Smart Meetings | Page 30 of 603 | Corporate Event Planning: Business Events, Meetings, Conferences

Trust isn’t just earned—it’s felt. Industry voices reveal how to craft brand experiences that truly connect

This year’s Experiential Marketing Summit (EMS) offered no shortage of big ideas, but one of the most memorable moments happened away from the mainstage. Inside the iconic KÀ Theatre at MGM Grand Las Vegas, Invision hosted its annual EMS Executive Forum, bringing together senior leaders from powerhouse brands like Canva, Sundial Media and Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) for a dynamic, closed-door conversation about what’s next in brand strategy.

Smart Meetings was there for it all, and we’re sharing the standout takeaways from two high-impact panels that explored how trust is earned, how brands evolve and how experiences turn into lasting emotional connections.

Think of Your Brand as a Friend

Angie Smith on stage — Angie Smith, Invision CEO

To kick things off, Angie Smith, CEO of Invision, invited panelists Kate Wik, chief marketing officer at LVCVA; Joey Wattoo, chief marketing officer at MGM Resorts International; and Molly Hellerman, vice president of strategy & operations at Grammarly, to reframe branding through a personal lens. “If your brand were a friend,” she asked, “what would make you trust them most?” It was a creative and human way to get to the heart of what consumers truly value—and why brand trust is becoming one of the most important differentiators in today’s marketplace. So, which traits do the experts choose?

Kate Wik, LVCVA: I would say it’s no judgment. Somebody that I can just lay it all out, show up however I need to show up and not be judged but be embraced. One of the pillars of Las Vegas is all about no judgment. You can come here for any reason. I look for that in my friends as well.

Wattoo: It’s all about consistency for me…Generally, when you talk about a friend or you talk about a brand, it’s about having unlimited trust. If you want to be able to trust, I think it has to be a consistent look and feel.

Shift Directions from a Solid Foundation

Smith then asked how legacy brands stay relevant without losing what made them iconic in the first place. For Las Vegas, that balance is essential.

Wik: [May] is the 120^th anniversary of Las Vegas as a city, so that’s 120 years of defining who you are as a brand, who you are as a destination and what you stand for. One truth that really holds true for Las Vegas is this notion of constant reinvention. And it’s not changing identities and forgetting who you were yesterday, and now you’re going to be something else. It’s this layered approach to evolving…Meeting culture where it’s at is incredibly important. Think about the boom that sports tourism is having today; that’s very much a reflection of about 10 years ago, being very thoughtful as a destination, where we wanted to go on the infrastructure, how we were going to get there and how we’re evolving to meet a growing demand from consumers.

Define the Experience

People taking pictures

Moderated by Jon Paul Potts, senior vice president of strategy at Invision, the second panel asked speakers to share how they define brand experience in their own organizations. The answers were refreshingly thoughtful—and rooted in emotion.

Michael Barclay II, chief events officer, Sundial Media Group: I would describe brand experience [as] that bridge we build that connects brands and the community of consumers. We’ve been creating sensory-deep experiences that drive emotion, I like to say within a controlled environment, as we tap into that brand engagement. So, we really utilize the experience as we tap into those emotions, into the culture, into anything that makes connectivity to the brand.

Stacey Gromlich, senior director, global audience engagement, Siemens: The one thing I would add is “intentional.” [We make] sure that we’re creating the right connections between the right sets of people for the right reasons, but with intentional outcomes. As you feel connected to the brand, you’re doing something with it. Whether that’s just getting a sense of wonder and curiosity…it all comes back to intentionally creating the way you think people should engage and react in order to then do something with your brand, whether that’s share it, buy it or use it.

Jimmy Knowles, global head of experiential, Canva: I think of brand experiences as the emotional aftertaste you get after you interact with a brand, whether that is a digital activation or a live event, whether it’s the tone or a piece of signage, it’s about feeling that emotional connection and creating moments that make you feel something…and then taking that emotion and translating that into long-term brand love.

Today’s most successful brands aren’t just selling a product or service—they’re creating a relationship. Whether it’s through consistent messaging, intentional experiences or the emotional imprint they leave behind, trust is the thread that ties it all together. As Angie Smith put it, owning every moment means showing up with purpose, and when brands do that well, the connection becomes unforgettable.

In 1875, just as America was entering its golden age of industry and progress, one visionary leader would rise to ignite a series of iconic moments in our nation’s history – and transform the way the world perceived time. Fueled by the era’s risk-taking ethos, Joseph Bulova presented one innovation after the next.

Learn More

Ultimately opening a small store in downtown New York City that would mark the beginning of his lifelong quest: to craft supreme quality timepieces for an ever-changing and dynamic landscape. With an unwavering drive for perfection, efficiency and precision, quality craftsmanship became the foundation upon which Joseph Bulova built his brand.

But what fueled the brand’s continual progress was its spirit of invention – pursuing innovation and technology both within the timepiece industry – and beyond.

