The approach to hospitality and travel is changing—this is nothing new. We’ve all heard that in the pandemic era, air travel won’t be the same—but what exactly will be different? According to the marketing consultants at SimpliFlying, more than 70 areas in the airport could change, from the disinfection of everything and “sanitagging” to the wearing of gloves and masks throughout your entire journey. Here are highlights of their scenario of what it will be like to fly in the age of sanitized travel.

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Booking Online

When booking online, the input of personal information seat selection and optional extras are only the start. In addition, be ready to upload your immunity passport, which confirms the presence of antibodies for COVID-19. Choosing your own seat will no longer be an option, as they will be assigned to you.

Curbside Dropoff

Curbside dropoff will be allowed, but only those traveling will be permitted into the airport, at least four hours before departure. Before being allowed into the departure area, passengers will have two choices: show their immunity passports or go through a disinfection tunnel and thermal scanners. Only after being deemed “fit to fly” will they be allowed to proceed to the gates.

Checking in at the Counter

Only have a carry-on bag? You will still need to make your way to the check-in counter—to have an assessment of your health. Some airlines may administer on-the-spot blood tests, as well.

If you have a bag to check, it will be fogged or UV-ray disinfected and “sanitagged.” Passengers will then be handed gloves and masks to be worn throughout the rest of their time in the airport—and on board the plane.

Security and Boarding

All passengers will go through hygiene-enhanced security at least two hours before departure.

Each carry-on bag and tray will be disinfected by fogging or UV-ray disinfection before entering the X-ray machine, , after which these bags will also be sanitagged. Passengers will be required to keep their masks and gloves on through this process.

Passengers will need to be in the boarding area at least an hour before departing, during which they will be required to maintain social distancing. They will only board when they have received individual notifications on their phones.

The JetBridge will be less crowded than before, to abide by social-distancing rules, and will double as a second disinfection tunnel, to ensure that every passenger on the plane is properly disinfected.

Upon boarding, it will be verified that all passengers are wearing gloves and masks. Prior to sitting down, passengers will wipe down their seats with wipes provided by the cabin crew.

Landing

After landing, checked-in bags will be sanitagged once more before being placed on the conveyor belt. Thermal scanners will be used once again for arriving passengers. Your immunity passport will also have to be presented upon entering your new location.

Attendees will soon have 1.4 million square feet of new reasons to love Las Vegas. The ceremonial final beam hoisted for Phase Two of Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) expansion marked a major milestone in updating and increasing access to the amenities that groups are looking for in the No. 1 trade show destination. What will the addition mean for groups of all sizes? With close proximity to iconic properties that provide guests ample accommodation options through 234,000 dedicated resort industry employees adhering to the highest level of service, there is no better time to experience your favorite destination.

What Will the Expansion Include?

LVCC Phase Two Expansion is a $935 million project that will add a new 600,000-square-foot West Hall, increasing the total Las Vegas Convention Center campus exhibition space to 2.5 million square feet. One exposition area alone clocks in at 328,000 square feet of flexible space. Another 150,000 square feet of meeting space is flexible enough to house 80 individual breakout sessions.

The modern entrance is dramatically punctuated by an undulating porte cochere with a geometric architectural design. It shelters an outdoor terrace that affords up to 2,000 people picture-perfect city views. The interior features a calming vibe, the play of abundant natural light and interactive LED screens.

How Tech-Friendly Is It?

In addition to some of the fastest Wi-Fi speeds in the destination, integrated audio-visual (AV) equipment streamlines presentation prep and encourages audience participation. AV upgrades and architectural planning also make safety provisions easier and more efficient.

One of the most exciting innovations could taking place on the campus of the LVCC is high-speed people mover now being drilled 40 feet underground in partnership with Elon Musk. Autonomous Tesla shuttles will whisk attendees between three passenger stations, connecting the existing 3.2 million square feet of LVCC’s space with the new 1.4 million-square-foot West Hall, turning what was a 15-minute walk into a 1.5-minute ride.

When Can Groups Experience the Expansion’s Amenities?

Phase Two will open its doors in December 2020, just in time to welcome CES. Phase Three will bring the existing 3.2 million square feet of space at the existing facility up-to-date by 2023. Construction planning for the LVCC expansion and renovation project has been meticulously planned in phases so space will always be available to accommodate groups while these incredible advancements are taking shape.

How fluent are you in the language of audiovisual? It can be daunting for a host of reasons: the equipment, esoteric terminology, cost, lack of how-to knowledge. In the latest Smart Meetings Accelerator, “Technically Speaking: How to Talk AV,” Michael Granek, CSEP, president and chief operating officer of Event Leadership Institute, led a tour through the vivid and vital world of audiovisual.

Even for the AV adverse, Granek believes understanding begins with a simple mindset shift. “It’s really important to learn the language so that you can speak in the common language of your technical providers,” he says. “Now, you don’t have to learn how to do this stuff. Just having a basic sense of what they’re talking about will help reduce your stress as a planner.”

AV May Be Bigger Than You Think

“Often people think projectors, microphone, speakers and lighting, but there’s a lot more there,” Granek says. AV covers a vast array of tools to make your event a success. In addition to the obvious, the list can also include sound, screens, video, staging, slides, Wi-Fi, audience responses and more.

The audiovisual landscape is changing as well, Granek notes. Apps used for audience response are a prime example.

Granek says he’s come across planners who question the need for using AV help at their events or meetings. “Even if we’re talking about just a little group meeting, there’s often some component of audiovisual that’s required,” he says. In most scenarios, involving use of presentations, music, any form of entertainment, stage shows or video recording, audiovisual assistance is almost always necessary.

It’s time to cue the Q&A.

What are hidden costs planners should be aware of when negotiating audiovisual contracts?

A very easy one is labor costs, as they can be a little tricky. Let’s say you have multiple bids for AV, and someone is a lot less expensive than the others. They risk is that they might turn around and say that it’s estimated labor only, and they might not be estimating accurately.

I would ask [AV bidders] to overestimate the labor. I would rather go to my client and say, “Hey, we saved x dollars on the labor.” That way, I don’t have to go back to my client and surprise them with an additional cost. If that’s not possible, it’s very important that you stay transparent with your client and say, “This is estimated labor only. The price may go up.”

Should you ask how new the equipment is and negotiate on that?

You could always ask, but it’s not as important as how well it’s maintained. Ask to visit your audiovisual supplier’s offices and take a tour of their warehouse. If everything is well organized and tidy, there’s a good chance that all equipment is well maintained and also that they are organized in the delivery of their events, as well. I don’t feel that this should be a form of leverage in negotiation, but it’s a point for you to note when selecting suppliers. You probably wouldn’t want to hire a disorganized, messy supplier anyway, so there’s really no point in trying to negotiate on that point.

Does the front-of-house (FOH) area generate any noise? Should I account for chatter between techs or buttons clicking or general movement at this desk?

Yes and no. If you have audience seats right up against the FOH tables, it is possible that people sitting nearby will hear cues being called into the crew’s headsets. However, most experienced AV techs do recognize that this can be distracting and will do their best to keep sounds to a minimum. The best thing to do is coordinate the best position for FOH with your AV supplier, and if it’s necessary to be close to the audience, simply remind the crew to keep their chatter to a minimum and be mindful of people nearby. Another solution would be to put the FOH position on tall risers above the audience. This way the last row in the audience isn’t in direct earshot.

