you a range of what insurance costs. It limits your liability in the space and limits your risk.”

Top 10 best European destinations and tours

Como estas, wie geht’s, comment allez-vous? However you’re feeling today, the thought of saying hello to a beautiful European escape is most likely a vision dancing about the malaise of your day-to-day headspace. The ancient architecture, the succulent cuisine, the vibrant cultures, the eloquent languages—all things that make hosting events in Europe a magical and enticing experience.

European Best Destinations—a travel website and organization that has partnered with over 400 tourism offices around Europe—ranked the top 20 “European Best Destinations” based on the votes of 686,244 travelers from 178 countries in 2023. The rankings are based on a set of criteria including the safest city, most romantic getaway, best shopping destination, best culinary destination, best family-friendly destination and greenest destination among other promotional titles.

Since 2009, European Best Destinations has been promoting culture and tourism for destinations around Europe with 2023 surpassing the number of votes collected the previous year by 158,175—a clear indication that European tourism is on a fierce rebound and showing significant growth in tourism across the continent. This is further evidenced by the number of votes from outside Europe at 52%, the largest percentage of outside votes since the survey began.

Let’s look at the meetings scene in each of these Euro Destinations.

No. 10: Mannheim, Germany—Known for its abundance of activity, Mannheim packs a multicultural flare and is considered to be home to the best street art in Europe. Also known as the “city of squares,” Mannheim is bedazzled with architectural treasures including the historic water tower, the Baroque Palace and an Art Nouveau square.

Planners hosting in Mannheim have access to numerous hotels with roughly 9,000 beds across the city—the majority of which have space to meet. Mannheim will host the 2023 Federal Garden Show (BUGA) from April 14 to Oct. 8, showcasing the future of urban development that goes beyond an exhibition of plants and flowers.

two people standing next to their bikes in grenoble alpes in france — Grenoble Alpes

No. 9: Grenoble Alpes, France—Recognized by the European Union as the European Green Capital in 2022 for the city’s strides in sustainable tourism, this popular vacation spot is known as the “City of Art and History.” It is nestled betwixt the Vercors, Chartreuse and Belladonne mountain ranges—providing gorgeous natural views. The French destination creates a perfect blend of urban and natural settings and was ranked the top destination to visit in France.

Grenoble Alpes offers a wide array of activities and entertainment for attendees to indulge in from culture and the arts to outside activities perfect for any time of year, including ski touring at Col de Porte, canoeing on the Isère river, paragliding in Saint Hilaire du Touvet or biking on one of Grenoble Alpes’ 21 bike loops, just to name a few.

No. 8: London, UK—Considered to have some of the world’s best sights and attractions, London is home to some of the most iconic shopping outlets in the world such as Harrods, Selfridges or Europe’s largest urban shopping center at Westfield Stratford. London is also home to beautiful green spaces including eight Royal Parks such as Hyde Park, St James’s Park and Richmond Park.

And attendees can meet in elegance in London. The Dorchester has 250 guest rooms and eight meeting spaces, surrounded by the art from the likes of Christian Furr—the youngest artist commissioned to paint a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth.

No. 7: Veszprem, Hungary—Winning the title of European Capital of Culture in 2023, Veszprem sits above the valley of Sed Stream. Baroque buildings atop Castle Hill serve as a distinct landmark, signifying a distinctive part of the city’s heritage and 1,000-year history. UNESCO recognized Veszprem as the City of Music in 2019 and is also known for its quality gastronomy scene and high-end restaurants.

Planners searching for the perfect venue to host smaller-scale events can do so at Villa Medici Hotel and Restaurant. The venue offers 20 standard and four deluxe rooms as well as two apartments, creating the perfect opportunity for smaller breakouts or to just enjoy some peace and quiet. A 1,076-square-foot conference room is quartered at Villa Medici and can accommodate up to 100 people.

No. 6: Essen, Germany—Ranked the number one destination to visit in Germany, Essen is located in the heart of the Ruhr region and was the first city in the world to offer visitors the opportunity to travel back in time using mixed reality glasses on the “Essen 1887” tour. Between trendy districts and the historic parts of the city, Essen is known as one of the most exciting big cities you’ve never heard of.