Drawing inspiration from the incredible Bulova Super Seville Day-Date from the 1970s, the new Super Seville merges retro aesthetics with state-of-the-art Precisionist technology for a timeless modern appeal. The stainless steel 38mm case has the versatility to be worn by most anyone and makes a bold statement with a seamless silhouette created by the retro TV-shaped case transitioning into the integrated 3-link stainless steel bracelet, which features a secure and convenient push-button deployant clasp.

An elegant, grooved coin edge bezel enhances the case and surrounds the flat sapphire crystal and its date magnifier. The sophisticated vertical brushed dial with polished hands and indices and a date situated perfectly at 3 o’clock.

The new Super Seville is powered by our proprietary high precision quartz Precisionist movement, a revolutionary 8-jewel quartz mechanism vibrating at a remarkable 262kHz, accurate to seconds per year with increased resistance to temperature changes, and with a smooth sweeping second hand. Embrace an effortless kind of elegance with the men’s Bulova Super Seville.

Reinventing legendary style, this Bulova women’s watch introduces a new petite model to the historic Rubaiyat collection. A synthetic blue spinel cabochon crown accents the 30mm gold-tone and stainless-steel case that features a sapphire crystal and a matching bracelet with a push-button deployant closure. Elegant gold-tone hands and faceted clover-shaped markers appoint the lustrous dial. Enhance any ensemble, day or night, with this quintessentially feminine Bulova ladies’ timepiece.

This Bulova men’s watch from the Maquina Collection offers daringly avant-garde design. The watch features a 40mm rose gold- and silver-tone stainless steel case with a curved sapphire crystal, a blue bezel, and a silver-tone stainless steel bracelet with a push-button deployant closure. The blue patterned dial with black dial ring and bridges has rose-gold tone hands and markers with luminescent fill and a central aperture revealing the inner workings of the 21-jewel automatic, also visible through a transparent case back, skeletonized movement which has a 42-hour power reserve. With its mechanical heart and unrivaled modern form, this Bulova men’s timepiece offers a uniquely individual expression of style.

From the Sierra to Central Europe, classic hotels are getting stunning new identities that honor the past and embrace the future

Some icons don’t just stand the test of time—they come back stronger, sleeker and ready to impress all over again. Across the globe, beloved properties are stepping into the spotlight with dramatic renovations that blend timeless character with bold new energy.

In Lake Tahoe, Harveys is transforming into Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe, a $160 million refresh that’s turning heads with modern mountain design, luxe amenities and celebrity-chef dining. From the upgraded casino floor to suites with butler service, this reimagined resort is already reshaping the local luxury scene.

Over in Prague, W Hotels has breathed new life into the legendary Grand Hotel Evropa with the opening of W Prague. Art Nouveau elegance meets edgy modern design in a property that features whimsical interiors, high-style dining and a rooftop scene perfect for soaking in skyline views.

Meanwhile, back in the U.S., the Hilton Milwaukee is undergoing a $40+ million renovation—its most extensive ever. Connected to the new Baird Center, this Art Deco gem is updating everything from guest rooms to grand ballrooms, bringing contemporary comforts to a hotel that’s been a Milwaukee mainstay since 1928.

Whether you’re planning in the mountains, across the pond or in the heart of the Midwest, these refreshed spaces are ready to inspire your next standout event.

A New Era on the Lake

Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe exterior rendering

Harveys Lake Tahoe is getting a luxurious new identity as it transforms into Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino. This $160 million reimagining blends the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe with modern design, delivering a bold, upscale resort experience. From the moment guests arrive, they’ll be welcomed by a sleek new lobby and Cleo’s Coffee and Cocktails, a stylish space that shifts from relaxed café to chic evening lounge.

The redesigned rooms—complete with butler service in select suites—capture a fresh mountain-meets-modern aesthetic, while the expansive 88,000-square-foot casino floor is being outfitted with custom lighting, plush furnishings and cutting-edge digital features. Dining gets a major upgrade too, with WOLF by Vanderpump and Gordon Ramsay HELL’S KITCHEN anchoring the elevated culinary scene.

Activities abound—whether you’re gaming, sipping cocktails with a view or crossing the underground connector to enjoy Brew Brothers and Summit Suites at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. With renovations continuing through 2026, Caesars Republic is already redefining what luxury means in the Sierra.

A Storied Icon Reimagined

W Prague has officially opened its doors, reviving the legendary Grand Hotel Evropa on Wenceslas Square with a modern twist. This striking debut blends the city’s storied Art Nouveau elegance with the bold flair W Hotels is known for, redefining luxury lifestyle hospitality in Central Europe.

The property’s 161 rooms and suites—including the dramatic WOW Bohemia Duplex and the dazzling E-WOW Suite—pair rich textures and heritage accents with sleek modern finishes. Guests are transported between eras as they explore the restored heritage wing and the striking new elliptical tower, linked by a whimsical corridor inspired by a fantastical garden, with faux embroidery and floral chandeliers that spark the imagination.

Culinary options are as vibrant as the design. Le Petit Beefbar at Grand Café revives 1920s glamour with a playful twist, while W Lounge and its lush garden terrace offer a seamless day-to-night social scene. Above Rooftop serves sweeping skyline views with curated beats and cocktails, and the underground venue Minus One surprises with immersive mixology, live performances, and an intimate speakeasy.