What is the recommended distance for setting the first table in front of a screen? What about the farthest table?

This is entirely dependent on the size of the screen and the type of projector being used. Different projectors have different lenses, and there are even fish-eye lenses that are used for short-throw situations, which means that they can be much closer to the screen. The best thing to do is speak with your AV supplier about where you’d ideally like to position the screen and projector in your floor plan, then and ask what equipment would be appropriate for the situation and size of the room and audience.

What can you do to minimize “lights in the eyes” from a lighting tree?

If lights are getting in the eyes of your performers or speakers on stage, or the guests in the audience, it’s likely they are just not positioned high enough. Speak with your AV or lighting supplier and ask them about bringing appropriate equipment, such as tall ground-supported stands or rigging lighting to the venue’s ceiling. They should be able to recommend the best solution for your situation and the venue.

Do lumens matter with projectors anymore?

Most definitely. Lumen is the measure of brightness of the projector, so the brighter the projector, the less chance the image will get washed out by ambient or stage lighting in the room. There are a few factors when trying to determine how many lumens would be appropriate. For example, the size of the room, how much ambient or daylight there will be, how large the screen needs to be for your audience size, and so on. Your audiovisual supplier should be able to recommend the best equipment for your situation. Remember,  there is no one-size-fits-all approach to projectors, so your budget might need to be adjusted based on the specs of your event.

An AV check is done prior to meeting and then as soon as the meetings starts, but glitches still occur. The pressure is on, attendees are starting at you and the sweat beads up on your forehead. Why is this so common?

Unfortunately, this does happen every so often and comes with the challenges of using technology. It can happen to even the most prepared and experienced AV suppliers. However, this is where proper rehearsals are vitally important. Allocating sufficient time to find these glitches ahead of time and letting presenters practice will save you some sweat. Also, experienced AV companies and technicians should be able to anticipate a lot of common problems and come up with back-up solutions or recommendations on how to avoid or reduce them. If you are encountering these issues repeatedly at every event, you may want to consider sourcing a different supplier. However, that is still no guarantee you won’t experience glitches.

What are ways to minimize feedback when the house sound comes through speakers in the ceiling, not powered speakers?

House sound speakers built into ceilings are not the best option if you are using microphones. However, if you absolutely need to use them, it’s often good practice to get an audiovisual tech to stay in the room to monitor and adjust audio levels during the event. In terms of equipment, your AV supplier should be able to recommend additional equipment that could help, such as a small mixer and/or equalizer to reduce the problem sound frequencies that contribute to feedback. Selecting appropriate microphones for the space is also important. Lavalier mics can be problematic, depending on the location of the ceiling speakers and also the height of the ceiling—especially if you have a stage that brings your presenters closer to the ceiling speakers. Another consideration is making sure that your presenters are not speaking directly underneath a speaker, or if they are walking around the room, that they are aware of where the problem areas are.

How are audiovisual companies supporting organizations’ virtual and hybrid meetings in the current pandemic?

In many ways. I’ve heard from companies that are setting up Wi-Fi and virtual studios for CEOs and executives in their homes, so they can deliver meetings, webinars and other calls. Some have put together webcasting packages to send to virtual event speakers, such as a green screen, lighting and appropriate microphones. Others are providing support on the software front and helping with technical support getting online events going. It really depends on the AV company’s expertise, but the best thing to do is reach out to your supplier to see where they can help.

 

 

 

They kid me at work that I mention Red Bull once a day. This is not true—sometimes, it’s far more often than that. This isn’t because I’m addicted to energy drinks (although I’m often exhausted enough to need one) but because I had a 10-year stint working with Red Bull’s global creative agency, in both the U.K. and U.S.

And, as DesignScene, my employer, is a live event and experiential agency, there’s often a parallel between the challenge we’re confronted with and the insights I gained working on a brand that set the bar when it came to delivering unique live experiences.

Neil Cook

Events agencies are facing enormous challenges right now. Uncertainty is the killer. (Just ask the financial markets.) Our autumn calendar certainly looks packed, as spring and summer’s events have been moved out. But what the world will look like in October is an entirely different matter. No one can be certain that restrictions on travel and public gatherings will have been lifted entirely by then, even within nations, never mind across borders. Will clients and brands be prepared to risk the upfront investment on securing venues, hotels, flights, hotels, as well as paying agency overheads, in preparation for events that might be called off, locked down or restricted?

If you’re a marketeer, you’d certainly be disinclined to risk your budget when the investment looks quite so flaky. To borrow from Oscar Wilde, “To lose one event budget may be regarded as misfortune. To lose two looks more like carelessness.”

So how can you insulate yourself against the uncertainty and de-risk your future investments? Indeed, is there a new model for live events that makes sense in the post-coronavirus world? This is where the Red Bull reference becomes relevant. (See, that’s twice in one post.)

Many of the brand’s most popular live experiences are operated as world tours, with stop-offs in key markets. As a result, Red Bull is like the circus coming to town—a cause for excitement that creates tangible buzz. The fact that other events in the tour have already happened builds anticipation in each next locale. Consumers eat up the content of the global tour events, and then descend on the local one in droves. (If an activity is only appropriate to a specific market, the event tour becomes nationwide rather than global.)

The strategy is simple yet brilliant: combine the impact of an at-scale event series with the credibility and local relevance of an experience that’s happening close to home.

Now, I’m not suggesting for an instant that we want consumers to descend in droves on your next conference or event, whether corporate or nonprofit. The point of the Red Bull example is to suggest a way forward. Which, like your grandma’s advice on just about everything (which I singularly failed to follow), can be summarised thusly: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”

In other words, fewer mega events with thousands of delegates descending on you from all over the world.

More small- and mid-size events structured as a “tour” of a continent (e.g., Europe east to west), country or geographical region.

Each stop on the tour produces content and a social footprint that can be used to amplify the next leg of the journey. Delegates for future events in the series would join via digital channels, ramping up anticipation of what their local stop-off will deliver.

At each new location, core keynote and high-profile speakers would remain common, but event content is refreshed to give it local relevance, local flavor and additional local speakers. All the extra content and social footprint delivers a virtuous circle of amplification.

By not “going big” with a single mega-event, the risk of disruption is mitigated. More local events mean less travel over shorter distances for delegates, reducing the potential impact of emergency lockdowns. Talent bookings might be extended over time but managed across smaller audiences. By signing up to one, delegates get access to all, with the digital infrastructure delivering the experience.

Which also means there’s a Plan B if coronavirus impacts proceedings, allowing for an immediate pivot to digital event delivery. And you still have IRL events coming up later in the series, which can help to compensate for any sudden gaps in the schedule.

This new structure is robust, achievable, impactful and arguably delivers greater relevance for delegates and attendees. It’s an approach we’re already exploring with DesignScene’s clients and one that I expect to become the norm until the true impact of coronavirus, and the threat of future outbreaks, has been dealt with.

Remember: It’s about eggs and baskets. Never put all of them in just one. Grandmas are very rarely wrong.

Neil Cook is head of creative at DesignScene, a London-based event management and production company. He is a creative industry veteran of over 25 years.

As businesses look to reopen in the near future—and F2F events are soon to follow—what are the emerging best practices for keeping guests and employees safe?

