low cost holiday ideas

Great ideas are both timeless and adaptable. With New Year’s celebrations upon us, providing a low-cost, yet bold focal point on a tight budget can be an annual challenge. Double the dare and make sure the solution also shines with functionality. Here are some tips for making a big impact while keeping a handle on the budget.

1. Combine lots of the same inexpensive item to make a big statement

The sparkling reflections of a champagne flute tower or wine glass pyramid bequeath any event with an elevated feeling. For the Napa-Sonoma chapter of International Live Events Association, steady hands at The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa, California, stacked stemmed wine glasses to make a bold entry. Guests selected wine glasses from the display and wandered to a pouring station at their leisure. No long lines at the bar and no additional investment to create this festive attention-getter.

2. Invest your money where it will be seen and appreciated

Growing up, my dad had practiced parlor tricks, such as testing the diamond in a ring to see if it would scratch glass or running his dampened finger around the rim of a glass to induce a musical tone. Little did I know he was priming me to recognize quality. Thickness, weight and the ability to create prisms are all distinguishing attributes of crystal. But really…who has time for that when you’re socializing? Trim your stemware budget by 50 percent or more by using standard glassware at the bar during cocktail hour and then showcase the crystal on the dining table when the guests are more likely to examine the drinking vessels.

3. Light one spectacular element rather than many small pieces

Think about it. The word spotlight infers special and it’s easy to turn an object into a showpiece just by focusing lights on it. If your focal point is on the floor, give it room to root. To make it seem larger, place it on a draped table. To really direct attention, put a riser on the table. To add volume, add more risers and crunched linens. Applying basic theatrical staging and lighting tricks can quickly turn an ordinary prop into a statement piece.

4. Mirror, mirror on the wall

In addition to weddings and awards ceremonies, the one time people dress to say, “Look at me,” is New Year’s Eve. Your guests will be delighted if you provide full-length mirrors so they can admire themselves. While one mirror simply looks like a mirror; multiple mirrors turn a lonely hallway into a grand entrance or a pre-function room into a discrete vignette. Available through rental companies and sometimes the venue, prop them against the wall or on an easel. When you position several mirrors together they enliven the space into ever changing design decor. Not only do they provide a reflective surface, but guests instantly become part of the action as they twirl and pose in front of the looking glass.

5. Repurpose those Christmas tree lights

Call them what you will, fairy lights, Tivoli lights, patio lights–battery operated or hard wired, they’re all strings of lights that, when used outside during the summer or on the tree during the holidays, add twinkle to any festivity. Cut glass bowls and vases are the perfect receptacle to scatter light beams throughout the room, light up an otherwise dark buffet table or enliven a centerpiece. Bonus–you’ll find them on sale after Christmas or at summer’s end.

6. Combine an activity with the take home memory

Those party togs call for a photo memory and everyone has a camera phone. The key is to build a few settings that the guests can easily walk into for the perfect shot. Enhance the sets with easy-grab accessories such as top hats, feather boas, a champagne bottle and faux pearl Mardi Gras beads. A themed mural back-drop, step-and-repeat branded wall, or up-lighting a basic wall with color will provide photo worthy settings while adding to the overall ambiance of the event space.

7. Incorporate props from your venue

The repurpose concept is as easy as using ice buckets to hold floral centerpieces or as a riser for a glass garden globe. Turn the venue’s wedding loveseat, pillars, archway and potted silk ficus into props for a photo scene or to spice up an otherwise lackluster area.

natural disaster relief events

In this time of natural disaster crises in several regions, now is a unique opportunity for businesses, associations and organizations to contribute in a particularly meaningful way. While financial contributions to charitable and faith-based organizations and other disaster relief channels serving these affected communities—including Texas, Puerto Rico, Florida, Mexico and the Virgin Island—are definitely applauded and are vital to helping those who are suffering, there is another way to mindfully contribute that can pay triple dividends to the people and businesses in these regions, and everyone involved:  Give with a meeting!

Think about it:  We give to charitable organizations, so why not give with a meeting?

If your company, association or organization has any upcoming meetings or programs that have not yet been placed for this year or next, I encourage your leadership team to consider placing your meeting in a destination that has been affected by a natural disaster. As we know, these areas need to get their economies back in gear, put their workers back to work and build their businesses back to full-needed employment. In helping these destinations, your leadership team will be elevated for all of the right reasons.