From the serene AWAY Spa and WET pool to the pulsating nightlife, W Prague offers something for every mood. With local artwork, bold interiors, and a deep connection to Prague’s past and present, this luxurious urban escape is poised to become the city’s new social heartbeat.

A Grand Milwaukee Icon Reimagined

Hilton Milwaukee Empire Ballroom rendering

Hilton Milwaukee, the city’s largest and most iconic hotel, is undergoing a sweeping $40+ million transformation—the most ambitious in Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ history. Slated for completion by summer 2025, the renovation redefines Milwaukee’s premier convention and hospitality hub while preserving its 1920s grandeur.

Connected to the newly expanded Baird Center, the rebranded Hilton Milwaukee (formerly Hilton Milwaukee City Center) will unveil reimagined guest rooms featuring custom furnishings, Wisconsin-made Kohler fixtures, and thoughtful tech touches like motion-sensor lighting and Nespresso machines. The design celebrates the building’s Art Deco roots with soft wood tones, gold accents, and curated local artwork.

The hotel’s 34,000 sq. ft. of event space—including three stately ballrooms—will shine anew with refurbished chandeliers, restored architectural details, and cutting-edge AV and lighting systems. Whether hosting intimate meetings or grand galas, the Hilton Milwaukee sets the stage for unforgettable gatherings.

Guests entering the historic two-story lobby will be greeted by gleaming marble floors, ornate woodwork, and The Monarch Lounge—a warm, elegant bar nestled beside an original fireplace, perfect for unwinding in style.

As part of a strategic decision, the hotel will focus its renovation on 554 rooms in the historic main tower, while the 175 rooms in the west tower will be phased out—aligning with market demand and future growth plans.

Since 1928, Hilton Milwaukee has been a pillar of the city’s hospitality scene. With this ambitious revitalization, it’s poised to remain the destination of choice for locals, travelers, and convention-goers for generations to come.

Editor’s note: This article has been transcribed from video with AI and lightly edited.

One might look at an event almost like a person. Traditional events tend to follow a predictable pattern: you arrive, have coffee, enter a hall, listen to a keynote speaker, attend breakout sessions, maybe have lunch, then another speaker and go home.

But what if we treated an event like a person with their own desires and goals? If we view it this way, then the purpose of the event is not just to inform, but to invite people into something bigger.

To turn an event into an adventure, you need a central challenge and a hero—the participant—who’s on a journey. Rather than passive listeners, attendees become active co-creators.

Example:

Imagine author and speaker Simon Sinek delivering his talk about discovering your “why.” Now imagine that, instead of just listening, attendees receive a treasure map upon entering. They’re guided to five interactive stations, each helping them explore their own “why.” This changes the experience from passive learning to an emotional and personal quest.

In short:

An event is about information.
An adventure is about transformation.

How I Came to Realize the Power of Adventures

There are many ways I came to the realization of the power of adventure, but one stands out. I did a TED Talk about it (see below). It all started when I began receiving mysterious letters from an unknown sender. They said they needed my help, and each message led me deeper into a month-long treasure hunt.

Eventually, one letter instructed me to go to the railway station, order a coffee and give the name “Parsifal.” When I did, I was handed a code to a locker. Inside the locker was another letter telling me to board the next train to Amsterdam and open the next clue at Station Amstel.

The final message revealed this:

“The Holy Grail isn’t a physical object. It’s friendship and connection.”

When I arrived, one of my best friends, Michel Stein, was waiting with two tickets to Paris. That night, under the Eiffel Tower, we toasted to 10 years of friendship.

That was when I fully understood: A message becomes an adventure when it touches not just the head, but the heart.

A Great Example of Corporate Experience Design

There are many stories I could share, but here’s a short and powerful one involving Simon Sinek again.

Attendees came to a venue expecting a typical conference, where Sinek would speak about purpose and the “why.” But something unexpected happened: when some guests handed in their coats at the wardrobe, they received a mysterious coin. If they flipped it over, they saw a symbol.

Looking up, they noticed lockers with matching symbols. Inside the lockers? A treasure map.

The map led them on a journey through five experience stations across the venue, each one helping them explore their inner purpose. Some people crawled beneath the main stage wearing helmets with UV lights to discover deep personal questions. Others were lifted into the air during lunch to gain new perspectives.

What started as a day of listening turned into a journey of self-discovery.

How Can AI Help Create These Experiences?

AI has become a creative partner in our work. It’s not just for writing—it can:

Generate full event programs
Create visual storyboards
Develop treasure hunts or challenge paths
Produce images, videos, and interactive experiences

I regularly give workshops on how to use AI in event design. The key is to start experimenting. Let AI be your co-pilot in crafting meaningful experiences.

What Are the Dark Edges of AI for Event Planners?

Great question. There are a few important warnings:

Hallucinations: AI sometimes makes things up. Always keep a human in the loop to fact-check.
Data concerns: Be aware of where your data is going and how it’s being used.
Reality distortion: AI-generated stories and images can appear very real. As this power becomes available to everyone, trust in digital content declines.