One is the thermal detection camera, intended to screen for body temperature above 100.4 degrees, the level considered a fever by the CDC. These devices may become widely used. But you should know that, like most new implements, they come with…issues.

Regulation and Privacy

The first and most obvious are privacy and restrictions on data collection. In the current environment, some federal regulations are more flexible than usual, but this could change as the curve is flattened. Workers’ rights advocates are also voicing concern about this harvesting of medical data.

The Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) has weighed in on the privacy matter. It says employers can take employees’ body temperature to detect any who might be infected with the COVID-19 virus. But EEOC also notes that ADA confidentiality requirements do apply to the collection of this information, whether the employee has a disability or not.

In other words, you may need to obtain consent and provide disclosures about the usage and storing of that information; other legal requirements may apply, depending on where you’re located.

Health agencies (and the cameras manufacturers themselves) advise those who might wish to deploy the cameras to treat the technology as part of a developing system and not an end-all solution. International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has also released guidance for thermal cameras as a means to slow the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19.

Other Challenges

And then there’s the matter of accuracy. Some thermal cameras are accurate to within 1° F, while other models have a margin of error as large as 3° F. Therefore, manufacturers recommend the camera only as an initial screening, to be followed up with secondary measurements.

Though fever is a symptom of COVID-19, a recent study in Iceland showed that up to half of those infected with the virus were asymptomatic. In other words, they could spread the virus even though they felt fine. Some of those infected may also have the virus for days before fever symptoms surface.

These are all factors to keep in mind when developing steps for health-screening initiatives.

FDA Approval Suspended

Normally, manufacturers of systems “intended for adjunctive diagnostic screening” are required to undergo FDA review before going to market, but the federal agency says it will not object to the sale of unapproved devices during the present pandemic. Should you want to choose one that has been okayed, some manufacturers received an FDA green light before the current health crisis (such as FLIR cameras).

FDA guidelines do recommend devices that measure a single subject’s temperature at a time. This would clear forehead-scanning temperature detectors but not multi-personnel-scanning cameras.

Prepping for the Inevitable

Thermal detection is likely to become a mainstay in the re-emerging world, including the hospitality and meetings sectors. Popular daily newsletter Morning Brew reported that Amazon recently bought 1,500 thermal cameras to screen its employees, adding that “thermal cameras are about to be ubiquitous.” Wynn Resorts in Las Vegas was said to be ready to implement the tech even before the stay-at-home orders rolled out, and it’s likely other hotels will follow suit as sheltering orders expire.

Yet this final cautionary note came from Dr. Michael D. Parkinson, past president of American College of Preventive Medicine, in a press conference this week: “It would be wonderful if we could reliably diagnose the disease based on symptoms [such as an elevated temperature], but screening science is muddy at best. Instead, we suggest self-screening for wellness.”

Best Airport Hotel

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Grand Hyatt DFW

Exhale deeply upon entering this oasis of sophisticated luxury from the hustle bustle of Dallas Fort Worth Airport’s Terminal D. Its 298 soundproofed guest rooms are sleek, modern sanctuaries featuring granite baths. Add a heap o’ meeting space—34,000 sq. ft.—and it’s a star in the Lone Star State.

dfw.grand.hyatt.com

Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel

An oasis of calm just off the runways has gotten more reLAXed. A multi-million-dollar transformation added a fresh design scheme, all-new plush furnishings and tech in the 802 guest rooms, and enhancements to its 38 versatile meeting and functions rooms. In total, this property offers 50,000 sq. ft. of indoor meeting space.

sheratonlax.com

Westin Denver International Airport

Sleek and dynamic, this property has “oh wow” views of the airfield, Rocky Mountains and downtown Denver, which is easily accessible by rail. Its 519 soundproofed guest rooms feature signature Westin amenities such as Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath products. The new meeting and event space offers 37,500 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor space.

westindenverairport.com

Best Attraction/Theme Park

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Monterey Bay Aquarium

Where else will 35,000 fascinating creatures in nearly 200 exhibits welcome your event? Whether it’s an intimate reception, black-tie gala or a corporate evening affair, the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers an inspired venue for one-of-a-kind gatherings and celebrations. From the lighting and décor to the music and menu, their full-service planners will help design an unforgettable evening. Choose from a range of engaging programs, including dive shows, animal encounters or behind-the-scenes stories from expert guides. Count on a light environmental impact, too. Local, organic ingredients from renewable resources minimize waste and follow the aquarium’s own Seafood Watch guidelines in support of healthy fisheries.

831-648-4916 | Contact: Christine Russo Robertson | National Sales Manager Events | montereybayaquarium.org/

Universal Orlando Resort

How to choose? This resort features five distinctly different, onsite hotels and two much-beloved theme parks—Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure—as well as the brand-new Universal’s Volcano Bay. Guests love the unique dining and entertainment at Universal CityWalk. In all, there are 5,200 guest rooms and 295,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

universalorlando.com

Walt Disney World Resort

Count on Disney to take meeting magic to new heights. We’re talking six themed convention resorts at this Orlando destination totaling more than 700,000 sq. ft. of meeting, ballroom and function space, and more than 5,000 guest rooms. Walt Disney World features four famed theme parks, two nighttime entertainment districts, three championship golf courses and much, much more.

disneymeetings.com

Best Ballroom

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Fairmont Dallas

This hotel has anchored the downtown arts district since 1969 and features the epicenter of Dallas’ cultural and social glamor, the 18,000-square-foot Regency Ballroom. It boasts 27-foot ceilings, 15 crystal chandeliers and expansive windows. The entire property is newly renovated and offers 545 guest rooms as well as 70,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

fairmont.com/dallas

The Mirage

The Mirage, the original destination resort on the Vegas Strip, still knows how to put on a show. Witness the erupting Volcano out front. The pillar-less, 40,000-square-foot grand ballroom is a venue that challenges your imagination. Overall, the resort has 170,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 3,044 guest rooms.

mirage.com

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

No fewer than four atmospheric ballrooms, including the 55,000-square-foot Hemispheres Ballroom, grace this fanciful Michael Graves-designed property that delights adults and kids alike. Located on 87 acres within the Walt Disney World Resort, this lakefront Florida Green Lodging Property features 2,267 rooms and meeting space totaling 329,000 sq. ft.

swandolphin.com

Best Beach Hotel

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Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla & La Esmeralda

Elegantly appointed Paradisus Playa del Carmen, a leader in the luxury all-inclusive resort category, continues to exceed excellence standards now and into the future. It offers meeting and events professionals access to one of the Mexican Caribbean’s most coveted locations.

