After donating 8.4 million meals to hungry Americans, Omni Hotels & Resorts has decided to extend indefinitely its Say Goodnight to Hunger initiative—an offer it hopes meeting planners can’t refuse.

Since June 2016, Omni has made a donation to Feeding America for every meeting or event booked by planners at any of the luxury hotel brand’s 60 properties in North America. Each donation has fed dinner to a family of four.

For all future group rooms booked, Omni will contribute one meal per room night. In other words, if a group or association books 200 rooms for four nights, Omni will donate 800 meals to Feeding America. These new donations are in addition to those Omni also makes when any guest books directly on omnihotels.com.

“We received a lot of feedback that Say Goodnight to Hunger should be permanently extended to groups, as many are looking for ways to be involved in the communities where they are holding their meetings and events,” said Peter Strebel, chief marketing officer and senior vice president of sales for Omni Hotels & Resorts. “Some of our properties have taken it a step further, and have created team building events with local food banks as another way for us to give back.”

Nationwide, nearly 5,000 Omni associates have donated 7,705 hours of their personal time at food banks in communities where they live and work.

“Say Goodnight to Hunger” is the largest campaign launched by a hospitality partner of Feeding America, a United States-based nonprofit organization. It operates a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks that feed more than 46 million people through food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other community-based agencies.

Just how low will the most basic, and most restrictive, economy flights get? The answer depends on just how much you’re willing to give up to fly on the cheap.

Just this week, American Airlines announced plans to offer so-called basic economy fare on select routes from airports in Dallas, Miami, Philadelphia and Charlotte, N.C. United made a similar move on some of its Minneapolis flights to destinations such as New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.

“The launch of our Basic Economy product is transformational—offering customers seeking the most budget-conscious fares United’s comfortable and reliable travel experience across our unmatched network of destinations,” said Scott Kirby, president of United Airlines, in a statement. “Basic Economy lets you go where you want to go at our lowest available fare while enjoying United’s Economy cabin and the exceptional inflight service that comes with it.”

Those reduced fares follow other major airlines such as Delta, which began its own basic fare class last year. And that’s already on the heels of airlines that have built a reputation on offering the cheapest, no-frills flights such as Frontier and Spirit.

So just how much money are we talking here? In general, about $15 cheaper than standard tickets, according to Forbes. Here’s the catch: In most cases, you can’t select your seat, you can’t store anything in the overhead bin, and you’ll board last.

This means that if you’re flying with family or friends, chances are that you won’t sit together. And, if you can’t tuck your tiny, carry-on item under your seat, you’re out of luck. You’ll need to check that at a steep price.

What’s more, these cheap airfares will be hard to come by. Airlines are offering a very limited number of basic economy fare seats, so don’t expect to find them on every flight on the discounted routes.

Bargain hunters might rejoice, but you may get more than what you bargained for.

Julia Smith, CEM, CTA was named 2016 Chairperson of International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) at the organization’s annual meeting, networking luncheon and awards presentation in Baltimore. She is the successor to 2015 Chairperson Megan Tanel, CEM.

“I look forward to building on IAEE’s successful advocacy initiatives, and to promoting program development to attract future generations to careers in the exhibitions and events industry,” Smith says. “I am honored and excited to serve as 2016 Chairperson, and will be able to draw on my experiences as an involved IAEE committee and board member and volunteer.”

Julia Smith’s Background

julia-smithSmith joined Global Experience Specialists (GES) in 1989 after seven years in show management, and is currently Senior Vice President of National Sales. She has served on a variety of IAEE committees including the IAEE Awards Committee, the CEM Appeals Committee, as past chairperson of IAEE Services, Inc., and on the board of the IAEE Southwest Chapter. She is a graduate of IAEE’s Krakoff Leadership Institute. For nearly a decade, Smith served as a board member of the Health and Pension Trusts for Local 831, the decorators union in Southern California, and she is currently a board member of the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) and Visit Anaheim.

Smith was the first associate member of IAEE to earn the Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) designation, is a CEM Faculty member, and has taught CEM modules in the U.S., Taiwan, China, Canada and Europe. She is a recipient of IAEE’s Distinguished Service Award, as well as the inaugural recipient of IAEE’s Woman of Achievement Award. Smith also contributed chapters to the most recent editions of IAEE’s Art of the Show textbook.

