Smart Meetings | Page 379 of 603 | Corporate Event Planning: Business Events, Meetings, Conferences

With “bleisure” on the rise, you’ve got to wonder what these business travelers are doing during the leisure portion of the trip. It could be any number of things: swimming with dolphins, getting drinks with locals or singing karaoke with Obama.

Maybe that’s a bit too much action for you and you’d much rather stay at the hotel and lounge. Well, there’s nothing like a book to complement the lounging, and these properties offer shelves full of them. Give your eyes the much needed rest from screen time and dive in.

Aston Kaanapali Shores, Lahaiani, Hawaii

Relax at the beach and get lost in a book with help from the property’s lending library, which houses more than 150 novels left by previous guests. Guests can chill at the pool or the private lanai.

Bluefields Bay Villas, Jamaica

Six villas on the South Coast of Jamaica, each of which offers extensive lists of books and magazines from the resort library and previous guests, ranging from antique and design titles to best sellers and travel.

Conrad Cartegena, Colombia

Located in the country of the esteemed Gabriel Garcia Marquez, author of “100 Years of Solitude,” this resort will give the bookish something to rave about. Biblioteka, the property’s signature restaurant, is a library-designed concept that fuses Asian, European and Latin American cuisine. The restaurant unveiled a series of literary programs, such as Colombian Corner, Fireside Poetry Readings, a literary immersion tour and Libros y Licor (Books and Liquor) weekly book club.

The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club, Florida

Get acquainted with the property by reading up on its history in the lobby’s library, which is complemented by the adjacent history hallway.

The Grayhaven, Ithaca, New York

This 16-room boutique property rests on 11 acres of green. Guests can join in on the author reading nights, during which four regional authors give readings while guest listen and sip beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages offered by the property, and bookbinding workshops, an introductory course to the world of joining pages together.

Baker’s Cay Resort, Key Largo, Florida

Get cozy at the Baker’s Cay library, chock full of reading nooks and classic paperbacks, such as Ernest Hemingway’s “Old Man and the Sea.” If you’d rather catch a breeze while you read, enjoy the shady hammock-lined path or the private beach.

Inns of Aurora, New York

Created in 1903 as District School Number Six, as a place of learning, The Schoolhouse still serves the same purpose. A library has been created, featuring a selection of New York Times bestsellers, which is a nod to Inns of Aurora developer and New York Times investor E.B. Morgan. Each book has a library card that guests can leave a note on for the next reader.

Wherever your travels take you, the #Eventprofs Book Club on Goodreads.com is a great way to connect with other industry readers.

Events Industry Council (EIC) honored longtime and emerging leaders in the meetings industry this week. The 2019 Hall of Leaders inductees and Pacesetter award winners were announced on Aug. 2, 2019. The recipients will be honored at IMEX on Sept. 10 at LIGHT nightclub in Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas. EIC manages the CMP certification process and is a resource for research and sustainability best practices and when they name someone a leader, that person is worth following.

Hall of Leaders

A “lifetime achievement award,” the EIC Hall of Leaders award recognizes the achievements made by meetings and events leaders. The press release announcing the inductee’s states that, “this year’s inductees join 131 previous honorees who have had an integral role in shaping the industry.” The inductees into the Hall of Leaders 2019 are as follows:

Michael Dominguez, CHSE, president and CEO, ALHI (nominated by IEC Board of Directors)
David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA, president and CEO, IAEE (nominated by IAEE)
Anne Daly Heller, publisher, USAE (nominated by Searchwide Global)
Carole McKellar, MA, CMM, vice president EMEA, HelmsBriscoe (nominated by MPI)
Barry Smith, CMA, executive director, Convention Centres Canada (nominated by International Association of Venue Managers)
Ellsworth Milton Statler (posthumously), owner, Statler Hotels (nominated by USAE)

The Pacesetter Awards

The Pacesetter award is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate emerging leaders in the industry. These winners can be seen charting the course for future trends and ultimately ‘set the pace’ for their peers. There are three categories which nominees can be awarded: young professional, sustainability and social responsibility and innovation. This year, EIC recognized four professionals, with two of them winning the social and corporate responsibility award. Here are the 2019 Pacesetter Award recipients:

Robyn Davis, trade show strategy specialist, WINH (nominated by Robyn Davis) won the young professionals award.
Desiree Knight, CAE, CMP, director, education and meetings, AREMA (nominated by The Kliman Group) was awarded a sustainability and social responsibility award.
Chance Thompson, senior manager, sustainability and public relations, Salt Palace Convention Center (nominated by Azano, Inc.) was also recognized for sustainability and social responsibility.
Frank Yang, PMP, CMP, CEM, director, convention marketing, KINTEX (nominated by ICCA) won the Pacesetter Award for innovation.

The capital of Hawaii, Honolulu is a planner’s dream, with an unlimited array of attractive options for groups, both during and after meetings.

Recently, groups have become more interested in exploring the city’s fascinating history. King Kamehameha III declared the Honolulu the capital of his kingdom, the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1850. Honolulu is also home to the state’s principle port, serving various manufacturing plants including pineapple canneries, clothing factories and sugar refineries, as well as dairy farmers and steel, oil, cement and aluminum enterprises.

Here are some of the city’s top choices for planners.

Arrival and Reception

Honolulu is not a drivable destination, so flying is your best bet. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HLN) is accessible from throughout the globe. As one of the world’s largest, busiest and beautiful airports, HLN sees more than 20 million visitors every year and is only 10 miles from Honolulu’s Waikiki district. The airport offers multiple ways to get to and from it—buses, Roberts Hawaii Express Shuttles, taxis and more.

Once you and your group enter the bustling city of Honolulu, there are numerous hotels and resorts from which to choose.

From small meetings to large conferences and events, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is a go-to property. Located right on Waikiki Beach, the resort has meeting space to accommodate up to 4,000 guests, as well as 2,860 guest rooms. The resort features five pools, an outdoor luau, water sports, a full-service spa and live shows, so there’s a little something for everyone in your group.

More: Key West and Hawaii Ban Sunscreen

For a more iconic and indigenous group experience, The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki is the spot for you. Since its opening in 1927, it has been called the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” offering world-class dining and Waikiki’s only oceanfront luau. This 528-room resort also houses 60,732 sq. ft. of total event space—its largest space accommodates up to 2,000 guests.

With 749 guest rooms and 42 suites, Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach also offers seven event rooms, totaling 13,137 sq. ft. of space. Perfect for groups of 300 or less, the resort’s Victorian architecture and Hawaiian hospitality is sure to make your meeting one to remember. Looking for outdoor meeting space? It also features The Roof Garden and Roof Garden Terrace for small to mid-size meetings.

Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort has more than 9,600 sq. ft of event space and is a coveted site for meetings and corporate retreats. Boasting beachfront venues, boardrooms and conference spaces, the resort also offers event planning support, catering and audiovisual equipment. Other amenities include a swimming pool, whirlpool hot tub and 24-hour business center.

Providing an intimate space for small groups of up to 12 people, Courtyard Waikiki Beach offers one 515-square-foot meeting space. The hotel also provides high-speed Wi-Fi, audiovisual equipment rentals, a 24-hour business center and refreshing event menus. Inspired by Hawaii’s natural beauty, the hotel boasts a resort-style pool with a lava rock waterfall and a calming whirlpool.

From poolside gatherings to dining experiences and large group meetings, Queen Kapiolani Hotel Waikiki Beach has meeting spaces for just about everyone. The hotel offers five upscale meeting spaces that can accommodate from 20 to 275 guests. Located in Honolulu, the hotel has spectacular, unobstructed views of Diamond Head and is encompassed by the spirit of Hawaii from famous Queen Kapiolani herself.

Relax poolside or enjoy the Te Moana Nui Luau Show post-meeting at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani. With five versatile event rooms totaling 14,451 sq. ft., the hotel is ideal for small to medium-sized groups. Its location also provides easy access to both Honolulu Zoo and Hawaii Convention Center.