Therefore, if you are able to do so, I encourage you to talk to your boss, board of directors, constituents, members and/or suppliers to let them know that you are proactively taking a meeting to an impacted venue, such as southeastern Texas, Florida, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Mexico or the Bahamas. First, it is for your original business meeting purposes, but also to make a difference by helping others and businesses when they are in need.

Placing a new program, or staying the course with a previously booked meeting, at a much needed and impactful time like this fall and into 2018—when it is logistically viable and safe for your participants to attend—will  speak volumes about the character of your organization. The destination, hotel and service company employees, and their families will recognize the support at this challenging time, and you will see that your staff, attendees and executive committees will recognize the leadership and character of your company, association, organization or business.

In thinking about other challenging times for destinations, I recall when the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)  took its board of directors meeting to New York City in September 2001, right after 9/11, and maintained its Summit Awards program in Washington, D.C., later in September to achieve record-level attendance and accolades for the courage and leadership. ALHI moved its Industry Advisory Council (IAC) meeting to New Orleans after Katrina, in recognition and support of the staffs of our hotel community, and it remains as one of our most heartfelt and respected programs in our 30-plus years of conducting the IAC conference.

More recently, we appreciate prominent groups that remained steadfast to hold their programs in Southern California, despite the fires that had occurred. They received terrific recognitions from their peers and attendees. These are just a few examples. Your team can make your own history by deciding to give a meeting.

By giving a meeting, you can write your own group’s next chapter.

As a result, the triple dividends include the wonderful benefits of the meeting program itself, the positive impact to your circle of influence, and the greatly appreciated and much-needed support and financial impact that you provide to those serving your meeting.

First, we all know that “Meetings Mean Business” and are a driving engine advancing business, causes, education, organizations, marketing, marketplaces and so much more. So, it is a given that there is full and legitimate cause to convene. That, of course, is the primary dividend and consideration for a program, with a content-driven purpose.

The next dividend is your circle of influence, which includes your staff, board of directors, members, company, branches and other service suppliers, who will recognize that giving a meeting to a venue in difficult circumstances is a positive reflection on the character of your organization, and this will add to the legacy of how you conduct business.

The third dividend is to those serving throughout your meeting, from arrival at the airport, to the hotel/resort, through departure—people working for the bell staff, housekeeping, culinary talent, banquet set-up, A/V support, transportation, decor, etc. This also includes those in area businesses that supply the hotels that also are affected by the volume of meetings and programs, as it brings added business within their community.

Ultimately, this goes on to the local economy, including grocery stores and elsewhere, utilized by these employees. Each of these individuals, their families and the community will positively benefit by your program being held at that venue. They want to get back to work to host your group, and are very eager to serve. Your attendees will have a great experience—undeterred by past circumstances—due to your content, and the brightness and real contributions they bring to the lives of many of those affected.

While the golf course might have a few less trees, in its place you will see bigger smiles and appreciation for giving!

I encourage you to reach out to your national sales organization or global sales organization to book a program soon in an impacted destination. The commitment alone is a relief. Everyone will feel good about it!

Submitted by David Gabri, chairman of Associated Luxury Hotels, the world’s leading independent global sales organization serving the hospitality industry and the parent company of Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI)—the leader in extraordinary meeting venues—and WorldHotels. Collectively, Associated Luxury Hotels embodies more than 600 luxury-level hotels and resorts around the world, which are mostly independently owned or operated. alhworld.com , alhi.com, worldhotels.com

Finding new clients is a never-ending part of event planning. You need to reach out to prospects while  juggling the work you’re doing on events that are already booked in your calendar. And you need to stand out from the competition.

How can you attract potential clients in a creative way? Try these five tips.

1. Offer Experiences

People want more than a traditional event. They want experiences and a story they can share with friends and family (mostly via social media). Can you offer experiences as part of your events? Think about combining your events with classes, paint nights, demonstrations, special food or cocktail tastings, or fitness activities. Take a look at popular trends such as beer yoga, cooking classes, and escape rooms, and see what would fit best with your ideal clients.

clients creative ways

Monday Night Brewing has figured out how to mix workouts and cocktails. Their Facebook calendar includes beer yoga, 5K and 10K races, and more.

2. Demonstrate Expertise

There’s a reason people hire you to run their events: You are an expert at what you do. Show off your expertise by creating a blog, or using email or social media to share tips, advice and your perspective on news or trends in the industry. It’s OK to give away a few of your secrets, because prospective clients will appreciate the information and they’ll begin to recognize you as an expert. Also, search engines will find the information you’re sharing online, and index it. When people search for someone who is an expert on the topics you write about, your business is more likely to appear in that search.

attracting new clients

Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant does a great job demonstrating expertise on their blog, where they write about seasonal event needs, special deals and the history of quirky food holidays, such as National Ice Cream Day.

