If you’ve been to the pump recently, you’ll notice that gasoline prices have dropped to about $2.26 a gallon, the lowest since 2009. Avery Ash, AAA spokesman says, “It would not be surprising for U.S. consumers to save $40-$75 billion on gasoline in 2015 if prices remain low.” Although there is a big uncertainty over the cost of crude this year, there’s indication that the average U.S. household will save about $550 on gasoline. Continue reading “AAA Forecasts Drivers Saving $75 Billion on Gasoline”
From surrounding yourself with the right people, planning ahead, and knowing when not to be productive, Fast Company asked the most efficient people they work with how they get so much done in their everyday lives. This is what they have to say: Continue reading “14 Ways to Make 2015 a More Productive Year”
Virgin Atlantic’s new 787 Dreamliner, Birthday Girl, is an elegant aviation development complete with a high-tech augmented reality tour. Potential customers can see the entire interior of the aircraft and glimpse into the amenities they’ll enjoy on board before booking their flight. The online tour which began as an internal tour for crew training, now allows passengers to enjoy the same preview as its crews. Take a tour of the 787 Dreamliner below.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced the completion of its adaptive re-use project that transformed the historic David Whitney building into a forward-thinking, 136 spacious and loft-like room property. Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney delivers urban design, an energetic atmosphere and live performances by emerging artists. Located walking distance to Comerica Park, the Arts & Entertainment District and the Detroit Opera House, this project presents a new option for travelers looking for stylish, high-caliber lodging. Continue reading “Aloft Brand Launches in Detroit”
The meetings business is booming in Seattle. With a world-class airport, the arrival of Washington State Summit Building in 2022, and many new and upcoming hotel openings, it’s likely to top the destinations list of meeting planners for years to come. But do you know where to eat?
We tried four of the most surprising, impressive, diverse—and of course, delicious—restaurants in the city during our most recent FAM trip to Seattle, hosted by the Hyatt Regency Seattle. Ranging from a private gourmet chef’s tasting to fast, casual hidden gems, these restaurants cater to every setting and always serve memorable group experiences.
Chef Pivar’s Tasting Room at Hyatt Regency Seattle
808 Howell St.
We thought we'd start with dessert first. Welcome to the private dining experience at Hyatt Regency Seattle.
The making of: meringue-topped ice cream served in pistachio- and chocolate-dipped waffle bowls.
All the major food groups for the main course.
Le appetizer: Rum-soaked watermelon steak.
Three flavorful oysters from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest.
And, of course, a spectacular Seattle view.
Is this Seattle’s best kept secret? The recently opened Hyatt Regency Seattle is the largest hotel in the Northwest, with 1,260 guest rooms and 103,000 sq. ft. of meeting space—but what you don’t know is that it holds a super-exclusive private dining room tucked away behind a back-of-the-house kitchen on the fourth floor.
The table seats 12–14 for a private tasting room experience with in-house chef Pivar, whose focus on local, sustainable cuisine comes through in each course, from the compressed watermelon appetizer to the fall-off-the-bone filet mignon and corn pudding main course. Of course, there are local wine pairings for each dish. Contact the Hyatt Regency to book your gourmet experience.
PS, for a more casual but equally exciting touch, you can get local Hama Hama Oyster Company to come shuck oysters at your Hyatt Regency Seattle event.
Seattle Eats
Aerlume
One of two private dining rooms at Aerlume, which overlooks the Puget Sound and Seattle Waterfront.
Marinated beets with lemon thyme chevre, pistachio, watercress and horseradish.
Crispy cauliflower with golden raisin-caper salsa verde, red curry yogurt and fresh herbs.
Matts at the Market
Grab a window seat at Matt's at the Market to people watch over Pike Place.
House-made chips with bacon-caramelized onion dip at Matt's at the Market.
Andare Kitchen & Bar
The Andare salad with pistachio, ricotta and lemon vinaigrette.
Andare chicken.
Andare cannoli.
Aerlume
2003 Western Ave. | (206) 539-2200
This modern downtown eatery combines local, seasonal fare with floor-to-ceiling views over Elliott Bay; a large, indoor fireplace; and the creations of James Beard award-winning chef Jason Wilson. Two glass-enclosed private dining rooms can seat groups ranging from 16 to 100, or you can rent the entire space out for up to 250 guests.
Plates we love: The crispy cauliflower and marinated beets to share, as well as the beef short rib to keep all for yourself.
Matt’s in the Market
94 Pike St. | (206) 467-7909
Since 1996, this small-but-mighty local favorite has been sitting right across from Pike Place Market, offering fresh fish, oysters and other delectable dishes incorporating ingredients sold right next door. Surprise your attendees with a sit-down meal after a tour of the market to rest their feet and fill their bellies. The restaurant accommodates a group of up to 14, and buyouts are available for groups of 30 to 45 people.