This luxury resort features spectacular architecture, world-class cuisine and premium services to give your group an unforgettable, luxurious experience. Paradisus Playa del Carmen is ideal for events ranging from world-class business meetings to large-scale conventions. Working with a dedicated group coordinator, meeting planners can customize and create their desired event. Your group can enjoy activities such as beach volleyball, stretching, meditation, yoga and much more.

melia.com | 52-984-877-3900, ext. 5401 | Contact: Marco Paramo, Director of Sales and Marketing

The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort

The first St. Regis property in Latin America, north of Puerto Vallarta in the Mexican state of Nayarit, is luxe in every last detail. It welcomes visitors with 120 elegant guest rooms and 7,806 sq. ft. of meeting space on glorious grounds. Expect to be challenged and energized on its two golf courses (Jack Nicklaus-designed), and delighted by the tennis center, spa and international cuisine.

stregispuntamita.com

The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa

For two deades this has been one of the most sought-after addresses in the Caribbean. Now newly transformed, The Westin Grand Cayman will make your gathering unforgettable. Surrounded by swaying palms and fronting the widest stretch of world-famous Seven Mile Beach, the resort features 351 stunningly remodeled guest rooms and oceanfront suites. An elevated arrival experience introduces a spectacular $50 million enhancement: a soaring Caribbean-view lobby/reception area and a reimagined Catboat lobby bar. The resort’s expansive beachfront pool and deck, fitness center, retail and select F&B outlets are new as well. The Westin Grand Cayman is perfect for relaxation, adventure and memory-making meeting venues.

westingrandcayman.com | 345-945-3800 | Contact: Melina Forla, Director of Sales

Best Boutique/Lifestyle Hotel

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The Brazilian Court

Roaring 1920s glamour meets boutique intimacy at this historic landmark tucked between swank Palm Beach homes. The beach and Worth Avenue loom, yet attendees may prefer staying on property at Chef Daniel Boulud’s Café Boulud or celebrity sylist Frederic Fekkai’s salon. There are 72 guest rooms. Indoor/outdoor function space totals 3,000 sq. ft.

thebraziliancourt.com

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

Amp up your next meeting with rock-star ambience in downtown San Diego’s fun and lively Gaslamp Quarter. The San Diego Convention Center is right across the street and PETCO Park is a block away. This Hard Rock features 420 rooms and 40,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event space.

hardrockhotelsd.com

Hutton Hotel

Nestled within the desirable West End neighborhood, Nashville’s only Forbes Four Star, AAA Four Diamond property Hutton Hotel remains the city’s standard for true hospitality. The 14,000 sq. ft. of meeting space can be divided into nine rooms and is located on one dedicated, private floor, allowing easy access for all attendees. The ballroom’s 14-foot windows offer abundant natural light and state-of-the-art audiovisual needs are easily accommodated. The Forbes Four Star, AAA Four Diamond onsite restaurant, 1808 Grille, is perfect for anything ranging from inspired happy hour cocktails, to fresh business lunches, or true southern communal dinners.

huttonhotel.com/meetings | 615-712-2319 | Contact: Evan Thomas, Sales Coordinator

Best City Hotel

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Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf

With its own marina, Boston’s only Forbes Five Star waterfront hotel welcomes guests by land or sea. Its 230 guest rooms are newly renovated to reflect Bostonian sophistication. Some 20,000 sq. ft. of waterfront meeting and event rooms are imbued with character and history yet meet today’s advanced technological standards.

bhh.com

The Peninsula Chicago

From its “Magnificent Mile” location to the vaunted luxury, service and amenities of the Peninsula brand, this much-honored property makes an impression. Its 339 spacious guest rooms are recently renovated (with advanced technology and touch-control bedside lighting) and more than 9,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space. Tip: don’t miss the terribly dignified daily High Tea!

chicago.peninsula.com

The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square

“Meet me at the St. Francis,” is what discerning locals and visitors (think business leaders, socialites and royalty) have said for more than a century. This eco-friendly landmark boasts more than 1,200 guest rooms and 56,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, including 33 newly renovated meeting rooms with the newest tech.

westinstfrancis.com

Best Coastal Hotel

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Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort

Sitting prettily on one of Cabos San Lucas’ only swim-safe beaches, this Baja resort is ideal for combining business with fun in the sun and golf at championship courses created by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and Jack Nicklaus. The property offers 375 guest rooms and 11, 843 sq. ft. of meeting space.

hiltonloscabos.com

NIZUC Resort & Spa

Formerly a private Mexican presidential retreat, this ultra-luxury, Asian-inspired, beachfront property on 29 acres in the enclave of Cancun’s Punta NIZUC is the perfect intersection of business and pleasure. Open, airy spaces predominate in the 274-suite venue, with nearly 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and a state-of-the-art conference center.

nizuc.com

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

High on an ocean bluff in Northern California, this luxury property is imbued with Ritz-Carlton elan and embraces local coastal grandeur, wineries and organic farms. The spa, for example, offers the Redwood Forest Ritual, using herbs and wood blends. Its 261 guest rooms are complemented by 17,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/half-moon-bay

Terranea Resort

Perched on 102 tranquil acres above a secluded beach cove south of Los Angeles, this Mediterranean-style, luxury eco-resort has views to Catalina Island and has starred in Hollywood films and TV shows. Its 582 guest rooms include bungalows and casitas. Indoor and outdoor event space totals 135,000 sq. ft.

terranea.com

Best Conference Center

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Lied Lodge & Conference Center

At Lied Lodge & Conference Center, the definition of meeting space is different than most. The meetings hosted there are so much more than conference rooms and the latest technology. It’s about people finding inspiration and opportunities to foster bright thinking. It’s where rich conversations lead to breakthroughs, where the spirit of collaboration thrives, and where doing business becomes more meaningful. Lied Lodge offers 14,000 sq. ft. of adjustable meeting space, excellent accommodations, and an impressive selection of tours and group activities. From world-class indoor spaces to leafy, open-air vistas, visitors can explore the 260-acre, resort-like campus—and redefine what their next meeting should be.

liedlodge.org | 402-873-8768 | Contact: Theresa Brown, Director of Sales

Monterey Conference Center

When reopened this summer after a $60 million reinvention, this 40,000-square-foot facility in the heart of one of the Central California Coast’s most popular destinations will offer even more flexible and attendee-friendly meeting space, upgraded technology and a stylish, modernized building that is LEED certified.

montereyconferencecenter.org

The National Conference Center

This commodious corporate training facility in Leesburg, northern Virginia, is one of the largest in the region. It features a series of color-coded buildings known as “living learning modules” that comprise 265,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, a ballroom, plus 917 guest rooms. Walking trails encourage guests to think on their feet.

conferencecenter.com

Best Convention Center

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Austin Convention Center

This handsome, LEED Gold-certified facility sprawls over six downtown blocks—Austin’s many shopping, dining and other attractions are close by, as are 8,500 hotel rooms—and sports native Texas materials, from rustic limestone to polished granite. Open and airy thanks to natural light flooding through window-walls, this venue offers 369,132 sq. ft. of meeting space, with five column-free exhibit halls, seven ballrooms and 54 meeting rooms. The catering team takes pride in meeting any challenge, from gourmet box lunches to cutting-edge culinary experiences. An award-winning, advanced communication infrastructure moves voice, video and data at 1 billion bits a second.

austinconventioncenter.com | 512-404-4200 | Contact: Amy Harris, Director of Sales

Oregon Convention Center

Oregon Convention Center (OCC) is the largest convention facility in the Pacific Northwest. It offers 255,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, 50 meeting rooms, two grand ballrooms, full-service catering and an 800-space underground parking garage. Green components are built into many daily operations, such as event recycling and composting, water and energy efficiencies, waste diversion and purchasing local food for catering. OCC recently installed one of the largest solar arrays on a U.S. convention center to produce as much as 30 percent of the facility’s electricity. LEED certified since 2004, OCC achieved LEED Platinum level, the highest certification offered through the U.S. Green Building Council, in 2014.

oregoncc.org | 503-235-7575 | Contact: Cindy Wallace, CMP, CMM, Director of Sales