IAEE Board of Directors

IAEE welcomes the following new members to the IAEE Board of Directors:

–Gregg Caren, Executive Vice President, SMG
–Lenay Gore, Director of Meetings & Conventions, American Public Transportation Association
–Chris Nemchek, Senior Vice President, Specialty Foods Association, Inc.
–Dennis Smith, President, Messe Frankfurt North America

Continuing Board of Directors members include:

–Chairperson-Elect Ryan Strowger, CEM, Senior Vice President of Exhibitions, Conferences and Sales, International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA)
–Secretary/Treasurer Daniel McKinnon, CEM, Vice President, Client Services – Global, FreemanXP
–Immediate Past Chairperson Megan Tanel, CEM, Vice President of Exhibitions and Events, ––Association of Equipment Manufacturers
–Director Vicki Bedi, CEO, PSBedi & Co Pvt Ltd
–Director Thomas Cindric, Jr., CEM, Vice President, Informa Exhibitions
–Director Christopher McCabe, Executive Vice President, Emerald Expositions
–Director Robert “Bob” McClean, Jr., CPA, Executive Vice President, Promotional Products Association International
–Director Robert “Bob” Morgan, General Manager, Dulles Expo Center
–Director Susan Schwartz, CEM, Managing Director, ConvExx
–Director Stephen “Steve” Sind, President & CEO, Global Event Strategies, LLC.

Ex-officio Directors include:
–Walter Yeh, CEM, Executive Vice President, TAITRA – Taiwan External Trade Development Council representing the IAEE Asia Exhibition Council
–Aaron Bludworth, President & CEO, Fern representing the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR)
–Andrew Ortale, Executive Vice President, National Trade Productions, Inc. representing the Chapters Leaders Council
–Angela Harar, CEM, Senior Director of Tradeshows, The Vision Council representing the IAEE MATSO Council
–Mary Bender, Marketing Director, Emerald Expositions representing the IAEE Public Events Council
–Samantha Lohse, Project Manager, Marketing, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) representing the Robert L. Krakoff Seat

About IAEE
Trusted since 1928, IAEE is the largest association of the exhibitions and events industry in the world, with a membership of show organizers, exhibitors and exhibition suppliers. Organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events around the world are members of IAEE. The organization advocates and promotes the awareness of face-to-face exhibitions and events as the primary medium for business development and growth. www.iaee.com

 

 

The 345-room Seattle Marriott Waterfront has augmented its popular Sunday Funday program with a cost-saving option for groups to explore the area’s exciting attractions.

The new Sunday Funday Group Offer is designed for groups to have an engaging outdoor experience before they hunker down for productive meetings during the week. Attendees will receive a complimentary signature cocktail served at the hotel’s recently renovated lobby bar. The offer also will provide groups arriving on Sunday with the Sunday Funday discounted hotel rates.

One of Seattle’s premier waterfront hotels, Seattle Marriott Waterfront is near many of the city’s most popular attractions, including Pike Place Market, just an elevator ride from the hotel. It’s one of the country’s oldest farmers markets and invites visitors to explore the cobblestone streets while sampling seasonal culinary fare, perusing craft shops and boutiques, dining at unique restaurants and enjoying street performers’ music and entertainment.

More adventurous groups can participate in a Tillicum Village Sightseeing Tour Cruise. Attendees experience dramatic views of the city as they head toward historic Blake Island. Upon arrival, they feast on a Native American salmon bake while enjoying performances featuring traditional Native American dancing with Coast Salish storytelling.

Organizers interested in the Sunday Funday Group Offer must have a main arrival on Sunday and book 10 or more rooms with advance reservations.

Once the meetings begin, groups enjoy the 11,000 sq. ft. of newly renovated meeting space, divided among 15 rooms and innovative outdoor courtyards. Groups can stay connected with the Wi-Fi and audiovisual equipment provided in every meeting room.

Marriott certified event specialists work with planners to accommodate each group’s needs, and the Marriott Red Coat Meeting Services app is accessible by smartphone.

