Smart Meetings | Page 2 of 603 | Corporate Event Planning: Business Events, Meetings, Conferences

When the FIFA World Cup comes to Atlanta on June 15, it will be one of the most-played host cities in the United States, hosting eight matches through June and July, including one Round of 32 match, a Round of 16 match and a semifinal.

Although Atlanta is where the games are being played, there are cities in Georgia that will be given the spotlight throughout this time, such as College Park, the city visitors have first contact with when they touch down at the airport. Despite its name, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is in College Park.

FIFA Pulls Rooms from Atlanta

Facing a pullback in room blocks from the FIFA organization in host cities across the United States, thought to be a reaction to decreased demand to travel to the U.S. as a result of recent actions by the country. Despite this, the cities remain optimistic. Roughly 1,000 rooms have been pulled in Atlanta, including Hyatt Regency Atlanta and Atlanta Marriott Marquis.

College Park Councilwoman Dr. Jamelle E. McKenzie says a 40% decrease is anticipated. “I think it has a lot to do with what’s going on federally, as well as immigration concerns,” she says. “People may not come because they don’t want to deal with the perceived issues are here in the United States.

“We are expecting less than what we anticipated originally. But we’re still going to have more business in our city and more visitors and more traffic and more great things in June 2026 than we experienced in 2025.” McKenzie says they are still making sure we’re positioning our infrastructure and proximity to the airport to still receive and achieve what we call unprecedented economic growth.”

More than 175,000 room nights are booked in Atlanta from June 13 to July 16. “With ticket distribution for FIFA World Cup still underway, we anticipate a shorter hotel booking window as fans often wait to confirm travel plans until their match tickets are secured,” says Charlene Lopez, executive vice president and chief sales officer, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB).

Lopez ensures that what Atlanta is experiencing tracks with other U.S. cities, but she expects momentum to build as the World Cup progresses and room demand increases heading into the elimination rounds.

“For planners, this cancellation of room blocks could present an opportunity to book guest rooms and meeting space that previously wasn’t available. With most major sporting events, meeting planners often assume there’s little to no availability in host cities. Now that additional rooms are available in the Atlanta market, there is new opportunity for small- to mid-sized meetings and off-peak day events,” Lopez says. “The release of FIFA World Cup room blocks is happening early enough to create additional flexibility for both visitors and planners. While we still expect strong demand around match days, this shift allows the city to better accommodate a broader mix of travelers. It also opens the door to group business that was previously perceived as unavailable.”

New Developments in Atlanta

The city has been prepping for the festivities, ready to host all the action coming in June. Its main anchor to it all, the partially opened Centennial Yards, is a $5 billion, 50-acre mixed-use project that will feature 1,500 hotel rooms, including roughly 3,000 apartment units, and a mix of retail, entertainment, and public spaces when it fully opens.

Read More: Notes from the Road: Atlanta

Properties such as the 292-room Hotel Phoenix have opened and are accepting bookings for FIFA; Cosm, a venue built on immersive experiences, will open June 10, just in time for the matches. Other projects at Centennial Yards aren’t set to open until next year, such as Live Nation’s 5,300-seat event venue, set to open in 2027.

Working with the Local Community

People sitting and standing in restaurant — Dr. Jamelle McKenzie standing on right at T’s Brunch Bar in College Park

Dr. McKenzie has been in office since 2024. In 2025, she contracted with an organization to work with the local business community in College Park. These business owners will be directly involved with FIFA and beyond. College Park restaurants such as Breakfast Boys, Nouveau, and Milk and Honey are involved in McKenzie’s Business Connects, bi-monthly meetings connecting with the city’s business community. She says about 60 businesses participate in these gatherings.

“We even had a World Cup preparation meeting,” McKenzie says, “We brought in people from Clear Channel [outdoor advertising company] and the airport, so our businesses could learn how they could come together and organize to advertise. When people come into the airport, they’ll see ‘come to Nouveau’ or ‘check out Main Street College Park’.”

The more than 100-year-old Depot will be renovated into a visitor center and College Park museum, as well as an event space.

Atlanta’s FIFA Fan Festival will kick off at Centennial Olympic Park on June 11 and will run for an initial 16 days but can run for up to 21 days, with live music, food, live match screenings and interactive experiences

Atlanta Beltline will launch Beltline Fest in conjunction with FIFA’s matches, connecting the 36 neighborhoods across the city’s eastside, southside and westside regions, encouraging visitors from all areas of the city to experience Atlanta. Beltline Fest will highlight local businesses, artists and entrepreneurs and feature a series of activations across its 17 miles of paved trail.

Security Concerns

College Park has often gotten a bad rap, grouped via zip code with neighboring city Fulton, which has a higher crime rate than College Park. This grouping of the two cities results in College Park’s crime statistics being higher than they should.

“College Park has 13,800 residents, but we have a daytime population of over 100,000 because of the airport,” she says. “The city of South Fulton has 100,000 people. So, a lot of the crime you’re seeing is being committed in that area. It’s not because we have a lot of crimes; it’s just based on the number of residents. When you look at crime based on 13,800 people, that’s why our crime stats look bad. It’s not because we have a lot of crimes; it’s just based on the number of residents,” she says.

Beyond the technicalities, McKenzie says when she moved from the Buckhead neighborhood in Atlanta, she found College Park to be safer.

She has reached out to Georgia U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff about this concern, and Councilman Tracy Arnold has petitioned to draw a more accurate dividing line between the two cities so College Park’s crime statistics better represent the city.

