Smart Meetings | Page 26 of 603 | Corporate Event Planning: Business Events, Meetings, Conferences

Patrick Berwald

EOS Hospitality, a full-service hotel management, has appointed Patrick Berwald as senior vice president of food and beverage. In this role, Berwald will oversee all food and beverage operations across EOS Hospitality’s portfolio, focusing on innovation and strategic growth.

With more than 25 years of diverse hospitality experience, Patrick Berwald joins EOS Hospitality from Pyramid Global Hospitality, where he most recently served as senior vice president of food and beverage.

Dan Sirrine, Ryan Palomo and Cole Liegel

The Trail Hotel, set to open in spring 2025 as the world’s first bourbon-infused luxury hotel, is pleased to announce the appointment of three leaders to its executive team. As the hotel prepares to welcome guests, Dan Sirrine, Ryan Palomo and Cole Liegel will bring their expertise and passion to the roles of general manager, director of sales and marketing and director of food and beverage, respectively.

Dan Sirrine has a strong track record of more than 30 years of leadership experience, including senior roles at Marriott and Hilton properties, to his role as general manager. Known for strategic revenue optimization and creation of high-performing teams to achieve operational excellence, Dan will oversee the day-to-day operations at The Trail Hotel.

Ryan Palomo boasts a wealth of experience in hospitality marketing and business development, serving as director of events at The Kentucky Castle in Versailles, Kentucky, and in roles with major brands such as Marriott Hotels, Embassy Suites and Hilton. As director of sales and marketing, he will oversee all aspects of sales and marketing, with a focus on establishing the property as a premier destination in the bourbon capital of the world.

Cole Liegel will lead The Trail Hotel’s diverse culinary and beverage offerings, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. As director of food and beverage, he will be responsible for overseeing the hotel’s signature restaurant, Oak & Ember, as well as its five unique bars, including the speakeasy-style Bourbon Vault and Embers, the lobby bar.

Carolina Voullieme

Marriott International has appointed Carolina Voullieme as the multi-property director of sales and marketing for both Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino and Grand Cayman Marriott Resort. With over 20 years of experience, Carolina will lead sales and marketing strategies to drive revenue growth and enhance guest experiences at both properties. She has a proven track record, including managing renovations at Aruba Marriott and earning several awards, such as ‘Sales Team of the Year’ and ‘Marketing Team of the Year’ in 2023.

Laia Climent

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, and The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour, are delighted to announce the promotion of Laia Climent to market director of sales and marketing. With over 21 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Laia brings a wealth of knowledge, global expertise and a proven track record of driving new business, exceeding revenue goals and leading diverse, high-performing teams.

Her career accomplishments are complemented by her academic achievements, including a Bachelor of Hospitality and Hotel Management from the University of Barcelona and a Bachelor in Protocol and Institutional Relations from Pompeu Fabra University.

Enna Hernandez

The Ocean Club, a Luxury Collection Resort, Costa Norte, is pleased to announce the appointment of Enna Hernández as director of sales. Enna will oversee revenue generation for the resort’s exclusive collection.

With experience spearheading sales plans, building strong client relationships, and creating exceptional experiences for luxury travelers, Enna is well-equipped to elevate the resort’s offerings.

Over the years, she has held key positions, including accounts groups coordinator, and most recently, account sales executive for a portfolio of properties, including The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club and the Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village.

Daniela Victoria and Meesha Richardson

Daniela Victoria (left) and Meesha Richardson (right)

Malliouhana, managed by Storey Hotel Management Group, has announced the promotion of two team members, Daniela Victoria and Meesha Richardson, to elevated leadership roles.

Daniela Victoria, who joined Malliouhana in 2022 as group sales manager, has been promoted to director of sales and marketing. With over 12 years of experience in luxury hospitality, including roles at prestigious brands like Rosewood, Mandarin Oriental, and The Ritz-Carlton, Daniela brings a wealth of catering, events and sales expertise to her new position. She will lead the sales and marketing team in implementing strategies to boost Malliouhana’s reputation and drive the resort’s global brand presence.

Meesha Richardson, a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in marketing and advertising, has been promoted to sales and marketing Manager. Since joining Malliouhana in 2023 as a marketing and experiences coordinator, Meesha has demonstrated exceptional skill in enhancing the resort’s on-island brand presence and creating memorable guest experiences. In her new role, she will oversee the resort’s marketing strategy, manage group sales efforts and continue to develop innovative events that showcase Malliouhana’s offerings.

Eric L. Logan

The Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA) is proud to announce the election of Eric L. Logan, CMP, as its new president.

Logan, who serves as the destination and sports tourism event services manager at the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, brings extensive experience and a forward-thinking vision for the future of the association.

Throughout his career, Logan has earned the prestigious certified meeting professional (CMP) designation in 2012 and has been recognized with several accolades, including the Sustained Excellence in Performance Award from the City of Virginia Beach.

Carissa Koral

Louisville Tourism recently promoted Carissa Koral to director of northeast sales along with additional promotions and new tourism employees.

Carissa has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry. She has over 10 years of experience working in destination marketing organizations and eight years of experience in hotels. Before joining Louisville Tourism, Carissa represented Quebec City Business Destination as a Business Consultant in the U.S. market, where she helped drive market share to Canada.

Susie Ellington, Patrick Pearson and Danielle Robards

The Rainwater Conference Center in Valdosta, Georgia, announced the addition of three new team members, each playing a key role in shaping the future of the recently renovated facility.