3. Work with the Local Blogging Community

Speaking of blogs, consider about reaching out to the popular bloggers in your community to spread the word about what you do. Think about it: Bloggers that write about weddings, food, travel or what’s happening in their town would be interested in your services and could introduce your business to their audiences. Do a search for bloggers in your area that write about those topics, and then hold a small event for them to show an example of what you offer in exchange for a mention on their blog and social media.

attracting clients

Bostonia Public House welcomes bloggers and is a favorite of local bloggers who write about food and lifestyle topics. When they’re mentioned, they share a link to the blog post on Facebook and thank the blogger for their write-up.

4. Partner with Nonprofits

Volunteering to help nonprofits with events is a win-win. You help people in need and show that you are invested in your community. And you’ll meet a lot of people during the process of organizing the event and at the event itself.

You’ll be on their minds when they are looking for an event planner. Le Pain Quotidien recently partnered with the American Red Cross and donated a portion of their proceeds to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts in Texas.

5. Go Live

If you’re using social media, you may have noticed that more businesses are taking advantage of new live-streaming tools. Because it works. Social media users watch live videos three times longer than prerecorded videos. They’re also 1.7 times more likely to buy the product or services mentioned in the video. Use the livestreaming tools on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube to promote your business. You can show off what’s happening before or during an event, have a Q&A session or offer helpful tips.

attracting new clients

Fleetwood’s on Front Street, owned by Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood, regularly shares Facebook Live live streams behind the scenes or from the stage of its musical events. When Questlove of The Roots played live at Fleetwood’s, the restaurant shared a live video that got a lot of positive comments from customers.

Get Creative to Get More Clients

Trying one of these strategies will go a long way in spreading word of mouth about your name, reputation and event planning expertise. Decide what works best for your business, and you’ll be booking more clients in no time.

Jonathan Morse is the CEO and founder of Tripleseat, a web application for restaurants, hotels and unique venues, chosen by more than 35,000 event managers and restaurant owners. Tripleseat helps these businesses increase their event bookings and streamlines the planning process. Morse has been involved in the restaurant and hotel business for more than 30 years, with roles ranging from a busboy at Abadessa’s in Hingham, Massachusetts, to line cook at Atlantic Cafe in Nantucket, to floor manager at Backbay Restaurant Group, to New England regional sales manager for Starwood Hotels. Before starting Tripleseat, Jonathan was a vice president of sales for a web startup that delivered business intelligence reporting to the restaurant industry.

 

first impression registration

Online registration for events is nearly universal now. Sophisticated event apps maintain a personalized agenda in attendees’ phones. However, people still have to check in once they physically arrive at the venue to obtain an identification badge. This is where the event experience can go awry, souring perceptions just moments after walking in the door. If people’s first impression of your event is waiting in line, you’ve made a mistake.

Empowering attendees to check themselves in can eliminate the wait and get the event off on the right foot. In some industries, it’s been said that self-service is the new full service. But it’s most true in the events business. If you do self-service well, it brings not just lower costs, but also a much better attendee experience.

Simple, intuitive self-service check-in that makes a professional first impression has been part of etouches’ offerings for some time now. Attendees approach a kiosk, laptop or iPad and type their name; the badge prints out along with a personalized agenda on the back. What’s more, the experience is enhanced by recommending relevant sessions or exhibitors attendees can visit that day, based on registration data.

Whitepaper Download – Event Technology Trends: The Significant Seven

 

The next iteration of check-in that etouches will soon offer is facial recognition based on a photo provided during online registration. The check-in unit will recognize you, say hello and state your name; then your badge and agenda print out. While a photo is optional, most people understand from experiences using Facebook, Google and Amazon, that they get a better user experience if they provide some information.

Etouches uses its own product offering—the LOOPD Smart Badge—to seamlessly recreate a check-in experience for attendees each day they attend the event. When an attendee returns, the passive Bluetooth system on site reads the badge and alerts them to certain events and booths they might be interested in that day. The host organization also gets to see how many times each attendee came back, which is a huge metric that groups want to measure.

Another development in the works is the use of mobile robots to conduct check-in, even away from the event site. Attendees download our event app ahead of the show so they can message when they are ready to check in. Then a self-assisting robot with facial recognition capability can travel to where the person is in the meeting venue, hotel or even in the airport, to provide a badge and other materials.