General Sessions & Dining Out

Just a short walk from Waikiki is the 1.1 million-square-foot Hawaii Convention Center. While keeping with the distinctive Hawaiian style, the convention center is also modern, flexible and spacious. From open-air designs to waterfalls and fishponds, the convention center is an all-around event destination.

More: Hawaii: Food Traditions, Food Trends

off-season

It offers 47 meeting rooms, the 200,000-square-foot Kamehameha Exhibit Hall, 35,000-square-foot Kalakaua Ballroom and a 2.5-acre rooftop events garden, just to name a few. Just a short, 15-minute walk from the convention center is Ala Moana Center, where a variety of dining options is available for your group.

Sky Waikiki, a rooftop bar, restaurant and nightclub, sets a high bar for private events and meetings. It has 7,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and offers unmatched panoramic views of the coastline and Diamond Head in the distance. Groups ranging from 30 to 400 can be accommodated, and custom foods and cocktails will set this meeting venue apart from the rest.

If you’re looking for a fun-filled venue, check out Lucky Strike. With four bowling lanes, a full-service bar, gastropub food, audiovisual capabilities, a high-tech game, Wi-Fi and private rooms, this venue has everything you’ll need for your next meeting.

For an iconic dining spot, Duke’s Waikiki, right on the beach, is the place. Duke’s Waikiki has views of the ocean, Diamond Head and outrigger canoes. Named after surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku, it has food options for everyone; from island favorites including Huli Huli Chicken to classics such as Roasted Lobster Tails.

Off-Site Activities & Closing Event

From hiking trails to dinner cruises, historical monuments, outrigger canoeing, shopping and island tours, there are plenty of activity options for your group.

Take a hike to the edge of a 300,000-year-old crater at Diamond Head State Monument. The hike takes about two hours (roundtrip) and the views are breathtaking. Fun fact: The view is so good that the U.S. military used the crater as a post to prevent attacks against Honolulu.

If you’re looking for something less strenuous but still memorable experience, try Star of Honolulu, Hawaii’s largest sunset dinner cruise ship, which sails from Honolulu Harbor to Diamond Head. If your group enjoys exquisite cuisine, upscale cocktails and live Hawaiian entertainment, this cruise is for you.

For groups that enjoy learning about history, at Pearl Harbor National Memorial, groups can visit the USS Arizona Memorial, two exhibit galleries, wayside exhibits, a bookstore, Remembrance Circle and Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater. Tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial program are free. Other historic sites to see include the USS Missouri Battleship, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

Restored to its former grandeur, Iolani Palace is a noted landmark. Immerse your group in Hawaii’s royal heritage by visiting the official residence of Hawaii’s monarchy. There are two tour options from which to choose: a guided tour with a docent or a self-led audio tour. Both options include tours of the first and second floors, as well as a self-guided tour of the basement gallery exhibits.

Dubbed “the original Hawaiian rollercoaster ride,” surfing is Hawaii’s state sport. Paddle out to the surf break and catch some waves with your group. Waikiki Beach is the only place where visitors can participate in surfing the waves in an outrigger canoe. Groups of all ages and abilities can participate in this sport.

If your group loves to shop, there are plenty of options for them. Ala Moana Center is the seventh-largest mall in the United States and the largest open-air shopping center in the world. It is conveniently located near Waikiki Beach and only a 15-minute walk from Hawaii Convention Center. If you take a walk down Waikiki, Luxury Row is right there, outside all the hotels.

Your attendees want to feel special, and an easy way to make that happen is through personalized experiences. No one wants to stay in a hotel thinking that they are just one of hundreds of guests filtered through the property. It is no wonder that little touches such as pillow mints or a welcome drink make such an impression; they make guests feel special. Many hotels are taking advantage of the age of information and using data to offer packages that are truly personalized to a group or individual to make guests feel more noteworthy than ever. Here are a few of the best personalized hotel packages for groups that will make your attendees feel like the VIPs they are at heart.

Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort

This luxury resort in Los Cabos is elevating its’ customer experience through their newly launched “Stay Your Way” program. The experience begins with an online survey to be completed prior to your visit that allows staff to create a personalized itinerary for guests based on their stated preferences.