Atlanta’s security upgraded security during the games will be supported by a generous grant. The city has received $52.2 million through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) FIFA World Cup Grant Program, which includes support for police and fire overtime, upgraded emergency equipment, training support, emergency planning efforts and more.

The city is also receiving $7.6 million for enhanced drone detection and security through FEMA’s Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program.

When you became a meeting prof, did you ever imagine that navigating state tax laws would be on your checklist?

Such laws vary widely, but the taxation of event production services and live events themselves have become significantly more complex lately due to states expanding their “retail sale” definitions. While most states only tax tangible goods, a growing number now tax the specific services required to produce an event.

The most recent example: Washington. Last October, a new law passed by the state legislature classified event planning and production services as well as most “live presentations”—including in-person workshops, seminars and interactive online programs—as taxable retail sales.

But wait! On March 30, Governor Bob Ferguson signed another bill enacting an income tax on millionaires, a first in the nation. As one of just eight states that had no individual income tax previously, this was big news. Yet not getting equal media attention was the change the new law made to the state’s new sales and use tax rules.

Saved by the Millionaire’s Tax?

The so-called millionaire’s tax also exempted from sales tax “live presentations, including, but not limited to, lectures, seminars, workshops or courses where participants attend either in person or via the internet or telecommunications equipment that allows audience members and the presenter or instructor to give, receive and discuss information with each other in real time,” according to published reports. These reports indicate that professional services related to live events are also exempted.

Not so fast, though. These exemptions do not kick in until January 2029. Except for those that are effective on July 1 of this year, including those mounted by nonprofit organizations, and musical, dramatic, comedic or similar performances.

So, overall, still a sigh of relief? Not so fast again. The new millionaire’s tax will be challenged. Should a court find it to be unconstitutional and invalidate it, its sales tax exemptions will be null and void, too.

In short, it’s confusing and it’s probably not over.

Smart Meetings says: Reach out to Visit Seattle or other DMO in Washington. It can point planners to official state resources and update you on the latest developments in this unfolding saga.

Plan with Confidence

When planners hear the name Margaritaville, they may picture ocean breezes, palm trees and a frozen drink in hand. What often surprises them, however, is just how naturally the brand’s relaxed spirit translates into productive, well-executed meetings.

Across its growing portfolio of resorts and hotels, Margaritaville has built a reputation for delivering gatherings that feel refreshingly different from traditional corporate events. The brand’s casual-luxury atmosphere removes the stiffness that can sometimes accompany meetings, creating an environment where attendees feel comfortable, engaged and ready to connect.

At the same time, planners quickly discover that the relaxed vibe is supported by a professional meetings infrastructure designed to meet modern expectations. Teams across the portfolio understand the logistics and responsiveness planners rely on, delivering attentive service and thoughtful details that help programs run seamlessly from start to finish.

“Margaritaville has always been a place to escape—often for those who have worked hard,” said Brad Schwaeble, COO of Margaritaville. “We understand the sophistication, responsiveness and elevated expectations today’s meeting planners demand, and we deliver on each with authentic, attentive hospitality. This is the culture the brand is built on. In Margaritaville’s casual-luxury settings, meaningful connections come naturally, turning gatherings into experiences that are not just productive, but also genuinely memorable.”

That balance between productivity and play is where Margaritaville’s meetings truly shine. Rather than separating business sessions from downtime, the brand’s teams often weave elements of the destination and brand personality directly into the program.

The brand’s meetings teams often design agendas that turn a standard corporate schedule into a curated experience. Thoughtful touches and opportunities to engage with the setting help transform traditional sessions and breaks into memorable highlights.

“The fun and creative ways our teams infuse a meeting’s itinerary with Margaritaville is a large part of what turns meetings into authentic and memorable experiences,” said Fernando A. Nunez III, Senior Director of Hospitality Sales of Margaritaville. “Pool cabanas might be used as breakout rooms, and an afternoon break might feature a couple of blender bikes that allow attendees to create their own tropical smoothies while capturing a photo or video they can share with loved ones when they go back home. The difference is in the details, and a broad catalog of fun yet tasteful branded elements makes for endless ways to make every program truly unique from the next.”

These touches may be playful, but they serve an important purpose. Today’s organizations are increasingly looking for ways to make in-person gatherings feel worthwhile and energizing for attendees who may otherwise spend much of their work lives behind screens.

By combining engaging meeting environments with memorable shared experiences, Margaritaville helps planners create programs that feel purposeful while still delivering the sense of escape attendees crave. The brand’s settings encourage participants to relax, interact and build relationships in ways that traditional meeting spaces often struggle to replicate.

Ultimately, that state of mind is what continues to draw planners to the brand. Margaritaville offers something rare in the meetings world: a place where work and enjoyment coexist naturally, allowing organizations to accomplish serious business while giving attendees a reason to truly look forward to the experience.

Spanning over 30 destinations across the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean, Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts offers memorable meetings and events that combine serious business with serious fun. Whether your group prefers ocean views, snowy mountain backdrops, or an urban sunset from San Diego or New York City, you’ll find casual luxury and unforgettable experiences at Margaritaville. Learn more at MeetInMargaritaville.com.

From South Florida to the Southwest, new openings and major renovations elevate design, meeting space and guest experiences across top destinations

Across the United States, a wave of new hotel openings and transformative renovations is reshaping the hospitality landscape in 2026.

From waterfront luxury in Fort Lauderdale to design-forward lifestyle experiences in Miami Beach, and from playful reinventions in Denver to desert-inspired upgrades in Arizona, these properties highlight a growing emphasis on experiential design, flexible meeting environments, and a strong sense of place. Together, they reflect how hotels are evolving to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers.