One other possibility that’s close to fruition in some places is the “smart city” concept, which enables event check-in through public kiosks at transportation hubs. Attendees can obtain their event badge, which can also act as a public-transportation card and as a food and beverage card accepted by certain shops and vendors. Las Vegas does this now—attendees can check in right after getting off the plane, and use their badge to board mass transit and get to their hotel. As other cities connect their various information and communication systems and allow event planners to tap in as well, this option will become more widespread.

Shane Edmonds is Chief Technology Officer at etouches.

Smart Meetings partnered with etouches to write Event Technology Trends: The Significant Seven, a tool for navigating the innovations that are transforming meetings in 2018. You can download the whitepaper here and access the webinar with Content Chief JT Long here.

IMEX America 2017 will be held as scheduled Oct. 10–12 (and Smart Monday, the 9th) in the aftermath of the Las Vegas massacre on Oct. 1 in which at least 58 people were killed and more than 500 were injured, but organizers will be collaborating with local authorities to determine what, if any, additional security measures to take.

Sands Expo, The Venetian and The Palazzo will host the event, though participants will also be staying at other properties.

“Over the coming days, we will be working closely with the Sands, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and the Las Vegas authorities to assess any additional security measures that are needed at this time,” said IMEX Group’s Chairman Ray Bloom and CEO Carina Bauer. “We will take their full advice in ensuring the best possible security and safety of our guests.”

The meetings and hotel industries are a large part of the Las Vegas culture. Many organizations and hospitality companies were quick to take to Twitter to react to this horrific news.

Monday morning, IMEX released a statement to Smart Meetings and the more than 12,000 people attending next week’s trade show. “We are shocked and saddened at the events that have taken place in Las Vegas over the past 24 hours,” the statement reads. “Both IMEX America and the Sands have very strong security in place, with both visible and plain clothes security teams in the venue and at the trade show.”

Starting at 10:08 p.m. on Sunday, 64-year-old Stephen Paddock of Mesquite, Nevada, began firing from the window of his room on the 32nd floor of Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino as the final act of the night, Jason Aldean, was playing. He targeted the thousands of people attending the Route 91 Harvest country music festival in an area across from the hotel. It was the deadliest massacre in U.S. history. Paddock was found dead by authorities after the shooting. His motive has not been determined.

MGM Resorts International, which owns Mandalay Bay and several other hotels on The Strip, tweeted, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of last night’s tragic events. We’re grateful for the immediate actions of our first responders.”

Rossi Ralenkotter, president of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, issued a statement saying, “The thoughts and prayers of all of Las Vegas go out to the victims and their families. This was a horrific, yet isolated, incident. At this time, it is important to allow the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police to conclude their investigation into the incident and to attend to the needs of the victims and their families.

“Las Vegas is a strong community that will work through this tragic incident. We are grateful beyond words to our incomparable law enforcement, first responders and everyone who continues to help victims and their families.”

For anyone looking for a way to help in the aftermath of this mass shooting, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce is directing people to unitedbloodservices.org and redcross.org to donate blood.

Here are a few of the tweets from major Las Vegas properties and CVB.

 

 

The event industry is filled with visionary, passionate, talented women who dedicate their time to bringing people together, getting business done and putting a little more joy in the world. Last year, author and speaker Fawn Germer was one of the top women honored, and she told our editor that the most important tip for future women leaders is to support other women and they will support you.

For the third year in a row, Smart Meetings—the only publication for event professionals founded by a woman—is recognizing the women who work on stage and behind the scenes to make magic happen. We believe in supporting a community of strong, creative women who are driven to elevating the entire industry and everyone who attends their events. But we need your help.

Please take a moment to nominate an accomplished woman in meetings in the following categories: Industry Leader, Innovator, Doer, Entrepreneur, Rising Star.

NOMINATE HERE

Winners will be featured in the March 2018 print and digital issue of Smart Meetings magazine and honored at the Smart Women in Meetings Awards Ceremony at the 2018 Smart Woman Summit in Chicago in April. Because, as Germer also told us, “If you aren’t having fun, you’re doing it all wrong.”

A grand, inviting hotel has always been important for designing memorable meetings, but in the age of Instagram, it is essential. Here are seven of the world’s most Instagrammable hotels and tips for capturing the spirit of the place in your event posts.

1. The Breakers Palm Beach

Your guests are in for a treat if they are history buffs. Oil, railroad and real estate tycoon Henry Flagler opened this beautiful hotel in Palm Beach in 1896 and it is now on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Fall in love with planning an event here and Instagramming the majestic palm trees and cathedral ceilings. The hotel features a whopping 80,000 sq. ft. of total meeting space, multiple restaurants, a private beach and more than 500 guest rooms.

2. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

A luxury hotel centrally located in the heart of Bangkok makes for both a convenient place to meet and schedule a rejuvenating experience. This property features a picturesque grand entrance and stunning floral decor. From unique alternative spa treatments to world class dining, Mandarin has it all. This grandiose hotel features 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, coupled with 339 guest rooms.

3. Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, Florence

A post shared by Erica Choi (@eggcanvas) on

Nestled in grandeur of Florence, Italy, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze has much to offer. It features 30,000 sq. ft. of total meeting space and 116 guest rooms. Your guests will be in awe of this restored property, which features architectural details from the 15th and 16th centuries. The property is home to Michelin star-rated Il Palagio restaurant, a dining experience that will add sophisticated flavor to any Instagram page.

4. Hotel Emma, San Antonio

A post shared by Hotel Emma (@thehotelemma) on

This property is only a short walk to the San Antonio River Walk and the Alamo Mission. The beautiful Hotel Emma, located in San Antonio, features 6,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 146 guest rooms. Plan a meeting here and take in the beautiful rustic atmosphere this property offers, but don’t forget to snap a photo for Instagram. Hotel Emma was once a 19th century Brewhouse. The Supper, a gourmet restaurant inside Hotel Emma, is a great casual spot to meet.

5. Ritz Paris

A post shared by @ritzparis on

A luxury hotel, a moniker that doesn’t capture the extent of the prestige of this Paris hotel, which features a Coco Chanel suite, perfect for capturing images of an unforgettable VIP event. No need goes unmet at Ritz Paris. Built right before the turn of 20th century, this hotel features spectacular vintage-chic decor. Fun Fact: Princess Diana spent her last night here. The Ritz features 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 159 rooms.

6. Mondrian South Beach, Miami

 

With astonishing views of Biscayne Bay, Mondrian South Beach in Miami is stunning from any angle. Featuring 12,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 215 guest rooms, this hotel would be a picturesque backdrop for meetings large or small.

7. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest

This Lavish Hotel overlooking the banks of the Danube River in Budapest, Hungary is perfect to host an event. In addition to 8,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 179 rooms, get a bite from their superb restaurant or grab a drink after the event. This hotel has it all, and will impress. Kollazs Brasserie & Bar seats 200 and offers eye-pleasing beef tartar (beef tongue with oyster-smoked mayonnaise, dover sole and strawberry soup with mint and lime sorbet).Or, opt for a delightfully photogenic Herend Afternoon Tea served in the hotel lobby with live piano music in the background.

Photo of Anaheim Convention Center North exterior

Anaheim Convention Center (ACC) has entered the elite “one-million-square-foot-club,” announced Jay Burress, president and CEO of Visit Anaheim, which celebrated its 50th anniversary by adding 200,000 sq. ft. at the end of September as part of its seventh “betterment” expansion.

The 1.8 million square foot structure is now the largest convention center on the west coast and 11th largest in the United States. After seeing a need from potential and current clients for more breakout space, ACC turned itself into the contortionist of convention centers. It can host multiple clients simultaneously without interference. Before even cutting the ribbon to usher in a new era of ACC history, 75 meetings were booked at the venue. The Orange County International Auto Show had already begun setting up in the exhibition hall on opening day and Best Buy was soon to follow.

anaheim convention center

Photo from Anaheim Convention Center opening ceremony

With the expanded space, Visit Anaheim anticipates bookings will continue at an elevated pace. One example of the role the new square footage will play is booking of American Heart Association’s 2017 Scientific Sessions in November. “That group wouldn’t have come here without this space. In fact, they were booked in…another destination and that destination couldn’t deliver their expansion and so we were able to secure it with the caveat that we expand our convention center,” Junior Tauvaa, senior VP of sales and services for Visit Anaheim says. Other large groups that rent out ACC are Disney’s D23 Expo, VidCon and WonderCon. These historic grounds have hosted the likes of Martin Luther King, Jr., Ronald Reagan, Elvis Presley and The Beach Boys.

