Smart Meetings | Page 381 of 603 | Corporate Event Planning: Business Events, Meetings, Conferences

How do you know if you are aligning yourself with the right vendors? We asked a panelist from a discussion at Cvent Connect 2019 in Las Vegas to share takeaways from the event for those who couldn’t attend or were busy in the Innovation Pavilion at the time.

Dana Freker Doody, vice president of communications and public relations at The Expo Group, is an expert at the strategy and logistics of creating experiences, and had the following advice for groups looking to up their game.

Talk the Walk

“People are struggling with learning the new vocabulary,” Freker Doody said. Many aren’t quite sure what designing an experience really is and what it means for their group. Or, they think their group is too conservative and will never go for something different than the way it has always been done.

“Pushing an event to the next level can be as much of a baby step or a big leap as you want it to be,” she assured the audience. “It is all about being able to step in the role of imagining how it could be different and better, and finding the right partners to get you there.”

Critical Steps

“You have to ask potential partners questions about the values of the company so they can be sure that they speak and act the way you do,” Freker Doody said. “Get to know them and see if you like them.”

Destinations International — Abby Wambach

This advice was very fitting for an event that invited outspoken retired soccer player Abby Wambach to reflect on what we believe as people and companies and why. She challenged audience members to verbalize their unspoken biases and look at them objectively.

More: Four Goals for Scoring Big-Time from Soccer Superstar Abby Wambach

Freker Doody also advises event professionals to be open about what they don’t understand. “Don’t be afraid to admit if you don’t know what something means—whether that is projection mapping or LED options,” she said, adding that they should ask vendors to define the technology in terms of the specific project and outline the benefits. “Vendors will write their own KPIs if you let them,” she said.

The End of the Rainbow

Why is it so important to have the right partner? Trust speeds the pace of business and makes working through friction easier. “Because of attribution error, the attendee doesn’t understand it is the vendor who messed up, so the planner takes the blame if the vendor falls down,” Freker Doody said.

“Interacting with technology and humans should be seamless,” she said. It feels disjointed if the registration, banquet and presentation experience are uneven. Everyone on the team needs to be aligned for the attendee to have a cohesive journey.

Cvent demonstrated that overlap between technology and people by focusing on ways to help customers understand the technology available today and where the company is going in the future, through augmented reality and virtual reality demonstrations. “They showed where they are taking the business in the future, and it was very interesting,” this partner-panelist concluded.

AJ Bownas

CSI DMS promoted Bownas to general manager of CSI Washington D.C. The England native recently served as director of event management for CSI DMC headquarters. His dream to become a professional soccer coach transitioned to the events industry after he moved to the United States. When Bownas began, he planned government meetings for eight years and then spent another three producing fundraising galas and international trade missions.

Sarah Peterson

Eric Manning

Manning returned to InterContinental Hotels Group as director of sales and marketing for InterContinental San Diego. Most recently, he was the director of sales and marketing for Omni Hotels & Resorts in San Diego. Manning’s career began in 2003, when he served as sales manager for Evans Hotels, and later at Kimpton Solamar in San Diego.

Steven Szenasi

Szenasi is now general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain in Marana, Arizona, just north of Tucson. He began at The Ritz Dove Mountain in 2016 as director of operations. Prior to Arizona, Szenasi served as director of meetings and special events, and later, director of sales and catering, for The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in California. Under his operational leadership, the property was named one of the eight most luxurious hotel and spa offerings in the world by Forbes Travel Guide in 2018.

Drew Squeglia

Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) named Squeglia director of global sales for the Mid-Atlantic region; he’ll be based out of Washington D.C. Before joining ALHI, he was national sales manager for Pebble Beach Company in California and account director for Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ global sales office.

Michel Gabbud

Gabbud has been promoted to general manager of Charmant Hotel in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, where he served as director of food and beverage for two years. He previously worked at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, where he worked as restaurant director for Sixteen, a two-star Michelin restaurant. Gabbud also held leadership positions at Park Hyatt Beijing, Sofitel Chicago, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago and Centerplate, a food and beverage corporation.

Jessica Tankersley

Tankersley was named event services manager for Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center in Branson, Missouri. Prior to this, she served as marketing and sales representative at OMG! Marketing in Branson. She’s interned at several companies, including Divine Events, LLC; Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce in Missouri; and the marketing department at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, which is also where she graduated with a degree in organizational and strategic communication.