In her role as catering sales manager, Susie Ellington will serve as the on-staff specialist for all events at The Rainwater, including weddings, conferences and meetings. She will ensure clients receive exceptional service and create unforgettable experiences for every occasion.

In his role as marketing manager, Patrick Pearson will establish and execute marketing strategies designed to elevate The Rainwater’s brand and drive engagement. His work will include creating marketing-driven events and campaigns to position the facility as a leading venue for meetings, conferences and special events.

As director of group development, Danielle Robards will focus on driving group sales and cultivating relationships with event planners, tour operators and organizations. She will spearhead efforts to increase visitation and economic impact by developing strategic partnerships and collaborating with local stakeholders to promote Valdosta and The Rainwater.

Celebrate International Yoga Day with your team and attendees

For many planners and attendees, this time of year marks the midpoint of a calendar that rarely slows down. But fear not—your day of respite is closer than you think. June 21 marks the 11th annual International Day of Yoga, themed this year around “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”

The goal of International Yoga Day is to raise awareness of yoga’s benefits while encouraging individuals to stay physically active and make healthier choices. For planners and attendees who are often stuck at their desks, the day offers a gentle prompt to reflect on movement, balance and well-being.

To help, Smart Meetings rounded up wellness-minded experiences, from far-flung retreats to easy at-home integrations, that planners can use to re-center themselves or inspire attendees to take a moment of “me time.”

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

For planners looking to turn International Yoga Day into a weeklong wellness escape, the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is hosting a five-day immersive retreat from June 20 to 24.

Programming highlights include sessions aligned with five pillars of yogic philosophy: body, energy, mind, intuition and bliss. Guests can expect twice-daily practices such as morning Vinyasa yoga to awaken the senses and grounding evening Yin and Yang Nidra sessions for tension release.

Need to slow down further? The on-site spa offers bespoke healing treatments and therapies, and guests can enjoy access to the nearby UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with afternoon tea, evening aperitifs and personalized services.

Kimpton EPIC Miami

For couples looking to add mindfulness to their nuptials, the Kimpton EPIC Miami offers a Yogi Wedding package.

The ceremony includes access for up to 30 guests in the hotel’s Privai Spa yoga studio, a yoga mat gift for each attendee, a wellness-inspired dinner menu, a reception and a morning meditation to round out the celebration.

Vakkaru Maldives

Three people doing yoga on beach — Yoga at The Lighthouse Beach, photo: InterContinental Maldives

Vakkaru Maldives is partnering with renowned healer and holistic therapist Daria Gudkova for a month-long wellness residency, running June 1–30.

Gudkova will lead programs that include movement, meditation and energy work. Group offerings include morning yoga, guided breathwork, sound baths and mindfulness sessions.

“Healing is a personal journey, and my goal is to create a nurturing space where guests can reconnect with their true selves,” said Gudkova. “Vakkaru’s energy is incredibly grounding—it has the perfect environment for deep rest, renewal and spiritual clarity. Through sound, movement and intention, I hope to guide guests toward a more harmonious state of being.”

Celebrate From Anywhere

If traveling for a full retreat isn’t in the cards, that’s no problem. Planners, teams, or attendees can embrace yoga’s principles in small, meaningful ways, with no passport required.

Here are a few simple ideas to bring balance into your event or workspace:

Start or close the day with a yoga session. Whether on the beach, a rooftop or a ballroom with natural light, a short session can help reset energy and intention.
Add mindful movement breaks. Invite your team or attendees to stand and stretch throughout the day.
Pre-conference breathwork. Before a big day begins, gather your team in a quiet space for 10 minutes of grounding movement or breath awareness.
Curate a yoga-inspired playlist. Share a collection of calming, energizing or meditative tracks that attendees can listen to throughout the day.

Whether you’re planning a full-scale wellness event or just need a few minutes of grounding, International Yoga Day is a reminder to return to center for yourself, your team and your attendees.

The C2 runway was filled with curiosity, people and visions of the future

If planners only pay attention to things like last-minute registrations, marketing tactics, event sponsorships, declining event attendance, the shift from content to experience, audience retention, KPIs and ROI, a young person looking from the outside in will look twice and wonder if this industry is as glamorous as they thought.

The meeting industry talks a lot about these things that all matter, but its actions draw the line between being out of touch. We need to speak more about what will attract the next generation, who care about human connection, carbon footprint, sustainability, cause and creativity.

But who is doing it well, and are they in touch with Gen Z? Everyone will have a different answer to this, but how many of you haven’t been to C2 in a while or ever? This is a place to find out what other conferences are leaving off their agendas.

Two people walking thourhg pink C2 entrance

C2 in Montreal is led by CEO Anick Beaulieu. Her team of imaginators is comprised entirely of highly respected champions. Creative agency Sid Lee, networking platform Braindate and founding partner Cirque du Soleil are just a few who have been loyal and believed in the concept since its inception 14 years ago. The impact and force of their creativity, innovation and human connection continue to impact business leaders, thought leaders, technology experts, creatives and causes important to people today.

The 14^th edition of C2, held in May, was an explosion of ideas and thought leadership and attracted Gen Z by the carloads. Why? Because they focus on the future and their boutique-ish style brings curiosity, collaboration and all things abstract. While the ticket price is high, the purpose and value stand out against the rest, making it the go-to if you have to choose just one show a year.