This is why real-life events are more important than ever. In-person connection is the only way to build true trust and authenticity. Our job as event designers is to create those real-life, heart-level connections.

What Gives You Hope for the Future of Events?

Hope lies in the human heart.

As digital tools grow more powerful, the ability to meet in real life becomes even more valuable.

Trust is built in person—not on screen.

And that’s our mission: to design events that bring people together in meaningful, emotional, unforgettable ways.

—

Nils Roemen believes your event has a story yearning to be told, complete with its own challenges to captivate attendees from the start.

As an experience designer for the Experience Experts, he turns events into immersive adventures that transform attendees into active participants.

Sometimes it is about the destination and getting there is the hurdle to overcome in order to march triumphantly into that ballroom to learn about the latest advances, meet your next best partner and reconnect with friends. This week we look at some of the speed bumps to traveling by car and plane and consider the jump in Bonvoy access happening around the world this year.

Smart Travel is here to provide you with the latest must-read travel and tourism news you need to get everyone where they need to be.

Global Rideshare Drivers Strike on May Day

Did you or your attendees have to wait longer than usual Thursday watching the progress bar on the Uber app to find a driver? It may have something to do with the number of times your driver has asked you how much you are paying for the ride only to find out they are receiving about a third of that amount, but responsible for all risk and costs.

In an attempt to call attention to the shrinking percentage of fares Uber and Lyft drivers receive from passenger fares, DMV Drivers Alliance called for drivers to shut off their app on International Workers Day and attend rallies to call attention to the issue and tell stories from the road.

In addition to higher pay, demands include pay transparency to let drivers know how much they are making per trip and protections against unfair account deactivations.

United Cancels 35 Daily Newark Flights Due to FAA Shortcomings

After years of discussions and repeated FAA air traffic control failures and loss of staff at its Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) hub, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby announced this week that the airline would cancel 35 daily flights, 10% of the airlines traffic at the New Jersey airport.

“While we enthusiastically support the efforts underway to permanently and structurally fix the FAA, the long-simmering FAA challenges boiled over this week,” Kirby said in an open note to customers on Friday.

Read More: Why is Newark EWR?

Technology that FAA air traffic controllers rely on failed—resulting in dozens of diverted flights, hundreds of delayed and canceled flights and thousands of customers with disrupted travel plans. Technology issues were compounded as over 20% of the FAA controllers for EWR walked off the job the same week.

Kirby stressed that the problems are not new. “Keep in mind, this particular air traffic control facility has been chronically understaffed for years and without these controllers, it’s now clear that Newark airport cannot handle the number of planes that are scheduled to operate there in the weeks and months ahead,” he said. “We feel like there is no other choice in order to protect our customers.”

Prepare Attendees for REAL ID Deadline on May 7

Mini Map Image — Interactive map with locations of Digital ID checkpoints

After a two-year extension, Transportation Security Administration officials said agents will be enforcing the requirement that travelers show certified REAL IDs starting Wednesday, May 7, for all adult passengers.

“The Real ID requirement bolsters safety by making fraudulent IDs harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists. TSA will implement REAL ID effectively and efficiently, continuing to ensure the safety and security of passengers while also working to minimize operational disruptions at airports,” according to the statement.

TSA estimates that 81% of travelers are already using REAl ID. A growing percentage are also opting for digital identity solutions such as mobile driver’s licenses and facial recognition technology.

What to do if an attendee hasn’t been able to get the compliant card? A passport can be used as an alternative approved identification.

Marriott Acquisitions and Partnerships Expand Bonvoy’s Footprint on the Map

Menlo Park citizenM hotel lobby The news that Marriott International paid $355 million to purchase citizenM, a hip brand popular with “mobile citizens” with mobile check-in and value pricing, was one more step toward the ubiquity of Bonvoy points opportunities on every global corner.

While the brand only counted 36 hotels, including the chic Menlo Park citizenM in California shown here, they were located in 20 cities, including New York, London and Paris. The press release teased that more citizen properties are coming with the backing of the world’s largest hotel brand.

The telling number was not the price tag, but the fact that “Marriott now expects full year 2025 net rooms growth to approach 5 percent.” When you consider that about 1.7 million hotel rooms fly some Marriott flag, a 5% increase is huge.

That could also mean a corresponding increase in the number of people at younger ages logging Bonvoy loyalty points, even at non-Marriott properties. The same week, Marriott announced that the existing loyalty partnership with MGM Resorts International would be expanded to reward event planners and attendees with points and Elite Night Credits.

More than 300 hospitality experts gathered at MGM National Harbor this week for an interactive International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE) Women’s Leadership Forum that put the emphasis on active.

IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM, and 2025 Smart Women in Meetings Award winner set the stage for community building when she turned the microphone over to The P3 Solution CEO and moderator Sherron Washington, M.A. Reframing on everything from behavioral stress and positive negotiations to Zellenial motivations and the “power of no” ensued.