Outside the Center

Southern California is known for its sunshine, so Tauvaa encourages meeting professionals to “unconference their conference” by bringing events outdoors to ACC’s two plazas or new 10,000 sq. ft. streetfront balcony overlooking Disney California Adventure Park and nightly fireworks. During the day, the terrace doesn’t receive direct sunlight, so guests can schmooze comfortably in the shade. ACC North also has two freight elevators and double the kitchen size.

anaheim convention center

Photo of Anaheim Convention North interior, Level 100

Architect Todd Voth, founder and senior principal of the firm Populous, points out that ACC North blends the outdoors and indoors. Its architecture and carpeting draws inspiration from ocean waves and the reflection of palm trees coming through the building’s window panes. Designers consciously made the new building and existing structures flow seamlessly to form this unified campus. He adds that there will be enough parking to accommodate the large groups ACC expects to attract.

Another selling point is the convention center’s close proximity to high volume hotels, such as Hilton Anaheim (1,574 guest rooms and more than 150,000 sq. ft. of meeting space) and Anaheim Marriott (1,030 guest rooms and 100,000-plus sq. ft. of event space), in addition to three Disneyland Resort Hotels. Anaheim is very excited to have broken ground on a new four-diamond Westin property, which will serve as the brand’s flagship location when it replaces the Anabella in 2020. It’ll have 613 guestrooms, 4,200 sq. ft. of meeting space—all on the first floor—and seat 1,800 people theater style.

01_visit-anaheim

Visit Anaheim

President and CEO Jay Burress says Anaheim is the ultimate destination for all your attendees to feel like MVPs. Like Mike Trout and the Angels team, Anaheim is known for its close-knit hospitality community that spans all parts of the destination. His city works together to deliver a seamless experience for your group every time. “We are all working toward one goal—to make your event an inspirational/impactful experience. Whether you are working with Visit Anaheim, the newly expanded Anaheim Convention Center, our hotels or unique offsite gems like Angels Stadium, you are met with the same high-level quality of service and personal attention to make your time in Anaheim a win,” he says.

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Visit Buena Park

Executive Director Sara Copping says meetings in Buena Park will leave you breathless (literally)! With ample meeting and event space, a premier location and a variety of hotel accommodations to suit every budget, Buena Park continues to be a popular destination in Southern California. Located 5 miles from Disneyland Resort, 10 miles from beaches and 20 miles from Los Angeles, Buena Park is home to five of the seven major attractions in Orange County, including Knott’s Berry Farm theme park. Knott’s offers nine different themed venue spaces that can accommodate up to 2,000 people. Attendees can enjoy their own tropical retreat, complete with palm trees and thatched huts at the Lagoon; or, for a more formal presentation or performance, relax in theater-style seats at Charles M. Schulz Theater.

03_fairbank

Explore Fairbanks

President and CEO Deb Hickok snapped this photo at 8 p.m. on July 27. The sun illuminates this expansive view during the 25th anniversary celebration of Taste of Alaska Lodge. Fairbanks offers energizing midnight sun in summer and captivating northern lights during Aurora Season (Aug. 21 through April 21). A retreat attendee may marvel from this viewpoint, also popular with pre/post-conference vacationers, such as this past May, when Fairbanks welcomed the Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting. The 1,000 out-of-town attendees counted in the ministers from all eight arctic nations, including U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov. The event highlighted Fairbanks as the most northern U.S. city with air, rail and road access.

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Eugene, Cascades & Coast—Travel Lane County

Convention Sales Manager Juanita Metzler invites visitors to see a panorama of the Eugene-Springfield metro area from the top of Skinner Butte. This sprawling park, along the Willamette River and adjacent to downtown, provides an escape in the middle of the Emerald City with ample space for team-building opportunities. Find your inner Meeting Genius or Meeting Nerd in this forward-thinking destination. From mountains to coast and everything in between, this region can offer exactly what you’re looking for and help you along the way. Come early or stay late to play in the natural beauty. Within walking distance from many of the city’s finest dining and hotels, Skinner Butte Lookout will give you perspective when you come to the Eugene, Cascades and Coast region.

05_visit-huntington

Visit Huntington Beach

Executive Vice President of Sales and Administration John Ehlenfeldt says Visit Huntington Beach is the ideal location for your next meeting or event. The city has a laid-back luxury feel and culture that all who visit easily adopt. It boasts 1,400 group hotel rooms and 185,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space all within a half-mile walkable stretch of each other—all Oceanfront, with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Within a 5-minute walk from your hotel room, you can visit iconic Huntington Beach pier or enjoy a day watching a local surfing competition to enhance your “toes in the sand” experience...just like this selfie pic. Beach fun awaits!