People, profit, culture or all three? What does C2 prioritize? We invited Beaulieu to answer some questions, and this is what she had to share.

When it comes to the future, where does C2 see itself 5 years from now?

In five years, we see C2 continuing to lead the way in experiential B2B gatherings, producing some of the most impactful programs in the world. Our focus will remain on designing industry-defining projects that bring together the sharpest minds in business to spark innovation, strengthen relationships and unlock growth for our partners. Whether in fintech, marketing, consulting, infrastructure or entertainment, we’ll keep helping organizations build deeper connections with their stakeholders. Our ambition is to be the go-to strategic partner for C-suite hosting and creator-driven programs that shape the future of business experiences.

Cirque performer at C2 event — Cirque performer, photo by Agnieszka Stalkoper

What is one thing that C2 prioritizes when planning these events?

One of the most important things C2 prioritizes when planning events is creating immersive and impactful experiences. The unique thing about gatherings is the energy and capacity to create something together—the discussions, the relationships, the ideas that can only emerge when a group is together, IRL. At C2, we believe humans do business together, not companies.

Read More: It’s All About Engagement!

Refined through this philosophy and 15 years of applied expertise designing world-class business gatherings, we recently codified our “secret sauce” into a strategic framework called GenXP. This methodology ensures every event we produce is grounded in purpose, participation, and real-time evolution. You can check out the playbook at c2genxp.com.

How does C2 build its strategy year by year, and who is summoned to the table to share ideas?

Our strategy is like everything we do, collective and collaborative. We build our annual strategy by drawing on a wide range of internal and external voices, including strategists, creative leads, clients, partners and cultural collaborators. This ensures that our vision always reflects both our core values and the evolving needs of the industries and communities we serve.

Is C2 searching for more local talent this year? Is this a priority?

Yes, sourcing local talent remains a priority for C2. Even with our flagship event, C2 Montréal, our main aim is to create economic impact for Montreal. Because of this, we strongly believe in working with creative professionals who understand and reflect the cultural richness of our home base.

Read More: How to Nurture Future Leaders

People making food at C2 event — Creating meals for the local community, photo by Jimmy Hamelin

Trust, safety and human sustainability are at the core of what people are struggling with and have been for quite some time. How does C2 address this?

C2 addresses trust, safety and human sustainability by designing experiences that are participant-centered and grounded in real human connection. Our work emphasizes psychological safety, inclusion and active participation to ensure that our gatherings are not only inspiring but also respectful and nourishing for all involved.

How has global uncertainty impacted C2? Did the planning change last November, or did it stay status quo?

Global uncertainty has reshaped how we think. We understand that to truly connect with our audiences, we need to meet them where they are emotionally, professionally and culturally. That means continuously adapting our programming, communications and design approach to reflect their lived realities. This mindset shift began last fall and led us to formally codify our methodology into GenXP: a responsive, generative framework that not only meets the moment, but offers space for inspiration, connection and strategic clarity. It’s a balance between being grounded in the now and providing a breath of fresh air when people need it most.

People sound bathing at C2 event — Sound bathing, photo by Jimmy Hamelin

Some association leaders have said that mental health is a human resources problem because event professionals do not have the time to manage team stress and what comes with it. What have you done at C2 that speaks to this?

At C2, we believe mental health isn’t just an HR concern, but a shared organizational responsibility. Our commitment is to create conditions where people can truly thrive. That means setting reasonable schedules, monitoring workloads and intentionally building space for rest and recovery. We integrate reflective and regenerative moments into our project rhythms and foster a culture of openness, where communication, care and clarity are prioritized. Ultimately, we know that creative excellence is only possible in environments where people feel supported, seen and set up to do their best work.

If the mindset and strategy align with your expectations, then this might be the show to pursue in 2026.

See you there.

—

Janice Cardinale is a Smart Women in Meetings Award winner and Hall of Famer, and founder of Event Minds Matter, empowered by Club Ichi.

She is dedicated to a mission that supports trust, safety and human sustainability through the education and training of the next generation to recognize and respond to mental health in the workplace.

How creative are you?

How creative do you want to be?

What does your brand represent?

Push the boundaries of your comfort, of your fears and create something new and unexpected. Creativity is about letting your imagination soar and letting yourself enjoying the process.

Webster’s Dictionary defines “creative” as possessing the quality of something created rather than imitated and “creativity” as the ability to bring ideas to life. One day, I stumbled upon my creative self—an odd, complex, and slightly intimidating presence that I welcomed into my life. This aspect of me became my brand and defined me as an event designer. Everyone has the potential to be creative; the secret lies in embracing that voice in your head and heart.

When I’m asked, “What would you tell someone in our industry about being creative? What are some best practices?” I always reply: Creativity cannot be measured by return on investment. It thrives in the gray areas, beyond the black and white of logic. Being mindful of certain principles can help us foster and harness this powerful force of creativity.

Listen Here: What One Thing? From Order-Taker to Strategist: Navigating the World of Event Planning with Edward Perotti

Here are my top five must-dos:

1. Learn to let go and trust.

Embracing the possibility of failure before creating anything—from concept to completion—is essential. Generating bad ideas or outlandish notions is part of the process and crucial for success. Don’t fear failure.

2. Know your audience and understand your content.

Using the same design or concept for different groups is often ineffective. Every event, audience and message is unique. While it may be flattering to imitate others, it is not a successful strategy. Instead, it’s essential to adapt, reimagine and create distinct elements tailored specifically to you and your event.