Invite the Tiger to Tea

Rebecca Heiss at IAEE Women's Leadership Forum We all know that meeting planners have stressful jobs. What if stress were your secret weapon instead of your nemesis. Author and stress physiologist Dr. Rebecca Heiss made a full-throated argument for embracing the challenges we face rather than trying to avoid or deny them. The way she explained it, rather than running from the tiger, invite it in for tea.

“Energy can’t be destroyed but it can be transferred,” she said. “Face the fear and redirect the energy,” she suggested.

By activating curiosity and choosing to see challenges as an adventure, acting as if you had already achieved your goal, you can change the energy in the ballroom. “Stress is what leads to a meaningful and purposeful life,” she said.

The Future is Multigenerational

Trend Hunter Futurist Armida Ascano at IAEE Women's Leadership Forum From Baby Boomers to Gen Z, we are all shaped by the world events that happened during our lifetimes.

Trend Hunter futurist and Chief Insights Officer Armida Ascano advocated for understanding the subsets of generational traits within the broad 20-year spans most people use to develop strategies for adopting and leveraging technology.

To harness the differences between older leaders and younger influencers, she suggested implementing cross-generational, upward mentorship programs. “That can help organizations bridge the technology gap and foster better understanding of AI across generations,” she said.

Learn More: Smart Start Podcast on Championing Women in Events

Negotiate Fearlessly

Wordcloud at IAEE Women's Leadership Forum Forget what you thought you knew about negotiating as a zero-sum game played best by stoic men. The Wharton School faculty and author Mori Taheripour has found that traditionally female traits such as kindness and storytelling are actually powerful tactics for crafting a workable deal.

“Successful negotiations often result from thorough information exchange and relationship building, rather than rushing to discuss numbers,” she said.

Preparation, clarity of purpose and curiosity could be your most powerful tools.

“Negotiation is not just about conflict or transactions, but a part of our daily lives. Recognizing this can help reduce fear and increase confidence in negotiating,” she said.

Just Say No

Yvette Simpson at IAEE Women's Leadership Forum When we live in a Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) world, it can be easy to say yes to everything and overschedule ourselves to the point of burnout or ineffectiveness. That is why author and recovering overachiever Yvette Simpson, MBA, Esq. suggested opting for the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO).

She offered a “Yes test” for evaluating opportunities against personal values and goals, emphasizing the crucial alignment of head (intellect), heart (emotions) and gut (instinct). The default for anything that doesn’t advance those goals needs to be a hard pass.

“Ruthless prioritizing and selective commitment are the keys to owning your path and achieving true fulfillment,” Simpson said.

Updated: 5/3: A pair of bills passed by The Florida House of Representatives that could change how tourism taxes are used in the state remain in limbo as the legislature ended its session without passing a budget on Friday.

HB 1221 (Local Option Taxes) has been edited since it was introduced in February, but according to a bill analysis filed April 22, the effect of the measure which passed by a margin of 62 to 45, would be to “change tourist development taxes (TDTs) from limited use revenue to general revenue, which must be used to offset county property taxes” beginning in 2026.

It would dissolve tourist development councils and promotional agencies unless approved by a resolution of the board of county commissioners. The bill made allowances for fulfilling contracts in place as of Jan. 1, including servicing bonds but said they cannot be renewed or extended. That could impact investments in event and hospitality infrastructure and resources.

Discover the Palm Beaches CEO Milton Segarra, CDME warned of the consequences to the livelihoods of 90,000 Floridians. “Tourism is the lifeblood of Florida’s economy, particularly in Palm Beach County. The TDT, paid by visitors and not by Floridians, is reinvested in destination promotion efforts that attract even more visitors. This cycle generates jobs, fuels local businesses and supports critical public services. Eliminating TDT funding for this purpose would severely hinder our ability to compete for visitors, leading to long-term economic pain,” he said in a statement emailed to Smart Meetings.

He added, reallocating these dollars to provide property tax relief to our county property owners diminishes the importance of tourism marketing and promotion in our county. With 655,933 residential and commercial properties in our county, a reduction of property taxes amounts to about a $5.25 reduction per $10 million property tax cut for a property based on the median home value. In contrast, every Florida household is currently saved $1,910 in taxes per year since tourism is one of the reasons why the Sunshine State remains state tax-free. Visitors generate more than $7 billion in direct spending within the county and contribute $10.5 billion to the local economy. “Tourism connects the community and creates a place where people want to visit, live, work, and invest.”

The bill made allowances for 1% higher taxes in “high tourism impact” counties if taxable sales exceed $6 million in the previous calendar year or were at least 18% of the county’s total sales.

Companion bill HB 7033 (Taxation) which passed 78 to 29, also changed TDTs from limited use to general use and reduced state sales tax rates by .75%.

Destinations Florida Executive Director Robert Skrob told Florida Politics, “This proposal gambles with the livelihoods of more than 2 million Floridians, from hotel workers to small business owners, and risks collapsing the tax base that makes Florida’s income tax-free status possible.”