Meeting in the home to the UNESCO World Heritage Zollverein is a streamlined process thanks to venues such as Hotel Essener Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western with 114 single and double rooms, along with eight meeting rooms ranging from just under 2,000 sq. ft. to 215 sq. ft.

aerial view of large cement wall in cittadella, italy — Cittadella, Italy

No. 5: Cittadella, Italy—Considered the most beautiful walled city in all of Europe, Cittadella rests in the Venteno Region of Northern Italy and is less than 40 miles from Venice and Verona, making the sea of the Venetian Lagoon and the Dolomite mountains very accessible. Cittadella is the most well-preserved walled city in Europe with its history dating back to 1220.

Centrally located near the city’s train station, shopping centers and tourist areas, Rometta Ristorante Hotel is a quaint 31-room hotel with a conference room that can accommodate up to 200 guests. Planners can treat attendees to seasonal and traditional Venetian cuisine at the Rometta restaurant including delicious fish dishes and traditional desserts in a refined setting with seating for up to 300.

No. 4: Vienna, Austria—Recognized as one of the most inclusive and safest cities in Europe, Vienna is in blossom in the spring and is home to Palmenhaus, the largest greenhouse in Europe. It houses a bar and restaurant known for its Austrian specialties.

While hotels are spread about Vienna in abundance, the classical aesthetic and pillared face of Hotel Motto captures the opulence of 1920s Parisian flare and is sure to bring the wow factor. Every inch of the venue is adorned with custom-made fixtures and also features a restaurant and bar and roof terrace. Hotel Motto features four meeting spaces ranging from 516 sq. ft. to over 1,100 sq. ft. The Bel Floor private dining room creates an exuberant and stylish setting for private celebrations, while the remaining Salon 1 and Salon 2 serve as perfect settings for board meetings and can be combined using mobile partition walls.

No. 3: Maribor, Slovenia—Home to the Guinness World Record’s oldest grapevine in the world, Maribor dates back to the Middle Ages with a reputation for its hospitality and is the scene of lively summer festivals. Slovenia was crowned the Best Culinary Destination in Europe, known for serving world-class wine from the Slovenian Štajerska region and master chefs whipping up creations that often garner Michelin stars. Slovenia has also been recognized as a green destination for providing sustainable experiences.

Habakuk Hotel Superior, located at the foot of Pohorje Mountain, offers options for modern business in an old-world setting. The property features 137 guest rooms with luxury amenities and gourmet dining experiences. The property is home to over 20,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space spanning 11 meeting rooms.

No. 2: Athens, Greece—Known as a must-see destination, the 3,500-year-old Athens offers visitors incredible views of ancient Mediterranean landscapes, such as the iconic Acropolis, and the brilliant blue hues of the sea from the cradle of democracy and philosophy. Athens is also one of the best street art destinations in Europe. However, modern Athens is a hub of sophistication with a booming nightlife and a mind-blowing gastronomic scene in an area that continues to evolve with time through ongoing urban renewal.

Surrounded by the stunning views of the city and opposite Constitution Square, the five-star Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens—a Bonvoy Marriott property—features 320 rooms within viewing distance of the Acropolis and the original Olympic Stadium. The property is also home to the GB Roof Garden Restaurant, serving Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant setting. The property is boasts numerous meeting spaces, including the 4,714-square-foot Grand Ballroom, all totaling 12,325 sq. ft.

No. 1: Warsaw, Poland—Winner of the 2023 Best Destination in Europe goes to the city known for being open-minded, friendly, green and home to beautiful city beaches. Warsaw is a dynamic city offering something for everyone with thousands of activities from ziplining over city parks to taking a ride in a hot-air balloon and is also known as one of the safest cities in Europe.

Hotel Bristol, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Warsaw is centrally located in the city, providing easy access to the city center and is located on the historic Royal Route and a short walk to the Royal Castle (featured on the UNESCO world heritage list), Old Town and Polish National Opera. The 206-room hotel features 8,116 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space spanning over a dozen meeting rooms.

Darby Gyscek and Ricky de Jesus

darby wearing light blue dress shirt on left and ricky standing, wearing black dress shirt and grey sport coat — Darby Gescyk (left) and Ricky de Jesus (right)

Kimpton The Forum Hotel in Charlottesville, Virginia, named Gyscek director of sales and marketing, and de Jesus director of catering.

Gyscek has 25 years of hospitality experience, most of which were with university-associated properties, most recently with Boar’s Head Resort (University of Virginia) in Charlottesville, as associate director of sales. She also worked as director of sales for Cambria Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport (Duke University) in North Carolina.