Omni Fort Lauderdale

Wideshot of Omni Fort Lauderdale

Omni Hotels & Resorts has officially opened Omni Fort Lauderdale, a 29-story waterfront destination in Broward County. The property features 801 guest rooms, including 82 suites, and more than 120,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space. Designed as a tribute to Florida’s natural landscapes and the historic Barefoot Mailmen, the hotel aims for elegance with relaxed coastal charm.

Guests can enjoy six dining venues, including the rooftop Ibis Sky Lounge with panoramic views of the ocean, and Intracoastal Waterway. Additional highlights include a resort-style pool deck, Mokara Spa, seamless connectivity to Broward County Convention Center, and proximity to beaches and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

The Curtis Hotel

The Curtis Hotel guest room

The Curtis Hotel in downtown Denver has unveiled a vibrant multimillion-dollar renovation. Known as “The Happiest Hotel in Denver,” the property now features 13 immersive themed floors and redesigned guest rooms, along with hyper-themed suites inspired by iconic pop culture moments. The transformation extends to more than 30,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, including Denver’s largest outdoor hotel meeting terrace. Designed with an “anti-boring” philosophy, the updated venues encourage creativity, interaction and memorable group experiences. The hotel’s central downtown positioning offers easy access to local attractions.

Unframed, Autograph Collection

Suite terrace at Unframed — Suite Terrace

Unframed, Autograph Collection is set to debut this April in Miami Beach, bringing a fresh, design-forward perspective to South Beach hospitality. The 149-room property marks the first premium lifestyle hotel to open on Washington Avenue in over a decade. Designed by acclaimed architect Rudy Ricciotti with interiors by Gulla Jónsdóttir, the hotel features flowing architectural lines and a blend of tropical modernism and European-inspired aesthetics.

Guests can enjoy a rooftop pool, a signature restaurant in partnership with Vilebrequin and an 18,000-square-foot rooftop beach club concept. The hotel also offers intimate indoor-outdoor event spaces for up to 100 guests, including a rooftop terrace and open-air atrium. Located in the heart of Miami Beach’s cultural district, Unframed provides easy access to leading arts and entertainment venues.

Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas

Salt and Sol at Hilton Scottsdalte

Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas has completed the final phase of its $24 million renovation, transforming the property into a refreshed desert retreat near Old Town Scottsdale. Central to the renovation are 45 reimagined villas, each offering 1,600 sq. ft. of space and a new “Villa Curator” service that provides personalized, high-touch guest experiences.

The resort has also introduced Salt & Sol, a new poolside dining concept centered on globally sourced salts, along with upgraded fitness facilities and a dedicated yoga studio. Redesigned guest rooms and revitalized outdoor areas create a cohesive environment that balances privacy with opportunities for social connection.

JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa

Interior of restaurant — Creosote Sonoran Kitchen and Cocktails at Club at Starr Pass

JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa has unveiled a comprehensive renovation of its 115,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, introducing a refined desert-modern design inspired by the Sonoran landscape. The property now offers 38 updated venues, including the 20,000-square-foot Arizona Ballroom and 26 breakout rooms, accommodating up to 3,300 attendees.

The redesign emphasizes natural materials, biophilic elements and a seamless indoor-outdoor flow to create environments that foster connection and creativity. Enhanced audiovisual technology and flexible layouts support a wide range of gatherings, from large conventions to intimate meetings. Complementing the upgraded event spaces are refreshed guest rooms and access to outdoor experiences such as hiking and stargazing.

Karen Totaro

Oak View Group has named Karen Totaro, CVE, general manager of Palm Springs Convention Center. Totaro brings 30 years of operational leadership and collaborative experience to the role. She will oversee the convention center’s day-to-day operations and help guide its continued growth as a key meetings venue in Palm Springs.

Mike Reeber

With more than a decade of hospitality leadership experience spanning sales, marketing, revenue management and entrepreneurship, Mike Reeber has been appointed as director of sales and marketing for Albert Hotel in Fredericksburg, Texas.

He previously worked in hotel operations and as an online marketing manager at Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa. In his new role, he will help drive awareness, bookings and revenue for the independent Hill Country property.

Brandy Szarka-Jones

A new director of sales and marketing has been appointed at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. Brandy Szarka-Jones brings more than 17 years of luxury hospitality sales experience, including leadership roles at Claremont Club & Spa and consulting work with Accor.

Szarka-Jones will oversee sales strategy, business development and revenue optimization. Her background in driving group and leisure revenue positions her to strengthen the resort’s market presence and support continued growth.

Federico Greppi

Marriott International has appointed Federico Greppi as president of the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA), making him the first Latino to lead the region.

He previously served as chief operations officer for CALA and brings deep experience across operations, finance and owner relations. He will continue driving growth across the portfolio, with a strong focus on South America, new brand expansion and strengthening value for owners and partners throughout the region.

Kireem Swinton

Visit Baltimore has named Kireem Swinton permanent CEO after serving as interim CEO since 2017. Swinton takes the helm as Baltimore’s tourism and meetings sector continues to post strong results.

His priorities include supporting small businesses, creating jobs and reinforcing the city’s appeal as a welcoming destination for meetings and leisure travelers. He also aims to spotlight Baltimore’s neighborhoods, arts, culture and intellectual capital as the city advances major development projects.

While several elements of Robert D. Putnam’s 2000 book Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community may be true, such as the decline of civic participation, club meeting attendance, religious participation, among many other downtrends, since the mid-1960s, Reno Tahoe is telling a different story.

Although United States Bowling Congress (USBC) is a step beyond your Saturday recreational bowling with friends and family, its increase in participation over the years tells a story of increased interest in team sports and the events that highlight them.