06_see-monterey

See Monterey

Vice President of Sales Mark McMinn visits Carmel River State Beach along Highway 1 on Carmel Bay, one of his favorite places to go on a hike! The mile-long beach is breathtaking, the views are stunning and the air is just so fresh! There is an easy walking path that leads to the Carmel River, where the river meets the sea. From there, you can see a large wooden cross and Mission San Carlos Borromeo del rio Carmelo, the first mission of Alta California, founded in 1770. In the background is Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, considered the crown jewel in the state’s park system. With miles of hiking trails and awe-inspiring coastline, Point Lobos has been called “the greatest meeting of land and sea in the world!”

07_visit-oakland

Visit Oakland

CEO Mark Everton is in Oakland’s Jack London Square waterfront, with the Port of Oakland cranes in the background. This waterfront area is a hidden gem to our city, as many visitors are surprised to see such a beautiful waterfront. Not only are there views of the San Francisco Bay, but you’ll also find restaurants, shops, wineries, breweries and more. The Port of Oakland cranes are also a hidden gem because they are rumored to be inspiration for the AT-AT Walkers characters seen in Star Wars. This is just one of the many insider spots that Oakland offers!

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Experience Olympia & Beyond

Director of Sales Jeff Bowe encourages you to experience the waterfront—one of the top five attractions in Washington State’s capital region. A quick walk from several downtown hotels and meeting spaces, Olympia’s Percival Landing features views of herons and seals in Budd Bay Inlet, the capitol building and the Olympic Mountains. Lined with restaurants featuring fresh fare (think oysters and handmade gelato), public art, one-of-a-kind stores and public markets, the boardwalk offers relaxing indoor and outdoor spaces to network with friends and colleagues while sipping local, handcrafted beers or spirits. It’s all right here. Really.

09_redding

Visit Redding

Visit Redding staff knows that discovering three landmarks in one spot is rare, except in Redding, where you can bask in breathtaking views of three Shastas—historic Shasta Dam, pristine Shasta Lake and snow-capped Mt. Shasta. When you meet in Redding, you’ll quickly realize what’s on the OUTSIDE counts too. Located in the heart of Northern California, Redding serves as an outdoor adventure paradise. The Sacramento River flows through the city and it boasts more than 300 days of sunshine per year. With stunning scenery, more than 2,000 hotel rooms, 55,000 combined sq. ft. of indoor meeting space, endless outdoor space and no traffic, Redding is the ideal destination for a stress-free meeting.

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Redondo Beach Chamber and Visitors Bureau

Director of Marketing Karin Kartounian reminds potential visitors that Redondo Beach is a laid back, beautiful beach city just 7 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Redondo Beach Pier offers a variety of oceanfront dining, entertainment and shopping choices for all ages. Enjoy a quick bite to eat while you stroll on the pier, a romantic dinner with amazing views, live music almost any night of the week and some of the most unbeatable sunsets in all of California. You can find plenty of fantastic hotels and restaurants at every price level nearby. Redondo Beach offers a variety of activities, including surfing, biking, stand-up paddleboarding, sport fishing, sailing, scuba diving, whale watching, kayaking and more! In Redondo Beach there’s always…More to Sea!

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Visit Santa Cruz County

Sales and Marketing Assistant Samantha Schoettgen says lots of “hidden gems” can be found throughout Santa Cruz County. A more well-known gem is the historic Giant Dipper at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The Giant Dipper roller coaster, with its spectacular views of the bay, keeps new and old generations coming back for more. The Giant Dipper also has become a media star. Its familiar red-and-white tracks have been seen in television commercials and major motion pictures including The Lost Boys, Dangerous Minds and Sudden Impact, as well as numerous television productions. More than 60 million riders have shared in Giant Dipper shrieks since the classic thrill ride opened in 1924. As the star of the West Coast’s only major seaside amusement park, it stands ready to keep thrilling visitors for many decades ahead.

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Visit Spokane

Meet Spokane, a gracious community with a long history as a gathering place. Visit Spokane President and CEO Cheryl Kilday and Vice President of Sales and Marketing Rob Enriquez are standing in the very spot where, for hundreds of years, tribes gathered to share stories and food. The Salmon Chief pays homage to that heritage next to stunning Spokane Falls. Today, this city carries on the tradition as a gathering place. Walk any street and you’ll feel the vibe. You’ll see projects, new restaurants, shops and public art, but mostly, it’s the people—people out walking, drinking on outdoor patios, eating at brilliant new restaurants and having fun. As you take it all in, you will realize Spokane is perfection.