Understanding the event’s message and the core ideas that need to be conveyed is crucial, even if they don’t align perfectly with the event’s content. Once you have a clear understanding of the desired emotional takeaway, you can brainstorm ways to design the environment that effectively communicates and amplifies that feeling.

3. Logistics

Mastering logistics is essential for effective event planning and execution. It is crucial to ensure that an event runs smoothly and provides an unforgettable experience for attendees.

Before promoting your concept, you need to be clear about two key aspects: Can it be executed? Can it be executed within the budget? It’s important to have a thorough understanding of catering logistics, including food costs and how chefs operate. Familiarize yourself with the essentials of lighting equipment and its practical applications. Additionally, know the labor rates and regulations, especially if you are in a city with union rules. Lastly, understand what is feasible from a construction standpoint.

Having a solid grasp of these critical areas will help you stay grounded and avoid unrealistic expectations. Events evolve, designs change and being able to adjust in real-time will save you hours of frustration.

4. Point of View

Having a unique point of view is essential in the event planning industry. It distinguishes you from others and adds value to your work.

When you are hired to create, produce, and execute an event, it’s because your expertise is valuable to the event owners. They may have their own ideas and suggestions, some of which can be helpful. However, it’s important to recognize that event planning is not as easy as it might seem. The real value you bring lies in who you are—your taste, knowledge, aesthetic and style.

Conveying your brand is as important as managing the event logistics. I like to think of myself as a fashion designer: I can create a stunning gown for a client, fulfilling their desires, but people will still recognize my signature style. It’s the same with events. When you enter one of my events, you can tell I was involved by the way it looks and the atmosphere it creates.

5. Inspiration is all around.

“Keep your eyes and heart open for inspiration. Classic black-and-white films can teach you how shadows and light interact with the set. Retail store windows, particularly those at Dior or Hermès, can spark ideas on using color and texture. Nature also offers a wealth of inspiration through its patterns, shapes, and details. Take all of this in, absorb it, and then return to my initial tip.

I am passionate about creating unique, one-of-a-kind events that are memorable. My brand focuses on providing companies and individuals with positive, uplifting and beautiful experiences that are also socially and environmentally responsible.

—

Edward Perotti is the principal of EP Events & Experiences, an award-winning event design, event planning and meetings management expert with over thirty years of experience.

With a diverse background in design, production, community engagement and theater training, Perotti is globally recognized for crafting unforgettable experiences. He is a public speaker and has been featured on numerous television shows, as well as mainstream print and digital media outlets.

Properties across the globe are raising the bar with upgraded spaces, expanded amenities and stunning backdrops for business and leisure combined

There is a special excitement in arriving at a destination that feels both new and welcoming. It’s the perfect blend of fresh energy and comfort that invites you to settle in and explore. Whether you’re planning a sun-soaked retreat, an executive gathering or scouting new places to entice your attendees, these recently updated properties deliver on both form and function.

Located in Arizona, the Dominican Republic and Bali, these resorts combine culture, luxury and productivity with breathtaking vistas and easy access. Each offers planners versatile meeting opportunities alongside thoughtful amenities designed to make every event seamless and memorable. From flexible indoor and outdoor event spaces to world-class dining and wellness experiences, these venues provide everything needed to inspire and engage your group.

With desert views, beachfront escapes and tropical luxury, these destinations highlight the diverse settings where business and leisure come together naturally.

Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes

Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes has recently announced the completion of a multi-million dollar renovation of its guest rooms and suites, fitness center, expansion of outdoor meeting space and the lobby bar’s outdoor dining area.

The resort consists of breathtaking views ranging from Downtown Phoenix to the Superstition Mountains in Mesa from some of the public spaces. Apart from the views, Phoenix Marriott attracts guests with amenities such as sparkling pools, first class dining and exceptional meeting facilities. Top of the Rock, the resort’s signature restaurant, is known for its breathtaking views of Phoenix, Tempe and Camelback Mountain.

On The Rocks is the new expanded lobby bar patio featuring a variety of craft cocktails and a vibrant menu with views of Twin Peaks Mountains and downtown Tempe. Kachina Patio was expanded and can accommodate up to 250 guests, featuring views of mountains and is the ideal space for luncheons, cocktail receptions or dinner events.

Read More: Arizona: Byways, Bygone Days

The resort’s location is convenient too, only being three miles away from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and just a few minutes away from ASU. The weather in Arizona makes it a perfect location for business meetings along with leisure stays.

Owned and managed by Columbia Sussex, Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes offers 353 newly renovated guest rooms and suites, including a presidential suite, chairman suite and seven studio rooms. The renovated design is contemporary with an upscale twist reflecting the Marriott brand’s comfortable modern aesthetic.

Each room is designed with a unique blend of luxury and productivity as it consists of convenient wall outlets, luxurious bedding, high-speed Wi-Fi and an in-room coffee bar, making it the perfect place to enjoy and be productive depending on the guest’s preferences.

Marriott Miches Beach, An All-Inclusive Resort

Marriott Miches Beach, An All-Inclusive Resort guest room

Marriott International recently announced the conversion of the newly reopened Sunrise Miches Beach Resort into the Marriott Miches Beach, An All-Inclusive Resort. This exciting transformation signifies the brand’s first all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean archipelago, inviting guests to immerse themselves in enriching experiences.