Pasadena Convention Center

Just 10 miles from downtown L.A., the stately, LEED Gold-certified Pasadena Convention Center boasts 130,000 sq. ft. of flexible space, with 97,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and an expansive 25,000-square-foot ballroom. The Rose Bowl and other additional event settings are nearby.

pasadenacenter.visitpasadena.com

Best Convention Center Hotel

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The Broadmoor

This grand Colorado Springs resort with the Italian Renaissance façade is as famous as the heads of state who have slept over. The resort features 779 guest rooms and a total of 185,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including the 90,000 square-foot Broadmoor Event Center Complex.

broadmoor.com

Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center

The only waterfront resort in the Washington, D.C. region, Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center is eight miles from downtown D.C., in National Harbor, Maryland. Under its signature 19-story glass atrium, Gaylord National features 1,996 guest rooms, a variety of dining experiences, an award-winning spa and more. More than 500,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space is customizable for events ranging from 10 to 10,000 people. With a dedicated team of meeting professionals, chefs catering to culinary desires, and expert in-house audiovisual and technology teams, Gaylord National Resort offers flawless, unmatched service.

gaylordnationalmeetings.com | 301-965-2300 | Contact: Brad Mettler, Director of Sales and Marketing

Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas

The resort’s award-winning Mandalay Bay Convention Center is the fifth-largest in North America, with 2 million sq. ft. of meeting space. It has the highest Green Key Meetings Rating— 85 percent of convention waste is typically recycled.

mandalaybay.com

Best Cruise Line

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Celebrity Cruises

At sea about where to host your next meeting? How does leading conference technology (at no extra charge), flexible meeting rooms, and multi-purpose lounges and other great function space float your boat? Celebrity Cruises has four-, five- and seven-day itineraries to choose from in the Caribbean, Alaska, Bermuda and Europe.

celebritycruises.com

Hornblower Cruises & Events – New York

The nation’s largest private passenger vessel company offers six yachts for charter from Pier 40 in Manhattan providing unique spaces for small off-site meetings to large-scale corporate events and conferences. Hornblower’s yachts have a full suite of amenities complemented by in-house catering and dedicated event planners.

hornblowernewyork.com

Royal Caribbean International

Float your meeting with the world’s second-largest cruise line operator. Choose from 25 ships with dedicated conference facilities, plus unique team-building and gathering spaces. Theaters can accommodate groups as large as 1,394 and come with complimentary audiovisual services. No charge for lighting and sound gear, either.

royalcaribbean.com

Best Desert Hotel

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Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale At Troon North

Soaring saguaro cacti. Adobe casitas. The magic of the desert is everywhere in this high-style resort snuggled into the foothills of Pinnacle Peak in Scottsdale. Guests enjoy special privileges at world-class Troon North golf course. This property features 188 guest rooms and 35,920 sq. ft. of meeting space.

fourseasons.com/scottsdale

The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale

Since 1988, the Phoenician has epitomized Scottsdale elegance in the Sonoran Desert. And now, with three acres of solar panels the 250-acre resort is even more of an oasis. It features 643 expansive guest rooms, and the 64,000 sq. ft. of meeting space is complemented by a new 45,000-square-foot ballroom complex.

thephoenician.com

La Quinta Resort & Club

The quintessential desert hideaway since 1926, this Palm Springs classic set on 45 lushly landscaped acres features 796 hacienda-style casitas, suites and villas clustered around 41 pools and 53 hot spas. There are no fewer than five championship golf courses. Indoor and outdoor event space totals 190,000 sq. ft.

laquintaresort.com

Best Eco/Green Hotel

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Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa

Even the EPA has honored the eco-efforts of this 6,000-acre ranch resort near Winter Park Resort, Colorado, for geothermal heating, sand filtration water purification and more. The Main Lodge offers 52 rooms. Meeting and event space totals nearly 21,000 sq. ft.

devilsthumbranch.com

Omni Dallas Hotel

This LEED Gold-certified hotel is modern and toney—and a sky bridge away from the Kay Baily Hutchison Convention Center. The 1,001 guest rooms showcase work by local artists, as do the restaurants and 110,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space.

omnihotels.com/hotels/dallas

Portola Hotel & Spa

The AAA Four Diamond Portola Hotel & Spa reflects the captivating spirit of a rich, historical setting surrounded by everything that the Monterey Peninsula has to offer. As the only U.S. Green Building Council LEED-certified hotel on California’s Central Coast, the hotel boasts 379 guestrooms, 50,000 sq. ft. of meeting space with the adjacent Monterey Conference Center and experienced meeting professionals offering state-of-the-art technology, and sustainable catering options, all on the coast in the heart of historic, downtown Monterey.

portolahotel.com | 831-649-4511 | Contact: Terri D’Ayon Joyce, Director of Sales

Best Executive Retreat

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Boulders Resort & Spa

Carefree, Arizona, is home to this enchanting, and newly renovated, resort on 1,300 acres of boulder-strewn Sonoran Desert, where your executive retreat can encompass fishing, hiking, biking, rock climbing—and teeing off at two championship golf courses. An eco-friendly property, it offers 223 guest rooms and 12,000-plus sq. ft. of meeting and event space.

theboulders.com

One&Only Palmilla

A privileged sense of place and exacting attention to detail have been the hallmarks of this luxury resort for generations. Just minutes from Los Cabos International Airport, the resort offers 160 beautifully appointed rooms, and an upscale boardroom and ballroom. Its fine dining is unrivalled in all of Los Cabos. Between meetings, relax in the exceptional One&Only Spa, bask on one of the few swimmable beaches in Los Cabos, shop for high-quality crafts in nearby San Jose, scuba or snorkel the Sea of Cortez, or test your luck at sport fishing. Other outdoor options include a 27-hole, Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course.

oneandonlypalmilla.com | 310-407-4408 | Contact: Angela Lockyer, Director of Sales

Salamander Resort & Spa

Where else can executives uncover their authentic leadership style by communicating with horses? At this LEED-certified Virginia resort with the polish of an elegant country home, there are 168 guest rooms and 12,000 sq. ft. of indoor function space, plus an equestrian center.

salamanderresort.com

Best Family-Friendly Hotel/Resort

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Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas

This extraordinary property of 3,805 guest rooms has completed a $1 billion expansion to its conference center. The whole family will love exploring marine habitats of lagoons, caves and coral formations, plus Aquaventure, a 141-acre water park.

atlantisbahamas.com

Great Wolf Lodge, Williamsburg

An indoor water park resort with a modern, 8,622 square-foot conference center? Sure. Your group gets down to business while their families get wet in the zero-depth wave pool. Just minutes from Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, the lodge features 405 guest suites.

greatwolf.com/williamsburg

Hershey Lodge

Not only is this Pennsylvania’s biggest convention resort; kids eat it up, beginning at the separate kids’ check-in. Then there’s Hershey’s Water Works and Hersheypark, with 70 rides and attractions. This property offers 665 guest rooms and 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

hersheylodge.com

Best Gaming/Casino Hotel

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Aria Resort & Casino

The 4,004 spacious guest rooms have cool touch controls for everything from the curtains on floor-to-ceiling windows to the flat-screen TV. Aria’s two sleek towers also house 300,000 sq. ft. of meeting space that features natural light. The property is seriously green, too.