USBC has extended its agreement to host the Open Championships and Women’s Championships through 2038, with the Open returning to the city every third year from 2026 to 2038; the Women’s Championship will be held in 2028, 2033 and 2036.

Bowling in Reno

USBC 2025 Trial — 2025 USBC Team USA Trials

USBC hosts the largest participation sport in the world in the two championships, and this year is seeing the most participation since 2011, with more than 11,000 teams and 55,000 bowlers.

“We have been working with USBC going on six decades now,” says Mike Larragueta, president and CEO for Visit Reno Tahoe. “Back before when it was even USBC, and when the city of Reno approved to build National Bowling Stadium 30 years ago, that provided the venue to be able to host the largest bowling tournament in the country.”

Larragueta says the city is forecasting $84 million in economic impact, and that demand for the two championships has been so overwhelming that USBC extended the tournament by an additional 2 weeks through July 19.

Read More: Reno-Tahoe: Moving Up

Preparing for a three-day long event comes with its own struggles and hurdles to overcome. USBC is a four-month event, which requires its own unique form of preparedness. “We meet, we meet and then we meet again,” Larragueta says. “We focus on safety and security, as well as on advertising and marketing.

“We look at Reno as it relates to value on their food and beverage and the cost of rooms throughout the downtown area, and from the airport, from the time of arrival, welcoming the bowlers to the destination. We talk to Uber and Lyft, as well as public transportation and taxis to make sure the entire community, to the best our ability, is educated about USBC and the Open Championship because they have such a huge impact on our community.”

Larragueta says it’s easy to focus on the airlines and hotels, but you also must think about the restaurants, bars, retail and bowlers who arrive before the event starts and days after it ends.

Mike Larragueta at USBC 2026 opening night

And bowlers aren’t only arriving early and staying late in the city, they’re also bowling early and bowling late during the day. “They will be bowling from 7 a.m. until 3 a.m., so National Bowling Stadium will be very busy for that entire time period.”

And how are bowlers eating late at night? Larragueta says Caesars’ three downtown Reno hotels have made a conscious effort to ensure 24/7 availability. He credits the 50 or so team captains who provided feedback about what they value and how the city can upgrade the bowlers’ experience.

“You get done bowling at 12 a.m. or one in the morning and you might want to grab a pizza and a beer or breakfast or whatever it may be,” he says, adding they must make sure they have availability.

“You want to make sure that, from a safety and security standpoint, you’ve checked all the boxes,” he continues. “We want to assure that we communicate that we know when the bowlers are here, we know what time they’re bowling, and we know what time they are walking from the stadium back to their hotels or utilizing transportation or shuttles that are provided by our hotel partners.

“We’ve learned a lot from the years of hosting this event. Practice makes perfect. I think we’ve got it down. You can always get better, but we’ve had a pretty good run.”

The Weight of It All

Of all the challenges that come along with a four-month-long event, one of the most challenging Larragueta references is the weight of bowling balls, which are hauled to and from airports and hotels. Most competition bowlers—again, of which there are 55,000—carry more than one bowling ball, which can weigh upwards of 16 pounds each.

Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) even changed its flooring from tile to concrete and harder surfaces to prevent cracked floors from dropped bowling balls.

The Stadium

National Bowling Stadium exterior — National Bowling Stadium

When National Bowling Stadium opened Feb. 3, 1995, it was nicknamed the “Taj Mahal of Tenpins” by The LA Times. The 1996 movie “Kingpin” was filmed at the venue.

National Bowling Stadium features 78 lanes on the main level and 32,000 sq. ft. of event space across several venues such as Kingpin Club by Brunswick, which features 10 lanes where groups can disco bowl; Stadium Club, a private, speakeasy-like bar on the stadium’s fourth floor that can room 64 attendees; and Theater in the Dome, a 172-seat IMAX theater with stadium-style seating, fitting for film screenings, corporate presentations and private events.

Editor’s Note: We are updating this story to track the pace and direction of consolidations as mergers happen in real time.

March 31, 2026: Not all destination management companies are consolidating. Aoife Delaney, managing director of DMC Network, believes combining global reach with local ownership will lead to faster decision-making, closer relationships and confidence. That is why the platform for 100 DMCs around the world has adopted the “We’re Here for You” tagline.

Josh DeSilva, chair of the DMC Network and president of DeSilva Meeting Consultants in Hawaii, said: “There’s no question that the industry is consolidating, and that brings certain advantages. But it can also lead to standardisation and distance from the destination itself.”

March 5, 2026: The latest sign of how changing economic times impact associations and their events was the announcement that Smithbucklin, which already works with meeting professionals via their event agency 360 Live Media, acquired McKinley Advisors, a consulting agency that specializes in research, strategy, governance and business transformation.

“Contemporary associations increasingly need high-capability partners to help them successfully navigate new challenges and opportunities,” said Matt Sanderson, president and CEO of Smithbucklin.

March 1, 2026: More alliances were formed this week in DMCs, events and experiential marketing as part of a trend we noted in January in event support companies consolidating. On Thursday, MC&A, a JTB Americas company, announced that it has acquired Imprint Events Group. The announcement called it, “a partnership built on alignment, trust and a mutual commitment to thoughtful growth.” Imprint will continue to operate as a separate company under MC&A Group with the leadership team of Adriane Hodder as President and Nicole Marsh as Chief Operating Officer staying on.