De Jesus comes from Imperium Food & Wine in Celebration, Florida, as food and beverage director, where he worked for the last three years.

Adreanne Lewis

Lewis is director of sales, events and marketing for The Driskill in Austin, Texas. She previously worked at Fairmont Austin as director of event sales and services. Before moving to Texas, Lewis worked in Seattle, at Fairmont Olympic Hotel as conference service manager and Pan Pacific Hotel as senior catering sales manager.

Scott Snofsky

scott snofsky wearing black coat and white dress shirt

Snofsky is general manager for Great Wolf Lodge Arizona in Scottsdale. He comes from Hotel Adeline – A Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Scottsdale and L’Auberge de Sedona, where he worked as general manager. He has also held the general manager role for numerous others hotels over the past decade, including Hyatt Place Austin Arboretum in Texas, Delta Hotels by Marriott Mesa in Arizona and Hyatt Place & Hyatt House North Scottsdale.

Karen McManamon

karen mcmanamon wearing colorful top and black coat

McManamon is business development director for Discover St. Louis Park in Minnesota. McManamon previously worked as director of conventions and tourism in Owatonna, Minnesota, as well as corporate meeting planner for DuPont Pioneer in Manktato, Minnesota.

Ian Ring

ian ring wearing white dress shirt, green tie and black sport coat

Lotte Hotel Seattle named Ring director of sales and marketing. Before this, Ring helped launch the waterfront Dock and Drink in Renton, Washington, as well as Frolick Kitchen & Cocktails in Seattle. He has also worked with large hotel brands, Including Hyatt Hotels.

Lesley Patterson, Blake Ruggs and Liv Cowan

Liv Cowan on left wearing blue top, Blake Ruggs in middle wearing black sport coat and white dress shirt, and Lesley Patterson wearing green top — Liv Cowan (left), Blake Ruggs (middle), and Lesley Patterson (right)

Patterson is director of convention sales, Ruggs is sports sales manager and Cowan is events services manager for Visit Oklahoma City.

Patterson comes from South Carolina’s Montage Palmetto Bluff. She has also worked as director of guest services for Gathering Place in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Ruggs previously worked with Major League Fishing in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was involved in tournament operations, planning and logistics.

Cowan is a recent graduate of Oklahoma State University, and previously worked as social responsibility coordinator at the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City.

Audrey Vincent

audrey vincent wearing black top and light brown coat

Vincent is director of catering for Hilton Alexandria Mark Center in Virginia. Most recently, she worked as event manager for a Marriott International property. She also worked as group sales manager for Valor Hospitality Partners.

Vincent has also held the catering and sales management roles at properties such as Washington Marriott at Metro Center in D.C., Kimpton Banneker Hotel in Washington, D.C., Holiday Inn National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, and Kimpton Rouge Hotel and Topaz Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Ronnie Collins

ronnie collins wearing light blue dress shirt and dark blue sport coat

Collins is senior vice president of sales for Visit Anaheim. Collins worked as director of sales for Visit Phoenix over the last six years. He has nearly 20 years in sales leadership working for DMOs and hotel properties, such as working as director of sales and marketing for Hilton Cleveland Downtown, as well as Hilton El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort.

Sascha Hemmann

sascha hemmann wearing white dress shirt and light brown sport coat

Hemmann is managing director for Rosewood Schloss Fuschl in Austria, opening early 2024. Hemmann comes from Rosewood Bermuda, where he worked as managing for more than three years.

Before joining Rosewood, Hemmann worked as general manager for Nanuku Auberge Resort in Viti Levu, Fiji; Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spa in Phuket and Koh Phangan, Thailand; and Capella Hotels properties in the United States, China and Singapore; among other positions and properties.

Do you spend a lot of time on the road? Do you feel unrested? Perhaps you’ve just switched jobs and you’re looking to overcome the inevitable strain that traveling has on your mind and body.

These tips can be used no matter where you’re going (or how you’re getting there) to help you get more shut-eye.

Adjust Your Sleep Habits Before Traveling

Finding the time to get high-quality sleep can be tricky when you’re constantly on the road for business reasons. Naps have been shown to help some people increase their alertness and productivity. But if that’s not an option, there’s also sleep banking.

