Apple CEO Tim Cook announced a new army of mobile products that could make event professional lives easier during a live Apple Event in Cupertino, California, today.

He introduced a new operating system (iOS 12), Apple Watch Series 4 and iPhone XR.

The iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs MAX were the products that could have the potential to substantially impact meeting planners on the go. Have you ever been late for your flight and forgotten your work phone charger? Have you been at a conference and your loved ones couldn’t reach you because personal phone is dead? This may all be solved with Apple’s introduction of eSIM to their new iPhone brigade.

eSIM will give users the capability of managing two different cellular plans on one iPhone device. Instead of worrying about switching out little sim cards, adding another cell phone plan to your iPhone is as simple as scanning a QR code. Users can set a “primary phone” and “secondary phone” on the same device. This allow users to reply to a work email, then send a text to loved ones from different phone numbers, without juggling devices.

This flexibility could be particularly helpful for sourcing. According to a recent CVENT survey, mobile device sourcing doubled from 6 percent last year to 12 percent in 2018.

iPhone Xs or iPhone Xs Max will both have eSIM capability and will be available later this year through a software update. AT&T, T-Mobile USA, Verizon Wireless support eSIM currently.

In another plus for the industry, Meetings Mean Business pointed out that the excitement and crowd that showed up for the unveiling is proof that despite all the other ways tech companies could make announcements, they still find face-to-face, in person communication to be the most impactful.

As Grand Hyatt San Antonio is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, I’ve been reflecting on the major trends that have transformed the meeting industry throughout the past decade.

Having helped to plan and oversee thousands of meetings during my career, it has been interesting to see how the meeting and convention industry has changed and continues to evolve to this day. From today’s high-tech capabilities and mindfulness practices to more experiential and cultural influences, we are working in a really exciting time where we have more access than ever to technology, unique activities, and authentic experiences that can provide an unforgettable event for attendees.

Technology has Driven Change

It is no surprise that one of the biggest changes I’ve noticed in meetings throughout the past decade is the use of technology. With the extreme advancement of tech capabilities, planners are finding more unique ways to incorporate tech into their meetings, from augmented reality maps of a venue to chatbots to assist with customer service or to customize the event experience per attendee.

Ten years ago, one of the biggest concerns was ensuring that a venue had the availability of a Wi-Fi connection. Now it is rare to find a hotel that doesn’t provide propertywide, high-speed Wi-Fi coverage.

Personally, I think the most useful technology breakthrough has been the introduction of meeting apps. With several apps available, attendees have the ability to register or check-in at an event, access the program or itinerary, sign-up for breakout sessions, or chat and connect with other attendees allowing for a seamless experience.

A Shift in Mindfulness

Another big trend that has changed the industry is an overall shift in the importance of mindfulness. In addition to more typical mindfulness activities such as yoga or meditation sessions, mindfulness is interwoven through many aspects of a meeting, from healthy and sustainable food options to corporate social responsibility activities.

Instead of a conference being jam-packed with an overload of information, planners are really honing into the main messages that they want their attendees to take away while finding ways for them to retain that information through mindfulness practices.

Demands for Meeting Space Have Changed

Now, more than ever, I’ve noticed that groups are spending more of their meeting time outside of the ballroom. For example, I’ve noticed a large uptick in the number of groups requesting social spaces for their event, such as a lobby, foyer space, or an outdoor patio.

Some of the most in-demand meeting spaces at Grand Hyatt San Antonio are the foyers located right outside of our ballrooms which feature floor-to-ceiling walls with views of the city. Our property recently completed a $19 million renovation which paid particular attention to updating not only our guestrooms and ballroom, but also the social spaces in order to stay in line with this continuing trend.

It’s All About the Memories

The most exciting change in the meeting industry over the past 10 years is that planners are making their events more engaging and fun. With this shift, I’ve noticed that more resources, decision-making, and focus is placed on receptions and closing night events to provide a truly remarkable experience that attendees will never forget. This trend allows planners and the venue’s event team to push aside the cookie-cutter ideas and showcase their creativity to provide a one-of-a-kind, distinctive meeting experience or finale.