The same day, International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) announced that it had acquired Exhibitor Group, including EXHIBITOR magazine and EXHIBITOR LIVE, a trade show for corporate event professionals. EXHIBITOR was last purchased by STAR Exhibits & Environments in 2022. STAR CEO Mark Johnson said the goal was to preserve a critical industry voice during a time of uncertainty and disruption post-COVID and as his experiential marketing business grew, he recognized that EXHIBITOR needed a dedicated owner to fully realize its potential. IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan called it a bold strategic move to unite exhibition organizers and exhibitors in one cohesive ecosystem.

That followed the January announcement that the experiential strategy and production companies High Output, L!VE and Sardis will merge under the brand Ansera owned by Willistown Capital. “Live experiences are no longer competing with one another–they’re competing with never-ending distractions,” said EJ Corporan, Director of Marketing and Growth at Ansera. The new company will focus on measuring deliverables such as attention, memory and meaning to gain a more rigorous understanding of how people experience moments together. The company will offer creative and content development, technical production and systems integration along with research-driven experience design.

We see this as three more proof points in the argument that events are an even more valuable part of the marketing stack worth acquiring.

Jan 23, 2026: The press releases started to trickle in at the end of 2025. In December, Cvent acquired Goldcast, an AI-powered video content platform. That was followed quickly by the acquisition of ON24, an enterprise webinar and digital engagement company.

Ricoh acquired Presentation Products, Inc., a New York-based audiovisual integrator, to expand Ricoh’s digital services portfolio in North America by building upon the strengths of Cenero, the company’s wholly-owned managed AV services provider.

Then, last week, Constant Contact announced that it was acquiring GURU Conference and Education, an indicator that events may be taking a higher profile role in corporate marketing efforts, according to tech for events speaker Dahlia El Gazzar. “The acquisition of the Guru Conference is a clear signal that events are no longer a supporting marketing channel. They’re the main stage,” she said.

Jay Schwedelson

“In a low-trust, high-noise environment, events create something brands can’t buy through ads or algorithms: belief, credibility and real connection at scale,” she continued. She called events an asset that delivers captive attention, accelerates trust, fuels content and community year-round and drives decisions faster than any other channel. “This move shows that events are being recognized not as expenses, but as one of the most valuable, relationship-driven marketing engines available right now,” she concluded.

GURU Media Hub founder Jay Schwedelson will take the title of brand ambassador and lead the creative vision and operation of GURU Conference and “collaborate with Constant Contact on content, education and engagement initiatives designed to help small businesses improve marketing performance across channels,” according to the press release.

Leveraging In-Person and Virtual Content at Scale

Event technology is always a dance between start-up innovation, consolidated integration and the funding from that exit fueling the next round of start-up innovation and specialization. AI seems to be speeding up all phases of that turn with meeting professionals demanding more automation to meet their business needs and legacy platforms adding LLM features to current products at record pace.

McNeel Keenan

We asked McNeel Keenan, Cvent vice president of product management, what the consolidation means for meeting professionals.

“Consolidation only matters if it’s going to simplify the life of customers,” he said.

He framed the two recent Cvent acquisitions as a shift in how digital is seen as part of the experience mix today. Rather than thinking about virtual sessions as webinars and using a separate platform to produce those, meeting professionals are looking for opportunities to getting more out of all content—in-person and digital. The pain point is how quickly that can be repurposed.

“There is a certain level of authenticity produced, but the time decay can be quite rapid. Time is of the essence,” Keenan said. Leveraging AI for blog posts, social media posts and short-form video is an efficient way to make multiply the energy produced in these human exchanges.

“AI was a big unlock for the value of content, but the bigger play is making your personal events work harder and continuing the momentum between programs,” Keenan said.

One of the features acquired in the ON24 purchase is the security, performance and compliance capabilities needed at corporate scale. Keenan doesn’t see that going away. He estimates virtual events are 28% of Cvent attendee hub usage and growing year-over-year. “Digital wasn’t a flash-in-the-pan from the pandemic,” he said.

“We are building one orchestration platform where companies can engage with the same audience through different mediums with one technology backbone,” he said.

A single efficient platform can result in cleaner data, better reporting on outcomes, smoother workflows, more insights and greater personalization opportunities. “People don’t want more tools, they want tools that are better connected,” he said. “Instead of building these things from scratch, you can just enable features like speaker highlights, and attendee behavior as daily summaries already built in and instantly share with the boss,” he said.

Because Cvent Holding Corp. is owned by Blackstone, Inc., once the acquisition is final, they can put resources into integrating and developing the technology to meet customer needs. “We are able to increase research and development spend by orders of magnitude, and that brings a better customer experience and ultimately brings a better more connected experience,” he said.

Keenan sees a desire from event organizers driving more consolidation in the industry for cost savings and reduced complexity. “It always starts with a demonstrated pain point—in this case the need to unify data and consolidate workflows. Then you can leverage AI once you have everything in one place to drive efficiency,” he said.

Portrait of an International Acquisition

Not all of the recent acquisitions were technology-related. Last week, Munich-based trade show organizer Messe München strengthened its position in North America with the acquisition of Atlanta-based Tradeshow Logic, a full-service event marketing, logistics, operations and general contracting company. The sale was based on internal synergies as much as it was based on an expansion of global markets, according to one of the principals.

Messe München reached out to Tradeshow Logic CEO BJ Enright last year for help producing two American events, the international trade fair Analytica USA which took place for the first time in the United States in Columbus, Ohio last September, and the transport logistics show based in Miami, TL Americas. “They were looking for a partner that they could trust to help them both with current events in the U.S. and then with bringing some of the 20 other fairs they produce to North America.”