The Florida Attractions Association said in a statement that the bills would result in eliminating funding for tourism promotion, marketing and the development of tourism facilities. “These proposed measures would have a profound effect on the tourism industry in Florida, devastating how tourism is promoted and supported in your county,” it read.

Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International, called the move an economic cliff in a state that has no income tax in part because of the bounty of tourism dollars. He said in an opinion piece in today’s Tampa Bay Times, “It cuts the funds allocated to promote and encourage tourism, which fuels the significant economic impact of tourism across the state.”

Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced that Florida reached historic high record number of tourists in 2024 and “continues to be the top destination for travelers from all over the world.” A total of 142.9 million visitors arrived in 2024, a 1.6% increase over 2023, the previous record annual visitation in the state’s history.

Reached by phone on Friday evening, Welsh added, “This is poorly timed and, frankly, irresponsible.” He pointed to the decline of visitors to the United States from outside the country already happening due to national politics and said, “This is the time to take nothing for granted. We will see an immediate response if there is a removal of investment of money paid by visitors in facilities and venues.”

The bill was referred to appropriations and will go to the senate next as part of state budget discussions. The session ends Friday, May 2.

Three years ago, when Capital Pride Alliance competed to host WorldPride 2025 in Washington, D.C., for three weeks of ceremonies, assemblies, parades and entertainment for up to 4 million people, organizers knew it was going to be a challenge. But when they were awarded the event by the global membership group InterPride, organizers saw it as a unique opportunity.

The way Sahand Miraminy, director of operations at Capital Pride Alliance, tells it, “D.C. has never hosted anything like the Olympics, so this is a chance to show to the world that D.C. is more than just monuments and government buildings.”

Capital Pride had to demonstrate that the group—which is one of the oldest of its kind in the world and celebrating its 50th anniversary this year—had local backing and a financial plan to manage almost 200 partner events, a few dozen marquee events and a human rights conference.

The celebration begins on May 17, with Trans Pride, followed by Black Pride and then WorldPride 2025 weekend. May is packed with art exhibits, a Modern Military National Gala, an awards program for theater supporters and an international choral festival performance with more events spilling into June. Free entertainment after the final march and rally includes an indoor-outdoor DJ dance party with multiple stages. “It’s sort of like a big birthday party for us,” Miraminy said.

A History of Reinvention

Aerial shot of pride parade — Photo: Everett Chu

Miraminy started working at Capital Pride Alliance in 2019 and, like many association event planners, worked to reinvent how the group delivered value from large-scale outdoor events to virtual programming and then back into annual events. He thought he was ready for whatever was required.

“Even two years ago when we started planning, we knew that there was a possibility there would be political angst in the country, but we had to keep the event going full steam ahead,” he said.

In the midst of concerns about the current state of the world, safety and attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community that have cut attendance numbers to less than half original estimates, he also had to deal with pragmatic issues, such as sharing the process for applying for visas to get into the country. Transgender and non-binary travelers are struggling to reconcile the markers associated with their gender identity on their passports and other travel documentation after new executive orders changed the process. “It’s been challenging reminding people that D.C. is still arguably the most LGBTQ place in the country and a safe space,” he said.

The focus on safety isn’t new, but it is heightened. Miraminy said, “This isn’t our first rodeo and even in a normal year, we work with federal and state agencies to keep everyone safe.”

Disappointment and Inspiration

One of Miraminy’s personal disappointments is that while District of Columbia public agencies have been supportive, it doesn’t look like the event will have representation from federal government agencies that normally show up with information tables and allow staff to march in the parade. And some companies that supported the group in the past are cautious about associating their name with the gathering this year. The group relies on donations to provide free programming at a massive scale.

“The small silver lining is that now we know who our true allies are. It has been enlightening,” he said.

Then he continued: “It has also been inspiring because I’m reminded how well our small team works and how we’re able to get support from other places. The show is going on,” he announced, pointing to the ways the community has galvanized together when it is threatened.

Miraminy is expecting more than a million people to participate in the parade and rally on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in the footsteps of people like Martin Luther King. “This is a unique opportunity and there is no other place like D.C. right now to be hosting this event,” he said.

Attrition Lessons and Communication Shifts

Capital Pride Parade

In a city already experiencing lower international—particularly Canadian—visitor rates, Miraminy had to work with partners on contracts designed to accommodate more attendees. Some events also moved at the last minute to alternate venues when the Kennedy Center was no longer an option.

“Luckily, a lot of the hotels we work with are also sponsors and partners, and have been understanding about attrition,” he reported.

Miraminy emphasized the importance of contingency plans in room blocks, regardless of the type of group. “Every event is impacted in some way,” he said.

One of the adjustments is that Capital Cup Sports Festival—which includes everything from cornhole and darts to roller derby and basketball—is attracting more regional participation than anticipated now that fewer international athletes will be involved. That brings its own logistical requirements around transportation and housing.

As the narrative has changed in the news media around the world, Capital Pride Alliance has adjusted its messaging to focus on health and safety. A virtual town hall will share high-level plans with the public. And marketing has proclaimed the importance of supporting and investing in, and showing up for the community. “There are still things that we have to fight for,” he said.