Virgin Hotels

‘The Know’ Program is Virgin Hotel’s way of making customers feel special. Large, chain hotels are often accused of feeling impersonal, so programs such as these are especially important at chains. The Know program is described by Virgin as a “membership without dues.” It allows guests to input personal preferences such as what they want in their mini bar, a request for extra pillows or even a request for a Spiderman chamber takeover (it has happened and there were spider-webs). Additionally, guests receive discounts and are eligible for room upgrades.

Marriott International

Marriott International has recognized the importance of personalization for years, although they take a different approach than other chain brand hotels. Marriott’s M Live is a unique program where members of staff in M Live Studio’s constantly watch social media streams and react to them IRL (in real life). This could mean sending a bottle of champagne to a couple after they posted a picture, tagging a Marriott location, of their engagement (this is done using geolocation at Marriott properties that allow M Live Studios to view posts made on-site by guests). Alternatively, M Live will track local and global trends and events like Carnival in Brazil or #GrilledCheeseDay on the internet and give guests advice or treats that are specialized to these events and trends.

Hilton

Hilton is taking advantage of technology and has launched a number of ‘Connected Rooms’ across their properties. Connected Rooms allow guests to control everything from their room temperature to Netflix to dinner reservations right from their mobile or device. Guests can access their pre-saved ‘favorites’ list of channels right on the TV in their room through the program. This ease and personalization is perfect for the busy business traveler who, regardless of where in the world they are, just want to watch some ‘Friends’ at the end of a long work day.

Delta Airlines (more than just hotels!)

“Corporate customers aren’t one-size-fits-all, so their experience with Delta shouldn’t be, either.” This is how an article about Delta’s features (on the Delta News Hub) that allow corporate customers to personalize and stay up to date on their benefits begins. The perks that corporate travelers get include: personalized welcome messages ad information for connections etc., one-on-one consultations with corporate travel managers and organized reporting metrics for companies that provide reports on specified routes for customers.

Sponsored by Visit Temecula Valley

Meet in Temecula Valley, Southern California

From inspiring venues to diverse activities, experience a hidden gem, Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country, for your next meeting. Selected as one of Wine Enthusiast’s Top 10 Best Wine Travel Destination, Temecula Valley is where meetings rise above.

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Rise Above the Vines

Take you meeting to new heights – literally in a hot air balloon. Float above the vines in Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country for an exhilarating, early morning experience. A balloon flight creates the perfect beginning to any meeting!

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Ride in Style

Tour Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country with Grapeline’s brand new Mercedes Panoramic touring van. The Panoramic is the world’s first hardtop convertible touring van accommodating up to 19 passengers featuring a retractable, full-glass sides and roof, allowing for unrestricted 180-degree views.

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Wine Blending Classes

Be a winemaker for the day! Grab a lab coat and blend separate red wines using cylinders and pipettes. Each participate will be able to bring home a bottle of their own wine. Shuttle service available at local hotels including Embassy Suites by Hilton Temecula Valley Wine Country.

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Behind the Scenes Wine Tours

Explore Temecula Valley vineyards with a guided tour at many local wineries in Southern California. Experience award-winning wines, culinary delights, event space and even stay among the vines at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa.

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Wellness Refresh

A yoga session is the ideal way to break the ice and rejuvenate before a meeting. Attend a team building yoga class at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa where you will work on key teamwork elements. Book a class at Spa Pechanga and experience the luxury of wellness and meditation.

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Tee-up in Southern California

Temecula offers five golf courses with a combined 99-holes to enjoy before your meeting. Head to Temecula Creek Inn’s 27-Hole course, surrounded by over 300 acres of natural beauty. Journey at Pechanga is consistently ranked among the nation’s best courses by Golf Week magazine.

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Craft Distillery Experience

At Galway Spirits, you and your team will discover how to make your own spirits and take home your own craft bottle. Discover the art of small-scale distillery production, enjoy a lunch, a custom Galway T-shirt, and a comprehensive Galway Spirits tasting opportunity.

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Harvest Adventure

Celebrate our harvest season with some adventure! You’ll be a-“mazed” with the 11-acre Big Horse Corn Maze, the largest corn maze in Southern California. Enjoy additional activities for your group such as hay-rides, a corn cannon, pumpkin patch, and food vendors.