aria.com

Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

Still a standard-setter in the city that always raises the stakes, this iconic property comprises 3,960 guest rooms—including a 13,000-square-foot suite—and meeting space tallying 300,000 sq. ft. Caesars also features the 4,100-seat Colosseum.

caesars.com/caesars-palace

Tropicana Las Vegas–a DoubleTree by Hilton

Tropicana Las Vegas–a DoubleTree by Hilton enjoys a convenient location minutes from the airport, major convention centers and top entertainment venues. Each of the 1,470 guest rooms come with Wi-Fi and luxurious amenities. For VIPs, the Pool and Sky Villas offer an entirely new level of luxury. The conference center offers more than 100,000 sq. ft. of space that can be reconfigured into 38 breakout rooms. The pool and gardens, the Tropicana Theater, Havana Room and Sky Beach Club offer opulent spaces for upscale events.

troplv.com | 702-739-2581 | Contact: Gavin Mealiffe, Vice President of Sales

Best Golf Resort

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Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Near historic Charleston, South Carolina, Kiawah is on a barrier island with miles of pristine beach, lagoons and marshlands. The resort boasts five championship golf courses certified by Audubon International for environmental management. In addition to private villas, The Sanctuary offers 255 luxurious guest rooms. Total resort meeting space tops 38,000 sq. ft.

kiawahresort.com

La Cantera Resort & Spa

This is a golfers’ paradise, San Antonio-style. Fairways undulate over Texas Hill Country, with 36 holes designed by PGA legends. The resort, with 498 guest rooms and 52,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, took design inspiration from King Ranch, one of the world’s largest ranches.

destinationhotels.com/la-cantera-resort-and-spa

Streamsong Resort

Surrounded by Central Florida nature, your group’s game will be elevated on and off the course. In addition to a trio of acclaimed championship golf courses, find 216 guest rooms, bass-filled lakes and woods—and 24,600 sq. ft. of indoor conference and meeting space.

streamsongresort.com

Best Historic Hotel

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The Breakers Palm Beach

Tycoons and socialites have reveled in this Italian-Renaissance-style grande dame in Florida since the 1890s. Today it still epitomizes over-the-top luxury and seaside glamour, but also embraces environmental responsibility. Its 538 elegantly appointed guest rooms and 80,000 sq. ft. of indoor/outdoor meeting space await. Create history of your own.

thebreakers.com

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac has been lovingly restored to underpin a rich history with modern innovations within the fortified walls of Old Quebec. Imagine yourself in historic Europe in this venue’s 611 elegant guest rooms and 39,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

fairmont.com/frontenac-quebec

Hotel Jerome, An Auberge Resort

Long before Aspen became an acclaimed ski town, there stood Hotel Jerome—since 1889, in fact. Today this historical gem remains a perfect base camp from which to enjoy Aspen and surrounding recreational options. The hotel features 93 well-appointed guest rooms and 10,000 sq. ft. of renovated meeting rooms and event spaces.

hoteljerome.aubergeresorts.com

Best Hotel Pool

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Marriott Marquis Houston

This bold beauty is new to Houston, with a sky bridge to the convention center. The real showstoppers are the Texas-shaped lazy river and infinity pool, both on the rooftop. The 1,000 contemporary guest rooms boast ergonomic workspaces. Meeting space totals 153,724 sq. ft.

marriott.com/hotels/travel/houmq-marriott-marquis-houston

Nobu Eden Roc Hotel

With its Collins Avenue location, this “hotel within a hotel” flawlessly blends tropical Miami with timeless glamour, offering 624 guest rooms and more than 70,000 sq. ft. of event and meeting space. People watching doesn’t get better than at three distinctive pools.

nobuedenroc.com

W Fort Lauderdale

Embrace the way-out at this beachfront W. As in, a peek-a-boo staircase that gives underwater views as it descends into the pool. Fresh from a major restyle, it’s hipper than ever and glories in its unique design elements. This property offers 430 guest rooms and 12,400 sq. ft. of indoor event space.

wfortlauderdalehotel.com

Best Hotel Spa

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Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun

The sleek, 40,000-square foot Coral Beach Gem Spa offers innovative treatments using chakra-balancing gem stones and a hydrotherapy ritual. This resort offers 602 all-suite, oceanfront accommodations, as well as more than 80,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor meeting space.

coralbeachcancunresort.com

Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa

On 400 acres north of Tucson, this resort’s mission is “to inspire a life in balance through mindfulness.” Balance Spa offers ayurvedic and other traditional treatments. Its 118 casita-style guest rooms exude understated luxury. Meeting space totals 4,700 sq. ft.

miravalresorts.com

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

Stars such as Sinatra put this San Diego-area resort on the A-list. Today the much-lauded spa offers treatments using organic products, plus barefoot walks on a reflexology pathway. The Spanish Colonial-style property has 607 guest rooms and 50,000 sq. ft. of meeting space

omnihotels.com/hotels/san-diego-la-costa

Best Incentive Hotel

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Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Beyond all-inclusive, beyond compare. That’s the Yucatan’s most spectacular vacation destination. The breathtaking Playa del Carmen resort is the only family-friendly all-inclusive resort in the Mexican Caribbean to be rated Five Diamonds by AAA. The 539 guest rooms feature spa-like bathrooms, private terraces with plunge pools and private butler service. Whether you swim up to the bars at the cascading pool or chill out under a palapa on the white-sand beach, indulge in an ancient healing ritual at the spa or learn to scuba dive, you will feel pampered. The resort also features 30,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

velasmeetingsmexico.com/grand-velas-riviera-maya | 888 505 8399 | Contact: Jorge A. Meraz Ibarra, Director of Cluster Group Sales–INT

The Resort at Pedregal

The Resort at Pedregal, a unique luxury AAA Five Diamond boutique resort on the southernmost shores of the Baja Peninsula, specializes in blending sophistication with seaside style. With 1,725 sq. ft. of meeting space, it caters to high-level incentive and board meetings, executive retreats and meetings of various sizes to an intimate venue with fabulous restaurant offerings and personalized concierge services. Our residential-style casitas—113 guest rooms and suites in all—seamlessly blend handcrafted Mexican motifs with comfortable modern amenities, and feature oceanfront views on private terraces with infinity-edge plunge pools.

theresortatpedregal.com | 602-330-6147 | Contact: Dawn Benedict, National Group Sales Manager (U.S.)