More: The Best Hotels for Taking a Nap

Adding two hours of additional sleep to your regular nightly amount for six days before heading off to travel, can improve your performance as it decreases the brain’s perceived exertion thanks to the additional sleep you enjoy. Essentially this method ‘deepens the reserves’ you have to function on.

Get Yourself Comfortable

You might think this is obvious, but to sleep well you need to be able to find an element of comfort. A prime example is that if the train you’re on is heavily air-conditioned, remember to carry a couple of extra layers or take a scarf with you. Alternatively, you can also reserve a seat in the quiet carriage, to reduce noise disruption.

At the end of the day, comfort is king, so if you’re sleeping in a hotel room or on a plane, consider packing a familiar-smelling pillow from home. This has been proven to relax people and help them off to sleep, which you might find helpful.

Block Out Light

When you’re not using the travel time to get some extra work done, you can adopt this time to get some rest. If you’re on the road during the day, the light flooding through the windows could hinder your sleep as it suppresses melatonin release.

On planes, you just have to pull the blind down, however, on trains and buses, it can be harder to shut the light out. Pack an eye mask, scarf, or pair of sunglasses to block out the light and create a more optimal setting for sleep.

Regulate the Noise

Even if you consider yourself to be a heavy sleeper, sudden noises can disrupt your rest, especially in uncontrollable environments like road travel. During sleep, your brain will always continue to register and process sounds, but on an elementary level. Noises have the capability to throw your slumber off-track, causing you to wake and shift between the stages of sleep.

More: Hotels Fight Sleep Deprivations with Creative Solutions

Noises are most likely to wake you from light sleep—stages one and two—than from the deeper sleep—stages three and four.

An easy solution is to invest in a pair of quality earplugs that will effectively drown out any residual noise. Good noise-canceling headphones will also help you to avoid sleep disruption.

Sarah Cummings has dedicated herself to producing helpful guides for people to benefit from for over half a decade. Helping others enjoy a better quality of sleep, and life in general, was the main reason she started publishing her reviews and guides.

Meeting with folk music and corned beef!

Let the green beer flow! If you’re into that kind of thing. For many Irish, and non-Irish a-like. March 17th is the official day to celebrate all things Irish—whether that includes taking a selfie with a cup of foaming green beer, watching the local Irish Parade, or chowing down on some potatoes and corned beef.

For those looking to partake in the festivities, WalletHub created a helpful list of best cities to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in. For meeting planners hosting events during this holiday, it may provide a fun side-treat for attendees whether that’s a quick pub visit or a fun concert.

Boston: Home of America’s Biggest St. Patrick’s Day Party

view of the architecture of the historic Fenway Park Stadium in Boston, Massachusetts — Photo: Marcio Jose Bastos Silva/Shutterstock.com

If you’re looking to be in the eye of a proverbial storm, Boston is top of the list. Attendees will be able to check out the many local Irish pubs and get a front row seat to the South Boston St. Patrick Day parade happening on March 19th. Music fans looking for live entertainment can checkout The Dropkick Murphy’s at MGM Music Hall at Fenway on March 17th with a follow-up livestreaming event on 18th. You can also find them at the House of Blues Boston on March 19th.

MGM Music Hall at Fenway is a multipurpose, state of the art, performing arts center with 85,000 sq. ft. of space within the scope of four levels and can accommodate up to 5,000 attendees. The space can be customized for large or small groups, including a roof terrace for a swanky cocktail evening event.

Family-friendly St. Paddy’s in Philly

If you happen to find yourself in Philadelphia on St. Patrick’s Day, there will be no shortage of options for pub crawls to choose from. If you’re looking for a more family friendly event Peddler’s Village will be hosting local restaurants themed for the occasion with Irish soda bread, as well as a leprechaun hunt!

The Fillmore Philadelphia, an off shoot of the original Fillmore founded in San Francisco in 1965, offers up 25,000 sq. ft. of event space and is located 2 miles from the Pennsylvania Convention Center. For meeting planners looking to create an event within an event experience, The Fillmore has a “club within a club” including a bar, stage and production equipment located on the second floor.

New York: Whiskey and Catacombs

Marchers with flags dressed in kilts march in the St Patrick's Day Parade on on 5th Ave in New York City — Marchers with flags dressed in kilts on St. Patrick’s Day Parade on on 5th Ave. in NYC, Photo: Andrew F. Kazmierski / Shutterstock.com

If you’re in New York City, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a full-day event kicking off on March 17th at 11 am and ending at 5 pm. The parade starts at 44th Street moving up Fifth Ave. and ending at the American Irish Society at East 80th Street. If pints aren’t your thing but whiskey is, the Parlour Room in Midtown Manhattan will be offering a special whiskey tasting experience. If you’re feeling particularly exploratory, guests can tour the catacombs under the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in Nolita.