Audrey Hardy-Lenhart, CSEP

The Elizabeth Hotel in Fort Collins, Colorado, named Lenhart director of sales and marketing. She was recently the director of sales and marketing for River Terrace Inn, A Noble House Hotel and Resort, in Napa, California. Lenhart is a member of International Special Events Society, International Live Events Association and Meeting Planner International.

Since storming Area 51—the Air Force training station in the Nevada desert where extraterrestrial evidence is said to be housed—is illegal and dangerous (regardless of whether the 1.6 million people who have jokingly endorsed the Facebook page can “Naruto run” faster than the bullets), Smart Meetings asked our expert readers for fun ways to incorporate alien spirit in your next event.

Space- and Alien-Themed Hotels:

Wanderlust: Just minutes from the Central Business District in Singapore, Wanderlust features an array of themed rooms, one theme being “Space.” These rooms contain a floor-to-ceiling rocket (in both red and blue) and a few alien friends to keep you company! From minibars to Wi-Fi and HD televisions, these loft-style rooms have all the amenities you’ll need for an epic space vacation.
Fantasyland Hotel: Travel back in time or into the future in one of Fantasyland Hotel’s many themed rooms. In Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, the hotel’s “Space theme room” features a queen bed and two capsule bunk beds, as well as rotating images of space around the room! This room will really make you feel like you’re on an intergalactic space mission.
Galaxy Pod Hostel: House your group in futuristic space pods in the heart of Reykjavik, Iceland. The Galaxy Pod Hostel boasts private queen-sized bed pods that really make you feel like you’re on a spacecraft, exploring the galaxy! Each pod comes equipped with a Smart TV, lockers and a safe, electrical plugs, a mirror, shelf, lighting and two fans!
Sunset Inn & Suites: Take a trip into space at the Sunset Inn & Suites in Clinton, Illinois. The hotel offers a “Space Odyssey” suite, fully stocked with everything you’ll need for an outer space adventure. From a flying saucer shaped bed to an in-room hot tub, this room has it all!

Alien-Themed Restaurants:

Scum and Villainy Cantina: What started as a pop-up has turned into an intergalactic bar in Hollywood, California. Scum and Villainy Cantina brings all your favorite sci-fi and fantasy movies together to create an immersive experience that makes you feel like you’re in “a galaxy far, far, away!” Your group is bound to love the space themed menu, with items like the Twin Sun Tacos, Carbonite Queso and Cosmic Queen cocktail.
Space Aliens Grill and Bar: Wings from Planet X, Space Dust Pickle Spears and Alien Burgers are just a few of the out-of-this-world items on the menu at Space Alien’s Grill and Bar. With three locations, this could be the perfect restaurant to take your space-loving group to!
Le Dernier Bar avant la Fin du Monde (Bar at the End of the Universe): Located in Paris, France–Le Dernier Bar avant la Fin du Monde pays tribute to many sci-fi and space-themed pop culture icons with their decor and menu! From C3PO cocktails to Dark Side Cookies, there’s something for everyone in your group to fuel up on.

Area 51 and Alien Attractions:

Utah UFO Festival: This annual festival just celebrated its fourth year in Cedar City, Utah. Every year the Utah UFO Festival brings researchers, believers and those who are curious together to camp out, discuss research, share stories and more for a weekend! Vendors, movies and live music are just a few of the other activities this festival has to offer.
Area 51 Day Tour: Leaving from Las Vegas, take your group on a guided day tour to discover the mystery of Area 51. Learn about the top-secret Janet Airlines, see the mutant Joshua Tree Forest and even stop for lunch at the Little A’Le’Inn! This full-day excursion is sure to keep your group entertained.
International UFO Museum & Research Center: Looking for the leading information source in history, science and research about UFO events around the world? Look no further. The International UFO Museum & Research Center is located in Roswell, New Mexico and offers a multimedia extraterrestrial experience. Watch videos, explore the library and take some photos–there’s something for everyone in the group!

Expose your attendees to new cultures at these rising stars of international meeting destinations. Macao, Israel and Iceland are all burgeoning cities with a lot to offer planners. Whether they are looking to plan an international meeting, incentive trip or corporate retreat, these destinations share a luxury and convenience that elevate any meeting agenda.