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When you think California wine country meeting what comes to mind? Napa Valley? Sonoma? Maybe it is time to set the GPS for something a little farther south: Temecula, San Diego and Santa Barbara come to mind. Nancy Light, vice president of communications for The Wine Institute, California’s wine industry advocacy group, has some suggestions. She reminded us that the natural beauty of SoCal, the vineyards surrounding the wineries and the casual, yet elevated, atmosphere of wineries makes them perfect hospitality venues.

Smart Meetings rounded up 10 of the best wineries for meetings in Southern California so you can wow your attendees with wine and the perfect venue at your next event.

Temecula

South Coast Winery Resort and Spa

Temecula Valley’s only full-service winery-resort is the perfect location for an all-inclusive event. With on-site accommodations nestled among the vineyards, restaurant, spa, gym and yoga classes, guests have everything they need at their fingertips; and with 40,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor-outdoor meeting space and experienced staff, the meeting planner does, too.

Monte de Oro Winery

Monte de Oro winery strives to combine personal passion for wine and a business that will help raise Temecula’s profile in the world of wine. The venue features two banquet rooms with private covered patios and fireplaces, and a barrel cellar room that provides the ideal location for a corporate dinner or meeting. All of this is set in a beautiful Spanish-style winery where old world charm meets new world sophistication.

Oak Mountain

Home to Temecula’s first subterranean wine caves and located on the ridge of a mountain 1,450 ft. above Temecula Valley, Oak Mountain winery has several unique perks to offer. Guests can hold events in their 10,000-square-foot wine cave and dine surrounded by barrels of aging wine or in their climate-controlled pavilion with beautiful views of vineyards and valleys. Located on the beautiful De Portola Wine Trail in the heart of Temecula Valley, this boutique winery will take your breath away.

Thornton Winery

With more than 31 years of experience in hosting musical events and Friday Night Concerts on the patio, Thornton Winery offers a fun and lively atmosphere found among the vines. Thornton boasts several indoor and outdoor event spaces that can accommodate up to 400 people and event staff are happy to help with creative themes, unique menus and ensure every detail of your event is perfect!

San Diego

Bernardo Winery

Founded in 1889, Bernardo Winery is the oldest continuously operating family-owned winery in Southern California. Its age isn’t the only thing that makes Bernardo Winery unique, however. The village of shops, a salon, a cafe and coffee roaster, artisan studios, a yoga studio and a theatre create a unique community within the vineyards. Meeting spaces can hold up to 300 people and between exploring the shops and winery and opportunities to blend your own wine and create your own label, attendees are sure to leave Bernardo Winery with special memories and memorabilia.

San Diego Wine and Culinary Event Center

If you can’t quite make it out to wine country, you can still hold a winery themed event with hands on activities for attendees surrounding wine and food. Although not technically a winery, San Diego Wine and Culinary Event Center specializes in local and craft cuisine and wine. Dine in their wine cellar and you will forget that you are downtown, steps away from San Diego Convention Center and convention hotels in the historic Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego.

Santa Barbara

Carr Vineyards and Winery

With two locations, one in downtown Santa Barbara and another in downtown Santa Ynez, guests can witness a working winery from aging to waxing and shipping bottles. The convenience of the downtown location of the Santa Barbara winery is ideal for events hosted in the city. Ryan Carr supervises the growing of the grapes within Santa Barbara County to ensure all of his products are to his exact specifications.

Gainey Vineyard

This Spanish-style, family-owned and run vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley began as a small project to make wine for the family. The grapes did so well and the wine was so good that the Gainey family decided to make a business of it, but have kept the wholesome family charm that the winery was built on. An old barn in the middle of their vineyards is a rustic and beautiful venue for any kind of event and the property offers several corporate retreat packages from blind wine tasting to a hike and picnic in the vineyards or a jeep tour and barrel tasting.