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Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau

Director of Convention Sales Rob Osterberg says when you think of Greater Palm Springs, it’s likely that you only think of the shimmering pools and green fairways. What many health conscious outdoor enthusiasts are discovering in the oasis is the beautiful San Jacinto Wilderness with a 10,000-foot peak surrounding our desert playground. Minutes from Greater Palm Springs is a series of hiking trails and outdoor experiences such as Lily Rock, depicted in this selfie. This is yet another example of how leisure and business travelers can find their oasis in Greater Palm Springs.

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Visit Sacramento

President Mike Testa says Sacramento has been painted with broad strokes, literally, and in the most unexpected places. Some 50 local and international artists recently lit up America’s Farm-to Fork Capital, creating the largest mural festival on the West Coast—Wide Open Walls. The resulting 40 murals brighten the Central City, adding to the already extensive collection of murals that are easily explored by bike or on foot. These new murals will join hundreds of others throughout the greater Sacramento region, along with a plethora of public art at Sacramento Convention Center, Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and Golden 1 Center, our brand-new sports and entertainment arena. And yes, there’s even public art under the freeway covering our weekly farmers market! Sacramento’s vibrant arts community is a critical asset in bringing the spirit of our city to life.

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Snohomish County

Group Sales Manager Brad Zorich poses at Paine Field Airport (PAE, 23 miles north of Seattle), which will be America’s newest commercial airport when it opens in 2018. More than 140,000 visitors can tour Boeing’s 747, 767, 777 and 787 production factory at Future of Flight Center at Paine Field. The Strato Deck high above Future of Flight’s main gallery is the perfect venue for an outdoor event with views of snowcapped Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker. You may be lucky enough to get an up-close look at Boeing’s Dreamlifter, the aircraft that transports 787 components from around the world. With four world-class aviation attractions, Paine Field offers unique meeting venues, sightseeing attractions, waterfront hotels and easy access. Come see what all the chatter is about!

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Walnut Creek Convention & Visitors Bureau

Regional Director of Sales and Marketing Scott Slocum points out that the newly renovated Broadway Plaza in Downtown Walnut Creek (the Jewel of the East Bay) is at the center of shopping and dining in the San Francisco East Bay Area!

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Visit Ventura

President and CEO Marlyss Auster reminds visitors that it’s always important to maintain a balance between work and play, and Ventura makes that easy. The beach is only two blocks from downtown and is the perfect escape between meetings, with sunshine, palm trees, toes in the sand and her dog, Snickers. A quick stroll down Main Street reveals that pups are loved here—most shops and restaurants have water bowls outside on the sidewalk, and Ventura Visitor Center has treats. You’ll find off-leash parks and dog-friendly beaches and hotels. Some restaurants even have doggie menus. Ventura is a place where dogs run, swim, frolic in the sand—even surf! So bring your four-legged friend and let the tail-wagging begin. After all, sandy paws equal happy dogs.

ai registration events

As more hotels provide in-room electronic concierge systems such as Alexa—which can do everything from answer spoken questions to making restaurant and spa reservations—attendees will soon come to expect that event hosts provide on-demand artificial-intelligence (AI) solutions for meeting-related inquiries and needs.

One example of how this personalized technology can benefit event attendees is the eHome module featured within etouches’ event-management platform. It uses AI to make relevant recommendations as attendees fill out an event registration form online. The system leverages its ability to sift through all the data captured from attendees and exhibitors to say, “Here are sessions you’d likely be interested in; here are exhibitors you’d likely be interested in; here are other attendees you’d likely want to meet up with.” A real-time version, where the event app determines an attendee’s location while on site so that its AI capability can make recommendations that are most relevant to that attendee and convenient at that moment, is in the works.

Whitepaper Download – Event Technology Trends: The Significant Seven

 

A variation of this functionality is the chatbot, which etouches presently has in working trials among several event clients. As people have questions about the agenda and other logistics during the registration process, they can type those directly into the form and get answers that they would otherwise have to email the event team or comb through the event web site to obtain. Anything from “Will Company X be exhibiting at the show?’ to “What are the nearest Italian restaurants to the venue?” can be answered right away.

AI will even assist planners as they do their jobs within the etouches platform. It can act as a “coachbot.” Etouches uses AI to see how planners are using the product, and then advises on how they can use it in the best way for their specific needs. Then planners can put many of their event systems on autopilot. It handles all the manual processes that are tedious and time-consuming.

Brian Friedman is Vice President of Digital Innovation at etouches.

Smart Meetings partnered with etouches to write Event Technology Trends: The Significant Seven, a tool for navigating the innovations that are transforming meetings in 2018. You can download the whitepaper here and access the webinar with Content Chief JT Long here.