Looking Towards the Future

I anticipate we will continue to see a lot of growth in experiential meetings, but with an increased focus in customization options for attendees. Experiential activities and immersive cultural activities have really turned into the driving force behind attendee interest and engagement, and I expect that to remain the case for the foreseeable future.

Kyle Stevens has more than 16-years of experience planning and booking meetings at Hyatt hotels throughout the country.  He is currently the director of sales and marketing at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio.

Nestled in the heart of the Mile High City, Hotel Magnolia Denver, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is conveniently located near to a diverse collection of points of interest including Coors Field and the Colorado Convention Center. Situated in a historic building which first opened in 1910 as a First National Bank, Colorado’s oldest continuously operating bank, the property was restored to reflect its original appearance with terra cotta details and a replicated corner clock adorns this 13-story landmark edifice. With 11,330 square feet of event space, the conference center is ideally suited for maximum meeting productivity perfectly complemented by pure hospitality. Guests will be immersed into the elegance of the Hotel Magnolia Denver ballroom, perfect for large presentations and celebrations for up to 300 guests. As the only ballroom on street level in downtown Denver, it’s an ideal gathering place for local companies with out of town individuals.

Located in the heart of downtown Houston and one of the top 100 New Hotels in the World by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine, the Magnolia Hotel Houston, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is located near many points of interest including the George R. Brown Convention Center, Minute Maid Ballpark. After extensive renovations, this 1926 historic landmark is now one of Houston’s most distinct properties and was originally the home of the Houston Post Dispatch newspaper and later the corporate office for Shell Oil Company. Featuring over 16,000 square feet of event space, this hotel can accommodate any kind of event complemented by gracious Texas hospitality. From intimate gatherings in The Lounge to grand celebrations immersed in the classic elegance of this property’s Magnolia Ballroom, with diverse venue options that can accommodate up to 200 guests.

Close to everywhere attendees want to be, Magnolia Hotel Denver and Magnolia Hotel Houston, both Tribute Portfolio properties, provide productivity-boosting meeting and event space that make big ideas happen, perfectly complemented by gracious hospitality.

Kingston Resorts’ location along the famed Grand Strand in Myrtle Beach and its nationally recognized meeting staff is what we call a win-win destination. Kingston Plantation and the adjacent Kingston Shores comprise Kingston Resorts, one of the largest and most comprehensive resort complexes on the East Coast. Myrtle Beach was named # 2 in the top 10 beaches in the U.S. by Travel Channel in 2016.

Lush, Luxurious, Breathtaking

Kingston Plantation has more than 500 luxurious guest accommodations on 145 lush acres including the 255-suite oceanfront Embassy Suites that blends breathtaking views with the comforts of home. Other options include oceanfront condominiums, lakeside townhouses and villas.

Kingston Shores sits on an adjacent 12-acre site that includes the 385-room oceanfront Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort and Royale Palms condominiums.

Let us pamper you and your group!

The new multi-million dollar Landing includes Spa33 and 78Fitness in a 29,520-square-foot facility. The amenity combines luxury, health and fun. Spa33 offers hair, nail and massage services in addition to luxury beauty enhancers from facials to body treatments.

78Fitness offers top-of-the-line cardio machines, strength-training equipment, free weights, yoga, kickboxing and Zumba classes, golf simulators, outdoor putting green, tennis and pickleball courts. A new indoor pool is flanked by a wide deck and lounge chairs, and a heated whirlpool provides total relaxation.

The Landing Point also offers new meeting space that opens up to a spacious green space with an outdoor fire pit, lawn seating and a seasonal beverage station. The Landing’s outdoor spaces are as beautiful as its interior with brick walkways, manicured lawns and wide, inviting porches.

We’ll meet your every need

Kingston Resorts offers 97,000 square feet of meeting space and an event staff to deliver the exceptional. The Kingston Plantation Conference Center at Embassy Suites features 65,000 square feet of meeting space in 17 rooms on a single floor including a flexible ballroom that can accommodate groups from 50 to 2,000.

