Sustainable meetings are now a requirement, rather than a luxury, but smart event professionals are integrating other green elements into their agendas to surprise and delight. The experts at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort suggested some fresh takes on activating the verde in your next event.
Verdant Backdrops
Whether it is a closing reception or the view out the conference room glass doors, staging an event at a venue where a lush tropical forest and blue ocean stretch as far as the eye can see is a great way to get people out of their beige rut. Be sure to schedule time to get out in all that beauty and explore cultural and archaeological wonders. It makes the action items that much more compelling.
Hit the Greens
A bad day on the golf course—well, may not exist. Offering a round for attendees, either competitively or in a fun scramble style can be a wonderful way to soak in all that exotic beauty while enjoying the fresh air and getting to know our co-workers a little better.
Eat Your Greens
One of the highlights of choosing a venue with multiple award-winning restaurants is that there is something for everyone and the catering menu takes advantage of the fresh, local ingredients and creative, talented chefs on-site. Whether it is kale smoothies, farm-to-fork salads or apple cocktails, give your attendees what they want.
Waterparks are not just for families anymore. Meeting at full-service properties that include multiple swimming pools, waterslides and swim-up bars does not mean that board meetings will be held on the diving board—although poolside welcome receptions can start an event off on a festive note. The experts at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali shared some secrets for slipping a little Wai Ola, water of life spirit, in your next gathering.
Activate Blue Minds
Neuroscientists have proven that just looking, listening to or being near water can relax busy minds and put them in a more receptive mental place—something referred to as “blue space.” It can boost mental health and make people more meditative. Before that big brainstorming meeting or product roll-out, consider getting everyone in the mood for thinking by conducting team building on the beach or sending your VIPs for pool-adjacent cabana massages.
Be Bleisure Friendly
When you plan a meeting where everyone wants to be, registrations roll in like ocean waves and attendees opt to bring their families and stay a couple of extra days. That way they will have time to find that secret cave with a hidden jacuzzi. The memories they make exploring the property and the island will live alongside the messaging from the event and be as unforgettable as an epic snorkeling excursion.
You’re a problem solver, a balancing act, a peacemaker…you’re a meeting planner. Bringing your program to life is no easy feat, but at Universal Orlando Resort we want to help planners create a memorable experience, starting with three steps. Take a look below to see how we’ve broken down the process for success.
Choose your hotel
Our eight hotels offer a combined 9,000 guest rooms and 295,000 square feet of meeting space. Select one of our four incredible meeting hotels as your destination: Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, or Hard Rock Hotel. We also have four additional properties: Universal’s Aventura Hotel, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites (opening 2019) & Dockside Inn and Suites (opening 2020). This collection means that we can provide the rates and availability that work for you. Best of all, the partnership between Universal Orlando and Loews Hotels means you get the best of both worlds: Exceptional hospitality and service, combined with imaginative and idea-inspiring environments.
Choose the event venue
Perhaps you’re planning a large annual meeting in one of our soundstages or maybe it’s an intimate celebration in the theme parks. We have the space that will cater to your specific needs. Our three theme parks and Universal CityWalk dining and entertainment complex provides unique environments that are truly remarkable. Where else can you dine in the streets of New York City with the thrill of ancient mummy ruins just a few steps away? Most importantly, each of our hotels is just minutes away from your event location – allowing you to optimize your attendees’ time all within one convenient location.
Work with our staff to bring your vision to life
Our team of meeting professionals can’t wait to make you the hero and bring your visions to life. You can trust our team of experts to create everything you’re thinking of and more. Event Management, Catering, and our team of A/V Technicians will all know the mission by heart. No matter what obstacles arise, you can rest assured that we’ve got your back.
Tetherow knows that those who live well, work well. This is why we offer unique corporate off-sites that combine wellness and the meeting space—rejuvenating the mind, body, and team spirit.
Tetherow is 700 acres of unrestricted outdoor access to Bend’s signature mountains, rivers and lakes, forests, and booming nightlife, with full resort amenities—not to mention our very own award-winning 18-hole golf course right in the backyard.