The resort offers a unique and all-inclusive experience combining two distinct stay concepts within one property. One section caters to families with a fun-for-everyone atmosphere including a waterpark and family entertainment as the beachfront provides guests with direct access to the white sandy beach of Miches. The other section provides a more upscale and relaxed adults-only experience. The resort will eventually feature a total of 500 elegantly designed suites, each with a private balcony or terrace offering breathtaking views of the beach or the resort’s lush gardens.

The renovated property consists of a wide variety of amenities including swim-up accommodations and six gourmet outlets, eventually growing to a total of 11 restaurants. The resort also features multiple pools, a state-of-the-art spa and a fully equipped fitness center. Additionally, the resort caters to business and event needs with 8,166 square feet of indoor meeting space as well as additional open-air spaces including a rooftop area.

With its prime beachfront location, versatile event spaces and elevated experiences for all types of travelers, Marriott Miches Beach is ready to welcome groups, families and couples looking for their next all-inclusive escape.

Regent Bali Canggu

Regent Bali Canggu bathroom

The Regent brand has expanded its impressive luxury portfolio to the shores of Canggu Beach in Bali with the highly anticipated opening of Regent Bali Canggu.

This resort is the first Regent Hotels & Resorts to open in Indonesia and is anticipated to become one of the most sought-after beachfront destinations in Bali. The beachfront property will have one of the world’s first Regent Spa experiences, five exceptional dining venues, nine swimming pools and a Regent Club.

The property features 150 elegantly appointed suites and villas, with the majority offering sea or garden views and direct lagoon access. The entry-level Studio Suites range from 818 square feet and up, while the Two Bedroom Penthouse has 6,652 square feet of living space, a fully equipped kitchen, a private terrace and a 322-square-foot infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Regent Bali Canggu features five distinctive dining venues, inviting guests to savor the rich flavors of the region.

Debuting in late 2025, the Regent Spa & Wellness will be the first-ever Regent-branded spa, harnessing Bali’s rich heritage in health and wellness. It will offer treatments designed to help guests reconnect with mind, body and spirit, with a menu that includes scrubs, wraps and massages.

The property’s artwork is inspired by The Legend of The Bali Strait, intertwined with the majestic Besakih Temple on the slopes of Mount Agung. Created by Romanian artist Saddo, the piece includes symbols such as Manik Angkeran, the Besukih Dragon and the iconic Canggu waves, capturing the spirit of a resort where culture and luxury meet to create an unforgettable stay.

How presence, personalization and purpose reshape incentive travel

Amid the backdrop of Cancun’s sandy shores, 500-plus incentive industry professionals gathered at AVA Resort Cancun for the 2025 IRF Invitational. The oceanside event saw 40% first-time attendees (including the author herself).

The event satisfied the balance between education and connection. IRF Chair of the Board of Trustees, Morgan Crain, perfectly summarized this at the kickoff: “We are in the business of seeing and celebrating people’s talent. And that is our collective superpower.”

The Impact of Being Present

Kevin Brown delivered the opening keynote. He told attendees an emotional and inspiring story about his family, their relationship with the Walt Disney Company and the importance of being present. Making your recognition personal—and avoiding being performative—can ultimately help your business succeed.

“Recognition is not about what you do, it’s about who you are when you do it,” Brown offered the crowd.

Power of Recognition

During one of the education sessions on building a culture of recognition, the speakers presented IRF research that showed specific and sincere recognition increases engagement, trust and productivity.

“Recognition is not one-size-fits-all,” said Kristal Cardone, director of enterprise recognition events at Liberty Mutual Insurance. “It’s about making people feel truly seen, no matter the format.” Cardone used digital cards and incentive travel to celebrate employees and the company’s core values.

The panel also shared that timely feedback and layered recognition methods worked into daily operations were also beneficial.

“Recognition isn’t fluff, it’s a business strategy. If you’re not building it into your culture, you’re leaving value on the table,” offered Lynn Randal, managing director of Randall Insights TX, LLC.

Engaging Millennials and Gen Z in Incentives

A panel discussion on engaging with millennials and Gen Z touched on what the two age groups look for: personalization, wellness experiences, flexibility, free time and exploration.

For the younger generations, the standard long-form dinner format is a thing of the past.

“Three-hour awards dinners just don’t work anymore,” said Ashley Bohnenkamp, senior manager of event solutions at ITA Group. “We need meaningful moments that fit how people live now.”

Streamlined ceremonies, immersive off-site experiences and pop-up activities are currently trending among attendees’ interests.

Meeting your attendees where they’re at means considering their values and what makes them truly tick.

The Biggest Concerns Right Now

The incentive world is exciting, but real-world concerns keep incentive planners awake at night.

Inflation, global instability and economic shifts post-pandemic have drastically altered the incentive world.

One comment on the panel was that planners are not only fighting budget fatigue, but also expectation fatigue. Attendees are looking for more, but there is less to be offered.

The panel suggested some strategic refinements to help this process:

Focus on comfort, meaning and personalization. Consider experiences with high emotional impact, such as private dinners or spa appointments.
Focus on high-impact moments: choosing interesting venues with a story.
Connect with suppliers to create co-branded activations: custom welcome kits or a surprise evening experience.
Reframe the ROI: report success based on emotional impact

Moments of Recognition

During the conference’s final days, the IRF’s Above & Beyond Foundation honored several frontline hospitality workers for their consistent efforts. This highlighted the importance of crediting those who play a significant part in crafting our events, regardless of their role.