Macao, China

Asia can seem like a world away to western planners. Macao is an approachable entry to designing far-east meetings. Sands Resort, Macao is a bustling resort city located in the heart of the destination on the south coast of China. It is home to seven luxury hotels and everything an attendee could need is concentrated there. Familiar brands such as The Parisian Macao and The Venetian Macao guarantee a high standard of luxury and make the city an easy place to travel to while preserving the rich culture. Macao was a Portuguese colony for hundreds of years, creating a unique area in which European and Asian cultures have mixed. This is evident in UNESCO world heritage sites that range from the Ruins of St. Paul (a church) to the Na Tcha Temple and a unique fusion cuisine called Macanese–a blend of Portuguese and Chinese flavors. This multi-cultural backdrop is also heard in the streets as locals speak everything from Cantonese to Portuguese and English.

Israel

The Schumacher Hotel and The Daniel Hotel Herzliya are two examples of the boom in tourism that has hit Israel recently. Both hotels have undergone extensive renovations to accommodate the increasing number of tourists flooding the country. The Schumacher Hotel in Haifa renovated it’s 40 rooms and suites, but kept the iconic character of the landmark. If you are heading to Tel Aviv, the Daniel Hotel Herzliya is a contemporary business-focused hotel with 200 rooms and a conference center, among other amenities. Tel Aviv is also expecting some new additions as WOM Allenby is opening a new brand of pod-hotels by Brown Hotels, designed for the busy traveler. A more traditional hotel is also on the drawing board as a historic building in Tel Aviv is transforming into The Kabala Center, a luxury property that will boast 90 guest rooms and a rooftop swimming pool. From rooftop bars to beach drum circles, Israel has countless new experiences for your attendees that will make them remember your event for years to come.

Iceland

By now we have all seen the photos of awe-inspiring glaciers, steaming hot springs and northern lights dancing across the sky that have come to characterize Iceland. Dubbed as the ideal place to ‘meet in the middle’ of Europe and America, Reykjavik is becoming more and more available to meeting planners. The Harpa Concert Hall has a large auditorium that holds concerts and events as well as a number of smaller meeting and board rooms. Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton is a five-minute walk from the Harpa Concert Hall and is in a vibrant yet charming building. Upcoming additions that speak to the growing nature of Iceland’s tourism include Reykjavik Edition by Marriott which will offer 250 rooms as well as event spaces and should be open in 2020. The real draw of Iceland lies outside Reykjavik in the stunning landscape that surrounds the city. Day trips are common and easy ways to explore the nature that Iceland has to offer.

When the new $2.4 billion Harvey Milk Terminal 1 opens on Tuesday, event professionals will have their first taste of the modern, locally sourced experience that awaits as the rest of the renovation and expansion project unfolds over the next four years.

Smart Meetings got a sneak peek at an industry celebration on Thursday and found lots of reasons to love traveling again.

More Gates: The addition makes way for nine new gates that will house Southwest Airlines and JetBlue planes from the adjacent “interim” terminal. That space will be completely removed and rebuilt to make room for American, Frontier, Hawaiian, Sun Country and more JetBlue flights.

Local Nosh Opportunities: From Amy’s Drive Through—a healthy, non-GMO, organic ingredient-focused company based in the North Bay—to The Little Chihuahua, a street taco culinary experience with three locations in San Francisco, the culinary options go beyond the predictable chains that populate most terminals. The local flavor elevated the airport dining experience and primes visitors for the dining adventures that await in the city.

Historic Statements: The expansion is named after LGBTQ leader and assassinated San Francisco supervisor Harvey Milk. A commemorative wall tells the story of his historic political race, the struggle for gay rights activism in the 1970s and his tragic end. It is punctuated by his visionary words: “I have high hopes for the future of our cities. I have high hopes for the future of San Francisco. Granted its present problems, I have high hopes that the city of the future—our city of the future—will be one that will enrich the lives of all the people who live in it.”

A Relaxed Vibe: The winding space feels more like a lounge than a terminal, with 34 different types of seating, including sofas, leather chairs and modern barrel chairs—plus lots of places to plug in electronics. The new American Airlines Admirals Club and a pay-per-use lounge offer places to escape in style during those inevitable layovers.

Luxury Hotel Adjacent: A new Grand Hyatt SFO with a climate-controlled AirTrain station is now taking reservations beginning Oct. 1 for 351 soundproof guest rooms, many with views of the terminal action. It will boast almost 13,000 sq. ft. of meeting space—including a 6,000-square-foot ballroom—and Quail & Crane, offering a more civilized approach to an airport meal.

Well more than one-half of meeting professionals and other business travelers who use mobile devices to arrange flights book them one day to one week prior to departure, according to research conducted by a leading business-to-business-for-employees management platform.