The work-play balance is perfected here, and it is something Tetherow passes on to our corporate guests. Name it and we’ve hosted it: conferences and retreats, incentive trips, intimate luncheons and 300-plus corporate gatherings—even product launches and TV commercials. Our numerous, comfortable meeting spaces include first-rate AV capacities, and many include retractable air walls that can tailor the space to your specific occupancy. The versatile Event Pavilion offers 4200 square feet featuring floor-to-ceiling glass doors that, when opened; boast an indoor-outdoor space with fireplace seating and unmatchable views of the golf course. Topped with Tetherow’s signature flair and genuine service, you are sure to have an enjoyable, effective meeting.
When the work is done, we welcome you to join us outdoors. Relax with team yoga on the Event Lawn, or explore the gorgeous Deschutes River with kayaks or paddleboards. A round of golf has never been more fun than when you are surfing our championship course on one of our Golf boards. Adventurous groups can brave the rapids in a whitewater rafting tour or down a round of fresh-squeezed ginger shots in our new poolside cafe. For the mountain bikers of the group, there is a major trail complex located just across the street from the resort. If you have something else in mind—horseback riding, midnight snowshoeing, a tour of one of Bend’s 25 microbreweries—our Guest Services team can get you there.
Teambuilding is instrumental for a successful off-site meeting, and Tetherow understands that there is no better way to bond than over a bottle of wine. Food is our passion and specialty. Allow our top chefs to design you a 5-course meal with wine or beer-pairing with selections from all corners of the world. Savor the Northwest with a farm-to-table dinner that use only the freshest local ingredients. If you feel like getting more hands on, we invite you to broaden your knowledge with cooking classes or golf clinics. There is even a fun mixology class that teaches you how to make cocktails and concludes with “final exam” judged by our expert bartenders.
For multi-day conferences, there are many accommodation options. Recharge in deluxe, eco-friendly lodge rooms with amenities like soaking tubs and fireplaces. We now also offer spacious 5 bed-5 bath vacation homes equipped with full kitchens, fire pits, personal hot tubs, and more. Within walking distance are three restaurants, each with a full bar, and our new fitness center with its gym, yoga studio, and outdoor pool.
Productivity has never been so fun.
To book your best corporate event ever, please contact Tetherow Events at 877-298-2582.
What’s the secret to turning a good meeting into a great one? Simple. Making your attendees’ well being a priority by incorporating health and wellness activities into your plan. Fortunately, Florida’s Paradise Coast is leading the way in wellness meetings, which means you can easily plan a meeting your group will never forget in Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades.
What makes Florida’s Paradise Coast the destination for wellness meetings? It starts by being named the “Happiest, Healthiest City in the U.S.” by the Gallup-Sharecare State of American Well-Being three years in a row. What’s more, the area has been designated a Blue Zones Project Community, due to its commitment to the wellbeing of both residents and visitors alike. This proven dedication to health and wellness makes it easy for planners to incorporate healthy initiatives into their meetings.
Best of all, there’s no compromising elegance for wellness when groups stay in Naples and Marco Island—they can have it all. Many of the area’s stunning resorts and hotels are dedicated to eco-friendly operation yet still provide sophisticated offerings like onsite restaurants, spas, golf courses, beach access and more.
When planning a wellness-focused event, it helps to find ways to keep attendees active and engaged. That’s why Florida’s Paradise Coast offers numerous offsite venues that bring the meeting room outside. Hold your event on the pristine white sand beaches of Naples and Marco Island, where groups can enjoy teambuilding events, or just walk along the shore and dip a toe into the surf. Plan a wild meeting at NGALA Wildlife Preserve or the Naples Zoo, where groups can learn about nature and interact with exotic animals. Create a golf outing on a championship course in Naples or explore the world-famous Everglades on an eco-tour. You’ll find that there are plenty of creative solutions that will turn your meeting into something dynamic and memorable.
It’s hard to focus when you’re hungry, so be sure to satisfy your group’s desire for incredible cuisine with health-conscious menu options. Many of the area’s award-winning restaurants and chefs offer lighter calorie menu choices and dishes that are compliant with several dietary restrictions, like Keto or gluten-free. Naples is consistently lauded as one of America’s best cities for food, so you’re certain to impress attendees with luncheons and dinner meetings featuring the area’s famous fresh-from-the-Gulf seafood, farm-to-table dishes and more.