Sea Island

Located on the coast of Georgia, Sea Island is the only resort in the world to have received four Forbes Five-Star awards for nine consecutive years, and is the only resort in the United States to host a G8 Summit. With four Forbes Five-Star experiences—The Cloister at Sea Island, The Lodge at Sea Island, The Spa at Sea Island, and the Georgian Room restaurant—Sea Island entices conference attendees, outdoor and activity enthusiasts, and those simply wanting to refresh and recharge. Visit Seaisland.com for more information.

seaisland.com | 855-572-4975 | Contact: [email protected]

Wynn Las Vegas and Encore

Comfort was key in planning Wynn Las Vegas and Encore’s convention facilities, each focused on a combination of sophisticated design and thoughtful details. Three column-free ballrooms, 35 meeting rooms and five private boardrooms combine to create more than 260,000 sq. ft. of entirely customizable meeting space. Tailored to accommodate any group size, many spaces feature floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning pool and garden views. From start to finish, planning is overseen by your personal meetings concierge, who coordinates everything from personalized menus to tech concerns with in-house production services. These amenities, plus award-winning accommodations, combine to create unforgettable events for your attendees.

wynnmeetings.com | 702-770-7800 | Contact: Steve Blanner, Vice President of Sales

Best Island Hotel

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Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

Get inspired at this luxury resort, which embodies the true spirit of aloha and reflects the splendor of the island. A standout in meeting and incentive markets, this resort is known for its sheer beauty, graceful grandeur and service excellence. The resort unfolds with a relaxed sense of elegance and classic Hawaiian architecture that embraces Hawaii’s culture and climate. Guest rooms offer the comfort and amenities of home with an island flair. For events, options abound: more than 24,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor meeting space and 40,000 sq. ft. of breathtaking outdoor venues. Gatherings take on new energy amid trade-wind breezes, natural beauty and amazing facilities.

kauai.grand.hyatt.com | 808-240-6435 | Contact: Vanessa Yatsuoka, Director of Sales

Four Seasons Resort Nevis

Your attendees will never want to be kicked off the island after they check into these gingerbread-trimmed cottages set in tropical gardens. On 350 acres, this laidback luxury resort features a buffet of outdoor activities, 179 guest rooms and 9,043 sq. ft. of meeting space.

fourseasons.com/nevis

Frenchman’s Reef & Morningstar Marriott Beach Resort

Dramatically set on a bluff overlooking the aquamarine Caribbean, this resort is secluded from the hustle-bustle of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. It features 453 island-style guest rooms and 60,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and event space, including outdoor terraces with dazzling views and 15 meeting rooms.

marriott.com/hotels/travel/sttfr-frenchmans-reef-and-morning-star-marriott-beach-resort

Best Mountain/Ski Hotel

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Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Surrounded by some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is nestled in Canada’s famous Banff National Park. This internationally recognized UNESCO World Heritage site provides a spectacular resort setting for a true mountain experience. An abundance of winter adventures, all available from the resort’s doorstep, can be tailored to any group. Winter-themed group itineraries encourage active participation and exploration of the pristine natural environment. Combine these exhilarating activities with the superb range of flexible, inspiring event spaces for the perfect executive retreat, annual conference, sales meeting, incentive or special event—set in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

fairmont.com/lake-louise | 403-522-1509 | Contact: Craig Hudspith, Director of Group Sales

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch

Legendary mountain man Jedidiah Smith never slept here, but it’s easy to make believe you’re walking in his footsteps at this airy lodge by Colorado’s Beaver Creek Mountain. Bunk down in one of 180 lodge-elegant guest rooms. Roam the 26,000 sq. ft. of event space.

ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/colorado/bachelor-gulch

The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa

Situated on 19 acres in Colorado’s Vail Valley by Beaver Creek Mountain and overlooking the Eagle River, this luxury property offers 232 guest rooms and signature Westin amenities such as Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath products, 7,200 sq. ft. of meeting space and an award-winning spa specializing in healing traditions from the mountains.

westinriverfrontbeavercreek.com

Best Outdoor Event Space

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Chelsea Piers New York

Chelsea Piers calls itself New York City’s corporate headquarters for team-building events such as a “mini-Olympics.” Or how about an activity outing? We’re talking bowling lanes, batting cages, ice skating, rock climbing—more than 25 sports in all. Before or after, groups as large as 2,000 or as few as a handful can get their games on at one this venue’s flexible riverside meeting or reception spaces.

chelseapiers.com

The Diplomat Beach Resort

Fresh from a top-to-bottom, $100 million renovation, this Hollywood, Florida, classic features 1,000 bright, beachy guest rooms and its own private marina. Function space tops 200,000 sq. ft., with dazzling outdoor event space overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. The 20,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom boasts ocean views.

diplomatresort.com

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

Surrounded by 40 oceanfront acres on Kaanapali Beach, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa is the premier destination for your most memorable events on Maui. Above the stunning, free-form resort pool is the breathtaking new Halona Kai event lawn. As many as 500 guests can share the expansive lawn and panoramic views of the Pacific and palm-fringed coast. The resort also boasts additional gardens, terraces, oceanfront lawns and a spacious pool deck for creating unique experiences. Experienced event planning managers are on staff, as is extensive onsite recreation, a brand-new Regency Club, award-winning restaurants and unique Hawaiian cultural activities, including Maui’s most exciting luau.

maui.regency.hyatt.com | 808 667 4440 | Contact: Erin Patin, Director of Group Sales

Best Special-Event Venue

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Bowlmor Chelsea Piers

Take your group bowling like never before, at 40 blacklight-lit lanes with gigantic laneside video walls. At this Pier 60 location in Manhattan’s Chelsea, you can even reserve a private, eight-lane bowling suite. Not in a Dude mood? Then try the city’s only indoor ropes course, or laser tag and arcade games. Also, check out Bowlmor Times Square.

bowlmor.com

MEET Las Vegas

“Productive meets memorable” is how this event/exhibition space describes its mojo. This venue reinvents itself to suit your needs and imagination. Its 40,000 sq. ft. of meeting space can accommodate more than 1,000 participants, and it partners with nearby hotels.

meetlv.com

Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

Impressive is the word. At 3.1 million sq. ft., it’s the biggest building in the nation’s capital—and the only federal structure mandated for both government and private use. Almost any event conceivable can—and does—feel right at home in its 65,000 sq. ft. of event space, 625-seat amphitheater or 15-room conference center.

itcdc.com

 

Outdoor festivals can be experienced in all corners of New York state and at all times of the year. They offer groups an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the areas—and have a lot of fun doing so!

Here’s a summary of three of the main annual festivals in The Empire State.

Groups visiting the eastern New York city of Albany in early May can experience Albany Tulip Festival, featuring annual traditions rooted in the city’s rich Dutch heritage. Taking place during Mother’s Day weekend, the event boasts nearly 100 artisans selling their handmade crafts, delicious food, two stages of world-class live entertainment and more than 140,000 tulips in 150 different varieties.

Girls in authentic Dutch costumes kick off the festival each year with the traditional scrubbing of State Street, and the Tulip Festival takes place in historic, 81-acre Washington Park.

A free event that takes place in mid-September, Adirondack Balloon Festival in Queensbury, about a one-hour drive north from Albany, features stunning hot-air balloons floating high above the majestic Adirondack Mountains. The main events of the festival take place Saturday and Sunday at Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport (GFL), while the opening ceremonies take place at Crandall Park in Glens Falls on Thursday and include live music, food vendors and the flight of up to 20 hot-air balloons. VIP parking passes are available for groups.

The annual Utica Zoo Wine in the Wilderness is a one-day festival that takes place in early June at Utica Zoo, which is a 55-minute drive east from Syracuse. Groups can sample New York state wines while gazing at the eclectic animals that call Utica Zoo their home. Guests can try wine slushies from Ashley Lynn Winery or switch to draft beer samples from Saranac Brewery. Live music, light snacks, and a wide variety of vendors are among the other highlights. All ticket proceeds benefit the Utica Zoo.

Read more in Megan McDermott’s story, “Connecting to Nature: Groups Love Outdoor Experiences in One of the Most Scenic States,” in the April issue of Smart Meetings.

There are some things even the best planners just can’t plan for. So in the meantime, take care of yourselves while we plan for better days ahead. When you’re ready to get back to business, we’ll be ready for you.