Some 62 percent of mobile bookings—compared with 28 percent of computer bookings—are made within the week prior to departure, according to CWT, which has been at the forefront of studying flight booking patterns. This recent survey included 594 business travelers who work at large companies with a travel policy and specific booking tools. Respondents were from Australia, Canada, France, the United Kingdom and the United States, and had to have traveled for business at least once in the previous 12 months.

The survey also found that mobile bookings are made in higher-priced categories than computer bookings. Those made on a smartphone are 15.8 percent more likely to be business class, 15 percent more likely to be premium economy and 8.4 percent more likely to be first class.

Also, travelers who make more than five trips per year are 13 percent more likely to book on a cellphone, and those who are revisiting a location are 11 percent more likely to do so.

“The findings are clear: The more you travel, the more you use your smartphone, and that includes booking your flights directly through an app,” said Amit Wurgaft, CWT’s digital chief experience officer. “Booking on your mobile device requires a level of confidence, born from experience. This is why travelers are more likely to book on mobile when they have visited the destination in the past.”

CWT’s survey also found that:

Some 73.5 percent of travelers book their flights at the office, regardless of the channel.
Travelers are 12 percent more likely to book on a mobile device it they arrange their flights at home.
Eighty percent of self-serviced business trips are booked on a desktop computer, compared with 15 percent on a cellphone and 5 percent on a tablet.

Updated 7/18/19

Waterparks are known to cool you off on a summer day, but what about a waterpark hotel? Below are eight waterpark hotels that are sure to help you beat the heat:

El Conquistador Resort – Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is Coqio Water Park at El Conquistador Resort. With three high-speed slides at the top of the 60-foot Torre de Yocahu Tower and the 40-foot El Gigante Dormido drop, it’s hard not to get your adrenaline pumping. From high-speed slides ones with twists and turns, there’s something for everyone. If relaxing is more your speed, take a dip in the 9,000 sq.ft. infinity pool or soak up the rays in a hammock or cabana.

Lost World Waterpark at Wilderness Resort — Photo credit: Wilderness Resort

Wilderness Resort – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Penned as America’s largest waterpark resort, Wilderness Resort features eight waterparks. The four indoor waterparks include: Klondike Kavern, Wild Waterdome, Wild West and Cubby’s Cove. If you want to soak up the sun, they have their four outdoor waterparks: New Frontier, Lake Wilderness, Lost World and Cubby’s Outdoor Waterpark. There are lazy rivers, hot springs, thrilling slides, wave pools, bumper boats and more. Don’t worry parents, there’s even a swim-up bar and cabanas for rent.

Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance Waterpark — Photo credit: Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance

Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance – Anaheim, California

Located right across the street from Disneyland Park, the Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park entrance offers more than just easy access. The hotel is home to Surfside Waterpark and is sure to please the entire family. Surfside Waterpark features six slides, a 400-gallon drench bucket, pool and hot tub. The waterpark also offers stunning views of Disneyland Park’s Monorail, Space Mountain, Matterhorn and firework display.

Private Ocean Retreat in Maldives — Photo credit: Jumeirah Vittaveli

Jumeirah Vittaveli – Maldives

From Infinity Pool Ocean Villas and Private Ocean Retreats with slides to overwater hammocks, Jumeirah Vittaveli in the Maldives has it all. Who wouldn’t like to slide right into the crystal-clear water straight from their deck? Each villa has its own private swimming pool, in addition to the adult and family pools.

Aulani Disney Resort & Spa Menehune Bridge — Photo credit: Aulani Disney Resort & Spa

Aulani Disney Resort & Spa – Kapolei, Hawaii

Swim with fish, take a tubing adventure through rapids or the lazy river, take a splash in the infinity pool or slip down some waterslides at Aulani Disney Resort & Spa in Kapolei, Hawaii. The resort has many options to choose from if you’re looking to cool off. Parties at the Waikolohe Pool, squirting jets at the Keiki Cove Splash Zone, two slides at the Menehune Bridge, tubing through Waikolohe Stream, whirlpool spas, and the adults-only Wailana Pool are just some of the activities awaiting.

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa pool — Photo credit: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa – Bonita Springs, Florida

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa is home to the largest pool area south of Orlando! This three-acre waterpark has five slides, four pools, a lazy river, a hot tub and a waterfall, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Featuring three thrilling waterslides and a lazy river, the waterpark is great for those who seek adventure or relaxation. Don’t forget about the lagoon-style pool; there’s a slide for the little ones and a 140-foot corkscrew slide for the adults!