The tagline for the event is “The Fabric of Freedom,” and the welcome message on the website emphasizes the urgency of the gathering. “WorldPride is occurring at a crucial time, bringing together voices from around the world to support the LGBTQ+ community’s ongoing fight for equality, visibility, and justice. We encourage everyone in our global community to participate in this historic moment. By showing up and supporting Pride events globally, the LGBTQ+ community will be visible, vigilant, and heard.”

On a personal level, as staff has grown from three to almost 30, Miraminy—a self-admitted perfectionist—has had to come to terms with the notion that he can’t do everything himself anymore. Beyond the tents, stages and toilets people see, his team has spent months negotiating contracts, getting permits and laying the groundwork for everything that will go down in the coming weeks. Others might have alternate approaches and he is learning to be OK with that. “That’s a challenge, allowing other people to help with things that you’ve always done, and trusting people to do the work knowing it may not look exactly the way that you had in your head,” he said.

A Clear Goal

Pride concert

When asked to picture himself looking back after he has had a chance to sleep and see what was accomplished and how he will determine if the event was a success, Miraminy said, “We want to make sure people leave feeling that we represented our entire country well. We’re not just representing D.C. We’re representing the United States.”

Miraminy also hopes that everyone who attends feels safe and he is successful in uplifting businesses and community organizations while at least breaking even. Capital Pride also awards grants to nonprofits to help boost the community—a big focus for the entire organizing team.

Miraminy still remembers his first Pride parade as a teenager surrounded by people who understood the issues he was dealing with every day and wants to offer that to others. “I’m a child of immigrants from a Middle Eastern culture where the LGBTQ world is not often recognized. It was powerful for me to be part of that moment,” he said.

Discover unique oceanside experiences all with their own character at these New and Renovated properties

Few things invigorate meetings with a feel of refreshment and inspiration like a beautiful oceanside property. Lucky for you, these New and Renovated properties all offer their own unique oceanside experience, whether you’re seeking a backdrop of the dramatic Oregon coast, the brisk New England air or the sunny luxury of Palm Beach.

Sun and Shade

Palm House pool deck for New and Renovated — Palm House

Palm Beach sees the grand opening of its first new hotel in four years and the island’s first modern, luxury hotel with Palm House. Steps from the beach on Royal Palm Way, the 79-room hotel brings a blend of classic luxury and fresh elegance to the island. It is the first U.S. property for London-based L+R Hotels’ prestigious Iconic Luxury Hotels (ILH) collection.

Palm House features a design inviting visitors to indulge in an everlasting escape that pays homage to the island’s enduring allure while establishing new traditions for its next generation. Spaces feature the iconic pinks and greens of vintage Palm Beach that makes guests feel as though they’ve stepped inside a glamourous jewelry box.

Beginning with the exterior’s lively coral façade peeking from behind coconut palms and lush greenery, as guests approach the three-story building, they’ll discover accents like carved cypress arbors and pale pink limestone arches. Guests enter through the grand porte cochere to enter the light-filled lounge environment of Palm Bar, with custom-made Murano glass chandeliers suspended from a vaulted and arched antique mirror ceiling, above a luminous pink marble bar. Two vast seashell wall installations by Christa Wilm tie the space together. To the right of Palm Bar is the Palm House Dining Room, where guests can enjoy Japanese-Peruvian fusion fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The property’s Sunset Pool Deck serves the hotel’s centerpiece, with cabana beds, cushioned loungers, poolside service and pool butlers—and little delights that amplify luxury, such as sunglass cleaning.

Visitors will find relaxation amid the spacious 58 guest rooms and 21 suites, featuring a color palette of sea green, sand and coral. Custom-made woven wall sconces framed by walls adorned with lattice and antique mirrors are tied together by colorful coral-colored headboards.

The signature coral color continues into the 4,000-square-foot event space, including a ballroom, pre-function space and outdoor garden terrace and lawn, facing the east side of the pool area. All décor accents, like four hand-blown coral and white Murano glass chandeliers, have been custom-designed for Palm House. Arched mirrors expand the space and elevate the light that streams in through dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a light and airy atmosphere.

Maritime Magic

Island House Newport guest room for New and Renovated — Island House Newport; photo by Brandon Dupont

The highly-anticipated new-build Island House Newport is now open, redefining the standard for upscale accommodation in Newport by blending modern elegance with the city’s rich maritime history. Developed by Marshall Properties and operated by Main Street Hospitality, a brand committed to thoughtful and locally-inspired hospitality, the property will provide a seamless blend of upscale hospitality and design alongside local experience. This opening reinforces Newport’s reputation as a key destination, with a deep connection to the community, being built and operated by locals who bring hospitality experience rooted in local expertise and community ties.

The 24 expansive suites feature customizable room configurations, all with a refined yet welcoming aesthetic that emphasizes New England charm. The property offers creative spaces for more casual, unconventional gatherings. Meetings can utilize versatile spaces by combining or expanding guest rooms for a fluid, comfortable space. As visitors experience Newport, they will discover storied history, vibrant culture and breathtaking costal views. With the city’s legacy of luxury and charm, the opening of Island House Newport brings an elevated level of service that is a perfect fit for the destination.