Orange County

Giracci Vineyards and Farms

Previously in disrepair, Giracci Farms and Vineyards was rescued by Chad and Linda Kearns in 2005 and turned into the rustic, elegant and charming winery it is today. Located just minutes from Executive Parks in Irvine, Lake Forest, Newport Beach and Anaheim, this winery is the perfect venue for meetings, conventions or team-building events (who doesn’t like bonding over wine?) The paddock of horses out back ridden by top-level riders and community groups alike speaks to the inclusive and welcoming nature of Giracci.

Photo Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

If you’re looking for a new over-the-top extracurricular activity to take your group to–look no further. Universal Parks and Resorts announced today that the company is building a new major theme park, Epic Universe, in Universal Orlando Resort. This will bring the total number of offerings at the destination to three major theme parks and one waterpark, along with 8 hotels, restaurants and shops—many of which can be used for group activities.

Epic Universe will be located a few miles away from the existing Universal Orlando Resort on a larger 750-acre plot and Universal will provide transportation links between all the properties, according to a news release.

Epic Universe “represents the single-largest investment Comcast NBCUniversal has made in its theme park business and in Florida overall,” Brian Roberts, chairman and CEO of Comcast said in a statement.

Map of Universal Orlando Resort — Photo Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

Details are still emerging about when the park is set to open, how large it will be and what rides or intellectual property it will feature. Industry watchers are expecting Epic Universe to include attractions that have been successful in other Universal Parks, such as: DreamWorks films-inspired rides, Harry Potter world and Nintendo-themed areas and rides.

More: 3 Steps to Planning Your Program at Universal Orlando Resort

The press release said only that the new park will, “take guests on a journey where beloved stories expand into vibrant lands.”

The announcement of Epic Universe has been hinted at for quite some time. Just this week, Universal tweeted that “something epic was coming.” And in 2018, the names “Fantastic Worlds” and “Universal’s Epic Universe” were filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; both names had descriptions that included “theme park services.”

Computer design of Universal's Epic Universe — Photo Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

Stephen Burke, NBCUniversal chief executive confirmed during an earnings call in 2018 that the company was looking to turn Universal Orlando Resort “from a two-to-three-day destination to potentially a week-long destination” by adding another park.

Universal has already started ramping up their hotel offerings in partnership with Loews Hotels. 9,000 hotel rooms will be available at the Universal Orlando Resort by the end of this year. In June, Universal Orlando opened its seventh property, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort–Surfside Inn and Suites which features 2,800 new guest rooms; it’s sister property, Dockside Inn and Suites, will be opening in March 2020.

According to an annual report put out by the Themed Entertainment Association, Universal Parks and Resort is ranked third among the top 10 theme park groups worldwide with Walt Disney Attractions leading the pack in first. Universal Parks and Resorts saw a 1.2 percent increase in attendance in 2018 compared to 2017 while Walt Disney Attractions saw a 4.9 percent increase.

More: New & Renovated: Flourishing in Florida

Combined with the August opening of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World Resort, the greater Orlando area could be an even more popular destination for families and conferences. An economic impact study for Universal conducted by Sean Snaith, economic professor at UCF found that Universal Orlando Resort’s total economic benefit to the Florida economy since Universal Studios opened in 1990 is $73 billion; construction from the new park alone will contribute $11.5 billion in both indirect and direct economic benefit to Florida’s economy.

Want to know what to expect for your 2020 travelling experience? CWT’s Global Travel Forecast is out to help set expectations of what’s to come. From blurring hotel lines to the rising cost of flights and a ‘people first’ ethos, the coming year has a lot in store for us. While the future is never certain, current political and social issues have made predictions for travel trends even more volatile. However, based on data and analysis from Rockport Analytics and CWT Solutions Group and in collaboration with Global Business Travel Association, CWT has begun to make predictions about upcoming changes in the world of corporate travel. Here is what you should prepare for in the year ahead.

An Uncertain Future

The turbulent political scene that has dominated recent years, namely U.S.-China trade wars and Brexit, as well as one of the biggest global action problems of all time, climate change, make the future particularly uncertain. This uncertainty is predicted to weaken global expansion and lead to a slower growth trajectory, according to the report. Uncertainty is measured in the report by the Global Uncertainty Index, a barometer of unpredictability in 20 countries, based on the frequency that news outlets cite “uncertain” or “uncertainty” in relation to economic policy. The current trade-wars are particularly relevant as the report claims there is a “solid link between business travel and trade.” Therefore, negative trade impacts will extend to the travel industry.