WHEN THE TIME COMES
A successful event is about more than just great facilities, it’s about experiences that inspire purpose and promote connection. With a backdrop of natural beauty and manmade fun, Wisconsin Dells, “The Waterpark Capital of the World!®” offers the perfect combination of inspiration and innovation for when the time comes to return to business.

MEETING SPACE
In addition to being a top tourism destination, Wisconsin Dells has quickly risen to become a top Midwest meeting destination, hosting more than 5,600 meetings and conventions each year. With over 500,000 sq. ft. of meeting and convention space ranging in size from 250 sq. ft. to 90,000 sq. ft., plus state-of-the-art-facilities and personalized planning services, we make it easy to meet here. Feedback from business groups is that they find it easy to move through their agendas thanks to newer conference facilities at many of the area’s waterpark resorts and convention centers.

ACCOMMODATIONS
With more than 8,000 rooms, from hotel suites, to a rustic retreat, to lakeside condominiums, Wisconsin Dells offers a wide variety of lodging options for groups of all sizes. However, it’s the waterpark resorts that are the biggest draw. They’re great fun for grown-ups and a plus for attendees who want to bring along the family.

ATTRACTIONS
The area’s resorts and convention centers offer meeting space, guest rooms, restaurants, and attractions all under one roof. For those looking for an authentic experience, Wisconsin Dells offers amenities appealing to nearly every interest including waterpark fun, championship golf courses, multiple spas, a 24-hour casino, and a wide variety of shopping. In Wisconsin Dells, your event won’t just be successful, it’ll be inspirational.

FOOD & BEVERAGE
When you’re not attending meetings or careening down waterslides, consider indulging in one of the areas 90+ restaurants. From sports bars to supper clubs and everything in between, you’ll be sure to find something for all tastes.

TRANSPORTATION
Local Transportation: Rideshare services, taxis, shuttles and limousines offer in area transportation services and airport transfers upon request.
By Train: There is an Amtrak station located in the heart of downtown Wisconsin Dells.
By Air: Located 50 minutes from Dane County Regional Airport or 2 hours from Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport.

Make a splash and start creating your event in Wisconsin Dells. Call (888) 339-3822 or visit MeetInTheDells.com to start planning today!

QUICK FACTS

  • 500,000 sq. ft. of indoor meeting space
  • 90,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space
  • Maximum theater capacity of 3,136
  • Maximum banquet capacity of 3,300
  • More than 8,000 rooms, ranging from hotel suites, to lakeside condominiums to rustic retreats
  • Diverse dining options with over 100 area restaurants
  • Seven golf courses, two of which are championship courses

CONTACT INFORMATION
MeetInTheDells.com
[email protected]

With the prospect of meetings resuming again in the foreseeable future, Event Industry Council  (EIC) is bringing together leading voices from the global planner and hotelier community to collect best practices and standards. The group, a revival of EIC’s Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX), has been dubbed the APEX COVID-19 Business Recovery Task Force.

It will launch in the coming week with co-chairs Michael Dominguez, president and CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International, and Kristin Horstman, senior director of strategic events with Salesforce.

Door-to-Door Safety

“The goal is to provide a clearinghouse with all of the resources needed to show how we get back to business,” said Amy Calvert, CEO of EIC. The remainder of the task force will be named in time for a first meeting this week, and a position paper with an overview of the best information in the sector is promised shortly thereafter.

Calvert said updates will be rolled out as the situation changes, with a gap analysis of what still needs to be addressed. “What we will need in the next three to six months may be very different that what we will need years from now,” she said.

Dominguez endorsed the big-picture view the group has been tasked with collecting. “There are a lot of standards being set, but they are all over the board. The goal is to pull all of the information together for the [traveler’s] entire journey from the airport and ground transportation to the hotel and back.”

Hotels, Dominguez said, are just one piece of the safety equation, and they were waiting to see what the government would allow. Now that Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has come out with its guidance, hospitality companies are coming out with their plans. “It is not as simple as addressing front of house. We have to keep employees safe on the back side, and a lot of operational teams who would normally be addressing what is changing are on furlough,” he said.

Dominguez predicted a psychological shift in how hotels communicate all the cleaning they do. “In the past, we did cleaning late at night, so as not to take away from the experience, but at least in the beginning we will need to be very visible,” he said. He anticipated that a lot of properties would add UV sanitation to room sweeps and might switch to products designed for this particular virus. Medical-quality air-filtration systems in guest and meeting rooms could become the norm. “And we will have a lot more signage,” he said.

When it comes to testing people for fevers, Dominguez thinks thermal sensors at the airport might be more effective, because they would flag infected arrivees even before they get to ground transport and the hotel. “The question of whether guests will be required to wear a mask will be something that will have to be discussed by the property and the planner,” he said.

Already being discussed, Dominguez said, are contracts: “We are having a lot of good conversations around flexible attrition rates, cancellation fees and new force majeure clauses from now through the end of 2020.”

“We want to put everything in one place so there is no confusion, and it isn’t different from hotel to hotel or chain to chain. People need to know what they can expect. That will minimize confusion for the consumer and meeting professional,” he said.

Looking Ahead

Dominguez was also optimistic that many of these steps will be bridges to a more robust meeting environment. “I don’t know the timing, but a lot of this is temporary until we have a vaccine,” he said, citing recent comments by Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, that an effective treatment could be in place by January. “Then it goes back to the same risk we have always had,” Dominguez said.

“Everyone I have talked to, including veteran planners, are not worried about 2021,” he continued. “We are having discussions about meetings for the rest of the year and how to meet federal and state requirements. We are looking at investing in UV lighting for sanitation, but a lot of the cleaning standards are already in place. We may have to adjust chemical products, but we know what a 250-room classroom setup looks like with six feet between everyone for Phase Three (elevated risk) levels. Phase Two (moderate risk) is a little more vague.”

Task Force co-chair Horstman was confident about finding those answers together. “The events industry has always been about bringing people together to educate, celebrate and entertain. In our new abnormal, we need to focus on stabilization and recovery. The task force will guide our industry on how we will gather again in safe and healthy environments” she said.

As locations throughout the United States devise plans for reopening, restaurants, venues and high-traffic facilities are doubling down on ways to make their spaces safe and virus-free so that visitors are reassured they need not worry about getting sick. Major hotels are debuting comprehensive new health protocols for employees and guests. Venues like convention centers and arenas, which most observers think will among the last to reopen, at least to large groups, are also pressing ahead in creating health and safety programs of their own.

Venue management company ASM Global, for example, has launched VenueShield Environmental Hygiene Program. ASM’s 325 global facilities, which include arenas, stadiums and convention centers, will soon be upgraded to a heightened level of cleanliness.

The company has partnered with leading health officials and industry leaders in industrial hygiene and sanitation to develop the program. A company task force will oversee implementation of new protocols—which will vary based on type of facility—which also adhere to guidelines set forth by entities such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United Kingdom National Health Service and World Health Organization, according to a press release.

ASM’s new measures will include use of personal protective equipment for staff, air-quality control, surface cleaning, temperature checks, thermal cameras, reduced touch points, contactless payments and more.

“We realize that all of our venues across the globe are economic engines for their respective communities, representing local tax revenues, travel revenues and jobs,” said Bob Newman, president and CEO of ASM Global. “We look forward to reopening these local and regional economic foundations, stimulating local economies, and again delivering the entertainment experience that has defined us for decades.”