Standing right by Newport’s famed beaches, Bellevue Avenue, the harbor and the iconic Cliff Walk, guests of Island House Newport are in the perfect location for effortless access to get immersed in the city.

Costal Wonder

Surfsand Resort for New and Renovated — Surfsand Resort

Iconic Oregon coast beachfront destination, Surfsand Resort, unveils its new Tidepool Event Space as the final phase of its multi-million-dollar renovation that began in 2024. The new event space spans nearly 3,000 sq. ft., with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that invite in ample natural light and offer panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Haystack Rock, a 235-foot tall sea stack and one of the Oregon coast’s most recognizable landmarks.

The Tidepool Event Space complements earlier phases of the renovation, including updates to Surfsand Resort’s public spaces and all 96 guest rooms. Featuring upgraded chandeliers that further enhance the light-filled space, plus a built-in sound system and screen and new carpeting, it’s a breathtaking environment inside and out. The venue’s foyer also received an update, with new flooring and a design that emphasizes soft, natural coastal accents. The ballroom leads to an outdoor deck where guests can even better enjoy unobstructed views of the beach and Haystack Rock. The deck features a nature-inspired design with glass panel railing balustrades, allowing the breathtaking view to shine.

The renovation also updated the resort’s award-winning Wayfarer Restaurant & Lounge. Known for its fresh-from-scratch kitchen, the restaurant is well-equipped to service events. The experienced events team works with groups to create personalized menus focused on high-quality, local and seasonal ingredients. Planners can also enjoy Surfsand Resort’s event planning services to bring their dream Oregon Coast event to life.

The ‘why’ and ‘why nots’ of trade show booth renting

Is there a better way to handle your trade show booth strategy? Do you need to keep your booth in storage all year-round outside of the event? Or would you be better off leaving that part of the operation to someone else? There are multiple reasons an event planner may consider trade show booth rentals. Seeking clarity, we spoke with Al Mercuro, who has worked in live events for 50 years and in trade shows for 34 years.

“After years of advising clients, I’ve found that one key question drives my recommendations: How many shows do you plan to exhibit at each year?,” says Mercuro, who is currently serving as strategic marketing and client engagement advisor for Genesis Exhibits, a company that specializes in trade show displays and event marketing products, and Apprupo, the virtual event division of Genesis.

Al Mercuro

“If you’re only showcasing at one event annually and your space is larger than 10 x 10, renting is often the smartest choice. While you’ll still need to invest in graphics, the hardware setup typically costs about a third less than purchasing it outright.”

In a recent article by the company, Trade Show Booth Rentals Make Good Sense, seven reasons are listed about why an event should consider renting: cost efficiency, adaptability, access to new designs, mitigation of financial risks (such as tariffs), reduced operational burdens and sustainability. While they’re all important, we’ll dive into the two that are really making headlines: tariff-related mitigation of financial risks and sustainability.

The Sustainability of Renting

Sustainability has been a hot topic inside of the events industry for years now. The world of trade show rentals, though, has practiced it since the 1980s, albeit not driven by concerns about the environment.

Mercuro mentions how the reuse of exhibits is inherently sustainable. “Our company—and the industry as a whole—has been offering rentals since the 1980s, back when I first started in the business,” he says. “In the United States, this was the norm, but in Europe and Asia, things were quite different. Instead of reusing exhibits, companies would build them for a single show and then toss them into a landfill—a practice known as ‘Build and Burns.’”

At that time, Mercuro says, renting in the U.S. wasn’t driven by environmental concerns but by economic sensibility. “Without realizing it, we were ahead of the curve in terms of sustainability—we just weren’t calling it that.”

Things are changing in Europe though, owing to Informa’s Better Stands program, started in part by Informa Head of Sustainability Ben Wieglus. “It’s encouraging to see the shift toward more eco-conscious exhibition practices,” Mercuro says. “Unfortunately, Asia has largely stuck to the build-and-burn approach, so there’s still work to be done.”

Tariffs, and the Economics of Booth Rentals

President Trump’s tariffs have impacted the import of several items used at conferences and events, such as paper, aluminum and copper, items used in conferences and events. Owing to established supply chains and inventories, exhibit rental companies are more protected against fluctuating prices.

A statement by the Live Events Coalition “pointed out that tariffs on imported goods drive up the cost of everything from staging and signage to food, entertainment technology equipment and travel,” the story reads. With booth rentals, there’s no need to import elements such as staging and signage.

When Not to Rent

While renting confers several benefits for planners, there are cases in which renting is not the optimal option. The article’s concluding paragraph says, “…purchasing a trade show booth may be advantageous for organizations with consistent and unchanging exhibition needs…”

Additionally, Mercuro says, “Sometimes, clients have unique requests for special events or custom designs that require tailored solutions. This might mean incorporating specific angles or unconventional shapes that standard rental options don’t offer. In these cases, adaptability and customization are essential to ensuring their vision comes to life.”