If you’re looking for a location to host an intimate but holding a theme consistent with the holiday, event planners may want to investigate the Loreley Restaurant & Biergarten. Loreley will be featuring some St. Patrick’s Day specials on their menu, but they also have an indoor beer hall that has a capacity of 60 attendees and an outdoor beer garden that has a capacity of 65. A spot to investigate for smaller groups with an interest in German beer and dyed green drinks!

St. Patrick’s Day in Reno, NV at THE ROW

If your event is taking place in the mountains this week, have no fear! Eldorado, Circus Circus and Silver Legacy have you covered. Restaurants in all three hotels from The Brew Brothers, Millie and more will be offering special St. Patrick’s Day food and drinks. There will also be a Shamrock Shindig on March 17th at Novi, Brothers, Rum Bullions and El Jefe’s from 9 p.m. till closing.

Between Eldorado, Circus Circus and Silver Legacy, THE ROW offers up 180,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. Whether you’re a planner seeking panoramic boardrooms, state-of-the-art production equipment, or a place to let off some steam with a round of golf, there are a wide variety of choices to pick from.

An Irish Delight in Sonoma County, CA

If you happen to be near Santa Rosa, CA this coming weekend, be sure to check out the Healdsburg St. Patrick Day festivities that include parade that begins 7 a.m. on Sanderson Street along with Celtic music and Irish dancing on March 17th from noon to 2 p.m.

If you’re looking for a restaurant and an event space, take a stroll over to Murphy’s Irish Pub and Restaurant. They will be serving Irish dishes all day, along with a lineup of musicians scheduled to perform. The restaurant offers event planners an intimate indoor space that allows for 40 attendees and 60 attendees outside and features a seasonal private menu and a full bar.

St. Paddy’s Weekend in the San Francisco

trolley on The 160th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in san francisco — Trolley in San Francisco, Photo: Mariusz S. Jurgielewicz / Shutterstock.com

It may be hard to miss an Irish bar on the streets of San Francisco during this holiday, but there are plenty of other events to check out in San Francisco this weekend. The Irish Bank on 10 Mark Lane in the Financial District is hosting a block party from 1:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on March 17th. There will also be several concerts this weekend including John Mellencamp for a two-night stint at The Golden Gate Theatre, Parokya ni Edgar at the Warfield, The Bets at The Fillmore and Andy Frasco & the U.N. at the Chapel.

The Warfield Theatre is the definition of historic elegance for nearly 100 years. The Warfield has 25,000 sq. ft. of space, which depending on the event, can host between 200 and 1,200 for a reception, 1,780 in a theatre setting, 450 in the seated balcony and 2,450 in the general admission area.

Paint N’ Sip in Fresno, CA

Heading away from The City by the Bay, you may want to consider taking a drive to Fresno to check-out the St. Patrick’s Day offerings. For those interested in getting a little creative a St. Patty’s Brunch: Paint N’ Sip on March 18th features a professional artist Mads Labbe’ who will work with attendees to create their own work of art. Attendees will get their choice of specialty mimosas, mocktails and Decadent Hor D’oeuvres.

Fresno Convention Center has 66,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and a full-service kitchen. The second floor of the center holds 20 meeting rooms and an exhibitor’s lounge.

Two Weekends of St. Patrick’s Day in Cedar Rapids, IA

Some cities love St. Patrick’s Day so much it becomes a two-week affair! Cedar Rapids, Iowa, St. Patrick’s Day weekend. The Olympic South Side Theater is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Bash that includes raffles, prizes, games and a photo booth. For individuals hoping to be a little active the Millstream Brewing Co. is hosting a Beer & Pretzel 5K run on March 17th. The Olympic South Side Theater sits at the heart of Newbo. The event space capacity can hold over 200 attendees. It also features a projector, boutique rooms, a kitchenette, onsite event staff and a full bar.