Plates we love: The chef-selected assortment of deviled eggs and rotating fishwich.
Andare Kitchen and Bar
808 Howell St. | (206) 859-6777
This fast, casual Italian eatery on the main floor of Hyatt Regency Seattle offers private dining options and some of the best pasta and pizza dishes in the city, just steps from Washington State Convention Center and the upcoming Summit Building. If you’re hosting an event upstairs at the hotel, take a group down for a special hands-on experience, where attendees can go behind the kitchen line to make their own wood-fired pizza.
Plates we love: The classic margherita pizza to share, and the signature cavatelli with tomato and whipped ricotta to keep for yourself.
Read more about Seattle’s new and improved meeting scene in Allison Fazio’s, “New Views for Seattle Meetings,” in our September issue of Smart Meetings.
Many conversations begin over great food and drinks in shared spaces, so why not make that your brand’s MO? Hyatt Hotels Corporation did just that with the creation of its 20th brand, Caption by Hyatt, a new lifestyle brand created with the goal of fostering conversation and forming everlasting connections. The new brand has been born out of guest’s desire to network and converse in a comfortable setting.
F&B Banter
The dining experience —a combination of cafe, market and bar—will also serve as a conversation facilitator, where guests can spark something meaningful over morning coffee or that afternoon cocktail.
“At Hyatt, we believe in the power of personal connection,” said Heather Geisler, vice president of global brands, Hyatt. “By listening to our guests, we know that whether they are traveling alone or with a friend, they are looking to connect with others in an environment that is authentic and approachable. The Caption by Hyatt brand will invite guests and locals alike to hang out, enjoy a cocktail and catch up with a friend, new or old, in a space that is intended for them.”
Caption by Hyatt wants to create communal spaces that guests aren’t rushing to get away from. Hyatt says the brand will focus on three core promises:
- Alluring and approachable spaces
- Conversation-worthy food and beverage
- Experiences that don’t begin or end at the hotel’s front door
At the center of all three principles is the concept of bringing people together. With all-day drinks and sharable snacks, guests are bound to strike up conversation at least once during their stay. Spaces designed for guests to charge electronics, as well as for lounging and small events are also among the features offered by the new brand.
Open Questions
Aside from the name, not much has been revealed about the brand, such as when the first property will open, where it will open, what type of hotel Caption by Hyatt will be categorized under or what Hyatt has planned for the brand. Renderings indicate that an estimated 150-250 guest rooms will be between 220–270 sq. ft.
Jim Wood, who has overseen six years of growth in meetings and conventions business in Atlantic City, will depart as president and CEO of Meet AC at the end of 2019. Wood will be returning to Kentucky to care for his wife while she rehabilitates from a severe fall suffered earlier in the year.
“The intent of the Meet AC board of directors is to conduct a national search, but we have not been given a timeline for this as yet,” said Jessica Kasunich, communications manager for Meet AC.
Wood became the first CEO for Meet AC in 2014, when the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) hired a consulting group to form the new sales and marketing organization, which became Meet AC. At the time, Atlantic City was heavily focused on gaming, but Meet AC’s primary focus has been growing the city’s nongaming business, including the meetings and convention market.
“We stepped up our marketing efforts, rebranded the organization and launched a new website,” said Wood in a 2018 interview with Smart Meetings. “As part of that effort, we began offering incentives to specific groups, especially those interested in utilizing the Atlantic City Convention Center.”
Meet AC was successful in attracting the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) 2016 World Education Congress, the 2016 TEAMS Conference & Expo as well as other prominent industry shows. In 2015, Wood formed the Atlantic City Sports Commission as a department within Meet AC.
During Wood’s tenure, Meet AC has helped to book over 1.8 million room nights, which has brought in nearly $1.9 billion to Atlantic City. Meet AC has continued to exceed its organizational goals, it says, despite a struggling gaming economy that saw multiple casino closures.
“It has been my pleasure to lead a great staff,” said Wood. “The organization is in great shape for the future.”
“Jim has been a driving force in continuing to position Atlantic City as a top destination for the meetings and conventions market,” said Matt Doherty CRDA executive director and Meet AC board chairman. “We wish Jim and his family the best in the future.”
5 tips on tapping CVBs for the assist from Destinations International CEO Don Welsh
Editor’s Note: In a world where planners are facing increasing demands and shrinking budgets, Smart Meetings asked Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International, how his members can help event professionals in the planning and execution of their events around the world.
Don Welsh: Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) have been playing a critical role in meetings since the first bureau was formed in 1896 in Detroit, Michigan. They are known for their comprehensive knowledge of a destination and are the ultimate resource when it comes to destination expertise. But, did you know they are so much more than just a clearinghouse of information? As meeting planners are being asked to do more than less, CVBs are here to help by being an extension of the meeting planning team. And, they help you do all this work at no charge to you.