In the United States, GDP growth is set to slow to 2.1 percent in 2019 (down from 3 percent in 2018) and decease further to 2 percent and 1.8 percent in 2020 and 2021, respectively. An economic slowdown could affect businesses and travel programs so CWT suggests you plan ahead to ride out any downturns in revenue next year. _{(Credit: CWT Global Travel Forecast)}

People First!

There has been, according to the report, a shift toward “putting traveler experiences and the employee at the core of the travel program and away from outdated policies and tools that focus on compliance.” It seems that many companies are practicing a people-first policy to inspire loyalty and hard work in employees and customers. Additionally, increasing amounts of data on travel preferences are available as travelers can easily, and are willing to, share their opinions through apps and travel industry staff; allowing the creation of an experience tailored to travelers needs and preferences.

Sleep

Blurred lines in the hotel industry are set to continue in 2020. CWT reported that with the rise of untraditional accommodation options (think AirBnB) and the millennial workforce, “traditional demarcations of accommodation will continue to blur.” With AirBnB for Work expanding to Asia, Marriott’s new home rentals, and the millennial preference for boutique hotels, the traditional cookie-cutter luxury chain brands are facing new challenges. Another new trend to watch out for in accommodations is the addition of extra fees. For example, many hotels are implementing stricter cancellation policies that refuse refunds if cancelled less than 72 hours in advance, as opposed to the standard 24 hours. This is to make up revenue lost due to inflation and slow increase in room rates.

Additionally, as hotels continue to be built, demand is set to match supply soon, which will lead to a slower increase in average daily rates and help inflated rates return to normal (yay!).

Drive

Rental car rates are set to rise by 1 percent globally next year. That is in addition to the continued use of Uber and Lyft by business travelers in urban areas. While ride-sharing apps might appear to be competition for car rental companies, they are in fact working together to help both sectors thrive as rental companies hire Uber or Lyft drivers to shuttle customers between rental lots and airports. This speaks to a collaboration that is expected to spread as Transportation Network Companies (like Uber and Lyft) recognize the importance of partnerships.

Fly

Air prices are expected to rise by 2.3 percent in North America in 2020, this growth represents the underlying strong economies in the U.S. and Canada. This rise is also to make up costs that airlines are expected to pay as unions continue to negotiate with carriers for pilots and maintenance contracts, many of which are up for renewal in 2020.

_{(credit: CWT’s Global Travel Forecast)}

In Canada, one airline is trying to recover costs after a private equity firm, Onex, paid premium prices for Westjet in a $5 billion deal this year. Onex doubled the share price of what the market was asking, which was, according to the report, a first in the industry. What does this mean for you in 2020? Tickets to Canada could be higher next year, as much as 3.2 percent higher.

Technology

Cities where demand has historically hugely out-stripped supply, such as tech-focused San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle and Vancouver, have absurdly high hotel room rates. A slowing of the tech industry, as well as trends for business travelers to stay farther afield from city centers, should bring prices down and open more room for negotiation with hotels and businesses.

Technology will continue to increase speed and efficiency for the business traveler. Everything from trip disruption technology, biometrics at borders and automated check in (and out) will continue to make the business travel experience more seamless and efficient than ever.

Last week, Hilton became the second global hospitality brand sued for “deceptive” resort fees. On July 23, Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson filed a lawsuit against the McLean, Virginia-based company “for hiding the true price of hotel rooms from consumers and charging hidden resort fees to increase profits.”

The attorney general alleged that Hilton’s deceptive and misleading pricing practices and failure to disclose fees harmed consumers and violated Nebraska’s consumer protection laws. The attorney general’s lawsuit seeks to force Hilton to advertise the true prices of its hotel rooms up front, provide monetary relief to harmed Nebraska consumers and pay civil penalties. The amount of penalties sought was not specified.