Like many aspects of the conference echoed, recognition within your organization is not a perk, but a practice. Whether that looks like a handwritten note, gift card or tickets to a special event, valuing the ones who help craft the connections within the hospitality industry may be the most valuable resource yet.

The news was filled with scary stories this week as a fatal crash in India and protests around the country brought a collective gasp to the travel industry. What can you do to keep your attendees safe and reassure them? We asked the experts.

As always, Smart Travel is here to bring you the latest must-read travel and tourism news.

A Rare Dreamliner Accident

Your international attendees might be questioning the safety of their travel plans in the wake of the crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flight moments after takeoff Thursday from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) in Ahmedabad, India, with 242 people onboard. The flight bound for London’s Gatwick Airport (LGW) was the first recorded incident of a totally destroyed Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a model that had its first flight in 2009, according to a report by NPR. The cause of the crash is still being investigated.

The fact that the accident happened immediately after takeoff is not surprising to airline safety experts. According to flight instruction site Aviation Journeys, takeoff and climbing is the time a plane is most vulnerable to severe mechanical failures. Landing is the other hypercritical time.

During takeoff, the aircraft must gain altitude and speed as soon as possible. During takeoff, the engine is at high RPM, high temperature and high power. The pilot manually controls the airplane and possible hazards include fire, failure of one engine, bird strike, tire blowout and tail strike.

During the climb phase, the crew must retract landing gear and flaps, perform take-off procedures and keep an eye out for unexpected engine failure or burning.

How do you know if a plane from another country is safe? The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) notes that under the International Convention on Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention) each country is responsible for the safety oversight of its own air carriers. Other countries can only conduct specific surveillance activities, principally involving inspection of required documents and the physical condition of aircraft.

The FAA does conduct an International Aviation Safety Assessment Program, however, assessing the Civil Aviation Authority of each country that has carriers operating to the United States. If the review meets standards, the FAA gives that authority a Category 1 rating. That is something you might suggest attendees traveling internationally to look for when booking a flight.

Putting Protests in Perspective

As Los Angeles finds itself in the eye of breaking international headlines again, Visit California President and CEO Caroline Beteta is providing context for the immigration enforcement and protest actions she described as “a deeply emotional, polarizing and highly visible national conversation.”

Similar to the confusion about the impact of fires earlier this year, Beteta explained in a note to subscribers that Los Angeles County covers more than 4,000 square miles, making it larger than five U.S. states by area and more populous than 40. The images being shown are confined to a small area—specifically the city of Paramount and the Downtown Federal Building.

Southern California is also not the only place where protests are happening and National Guard soldiers are being deployed. Texas Governor Greg Abbott deployed 5,000 Texas National Guard troops to Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio—where Cvent Connect was hosting its final day. The protests there remained peaceful and no clashes were reported. Protests in Austin and Dallas resulted in some clashes with police, who used chemical irritants to disperse crowds, and a dozen people were arrested.

More protests are expected over the weekend, so working with the local convention and visitors bureau to get an idea of what areas should be avoided can help keep sprinter vans and buses out of traffic bottlenecks. The local experts can also advise if any curfews or other restrictions are in place where you are planning to meet.

Travel Bans Go into Effect with Minimal Reported Impact to Airport Security Wait Times

President Donald Trump’s new ban on travel to the U.S. by citizens from a dozen countries took effect Monday with relative calm, as some travelers with valid visas reported extra scrutiny at American airports before being allowed entry.

The ban targeting mainly African and Middle Eastern countries kicked off with no immediate signs of the chaos that unfolded at airports across the U.S. during Trump’s first travel ban in 2017, according to AP News.

In the meantime, you might advise international attendees to arrive at the airport a little earlier and brush up on best practices for a smooth screening. According to Travel Sentry, that includes applying for Global Entry—even if that might help most for next year’s conference since wait times are between two weeks after the application interview and 12-24 months if a manual review is required, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

In the shadow of massive cranes building a new Nissan Stadium fit for a Super Bowl and removing the elaborate stage erected on the current field for CMA Fest, Club Ichi circled the planners in Nashville for some real talk about the state of producing events.

Brainstorming with stickies at Club Ichi Spontaneous Think Tank — Brainstorming with sticky notes at Club Ichi Spontaneous Think Tank

For those who have not attended one of Liz Lathan, Nicole Osibodu and David T. Stevens’ unconferences, let me paint a picture of a spontaneous think tank. Attendees gather for an evening of hugs and how-do-you-dos, in this case at Category 10 rooftop serenaded by a local musician (because Nashville). Armed with colored sticky notes and Sharpies, they share their biggest problems and the solutions they have found. After a round of drinks (including the option of a featured mocktail) and dinner, the team retreats to match up the common topics and the solution-holders to lead discussions the next day.

Respect for the EventProf Role

Topics included “trials and tribulations of running a biz,” “getting sales to do what you want” and “getting a seat at the table.”

Read More: The Rise of the Unconference

When the topic turned to why the meeting planner life is often depicted as so hard on social media, the overwhelming pressures named were not the fact that they are planning for unpredictable humans who have diverse needs and emergencies, dealing with extreme weather or even rising prices. Meeting professionals were exasperated because they wanted to be treated like, well, professionals.