Related: Destinations International and PCMA Team Up to Bring Planners and CVBs Together
Following are five ways CVBs help meeting professionals plan and execute successful events:
- Client vision advocates: CVBs are partners in your planning process. They serve as advocates for your business event strategy and are there for you every step of the way to serve as a part of your planning team.
- Intellectual capital brokers: CVB staff know their city’s stakeholders and thought leaders. They can help increase engagement and inspire learning opportunities while creating a sense of place through local thought leaders.
- Community connectors: CVBs serve as an extension of your team, allowing you to leverage their partnerships to your advantage.
- Economic impact advocates: Meetings and conventions mean big business for a destination and they play a major role in the economic impact of a community. CVBs can help make that argument.
- Destination influencers: CVBs are well-versed in what makes their destination unique. From special experiences at venues to the best menu for groups in town, CVBs can help tie a location’s independent spirt into your event. They can also fill you in on new developments that can help enhance your event. Just ask.
Explore more ways CVBs serve you when planning your next meeting by exploring meetings.destinationsinternational.org.
Asbury Ocean Club Hotel, Asbury Park, New Jersey
Debuting as the Jersey shore’s first five-star boutique hotel, it offers a collection of 54 guest rooms that occupy the entire fourth floor of Asbury Ocean Club. Operated by Salt Hotels, the venue is a dune-side oasis with jaw-dropping design elements such as the Drawing Room—a floating, glass-enclosed communal space where you can hail the wandering champagne cocktail cart as you relax or finish up the day’s emails.
Past: New and Renovated: Curated Charm for Mid-size Meetings
The Cliffside Inn, Newport, Rhode Island
Housed in a 19th-century Victorian manor, this 16-room property features history, modernity and cool charm and is situated just a short stroll from shopping and dining in town. Reflecting its architectural heritage and past-life as a residence to artist Beatrice Turner, the eye-catching motif comingles 20th-century furnishings, with rich, jeweled tones and textures abounding.
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia
Host your event cloud-level at the highest hotel in the country. Occupying the 48th to 60th floors of the landmark Philadelphia Comcast Building, this sophisticated venue offers 180 guest rooms, 39 suites and over 15,500 sq. ft. of event space, all with unobstructed city views. Watch the miniaturized city bustle as you enjoy Michelin-starred Jean-Georges Vongerichten cuisine at the top-floor restaurant and lobby, or find yourself on the 57th-floor spa, surrounded and soothed by 700 pounds of embedded crystals.
Hotel Indigo, Williamsburg-Brooklyn, New York
This property features 187 guest rooms and 25 suites climbing into the sky of the widely beloved neighborhood. In line with the sleek, contemporary aesthetic both inside and out, the facade itself resembles the Manhattan skyline, which you can easily view poolside from the expansive rooftop deck and bar. It’s the largest flexible event space in the area, with a 6,630-square-foot ballroom and 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. An added bonus—guests can hop on the subway to the big city right outside of the hotel entrance.
At any event or meeting, safety should be a high priority. And with the current state of the world, there are new advancements created and implemented everyday with the intent to foster safe environments for all people. HEXWAVE, a system that uses radiation-free 3D radar imaging, which is coupled with artificial intelligence software, is one of those advancements.
The Toronto Convention Centre will be the first to test out this system. The convention center is an ideal place to start because it is one of the largest Canadian convention centers. Also, it is a desirable site for testing perimeter effectiveness of indoor and outdoor areas, as the facility connects to the 586-room InterContinental Toronto Centre hotel, the SkyWalk, Union Station rail terminal, and the city’s underground PATH transit system.
More: Call to Action: Security Threats Require Planners to be Proactive
Bill Riker, CEO of Liberty Defense said, “We believe that HEXWAVE’s ability to operate in both indoor and outdoor environments, in combination with its modular and scalable design, will help reinforce infrastructure safety while maintaining a positive customer experience.” Liberty Defense also came out with a statement which said, “HEXWAVE can provide early warning of threats to security staff before the threat is carried out,” and “It detects metallic and non-metallic threat objects such as: guns, assault rifles, knives and explosives, and can be used both indoor and outdoor.”
Riker’s firm developed the product using 3D radar technology developed by MIT, plus rapidly advancing “machine-learning,” or artificial intelligence software that can find anomalies in image patterns based on the vast amounts of real-time data it receives.
Related: Advice from Emergency Management Experts
Liberty Defense is also planning several other beta tests of HEXWAVE in the next few months, including at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena in Germany, Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada and at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. The company is also targeting several other markets, including other public venues such as shopping malls and town squares, secured office buildings, transportation hubs, and institutions such as schools and hospitals.