Groups also enjoy Seattle Marriott Waterfront’s many amenities, including the acclaimed Hook & Plow restaurant, Trolley Cafe & Gift Shop, a 24-hour fitness center, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

For the sixth time, Omni Hotels & Resorts has been ranked as the No. 1 upper upscale hotel brand, based on an annual report compiled by J.D. Power and Associates. The 2015 North American Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study takes into account seven key factors of overall satisfaction:

–Reservations
–Check-in/check-out
–Guest rooms
–F&B
–Hotel services
–Hotel facilities
–Cost and fees

“This is one of the most highly anticipated studies in our industry because it represents the opinions of the people we care about most─our guests,” said Mike Deitemeyer, president of Omni Hotels & Resorts. “One of our core brand values is creating memorable experiences. This recognition is gratifying as we continue to deliver on and remain a leader in experiential travel. It is a huge testament to the work that our 18,000 associates do every day.”

Here are the top-three rated hotel brands for five segments that were scored for guest satisfaction during the 19th annual rankings:

Luxury

The Ritz-Carlton; Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts; JW Marriott

Upper Upscale

Omni Hotels & Resorts; Embassy Suites Hotels; Kimpton Hotels

Upscale

Hyatt Place; Hilton Garden Inn; Spring Hill Suites

Upper Midscale

Drury Hotels (previously ranked highest in the Midscale segment for nine consecutive years); Hampton Inn & Suites; Fairfield Inn & Suites

Midscale

Wingate by Wyndham; AmericInn; Sleep Inn

“Hotels that proactively meet guest needs have the ability to create a positive guest experience,” said Rick Garlick, global travel and hospitality practice lead at J.D. Power. “While service recovery is extremely important in the hotel industry, it’s most effective when the entire guest experience is a positive one. Hotel staff members need to maintain a proper balance between proactively addressing needs and responding to problems effectively. Doing so can help guests feel good about their selection of the hotel brand and increase the likelihood they will return for another stay or recommend it to others.”

Hotel ArtA dazzling installation featuring 22,000 LED light bulbs and a world-class private collection are among the outstanding art featured in recently opened U.S. hotels.

Guests entering The Art Hotel in downtown Denver are greeted by Leo Villareal’s undulating, 22,000-light art installation, which is programmed to reflect traffic and vibrations from the street. Villareal also designed the much-acclaimed “The Bay Lights” on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, an installation that is controlled by a computer and displays changing patterns.

Original art work is displayed on each floor of the hotel, and includes more than 40 works of art by Ed Ruscha, Deborah Butterfield, Tracey Emin and others.

The hotel, which opened this week, has 165 guest rooms, more than 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and Fire restaurant, featuring new American cuisine, floor-to-ceiling windows leading to an open-air-terrace, and stunning views of Denver’s skyline.

Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph, which opened in January in the Ohio city’s Short North arts district, contains pieces from Ron and Ann Pizzuti’s world-class art collection. “NYT,” a 12-part acrylic on canvas painting by Kaws (Brian Donnelly) is featured in the lobby’s 35-foot atrium. Other works from the collection are featured on the lobby’s first and second floor.

The second floor also includes the Ohio Portfolio, 31 limited-edition screen prints by artists with ties to the state. All guest rooms feature Ohio Porfolio prints that are available for purchase.

Le Meridien provides 135 chic guestrooms, farm-to-table dining at The Guild House and 6,700 sq. ft. of flexible event space, including Michael B. Coleman Ballroom, with 2,686 sq. ft.

One of the main attractions at Baccarat Hotel and Residences New York is Bar at Baccarat, a red-barrel-vaulted room adorned with elaborate chandeliers and a blending of works by 18th-century French and contemporary New Yorkers including Robert Longo and Nan Goldin.

The 114-room New York City hotel also features plenty of additional crystal, including new pieces that incorporate Baccarat’s Harcourt stemware.

In North Carolina, 21c Museum Hotel Durham offers 10,500 sq. ft. for contemporary art exhibitions. The exhibits are open to the public free of charge and feature painting, sculpture, photography and video, among other things.

The hotel art also includes “Reflective Transformation,” consisting of seven permanent installations including Duke Riley’s “It Will Warm You Twice,” a large mosaic made of cigarettes and mini-cigars that reflects tobacco’s once great, but now declining, significance to Durham.