Everything about Florida’s Paradise Coast makes it easy for visitors to unwind and de-stress, and that’s especially true for meeting attendees. The area is famous for its luxurious spas offering group packages for meeting groups. Also, many beachfront resorts offer activities like yoga on the beach or on paddleboards to help groups learn the importance of balance and relaxation.
As long as you put your attendees’ health and wellness first, they’re sure to discover an unforgettable meetings Paradise. Visit ParadiseCoast.com/wellness to learn more about planning a wellness meeting today.
There are plenty of good reasons to hold your event in Las Vegas, but we’ve limited them to these top 10:
Accommodations
With nearly 150,000 rooms, Las Vegas offers the best group value proposition in the world.
Convention Services
With more than 246,000 resort industry employees, Las Vegas will provide the best convention experience in the world. Our resorts host 6.6 million meeting, convention and incentive delegates, with programs from 10 to over 150,000 attendees annually.
Increased Attendance
The attractiveness of Las Vegas generates strong attendance for meetings. On average, attendance increases 8 percent when conventions rotate into Las Vegas. Research also shows that attendees spend more time in meetings and on the trade show floor in Las Vegas.
Convention Centers
Space, space and more space. Las Vegas has more than 11.5 million sq. ft. of exhibit & meeting space and is home to three of the country’s 10 largest convention venues: the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, a 2.0 million-square-foot center on the south Strip; 1.7 million-square-foot Sands Expo and Convention Center (includes 500,000 sq. ft. of The Venetian/Palazzo meeting space); and the 2.2 million-square-foot Las Vegas Convention Center.
Air Service
With more than 950 inbound and outbound flights per day and nonstop service from more than 130 U.S. and international cities, Las Vegas is easy on your time and budget.
Location, Location, Location
McCarran International Airport is conveniently located just two miles from Las Vegas Boulevard and 3.5 miles from the Las Vegas Convention Center. Nearly 150,000 hotel rooms are in Las Vegas, most within a 15-minute drive from the airport.
Weather
Year-round appeal: Las Vegas averages 320 days of sunshine and less than five inches of precipitation annually. This warm, dry climate is attractive for meetings throughout the year.
Transportation
In many cases, the proximity of Las Vegas hotels eliminates the need for transportation as delegates can walk to many destinations. When transportation is required, however, Las Vegas offers myriad options including bus, taxi, Uber/Lyft, shuttles and the country’s first automated monorail.
Dining
There are few other cities in the world that are able to boast about the array of dining options available, from all-you-can-eat buffets to some of the finest restaurants in the world. Many celebrity chefs have set up shop in Las Vegas restaurants, where patrons are consistently rewarded with great food. As a result, Las Vegas has options for every culinary taste.
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
The LVCVA is the ultimate authority on Las Vegas. Our team of friendly Las Vegas experts has extensive tools available to assist you, including: lead distribution, attendance promotion, site inspection arrangements, familiarization tours, facility and contact information, local supplier coordination, promotion assistance, press releases/press kits, visitor brochures, guides and maps, calendar of events and shows, convention/trade show planning services, registration staffing, and destination research.
When it’s time to book your next successful meeting, it’s easy to see exactly why Vegas Means Business.
Ontario Convention Center
Greater Ontario offers easy airport and freeway access leaving visitors with more time to meet, explore and connect in this vibrant Southern California region. Enjoy our awe-inspiring weather, breathtaking mountain and desert resorts, Indian gaming casinos, and world-class wineries. Our area hosts some of the very best in extreme sports, quiet retreats and spas, and it’s home to some of California’s ultimate shopping and dining experiences. Within one-hour drive time you can discover Big Bear Mountain Resorts, the vast Mohave Desert, or cruise along the famous Mother Road – Route 66.
Easy, affordable access to the Pacific Ocean, theme parks, nightlife, and family adventures without the exorbitant prices and gridlock continues to be a top priority for our visitors. Fly into Ontario International Airport where over 6,000 hotel rooms await with complementary shuttle service. The rugged San Gabriel Mountains are your backdrop to this beautiful location. Rich in culture with historic roots in agriculture and wine, the craft beer industry is thriving along with the diversity of restaurants to please any palate.