Kingston Shores offers 32,000 square feet, which includes the 14,400-square foot Hilton Conference Center, a state-of-the-art facility with special acoustics, lighting and rigging. Additionally there is a 3,000-square-foot oceanfront ballroom on the top floor of the Hilton.

Sparkling Blue and Green

Embassy Suites Myrtle Beach and Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort were the first hotels in Myrtle Beach to receive green certifications by the South Carolina Green Hospitality Alliance.

Delectable dining options include Vintage Twelve, an upscale contemporary open kitchen restaurant, that capitalizes on the abundance of fresh local produce and seafood enhanced by ocean views and Coastal Grill that serves Embassy Suites guests a complimentary, cooked-to-order breakfast.  Lunch and dinner are also available at this location. Café Amalfi at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort is a casually elegant restaurant with exquisite seafood, pasta and steaks in a spectacular oceanfront setting. Oceanfront and poolside cocktail bars along with coffee shops and room service provide every level of dining service you could want.

Visit kingstonresorts.com today to experience our winning combination or call (877) 360-0799.

You can certainly pick one of the ordinary places to hold your next meeting – or you can get off the beaten path and choose Tucson, located in the heart of the gorgeous Sonoran Desert.

Tucson has incredible resorts with meeting space galore, but here they’re tucked into the foothills of the mountains that surround the city, creating backdrops for your events that you won’t believe. Plus, there are unique places to hold offsite events – from team-building at a luxury spa, to an opportunity to experience a bit of the Old West at a guest ranch.

Tucson is home to Canyon Ranch and Miraval, among America’s premier destination spas. And our resorts reflect the big brands you’ve come to trust for meetings – JW Marriott Starr Pass, Loews Ventana Canyon, Westin La Paloma, Omni Tucson National, Westward Look Wyndham Grand.

The Power of Connection


Why did USA Today include Tucson in a list of cities emerging as a “top pick for biz meetings”? It’s about the power of connection: the essence of what makes Tucson special. Not just the surprising affordability of holding a meeting in Tucson, but the connection between a planner and the Visit Tucson staff going the extra mile to make your event spectacular. This connection is evident in the fact that eight of ten meeting planners choose Tucson after a site visit.

Site selection isn’t just a matter of who has rooms and where – it’s about culture and the opportunity to have a real experience. Savvy meeting planners choose Tucson because it’s a city that offers unique experiences beyond the ballroom – yes, we have world-class resorts and destination spas, but we also have new restaurants, a vibrant nightlife, working cattle ranches, desert gardens and historic theaters.

Tucson is among Cvent’s top 50 meetings destinations and it’s easy to find – Tucson International Airport is a one-stop gateway to more than 325 global destinations.

Revitalized Urban Core

Tucson’s Destination Downtown is heating up. With last fall’s opening of the AC Hotel by Marriott, a renovated Tucson Convention Center, the modern Sun Link Streetcar allowing for easy exploration, and more projects in the pipeline, perhaps it’s time to consider an urban meeting in a resort destination?

And Tucson offers a wide variety of urban properties – from larger-scale resort spa and conference centers, to recently-renovated, full-service city center properties for small to mid-sized meetings, with an additional 500 rooms of inventory under development downtown.

Food

Tucson is also the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States, an honor our resorts and hotels have embraced. You’ll see local influences and ingredients on the menu nearly everywhere. Consider having an off-site event at any one of our award-winning eateries that have received national media coverage. Or book a culinary tour and taste a little bit of everything.

Learn more at VisitTucson.org/Meetings

Days and days of sunshine and the largest convention center on the West Coast are just the tip of the iceberg (ahem, palm tree) in Anaheim. We’re celebrating the first year of our newest flexible space at the Anaheim Convention Center (ACC) and preparing to welcome fabulous new hotels to enhance our offerings and continue to provide you with everything you need to craft your events into anything you have ever imagined!

Anaheim Convention Center

Our latest expansion, ACC North, adds two carpeted 100,000 square foot ballrooms. Let your creativity soar with our second-level pillar-free ballroom that opens to a 10,000 square foot covered balcony. The ACC now offers 99 meeting rooms and over one million square feet of exhibit space.