The relationship started as a service provider into a more serious relationship after Enright’s team stepped up to an advisory role. “There was just such an amazing connection. Our teams worked really well together and that led to where we are today,” she said.

Enright plans to stay on leading the Messe Münch subsidiary doing what she loves and said no positions will be eliminated because there is no duplication of roles. The new structure will offer young employees international growth opportunities.

Enright comes from an event entrepreneurial family. Her parents owned Andrews, Bartlett & Associates a contractor based in Hudson Ohio that sold to GES in 1993. She stressed that she was not looking to sell when the offer arrived. In fact, she was working on her “in-perpetuity plan” so the company could go on forever. She joked that she gets two or three LinkedIn inquiries a day to sell that she deletes. “But you need to be open to the right conversation with the right person when it comes along,” she said.

“Having a partner with that international reputation and reach futureproofs our business and paves the way for long-term growth and stability,” she said.

Sport, consistency and natural beauty could overcome political and logistical concerns

Every year, international representatives from Visit California’s global sales team gather to share their insights about what potential leisure and group travelers are feeling around the world.

This year at Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in Southern California’s Chula Vista, at first glance, the numbers looked like a cautionary tale, but there were some bright spots and some lessons for how to overcome some of the headwinds in the hurricane of headlines disrupting the sunny visitation vibes usually seen when potential attendees consider the popular American destination. A closer look also showed that the reasons behind the changes are more nuanced than television accounts may suggest.

Let’s take it country by country.

Canada: For visitors from America’s northern border flying to their favorite hot spots in Palm Springs and Orange County, visitation, spending and direct flights were all down double digits year-over-year—spending was down 31%. “There has been some tension around rhetoric,” said Julie Georgas, global managing director with Visit California, Canada. But she clarified that the hesitation is political, not personal, and while headlines drive conversations and conversation drives behavior, perception can take time to correct.

Leona Reed, vice president of global marketing with Visit California, said she is already seeing that trade visits with meeting planners to the north this year were productive in winning over hearts and minds with interest rising. “Leisure and group demand bottomed in September of 2025, and we are seeing positive sentiment going forward,” she said.

Caroline Beteta on left and Leona Reed on right — Caroline Beteta (left) and Leona Reed (right)

She observed that a lot of ties still exist between Western Canada and California, and the state is seen as an aspirational destination, particularly around adventure travel. Compared to recent headlines in other parts of the world, California can seem like a safe haven. “People are returning to their habits slowly,” she reported.

A weaker Loonie exchange rate is not helping to make hosting in the United States as affordable for Canadians right now. Despite all the challenges, Canadians still spent $2.6 billion in California in 2025.

India: The subcontinent is a growing market with 4.2% more spent in California in 2025. A total of $1.6 billion in tourism business came from India last year, according to Sheema Vohra, global managing director with Visit California, India.

One of the largest India diasporas in the world lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. The market has grown 40% post-pandemic, partly because travel is immensely popular with the country’s growing middle class. Wellness, nature and shopping are strong draws. The diversity of the state appeals to their global attitudes. “Bleisure is the ticket for the extended trips they plan,” she said.

Australia and Japan: While spending and visitation were down (more than 5% from Australia and 8% for spending from Japan), there were positive signs for the Pacific Rim as well. For one thing, flights to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are actually shorter than a pair of flights to London Heathrow Airport (LHR). Add to that the appeal of all sports, but particularly FIFA World Cup, Dodgers games featuring Shohei Ohtani, the impending 2028 Olympic and Paralympic games, and American football and you have an experience that can be paired with a conference or incentive program.

The Middle East: Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, in particular, has been aggressively competing for groups from Europe and Asia in recent years, but recent events may have limited flights into the area along with short-term appetite. “We will have to see how long-term demand changes,” said Reed. “Regardless, we have competitive advantages in our natural beauty,” she said.

An Emotional Sign Off

Visit California President and CEO Caroline Beteta, who has led the marketing organization for three decades, said her goodbyes at the conference, as she is retiring in September.

She conveyed her confidence that California’s brand is strong and the organization is well-positioned to support groups of all sizes from all corners of the globe with transparency and creativity. “California’s tourism economy remains the largest in the nation thanks to the collaboration, creativity and resilience that defines California’s travel industry,” she said.

Olympic Lessons from Paris

Corinne Menegaux, director general of Paris Je T’Aime Office of Tourism, shared some cautionary tales from the Paris Olympics for anyone planning events around the global sporting competitions. “The entire world will be watching, presenting an unprecedented opportunity to shape global perception, inspire future travel and reinforce the brand promise,” she said.

Her numbers showed that attendance is not as international as it looks on television. In fact, statistics showed that only 15% came from outside the country for the Paris games, 85% were French nationals, 45% of which were residents. Two-thirds don’t even go to a sporting event. They are there for the atmosphere, so the watch parties and neighborhood villages with the massive screens are vital.

It was not a landslide of business for hotels or restaurants. Overall, it was about the same number of visitors as a typical summer because many who were interested in Paris didn’t book that year due to worries about prices and crowds. Many who did come commuted in for a day but didn’t stay at the hotels.

She did see upside, however. While time will tell if the event amounted to a massive marketing campaign that will pay dividends for years to come, there were some less tangible immediate benefits.

Part of the legacy she celebrated was the impact of the Paralympic games because it made thinking about accommodations for everyone a more conscious and forward-facing part of travel infrastructure. “It brought the community together because everyone had to work collectively for something at that massive scale over multiple venues and cities,” she said.

Congratulations to the Poppy Award Winners

The Poppy Awards celebrate the best and brightest in California tourism promotion. Finalists represent standout achievements in marketing, storytelling and destination stewardship. You may have seen the following winning campaigns.