River Bluff Experience at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa — Photo credit: JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa – San Antonio, Texas

From the lazy river to the slide to the whirlpool and beyond, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is the ultimate waterpark experience. The hotel offers the nine-acre waterpark, River Bluff Water Experience. The waterpark includes a 650-foot rapid river with slides and 1,100-foot lazy river; perfect for thrill seekers and relaxers alike. Need fun for the whole family? The hotel also has a children’s waterpark with fountains and a variety of hands-on activities.

Jewel Lagoon Water Park at Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort — Photo credit: Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort

Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort – Runaway Bay, Jamaica

Looking for an island getaway? Look no further, Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort has what you’re looking for. Included with your stay is the Jewel Lagoon Water Park featuring a family raft ride, two splash-down pools, a lazy river with rock grottos and waterfalls, splash zones, multi-level slides, a speed slide and more! There’s even a zero-entry beach lagoon with geysers! Best of all, its all-inclusive!

Photo credit: Hyatt Regency Hill County Resort & Spa

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa – San Antonio, Texas

Recognized as one of the “Best Pool Hotels” in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa boasts a five-acre waterpark! Featuring a 950-foot Ramblin’ River, FlowRider wave simulation machine, a two-story water slide and multiple pools, it’s easy to see why the resort was ranked third by the magazine. Molded after the Guadalupe River, the resorts’ Ramblin’ River is the perfect place to float and relax.

According to Incentive Research Foundation’s 2019 Wellness in Meetings and Incentive Travel Study, 64 percent of planners consider meetings and events as only “somewhat healthy,” while less than 10 percent say meetings are “very healthy.”

Most respondents report that while they and their companies agree on the importance of wellness in the industry, they disagree when it comes to implementation. And although planners were vocal about budgets being an issue, 39 percent agreed that increasing the budget will only make meetings somewhat healthier. Here are some of the most effective wellness practices for meetings, according to respondents.

1. Encourage Exercise

Free access to fitness facilities is becoming a standard practice, according to 41 percent of planners surveyed. Others suggest “gamifying” fitness with competitions; setting up group exercise sessions (pre-event yoga classes or group hikes on off days), providing breaks to encourage movement or having walking meetings or “trails” set up throughout the venue.

2. Incorporate Meditation into Breakout Sessions

Travel, long days and new environments can disrupt attendees’ ability to focus. Some respondents suggest providing wellness rooms or quiet spaces as well as mindfulness or meditation times during breakouts to help attendees relax and stay focused.

3. Make Time for Sleep

Late nights and long days leading up and during meetings can leave attendees (and planners) drained and often sleep-deprived. Try skipping early breakfast meetings, make keynote speeches later in the morning or afternoon, and make time for naps or rest periods in between sessions.

4. Pay Attention to Food and Beverage

According to the IRF study, providing healthy food and beverages is one of the most impactful ways to encourage wellness during meetings. To that end, planners can ensure flavored “spa water” is readily available, aim for locally sourced and organic ingredients, and provide plenty of healthy snacks to encourage healthier choices.

More: Brain Health Isn’t Just in Your Head

New study reveals why attendees choose to book inside the room block—or not

It’s no secret that the subject of room blocks is often a sore one for meeting planners and attendees alike. Planners, hotels and CVBs often vie against the likes of Airbnb, the internet and each other to fill room blocks, and it’s an ever-increasing frustration. But why?

That’s what researchers at PCMA aimed to understand through a new study, Room Block of the Future. The study, intended to be an ongoing effort, looked closely at attendees’ booking decision-making behavior to understand why they made the decisions they did. The results reflect changes in the industry that will inform how planners organize room bookings in the future.

More: Is This the End of Hotel Room Blocks?

Cost

The study shows that cost is a major contributing factor to attendees’ choice to book outside the room block, due to a widespread misperception that blocked hotel rooms are more expensive. In reality, however, rooms within blocks are less expensive in 66 percent of cases.

What to do now: Inform and incentivize. Some 31.5 percent of respondents were not aware of special room rates for attendees who book within the room block, so researchers advise planners to educate attendees about special rates. Respondents also indicated they could be swayed with incentives, so provide special hotel or conference-related offers and registration fee discounts, for example.

Loyalty

Many attendees—especially those who book at the same hotel but outside the room block—aren’t after money as much as loyalty points for their preferred hotels, according to the report.

What to do now: Allow attendees to provide their loyalty number when booking the event, and work with the hotel to ensure it is on the attendee’s guest check-in record when they arrive.