A spokesperson for Hilton said, “Resort fees are charged at less than 2 percent of our properties globally, enable additional value for our guests and are always fully disclosed when booking through Hilton channels. We have just received the related legal documents and will take the opportunity to review them before providing additional comment.”

Earlier in the month, District of Columbia Attorney General Karl A. Racine charged Marriott International with misrepresenting facts connected to resort fees. The harm was based on the difficulty of comparing actual prices using online booking sites.

“To lure consumers, some hotels advertise daily room rates that are lower than the true total price consumers will have to pay for a room. Then, when consumers book the room, the hotels add mandatory fees, often called resort fees, amenity fees or destination fees on top of advertised rates,” the suit alleged.

“By charging these fees, hotels can increase profits without appearing to raise prices,” Racine said. Over the past decade, Marriott has increased its use of resort fees and reaped hundreds of millions of dollars in additional profits.”

Marriott representative Brendan McManus said, “We don’t comment on pending litigation, but we look forward to continuing our discussions with other state AGs.”

Resort fees have become one of the items planners try to negotiate to make room blocks more attractive. Tyra Warner Hilliard, Esq., CMP, an attorney and assistant professor at College of Coastal Georgia, advises planners to include language in their contract to this effect: “Neither the group nor its attendees will be responsible for any fees or surcharges not enumerated in this contract or agreed upon in writing at check-in.” If these lawsuits are successful, that may no longer be necessary.

Book your next event in Arlington, Texas, and experience the best of both worlds – a city geared for successful events that’s also famous for fun.

Arlington’s iconic venues and central U.S. location (no more than two time zones away from everywhere in the continental United States, and about 10 minutes from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport) make it a premier destination for events of all sizes.

Whether you’re planning a small meeting or a major convention, Arlington has the facilities and services to make it a success. Not to mention, your attendees will appreciate the ease and convenience afforded by the small footprint of Arlington’s convention and entertainment district.

Speaking of entertainment, attendees will have a lot of options when deciding how they want to fill their downtime. In addition to the things we’re famous for, like the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers and Six Flags Over Texas, when you look closer you find that Arlington is a world of wonderful. We’re home to a renowned international dining scene, a thriving arts community and great nightlife. While most people come to Arlington for big thrills, it’s often the hidden gems that keep them coming back.

But for meeting planners, the best part of the Arlington experience might be the Sales & Services Team – an experienced team of friendly professionals that’s with you every step of the way. From site tours to transportation coordination, event entertainment and more, this team understands what it takes to coordinate the logistics and takes pride in exceeding expectations.

Be on the lookout for Texas Live! anchored by Live! by Loews. Texas Live! is part of a $4 billion vision for the Arlington Entertainment District that includes the new $1 billion Texas Rangers ballpark. Perfectly situated between the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Park and the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium, Texas Live! anchors a resort-style destination for sports fans, visitors, and families, and will serve as a spectacular location for meetings, special events and conventions. Texas Live! is open now with Live! by Loews hotel opening in August 2019.

This is a sad week in the country and the events industry. Last weekend, a total of seven active shooter incidents left a trail of death and destruction from California to Washington, D.C. Some of these attacks occurred at events. A gunman at Gilroy Garlic Festival in Northern California opened fire and killed three people—a six-year-old boy, a 13-year-old girl and a 20-year-old man. More than 15 were injured. Police said the shooter bypassed metal detectors and security personnel by cutting through a fence.

Marin Bright, Smart Meetings Founder and CEO

The reality is that our events have become targets. While we need to continue to take every precaution and learn from each incident, we may have to come to terms with the fact that until we change the culture, security guards may not be enough. Anything can happen anywhere and we, unfortunately, have to be prepared to deal with it.

During difficult times like this, it is important to talk to each other about what we are doing, feeling and hearing. We excel at sharing best practices, thinking fast and being there to support each other. I am putting my hope in the strength of our event professional community and the resiliency that has served us so well in the face of tragedy. As the people responsible for the safety of our attendees and as citizens of the world, we have to do everything in our power to protect 6-year-olds—and everyone who trusts us to create a safe place to come together.