Best Sustainability or Resilience Award—Business
The Ranch at Laguna Beach

Best Sustainability or Resilience Award—Destination
Visit Pasadena

Best Strategic Partnership—Business
Howard Johnson Anaheim

Best Strategic Partnership—Destination
Visit Oakland

Best Public Relations Campaign—Business (tie)
LEGOLAND California Resort
Sensorio

Best Public Relations Campaign—Destination
Visit Anaheim

Best Content Marketing—Business (tie)
SIXT Rent a Car, LLC
Mendocino Railway

Best Content Marketing—Destination
San Diego Tourism Authority

California Welcome Center of the Year
Visit Oceanside

Best Trade and Media Activation—Business
The Ameswell Hotel

Best Trade and Media Activation—Destination
Visit Newport Beach

Best Influencer Campaign—Business
Murrieta Hot Springs Resort

Best Influencer Campaign—Destination
Visit Carlsbad

Best Brand Advertising Campaign, Under $1 Million—Business
Belmont Park

Best Brand Advertising Campaign, Under $1 Million—Destination
Visit Oxnard

Best Brand Advertising Campaign, $1 Million & Up—Business
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Best Brand Advertising Campaign, $1 Million & Up—Destination
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board

Planning smoother arrivals? A funding standoff is finally easing after weeks of TSA delays. Eyeing a European incentive? A legendary Venice hotel is stepping into its next chapter. Thinking about more flexible group travel? Private yacht-style charters are on the rise.

As always, Smart Travel is here to bring you the latest updates shaping the way we move, meet and plan.

Senate Moves to Fund TSA After Travel Disruptions

A long-running funding standoff in Washington is beginning to ease—but not before creating significant ripple effects at airport security checkpoints. The Senate has advanced a measure to fund much of the Department of Homeland Security, including the TSA, after weeks of disruption tied to a partial government shutdown that began in mid-February. The proposal still faces uncertainty in the House, but it marks the clearest step yet toward stabilizing airport operations.

For travelers and planners, the impact has already been felt. Thousands of TSA officers have been working without pay, leading to widespread staffing shortages, rising absenteeism and nearly 500 departures from the agency. The result is some of the longest security wait times on record, with delays stretching hours at major airports.

At the peak of the disruption, callout rates exceeded 40% at some airports, prompting warnings of potential checkpoint closures and forcing airlines and airports to adjust operations.

While the proposed funding would restore pay and begin to stabilize staffing, the situation underscores how quickly federal funding issues can translate into real-world travel friction. For meeting planners, it’s a reminder to build in extra buffer time for arrivals and to keep a close eye on policy developments that can impact attendee movement just as much as weather or flight schedules.

Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Debuts Major Relaunch Ahead of 2026 Season

Venice’s iconic Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido is entering a new era with a sweeping relaunch set for May 5, 2026, unveiling refreshed guest rooms, a restored Palm Court and a new signature dining concept.

The multiyear transformation reimagines the Moorish-inspired landmark (long known as the host hotel of the Venice International Film Festival) with updated interiors that blend Mediterranean design with contemporary comfort, alongside the revival of the Palm Court as the hotel’s central social hub.

A key addition is Amù Venice, a new terrace restaurant, pool bar and beach club debuting in July. The property’s private beach and 299 cabanas further reinforce its positioning as a rare blend of resort-style relaxation and proximity to Venice’s historic core.

The relaunch enhances the appeal of Lido as an alternative base to central Venice, offering waterfront space, refreshed accommodations and built-in cultural cachet tied to the film festival legacy, paired with easy access to Piazza San Marco via private boat transfer.

Unforgettable Croatia Opens 2027 Charters

Luxury small-ship cruising is getting more appealing (and customizable) for groups. Unforgettable Croatia has announced that its fleet of six 36-guest vessels will be available for private charter in 2027, sailing the Adriatic coast with departures primarily from Split and Dubrovnik.

Demand for private charters has doubled in the past two years, signaling a clear shift toward more tailored group travel. Planners can work with the operator to design fully bespoke itineraries, weaving in culture, gastronomy, history or nature-based experiences across destinations such as Hvar, Korčula and Vis.

“Private charters are proving increasingly popular as groups look for more personalized travel experiences,” said co-founder Graham Carter. “Our cruises can be tailored…creating an experience that goes far beyond a standard package.”

Charters run five to seven nights between May and October, with each vessel staffed by nine crew members and featuring up to 18 cabins, many with private balconies, along with amenities such as a jacuzzi, swim deck and sun deck.

For planners seeking a more intimate option, the company also offers private yacht and gulet charters for groups of nine to 21 guests.

JetBlue Adds Cleveland Route from Fort Lauderdale

JetBlue is adding more lift out of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, including a new daily route to Cleveland launching July 8.

The expansion also includes increased frequencies across nine existing routes, from domestic hubs like Atlanta and Philadelphia to Caribbean destinations such as Santo Domingo and Saint Martin. Altogether, the airline has added service to 21 cities and nearly 32 daily departures from Fort Lauderdale over the past year.

For planners, it’s a meaningful bump in accessibility. More frequencies mean more options for attendee arrivals and departures and reinforces Fort Lauderdale’s role as a reliable gateway for both domestic and Caribbean programs.

England Opens World’s Longest Coastal Path

England is giving travelers a new reason to slow down and stretch their legs. The country has officially opened the King Charles III Coast Path, now the longest continuous coastal walking route in the world at 2,689 miles.