The hotel features 125 guest rooms, Counting House restaurant (featuring regional dishes) and 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Claudia Eggspuhlersmart moves

Rockbridge and Crescent Hotels & Resorts hired Claudia Eggspuhler as the first female general manager of The Adolpuhs in Dallas. Eggspuhler will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the 23-story Rockbridge Portfolio property. She was previously the complex general manager of Westin Reston Heights and Sheraton Reston Hotel. Eggspuhler received general manager certification with Starwood, Marriott and Hilton.

“Eggspuhler’s wealth of knowledge within the hospitality industry coupled with her outstanding record of management success makes her a valuable addition to our team at The Adolphus,” said Michael George, CEO of Crescent Hotels & Resorts. “She brings more than 15 years of expertise, and we’re excited to have her oversee the continued growth and advancement that has been admired throughout the hotel’s 100-year heritage.”

Matthew Quicksmart moves

Matthew Quick joined the Ritz-Carlton Lodge in Greensboro, Ga. as Rooms Executive. Quick brings his years of hotel leadership experience to the 251-room hotel. Before joining the Ritz-Carlton Lodge team, he was director of rooms at Stowe Mountain Lodge and rooms division manager at Paradise Point Resort & Spa.

“It is an honor to call the beautiful Lake Oconee resort my new home,” he said. “I have always admired The Ritz-Carlton’s commitment to the highest caliber of customer service, and I look forward to doing all that I can to ensure guests of The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation feel at home.”

Doug Gehretsmart moves

Doug Gehret was appointed as the area vice president of Hilton Worldwide’s operations in Central Florida and South Carolina. Most recently, Gehret served as general manager of the 1,417-room Hilton Orlando, a position he held since 2008. In his new role, Gehret will lead hotel operations for 18 of Hilton’s owned and managed assets, as well as Hilton Grand Vacations properties in the region.

 

Jena Baker McNeillsmart moves

As the new senior director of the U.S. Travel Association, Jena Baker McNeill is bolstering efforts to promote policies that increase travel to and within the U.S. McNeil brings a wealth of public policy experience to her new role. She previously served as deputy director for the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. While there, she helped manage travel-related issues, including national and border security.

“Jena brings an abundance of political know-how and homeland security expertise,” said Roger Dow, U.S. Travel Association president and CEO. “The U.S. travel community evaluates every travel-related policy though the lens of safety and security first and foremost and Jena’s background speaks directly to that emphasis.”

Joe Pagonesmart moves

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants hired Joe Pagone as general manager of Hotel Van Zant, which will open in Austin, Texas this September. Pagone will oversee the hotel’s opening, as well as all personnel, business development, property operations and guest relations. The property will have 319 guest rooms and 41 suites.

Pagone joins Hotel Van Zant from Hotel Monaco Baltimore, another Kimpton property. As general manager, he maintained customer satisfaction rankings and increased hotel revenue. He was previously assistant general manager at Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar in Chicago. Pagone is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University.

“We’re thrilled to have an experienced industry professional usher in this hotel and help create an environment that reflects Austin’s vibrant personality,” said Ron Vlasic, regional vice president of hotel operations. “Our intention is to bring highly localized and personalized experiences to our guests as we do at all of our Kimpton hotels.”

For more Smart Moves, check out our Smart Meetings People Section.

Frontline Hospitality professionals updated their emergency response skills today in Columbus, Ohio, as experts shared techniques learned from recent tragedies across the country, involving armed attackers. “Planners are an important part of the team, keeping attendees safe in case of an emergency,” said Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC) assistant general manager Ryan Thorpe.

The Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) training acted out scenarios with convention center staff, local hotel personnel and the community in realistic exercises that included simulated gun shots, screaming, yelling and running.

The adage “run, hide, fight” taught in the past has evolved into “avoid, deny, defend” as the best way to survive an attack, said Thorpe. Instructions given to participants included clearing the area if a shooter is reported, locking or blocking the door so the shooter can’t get in, and defending yourself and others by doing something unexpected when confronted—throwing a chair, garbage can or even a stapler.

More: Your All-Encompassing, Need-to-Know Security Guide

“These quarterly trainings help everyone feel safer because they help people know what to do,” said Don Brown, executive director, Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority. The team has hosted with everyone, from presidential parties to 200,000 guests at Arnold Sports Festival, and works closely with law enforcement and first responders to develop contingency plans. Intensive monitoring systems are in place all over the campus, and bicycle patrols monitor the convention center and parking lots.