New Hotels on the Horizon

Set to open in 2020, the seven-story The Westin Anaheim Resort will feature 613 stylish guestrooms including 101 suites, three restaurants, two bars including a rooftop lounge overlooking Disneyland’s nightly fireworks, a resort-style pool and a marketplace. The hotel will also feature 11 meeting rooms totaling 42,000 square feet of customizable and high-tech meeting space including a 16,000-square-foot grand ballroom.

Also opening in 2020, the JW Marriott Anaheim is currently under construction, located adjacent to the Anaheim GardenWalk in the heart of the Anaheim Resort district. The 12-story $150 million property will have 466 guest rooms as well as meeting space for groups.

Anaheim Arrival Updates

Only 13 miles away, John Wayne Airport (SNA) has just been named the Best Airport in the U.S. by Time-Money. With short security lines and on-site car rental, it’s easy to navigate and central to all Orange County cities. Plus, Delta has just added new nonstop service between Orange County and New York-JFK as of October 15 and Frontier Airlines has already begun service to San Antonio and Austin.

Brews News

Anaheim’s craft brewery scene is booming with 15 breweries open now and five more on the way. The same features that make breweries a great place to hang—like flights of quality beer, a laidback atmosphere and ample seating at communal tables, to name a few—lend themselves well to hosting organized events. Many Anaheim breweries, large or small, allow for full venue buyouts that guarantee both privacy and excellent service from knowledgeable tap-tenders.

Towne Park Brew, a 20,000-square-foot facility that can host up to 100 for parties with live music, catering and up to 16 different pours of beer. Bottle Logic, Bruery Terreux and Noble Ale Works are among those that have solid relationships with food truck purveyors, inviting them to feed hungry patrons every day of the week.  In Orange County, year-round sunshine makes every day a great one to spend outdoors. Golden Road’s beer garden features lawn games galore, a sand pit with lounge chairs and hammocks, and even an outdoor bar.

Contact Information

To find out more about Anaheim and Orange County, please contact us:
Phone 714.765.2800 or email us at [email protected]
visitanaheim.org/meetings

Beautiful natural surroundings, exciting adventures, charming hospitality, modern facilities, and comfortable accommodations – all at the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park. What else could you ask for in a meeting, convention, or special event location?

1. Exhilarating Group Experiences

West Yellowstone offers exhilarating experiences for visitors of all ages. Step into the wonders of Yellowstone National Park with a local guide to provide your group with an insider perspective. Take a horseback trail ride topped off with an old-time western barbecue. Or gather the group and fly on a zipline and experience team building with a ropes course.

2. Modern Meeting Spaces

West Yellowstone may be on the border of wilderness, but that doesn’t mean you have to meet in the wild. Whether you are planning a cozy retreat or corporate conference, our facilities provide amenities that can host groups as small as 15 or as large as 1,800. Rustic. Elegant. By the water. The meeting space you’re dreaming of is here in West Yellowstone. And, it’s affordable! Take a look at two of the many options, the Three Bear Lodge and Holiday Inn and Conference Center, to see just what we mean.

3. Unlimited Outdoor Adventure

180 seconds. That’s how close West Yellowstone is to the world’s first (and best) national park. With Yellowstone National Park just outside your doorstep, there’s no telling where a day might take you.

4. Unbelievable Scenery and Wildlife

Did we mention there are mountains? And wildflowers, and valleys, and never-ending rivers, too? When you stay in West Yellowstone, you don’t have to be an adventurer to experience the scenery. It’s all around you, and the beauty will follow you no matter where you go.

And that goes for wildlife too! Take a drive through the park and see bison roaming the fields, elk bugling, antelope playing tag, and bears rolling in the meadows. Or stay in West Yellowstone and experience grizzly bears up close at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center – open all year long!

5. Unique Shopping & Dining

Visit the locals at the many boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops that line the streets of West Yellowstone or treat yourself to an unforgettable meal at one of the several restaurants serving regional specialties like elk, bison, or trout.

Whatever experience you choose for your group, you can count on it being memorable and one of a kind!

Friends enjoy apres on top of the mountain in Park City, UT.