The milestone traces its inspiration back to Paul Theroux’s 1983 classic The Kingdom by the Sea, which documented his journey around Britain’s coastline at a time when much of it was fragmented or inaccessible. Today, that once-disjointed route has been unified into a single, walkable path, effectively turning a literary journey into a physical one.

The timing aligns with a broader shift toward slower, more intentional travel. Instead of quick-hit itineraries, travelers are increasingly seeking immersive experiences that prioritize connection to place, something this path delivers through remote cliffs, historic villages and uninterrupted coastal access.

For planners, the implications go beyond leisure. The route opens new opportunities for active programming, wellness-focused retreats and incentive experiences built around exploration rather than agenda-heavy schedules. It also reinforces a growing trend that invites participants to engage more deeply with a destination, not just pass through it.

Smart Meetings Wellness Experience at The Monarch San Antonio, Curio Collection by Hilton defined what a conference that takes into account the physical and mental needs of participants could feel like. From registration to a vitamin D-fueled parting lunch, the emphasis was on belonging and rising together with intention.

The Monarch San Antonio Sales Team Jeff ouradnik and Tracy Terrell with a mini Highland Cow — The Monarch San Antonio Sales Team Jeff Ouradnik and Tracy Terrell with a miniature Highland cow

The care started with a sense of discovery at a luxury property so new, Smart Meetings was the first pre-con. The Monarch San Antonio sits steps from Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and San Antonio River Walk. The Forbes-trained staff attended to guests with the authority of two Les Clefs d’Or concierge, a Michelin star chef and memorable spaces such as the 17^th floor view terrace and butterfly sculpture patio for group dinners. The 200 guest room retreats are powered by intuitive technology to control curtains and comfort. The 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space is conveniently compact and inspired by nature with subtle hints to the migrating butterflies in the property’s name.

Wellness in Action

The agenda checked the abundance of wellness options meeting professionals can incorporate into their events in 2026.

Angela Minardi, founder of Fit City Adventures, leads a breathing exercise o the pool deck at Smart Meetings Wellness Experience — Angela Minardi, founder of Fit City Adventures, leads a breathing exercise on the pool deck at The Monarch San Antonio

The Power of Play: Angela Minardi, founder of Fit City Adventures led a pre-education interactive workshop to demonstrate how having fun can reduce stress and bring people together. From data about reducing cortisol levels during an event to hands-on clay crafting, attendees experienced what a stress-free event can feel like.

Six-time American Ninja Warrior Angela Gargano on stage at Smart Meetings Wellness Experience — Six-time American Ninja Warrior Angela Gargano describes the mental health steps that can help on the long, dark journey between open doors

A Framework for Unstoppable Momentum: Six-time American Ninja Warrior Angela Gargano shared her journey to achieve her dreams despite physical and mental obstacles. “Balance is a myth,” she said. The secret is integration and making progress in small steps that work for you. Setting up achievable deadlines, focusing on what you can control and having backup plans can help, but know that there may be dark times. “When one door closes, another opens, but there can be a long, dim hallway in between,” she said. The good news is that you don’t have to walk that corridor alone. Event professionals have a MeetSmart Community supporting them every step of the way.

A virtual wellness experience from Novobeing

A Sunrise Rave: The power of music and movement to focus and motivate was demonstrated by DJ Amani Roberts and Olympian Meeting co-founder David T. Stevens with a morning download that included singing bowls, quick square dancing and salsa lessons and a conga line. Participants didn’t just learn about the beneficial impacts of working with attendee circadian rhythms and endorphin releases from movement, they experienced the joys of doing a jig in the aisle.

Zero-proof soft cocktails being served at The monarch San Antonio — Zero-proof soft cocktails for the win

Zero-proof Challenges: One of the worst-kept secrets in the events world is that meeting professionals are competitive, very competitive. A soft cocktail-making competition on The Monarch San Antonio pool deck pitted teams against each other to create libations that were balanced, creative and visually appealing. The winning team had their product featured at the evening reception at La Mariposa plaza.

Intentional Interactions: From coach-led journaling and paired accountability buddies to an intentional butterfly release, activities were designed to help everyone reach their personal goals.

A lush green room from Cohera featured live plants, soft lighting and seating. — A lush green room from Cohera offered a calm place to recenter

Room for Zen: Cohera brought in soft seating, live plants, fuzzy blankets and sparkly lights to create a tranquil “lush green room” attendees could escape to whenever they needed a moment to breathe. Even the general session pods were furnished with a variety of residential seating styles so everyone could find their happy place thanks to Circa Destination Management.

White Space: A 7^th-inning stretch with breathwork that could be done sitting or standing kept everyone focused. The introduction of me-time made the thought of looming email boxes easier to carry during the program.

Eudemonia founder Sean Hoess on stage at Smart Meetings Wellness Experience — Eudemonia founder Sean Hoess, sponsored by Discover The Palm Beaches, shared his strategy for building the largest wellness event in the world

An Ambitious Role Model: Sometimes the best inspiration comes from someone who has done it on a grand scale. Sean Hoess, co-founder of Wanderlust and the force behind the two-year-old Eudemonia Summit dedicated to Life Lived Well at Palm Beach County Convention Center shared his vision for building the largest wellness conference in the world. In year two, he attracted 5,000 people and top names in the health sector for a combination all-star podcast, multi-disciplinary exercise session and product demo trade show floor. He shared plans for expanding the programing into the evening in year-three and how he keeps the momentum going between conferences.

Outstanding Host Award for The Monarch San Antonio surrounded by Champagne glasses. — Cheers to the partnership required to host a dynamic Wellness Experience

Everyone left with inspiration for new ways and places to meet, new friends and a network dedicated to lifting them up.