“You hired me as the expert and then you treat me like I’m nothing,” said Virsitour CEO Debbie Garcia. The lack of respect and communication of critical information makes doing the job difficult to say the least. And, at the end of the day, the event organizers gathered in the Nissan Club Lounge agreed they just want to produce the best product but need respect and tools to do so.

Joel Tillirson, vice president of events with TRUE Network Advisors, may have said it best. “You have to have that trust to be able to be a changemaker.” That is the case whether you are a freelancer or an in-house corporate or association event manager.

Stevens suggested calling or emailing the CEO or executive leader depending on the size of the company to pitch ideas if a manager is gatekeeping the events team. “Ask for a meeting or a lunch to build a relationship and share stats about the impact effective meetings can make compared to ones that don’t innovate and change,” he said.

“It’s a bit bold, but you have to shoot your shot and if they choose to go the other way, that’s their decision but at least they will know you aren’t a party planner.”

When meeting professionals have a voice at the table and are heard, they can be more effective, and the long hours, unpredictability and negotiations are just part of the journey to that joy of impacting human lives.

“As events become more important with AI making people not trust anything online, your events are going to be the differentiator in the business,” Stevens said.

Lathan seconded the idea of telling a story that positions events as business builders. “Make sure events are known as the ‘P,’ not the ‘L,’ in the profit and loss columns,” she said.

GGarcia,who is an event professional, owns a tech startup, is the mother of two children and is pursuing her MBA, shared her secrets for balancing the challenges of long to-do lists. She leverages productivity tools, including AI, and schedules strategic power hours and me-time for massages after every event. “I put it in my calendar.”

The Man Behind the Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience

Crews tearing down CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium — Crews tearing down CMA Fest stage at Nissan Stadium

To put the work in perspective, Curt Jenkins, a touring production manager for the portion of the 95,000-fan CMA Fest that took place where the NFL Titans play, took a few minutes to talk about the logistics behind the 52nd running of the music festival.

The high-security operation entails multiple stages, premium television rights and a small, but mighty team. The four people tasked with moving the operation to the new stadium have already started planning for 2027. When showtime gets closer, freelancers and local labor vendors, AV teams, caterers and production assistants come in. Two stage managers handle the artists, who bring their own teams.

To protect the artists, the site locks down with their trailers in a secured perimeter. That makes any last-minute changes cchallenging,as trucks can’t come in if there are last-minute changes. “It’s part of the joy of working live events,” Jenkins said.

For the second year, association leaders will join together in Washington, D.C., for a day of community building and growth. ASAE’s The Exchange: A Women’s Leadership Experience will be a time for busy association executives to pause, reflect and connect on a deeper level—with themselves, their purpose and each other.

ASAE CEO Michelle Mason describes it as more of a retreat than a conference. The Exchange blends authentic conversation, well-being practices and leadership development designed specifically for women in associations.

We caught up with two of this year’s featured speakers, Latina entrepreneur, brand strategist, author, and professional keynote speaker Michelle Poler and mental fitness executive coach, keynote speaker, author and self-confidence trainer Amy Yip for a preview of the transformation attendees can expect.

Michelle Poler: Choose Growth Over Comfort

Michelle Poler sitting in chair against pink background — Michelle Poler

Michelle Poler, author of “Hello, Fears” and founder of the 100 Days Without Fear movement, is known for turning fear into fuel. She brings a message that resonates with anyone facing big decisions or bigger doubts.

“We spend so much time playing defense—trying to avoid failure, rejection or looking silly,” she said. “But 97% of our fears never come true. So, the real question is: What’s the best that can happen?”

Poler encourages participants to shift from fear to possibility by imagining the upside of risk-taking. “Comfort is the real threat,” she warned. “It convinces us to play small. It keeps your head down, your ideas inside and your goals on pause.”

Her session will challenge attendees to embrace discomfort as the price of growth. “Authenticity isn’t a luxury,” she added. “It’s your greatest competitive advantage.”

Poler’s talk is expected to be a rallying cry for showing up boldly—whether you’re pitching a new idea, planning a high-stakes event or speaking up in a boardroom. “The world is tired of filters,” she said. “It craves honesty, originality and soul.”

Amy Yip: Rewire Your Inner Dialogue

Amy Yip

Amy Yip will guide attendees through the science and strategy behind mastering their mindset. Her framework is grounded in neuroscience and peppered with relatable humor—think “Darth Vader vs. Jedi” for your thoughts.

“Most of us are walking around in survival mode,” she explained. “We’re letting our inner saboteurs run the show—like the Judge, the Hyper-Achiever or the Pleaser—without even realizing it.”

Yip cited studies showing that 80% of daily thoughts are negative, and 95% of those are repeated day after day. Her message: “What consumes your mind, consumes your life.”

In her session, participants will learn to identify their own mental saboteurs and strengthen their “inner sage”—the calm, wise voice that leads with clarity rather than panic. “You can’t make different choices unless you’re aware of your thought patterns,” she said. “Awareness creates choice.”

For women planners responsible for major events and tight timelines, this mental shift can be the difference between burnout and resilience. Yip’s tips include building daily habits of self-recognition, like listing three wins each day and rewriting the inner narrative. “If you just spend 30 seconds a day focusing on what you did well, it can rewire your brain,” she said.