With Vail Resorts Meetings and Events, prepare to discover meeting locales where year-round blazing blue skies and lush alpine landscapes illuminate your event agenda with free-flowing creativity and unbridled imagination. Here are three ways you can transform your agenda into an experience.

1. Make a Statement

At Vail Resorts we dedicate our energies to giving your guests the Experience of a Lifetime™. With our seamless approach to planning we make it remarkably easy to create an engaging event. How might you ask? By utilizing the breathtaking beauty of one of our 10 mountain destinations and weaving it effortlessly within your group exercises, brainstorming sessions or networking events. In Vail, CO, instead of having an ice breaker in one of our beautiful ballrooms, have it as you ride up the Gondola to the top of the mountain and regroup with some delicious hot cocoa from one of our many fine establishments on the mountain top.

2. Team Building with a View

At Vail Resorts Meetings & Events, adventure is built into our itineraries but that does not mean you have to be an expert Skier or Snowboarder to be able to join in the fun. Choose from a variety of different activities that will take your team building to the next level. Imagine taking your team or attendees on a guided snowshoe adventure in Breckinridge, CO surrounded by snowcapped mountains. Between the incredible view and fresh air your guests will feel invigorated with a slew of new ideas. Snowshoeing not sounding like the right activity for you or your guests? There is a wide range of activities you can build within your itinerary that no one will feel intimidated or left out!

3. Finish Off Your Event with a Bang

As you bid farewell to your guests, instead of a lovely catered dinner, surprise and delight your guests by having our sleigh in Keystone, CO pick them up and escort them to a themed event celebrating all the achievements they made over the week. Work with one of our dedicated Sales Managers to ensure your farewell event leaves your guests surrounded with positivity and celebration of their accomplishments.

No matter how you choose to format your meeting or event, our all-in-one planning approach will help you create memories that your attendees will be talking about for years to come. From renting gear to purchasing lift tickets, from organizing dinner plans to making recommendations on team building activities, our dedicated team will help make your vision become a reality!

Over Los Angeles Sunday, April 29, 2018. Photo by Jon SooHoo

With its reputation for movie stars and the glamour of red carpet events, Los Angeles has long been known as the epicenter of entertainment. But with 10 major league professional sports teams, two new stadiums, and an all-star lineup of major events coming to the city, L.A. is looking a lot sportier these days.

The Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission has been working diligently to build up Los Angeles’ reputation as a sports mecca; they’ve recently won bids for the MLB All-Star Game in 2020, the Super Bowl LVI in 2022, and the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in 2023. The city was recently selected as a candidate host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the official host of the Summer Olympics in 2028.

For most cities, these hosting commitments are a huge burden because they must build all the infrastructure to support these events from scratch. But Los Angeles is unique in that it already offers a full roster of incredible, state-of-the-art venues, iconic stadiums and one of the world’s premier airports.

The newest addition to the team is the Banc of California Stadium, which opened in April, and houses the Los Angeles Football Club. The open-air stadium has over 100,000 square feet of event space conveniently located in Exposition Park just three miles from the heart of downtown. It offers premium amenities and hospitality spaces throughout the venue, including an event rooftop, specialty bars and a chef-driven international food hall, The Fields LA.

Ahead of the 2028 Olympics, many of the other venues are also undergoing major renovations—such as the STAPLES Center and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. But the crown jewel is the new Los Angeles Stadium at Hollywood Park which will be home to the NFL’s two Los Angeles teams. Currently under construction, the 70,000-seat facility is set for an opening in 2020 and will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics.

But while the stadiums may be the MVPs, there are many other reasons that these events are flocking to Los Angeles. The city boasts a growing inventory of world-class hotels that can accommodate an influx of visitors. It has an array of other unique venues that can be utilized for activations and parties that major brands and sponsors can utilize. And on the horizon are major improvements to the public transportation system, including the expansion of the metro and the addition of a people-mover to LAX, which is scheduled for completion in 2023.

But perhaps the best reason to bring a large-scale event to Los Angeles is the dynamic and diverse population of Angelenos who embrace all visitors and create a welcoming atmosphere for any group who comes to town.