Greater Ontario
Explore our scenic getaways, where the rugged outdoors mixes seamlessly with quiet reflection. Parachuting, off-roading, zip-lining, rock-climbing and skiing go hand-in-hand with peaceful pine forests, sun-kissed vineyards and natural hot springs. If you prefer a more urban setting, the Greater Ontario Region boasts a busy metropolitan area that is both historic and cosmopolitan in character. We are centrally located just a short drive from downtown Los Angeles, California’s world-famous coastline, Disneyland Resort, Las Vegas and Palm Springs.
Our destination provides the state-of-the-art Ontario Convention Center for special events and meetings. Evening entertainment at Citizens Business Bank Arena has something for everyone – sporting competitions, concerts and family shows. Movie buffs can choose from dozens of theaters or enjoy a live show at the Lewis Family Playhouse.
Start your adventure at the California Welcome Center at Ontario Mills – our team of experts await your visit. The Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau is an unbiased, comprehensive resource when booking a tour, convention, meeting or event within the cities of Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga, California and beyond. Bring your family, enjoy a weekend, or make us your home base to explore all of Southern California. We look forward to your visit! GOcvb.org
Tropicana Las Vegas – a DoubleTree by Hilton continues to surprise meeting planners and their attendees after a recent transformation. With a convenient location just minutes away from Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport, major convention centers, and top entertainment stadiums, the resort provides a luxurious yet affordable group experience on the Las Vegas Strip. Additionally, as part of the Hilton family, we offer Honors points for both guests and meeting planners, making each guest stay and group bookings even more rewarding!
Each of the Tropicana Las Vegas’ 1,470 residential-style guest rooms features luxurious amenities, such as Wi-Fi and 300-threadcount linens. Guests can opt to stay in the Bungalows, many which come with balconies overlooking the lush landscaping and waterfalls that surround our award winning pool; the casino- adjacent rooms in Paradise Tower providing quick access to the world famous Strip; or our Club Tower rooms conveniently located near the conference center and our Fed Ex Office business center. For VIPs, the Pool and Sky Villas offer an entirely new level of luxury.
After a recent expansion, Tropicana Las Vegas’ conference center now offers more than 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting space that can be broken down into 38 breakout rooms. The Trinidad Pavilion and Meeting Rooms provide 55,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition space with ground-level access, making them ideal for large general sessions, exhibitions, and other types of special events. The Cohiba ballroom offers 25,000 square feet of space just off the foyer of our Club Tower and is divisible into 11 meeting rooms. Additionally, Barista Café is located outside of the Cohiba Ballroom, serving coffee, tea, specialty drinks, handmade pastries and sandwiches, making it the perfect addition to the already convenient conference center. The award-winning pool and gardens and the Tropicana Theater offer unique spaces for upscale events. Other special venues for group functions include the Havana Room, a stunning backdrop for galas and receptions with its chandelier, dark-wood dance floor, custom seating, and premium audiovisual technology, and Sky Beach Club’s pool setting is also set up to accommodate outdoor events up to 2000 guests.
When it comes to dining, on-property restaurants include in-door or out-door dining at Savor The Buffet, Oakville Steakhouse for a reinterpretation of a classic upscale steakhouse, Robert Irvine, host of the Food Network’s “Restaurant: Impossible,” just debuted his new restaurant Robert Irvine’s Public House, offering a range of comfort food options inspired by the Chef and his culinary travels, and the newest addition is Red Lotus Asian Kitchen where you can take your pick of eat-in and grab-and-go options of unexpected Western twists on traditional Asian cuisine. And when it comes to gaming, Tropicana Las Vegas’ 50,000-square-foot casino includes an assortment of slots and table games. Entertainment options include the Laugh Factory comedy club, live entertainment in the Tropicana Lounge, and in our Tropicana Theater, David Goldrake presents IMAGINARIUM, a 75-minute extravaganza that takes its spectators on a journey through a surreal place that lies somewhere between the world we call our own and a breathtaking world full of dreams and fantasies. Also, in the Tropicana Theater is Purple Reign, the Prince Tribute Show, presented by Reign Entertainment Productions, Inc., capturing the imagination and raw energy of Prince in his prime.