Room Choice

When respondents were asked to name their greatest frustration affecting their booking behaviors, most complained of lack of room type and location within the hotel.

What to do now: Accommodate. Two-thirds of attendees consult with colleagues when booking a hotel, the researchers found. Because of this, they advise planners to find ways to help ensure attendees are near their colleagues. As for room type, provide options when setting up your room block, if possible, and ask attendees if they have dietary limitations or other special needs.

Age

Of all respondents, attendees under age 40 are less likely to book in a group hotel block (41 percent) and are more likely than those over 40 to book nontraditional accommodations, such as Airbnb (6 percent compared to 2 percent). Younger attendees are also more likely to want a custom experience. Still, price is a factor—but so is convenience.

What to do now: Tout the convenience of booking a room while registering, and as mentioned earlier, be clear about the savings provided by booking in the block and offer unique incentives to make it worth their while.

If the path to an attendees long-term memory is through the stomach, then it is important to get the F&B right. To get tips for elevating meeting mealtimes, Smart Meetings turned to German Villatoro, executive chef at Convene, to find out how he consistently creates top-notch culinary experiences for his guests.

If you haven’t heard of Convene, we suggest you look them up, stat. Convene provides flexible-term office spaces, co-working locations, meeting spaces, and event venues in six cities across the country—and adding more rapidly.

Here are five smart tips from Villatoro so you can make sure your food and beverage options are top-notch.

Related: 12 Inspired Food Bar Ideas

1. Fresh, local and seasonal

Villatoro works off a 70/30 rule for his menus. Changed seasonally, 70 percent of the menu is standard across all Convene locations to ensure quality and consistency. The remaining 30 percent, however, is left up to individual chefs to allow for creativity and the use of local ingredients. This method ensures the food is fresh, seasonal and sustainable whenever possible. Healthy food is at the forefront of Villatoro’s mind when he designs a menu and he always aims to “take the right approach for a healthier lunch or event,” so guests are energized and ready to participate.

More: Modern Wellness is Having a Moment

2. Spice it up!

Villatoro is currently finalizing the fall/winter menu and when asked about his inspiration for it, the conversation turned to history. He talked about the tradition of the spice trade, starting in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Mexico. He said he uses the spices that were once carried thousands of miles across continents to create eclectic, fun and authentic menus.

The house salad dressing at Convene is an herb vinaigrette, but the vinaigrette changes depending on what chefs have on hand. “Herbs are healthy; look at traditional Asian remedies, they are used so much for healing and health purposes,” he said as an example of how quality spices can take a simple dish and turn it into something delicious to keep attendees healthy and happy.

3. Keep Things Trendy

Before we got to the history part of our conversation, Villatoro told me about the research that goes into his menu making. His passion for learning keeps him up to date on food trends, so he knows he is “making what’s hot!” However, this research goes beyond just trends and extends to diets and food restrictions, so Convene chefs know what a paleo guest might want to eat as opposed to someone on the Whole30 diet. The key to keeping up with all these modern food restrictions? Knowing what you are cooking, telling clients what they are eating and having a chef on-site who can work with clients to cater to their specifications.

More: Dishing 2019’s Hot F&B Trends for Groups

4. Be Creative

While Villatoro is currently working on opening new Convene locations, he still personally trains every chef he hires. He visits every property once a quarter to ensure kitchens are meeting his high standards—so high that client feedback has given Convene a 9.3 (out of 10) rating. This hands-on training ensures that Villatoro has the best people working in his kitchens.

One thing he says to all his employees is, “I hired you to be a chef, I didn’t hire you to follow a recipe,” which speaks to the creativity behind every meal at Convene.

5. Think Sustainability

Sustainability takes many forms at Convene. Sourcing local food and cooking to order to minimize waste are two examples. In the future, Villatoro said that Convene is looking to expand into buildings that have sustainable practices and infrastructure already set up, touching on the importance of sustainability in furthering corporate responsibility.

Smart Meeting Midwest, A Peek at the Menu

Smart Meeting Midwest hosted-buyer event will be held at a Convene location in Chicago this year. On September 26, attendees at the signature experience can expect to be treated to a serranito, a Spanish style sandwich loaded with serrano smoked ham and manchego, or pork shoulder pozole verde. Villatoro also hinted about salad flavored with zaatar and spiced cauliflower with herbs and labneh. You might instead want to try his bitter greens with rutabaga and Turkish figs or classic apple strudel, so in case you needed them, you now have six more reasons to register for Smart Meeting Midwest.