Mindset, Meaning and Momentum

The Exchange is an intentional reset. With sessions on creativity, self-trust, mental fitness and authentic leadership, attendees will walk away with more than notebooks full of ideas. They’ll leave with renewed energy, deeper community and actionable tools for navigating both boardrooms and internal battles.

Whether you’re ready to confront your fears, reframe your inner dialogue or simply spend time among brilliant, driven women who get it, The Exchange offers a brave space to evolve, empower and elevate—together.

In the eternal quest to answer the question, “What’s new?” Cvent Connect brought an estimated 4,000 people to Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio for an unveiling of the latest technology, experiences and destination news. A big emphasis from stage was on new AI capabilities, the return of virtual (some 6,000 registered to participate virtually in Cvent Connect) and inspiration.

Cvent Connect lobby at San Antonio Convention Center Cvent CEO Reggie Aggarwal called the gathering the Super Bowl of the events industry and focused on the reason for all the tech. “In a world where content is infinite, but meaning is scarce, events remain one of the few places where true trust is built, relationships are forged and brands come to life. That is why we are all here…to imagine what’s next.”

That visionary message was demonstrated by blind adventurer Erik Weihenmayer, who advocated for crushing limitations with a “no barriers mindset,” a powerful reminder that greatness comes from turning into the storm.

Actor James Van Der Beek brought the message home on the final day with a raw, real conversation about resilience, growth and finding your center in the chaos.

AI Advances

The big news this year was the announcement of CventIQ, which is billed as combining AI capabilities with deep industry expertise, proprietary insights and analytics, a smart platform and intelligent infrastructure. The goal is to help marketers, event planners and hospitality professionals move faster and smarter, collaborate better and deliver more engaging, high-return experiences.

CventIQ is more of a feature integrated into existing tools than a stand-alone product. For instance, for those using the registration platform, it can create instant session insights from audience comments to understand sentiment and gain insight into speaker performance, session content engagement and session logistics. It can also automatically create content for emails, event pages and marketing. On the attendee side, it can suggest sessions to attend and people to meet.

Streamlined RFP forms could make sourcing faster for planners and suppliers. AI-generated event diagrams and virtual tours could eliminate some costly and time-consuming site inspection travel.

Event apps could easily incorporate personalized event dashboards with registration, agenda, contacts, CMP credits and on-demand content. Real-time AI transcripts and slide captures could empower attendees to save, revisit and share important session content with a tap.

In addition to the big reveals on-stage as part of the Event Marketing & Management Product Roadmap, being the scenes “tech tours” explained how the tools were used to set up Cvent Connect and offer insight into the event design and production strategies.

Simple Tools for Basic Meetings

For those lot looking for so many bells and buttons, Cvent Essentials has rolled out officially as the fast, scalable tool for non-event professionals looking to launch polished events easily using pre-approved templates that are on-brand and don’t require extensive oversight.

Selfie at Cvent Connect fiesta Recent industry data from Cvent shows 58% of organizations plan to increase their volume of small, in-person events in 2025–2026. That either means more work for planners already managing large conferences or non-planners taking on some of the burden.

“Cvent Essentials was built for the often overlooked, but critically important, category of smaller events,” said McNeel Keenan, Cvent vice president of product management. “It helps teams say ‘yes’ to more event requests without sacrificing brand consistency or data visibility. For many organizations, that means freeing up valuable time and resources to focus on flagship experiences—like annual conferences or major customer events—while still maintaining control and capturing impact from the hundreds of smaller, high-frequency events that often fly under the radar.”

Field marketing teams, trainers and admins tasked with getting remote coworkers or executive teams together now have easy access to single-page online registration, along with walk-in registration and check-in via the Cvent OnArrival app to eliminate paper sign in sheets and provide valuable insights from reliable attendance data. Feature such as live polling, Q&A and post-event surveys are built in to help boost engagement and capture meaningful insights. Native integration with critical MarTech platforms like Salesforce and HubSpot ensures timely data capture and stronger event ROI tracking.

Unlimited Essentials-only users enable teams across the business to self-manage events within the guardrails defined by admins. Admins maintain centralized governance of data collection, data privacy, security and event design.

Off Stage

Cvent Connect attendee with kitten The trade show floor was bustling with 200 destinations giving updates during scheduled appointments and kitten and baby goat activations. Upstairs, puppy yoga from Fit City Adventures and racing simulators from F1 Arcade.

At night, the crowd heated up with a Disco Rodeo at The Creamery and a fiesta finale at 1902 Nightclub.

In October, Cvent Connect goes to Europe at Intercontinental London—The 02. And next year, the North American event is at Nashville’s Music City Center.

Bigger, Bolder San Antonio

I love San Antonio selfie at Cvent Connect

New Visit San Antonio, Texas President and CEO Mario Bass had exciting news for attendees. As part of a multi-entertainment and sports complex that the city of San Antonio is looking to add to the urban landscape, the city is proposing building a 200,000-square-foot contiguous exhibit hall expansion along with another ballroom and 19 meeting rooms that would allow the facility to operate as two separate convention centers under one roof with the Riverwalk as an endcap. The convention center was built in 1968 for the HemisFair World’s Fair, celebrating the city’s 250^th birthday and last expanded in 2016.

San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is in the midst of a $2 billion update that could add nonstop and international flights.

Bass proudly reported that 17 new hotels have opened since 2021. “With the demand and excitement surrounding San Antonio, we’re looking forward to filling all of those and really getting back to ensuring heads in beds and focusing on our core strength,” he said.