St. Patrick’s Day at the Happiest Place on Earth

The Ferris Wheel, roller coaster and rides of Paradise Pier in Anaheim, California, are reflected in the lake — Photo: James Kirkikis / Shutterstock.com

If you find yourself close to Orange, California, head over to The Biergarten in Old World Huntington Beach to grab a plate of corned beef and cabbage or Irish stew. You can also take a night hike at the Santiago Oak Regional Park. Attendees can also venture over to Tantaka Farms for a tractor-pulled wagon ride up to their buffet lunch and outdoor games. If you’re looking to treat attendees to the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’ Disneyland will be offering a wide range of St. Patrick’s Day themed drinks and treats throughout their property.

About a nine-minute drive from Disneyland, Anaheim Convention Center quarters over 1 million sq. ft. of exhibit space as well as 99 meeting rooms. Within a half a mile of the Anaheim Convention Center are 42 properties and 9,109 rooms. If attendees want to unwind, Orange County offers 42 miles of coastline and beaches that includes whale watching, sport fishing and more!

Irish Rock in Dayton, Ohio

If you happen to find yourself in Dayton, Ohio, there will be a lot of options to choose from celebration-wise. On March 17th, WTUE will be hosting a party in Fairborn with live music and local food trucks. On March 18th, Lost Celts (Irish Rock and Folk) and Dulahan will be performing at the post-St. Patrick’s Day survivor’s party at The Dublin Pub. On March 19th, the Celtic Academy of Dance will be performing a traditional Irish dance at the 2nd Street Market.

Located in the central business district of downtown Dayton and mere minutes from the Dayton International Airport (DAY), Dayton Convention Center has 150,000 sq. ft. of meeting space with three levels of contiguous space and an atrium. The facility also offers a full-service theater that can seat up to 672 guests, it also has 22 meeting rooms and 3 ballrooms with a combined 20,000 sq. ft.

On St. Patrick’s Day in the United States, folks Irish, a little Irish and not Irish at all embrace the “wearin’ of the green” and all things Emerald Isle. While a lot of those tropes are stereotypes, the Irish love of storytelling is not and it’s a concept that meeting planners can embrace and learn from.

In Irish culture, the storyteller is called a seanchaí which means “bearer of old lore.” Traditionally, they were honored by chieftans because they held the collective knowledge of the people in a culture that was largely an oral, rather than written one.

Today, the tradition is still in Ireland in both formal and informal ways. There are traditional storytelling events throughout both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and there is the generations-old way of telling tales that happen in pubs and at parties throughout the island of Eire.

Here are five lessons in storytelling from Irish traditional storytelling.

1. Don’t be afraid to embrace emotion.

One of the great things about Irish storytelling is that stories never shy away from sad tales, mournful epics or difficult emotions. One of Ireland’s most known songs “Danny Boy,” is loaded with melancholy. Traditionally, Irish storytelling embraces sadness as a natural part of life. When speaking in meetings and groups, use the powerful dynamic of cathartic emotion and don’t shy away from talking about things that bring up feelings.

Irish hearths have traditionally been places for a good story, Photo: Gretchen Kelly

2. Fuse your tales with fun.

Irish storytelling at its best will make you laugh and cry. When telling stories or speaking in groups, don’t be afraid to shine a light on the ridiculous side of life. Humor is a short-cut to bringing people together.

3. Tell your stories outdoors in places of wild wonder.

Some of the best storytellers seen in Ireland weave their yarns against a backdrop of wild beauty: in an old Irish stone house on a moor by a raging peat fire, for instance; or in a magical glade called “The Dark Hedges” known to viewers of Game of Thrones. Go outside where nature gives storytelling a magnificent stage.

4. Pair your stories with libations and food.

Far from being distracted by food and drink, the Irish know that having a bit of whiskey or a Guinness or a cup of bracing tea while you listen to a tale well told is part of the fun. The Irish are known for their hospitality and no cup ever goes unfilled at Irish events.

5. Tell stories as if you’re passing on a personal gift.

Great Irish tellers of tales know their worth. In ancient days, they were the favorites of kings and chiefs who paid them handsomely for their skills. Storytelling done right is not just talking at a crowd, it is passing on something of yourself or something deeply important to your group or organization. It’s like offering a gift. Keep speaking sessions “sacred” by making sure doors are closed and participants are comfortable and well seated so they can enjoy every word. Think about areas outside the general sessions room that can be used for after-story conversations and organize time for your speaker to engage with the audience on a one-to-one basis.

For more information on meeting in Ireland: meetinireland.com, tourismireland.com.