Know Your Exits

The role of the planner in keeping people safe starts long before a threat enters the building. GCCC has developed comprehensive master security plans based on regular security and threat assessments and shares condensed versions with planners who use the facility. Event professionals can use those resources to create a safety binder that includes a list of who is in the building, with contact information, evacuation routes and local emergency contacts, Thorpe suggested.

More: Security Threats Require Planners to be Proactive

Most of the time, the emergency is of a different sort: medical emergencies, a suspicious package, smoke or fire, or a traffic accident. Training covered fire extinguisher lessons, best practices for evacuations and proper use of CPR equipment.

tsa security check

All arriving flights into the United States after October 26 could be subject to new security screening measures, according to U.S. Transportation Security Administration officials. This includes American citizens.

The new measures are expected to impact 2,100 commercial flights arriving daily in the United States, and inconveniencing more than 300,000 passengers daily who will be arriving from more than 100 different countries.

Air France, Cathay Pacific, EgyptAir, Emirates and Lufthansa stated that they could begin instructing airline employees to question passengers during ticketing and may suspend self-checking of bags to do more thorough inspections.

The rules come after a 120-day time limit to comply with increased passenger screening. Airlines had until late July to improve explosive trace detection testing.

“The security measures affect all individuals, international passengers and U.S. citizens travelling to the U.S. from a last point of departure international location,” said Lisa Farbstein, a TSA spokeswoman. She also said the new measures will include “heightened screening of personal electronic devices.”

royal wedding security

The May 19 wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is the ultimate citywide event and a wonderful demonstration of best practices for managing security when managing a dignitary or super-VIP keynote speaker.

In most aspects, royal weddings adhere to centuries old traditions. When it comes to security, however, the officers overseeing the operation are relying on the most cutting-edge technology available today to ensure the safety of the family, guests, locals and visitors. In short, it is one of the largest policing operations in the history of Thames Valley Police.

Know what’s on the menu at the royal wedding? We do. 

“The Force has a long history of policing Royal events from the annual Windsor Garter Ceremony to state visits and more recently Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday,” says Assistant Chief Constable David Hardcastle. “We are working with our partners, local businesses and the community to deliver a safe, secure and happy event for everyone.”

The area surrounding Windsor Castle has been and will continue to be extensively searched and monitored by land, air, sea, underground and horseback. While Thames Valley Police aren’t revealing all their secrets, they have disclosed some techy ways they’re making sure the couple gets hitched without a hitch.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition

Big Brother is always watching. In addition to closed-circuit surveillance cameras set up throughout the city, Thames Valley Police are also utilizing the latest in Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. This advanced software enables clearly readable photographs of plates to be taken while a vehicle is in motion. You may be most familiar with its application at toll plazas and red light cameras. In law enforcement, it’s used to run the plate through a database and alert authorities if a plate registers in their system as being suspicious. Events can also use this tech to control access to restricted areas.

“Any vehicle which triggers our ANPR technology, for whatever reason, will be monitored to ensure that it is safe, is not a threat to the public and is not involved in any criminal activity,” Inspector Graeme Hughes, of the Joint Operations Unit for Roads Policing, said.

No Drone Zone

Eager photographers will go to just about any length to snap an exclusive shot. When drones hit the marketplace, they gave paparazzi a whole new aerial angle. Thames Valley Police, however, are grounding drones before they even take off. They put a Restriction of Flying Regulation in place from May 19-20 in the area surrounding Windsor Castle.

Check out these meeting venues fit for a queen. Or Hollywood star.

Drones can pose several hazards, including interfering with other aircraft, or malfunctioning and falling from the sky, thus potentially causing injury to those below.

National Police Air Service

To give security officials a panoramic view of Windsor Castle and its surroundings, the National Police Air Service will hover the region in its fleet of helicopters. They come fully loaded with state-of-the-art cameras that allow them to focus in on and film targets and people of interest. The choppers can also travel at high speeds if they need to report to a scene of concern.

Social Media

Thames Valley Police have been transparent about security measures in the weeks and days leading up to the big wedding, often using the power of social media to spread their message. They have regularly been posting updates to their website, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook pages. Additionally, officers have held online chat sessions with locals to answer questions and respond to concerns. While the palace guards are known to never crack a smile, Thames Valley Police are taking a different approach by encouraging people to come up to them on the street to engage with them.