For more information: Tropicana Las Vegas – a DoubleTree by Hilton — (800) 462-8767 or (702) 739-2222; [email protected]; troplv.com
Just because you are doing the hard work of staying back at the office, making meetings happen doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun of Global Meeting Industry Day going on around the world. Bookmark this page and return throughout the day as we share highlights from rallies, panel discussions and proclamations from coast to coast.
Are you with a group of like-minded eventprofs celebrating the economic, scientific and cultural impact of what you do? Share it with us by tagging #MeetSmart. Let’s tell the world our story together.
9:30 A.M. PT, APRIL 5, 2019
Speaking of power players, here’s another for you—Mike Dominguez from MGM Resorts had some thoughts about GMID:
9:00 A.M. PT, APRIL 5, 2019
Thanks to MPI’s Potomac chapter for sending us these shots of their GMID pride:
8:40 A.M. PT, APRIL 5, 2019
Read more about the San Francisco GMID event, where our #SmartTeam deployed:
Look who Content Chief JT Long found among the celebrations in Las Vegas! These power players were out to double-down on what the meetings industry’s impact has been for their organizations.
Chris Brown from the National Association of Broadcasters:
Javier Cano from the JW Marriott LA Live Downtown:
If you’re seeing blue today, it’s because blue is the official color of Global Meetings Industry Day. See what NYC & Company lit up in the color to celebrate GMID:
Empire State Building
One World Trade Center
Javits Center in NYC
Pier 17 in NYC
Toronto’s in on the fun too! Have you seen other cities go up in blue? Show us using the hashtag #MeetSmart!
— Destination Toronto – Meetings & Events (@MeetInToronto) April 4, 2019
12:19 P.M. PT, APRIL 4, 2019
Today is the day! The 2019 Global Meetings Industry Day is off to a great start on social media! The day is all about celebrating leaders from across the meetings and events industry, showcasing the positive impact that business meetings, trade shows and conventions have on the global economy and communities all over the world.
With more than 200 events in countries across the globe, events are all set with great décor, room full of meetings professionals, food and drink and a stellar line up of panels to discuss important industry trends.
GMID Ottawa kickstarted their day with speaker Drew Holmgreen, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Meeting Professionals International. He talked about live events and face-to-face interactions. He will also be conducting a workshop where he will discuss how to utilize multi-channel promotional strategies, tactics and tools. In Toronto, a panel discussion on cannabis and the meetings industry is underway focusing on its impacts, risks and opportunities. Edmonton’s GMID is dazzling in blue décor and floral table centerpieces. Keynote speaker, Hugh Culver, discussed regarding how to “Think. Plan. Act.” to make 2019 the best year yet!
On Capitol Hill, professionals are all set to meet with house representatives to discuss various issues that impact the meetings and events industry.
At GMID Mexico, COMIR President Jaime Salazar spoke about how the Mexican Meetings Industry has evolved stronger than ever even through all the political changes.
In Nashville, Cheryl Brehm shared statistics and reg flags to look for with regards to slavery around the world. They also had other speakers talk about establishing an e-presence, the importance of giving back to the community and self-care.
In Orlando, speaker and author, Brant Menswar addressed the crowd about establishing core beliefs and living them, followed by a performance as well. Attendees also received white chocolate-covered Oreos. —Fathima Mohaideen, Smart Meetings Editor
11:32 A.M. PT, APRIL 4, 2019
Have you ever really dived into the numbers behind the meetings industry? These celebrators are using #GMID19 as a way to educate those who may not know the hard data behind meetings and events:
On average, $1,294 is spent per meeting participant #GMID19#LEOevents
If you're wondering why @TourCNTower and @MTCC_Events are lit blue tonight, it's because we're celebrating #GMID19 – recognizing the profound economic impact of business meetings and events. The #TorontoED hosted a record- breaking 2018, generating a whopping $565 million. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6DsywKFFz1
— Toronto Downtown West BIA (@to_downtownwest) April 4, 2019
11:22 A.M. PT, APRIL 4, 2019
#GMID19 is industry-wide for a reason—all factors of meetings and events are included in the economic impact! Check out these vendors diving into GMID celebrations:
We’re really excited about Global Meetings Industry Day presented by Meetings Mean Business, an industry-wide coalition. We along with others in the events space, celebrate the power of face-to-face and how it brings about economic growth and social change. #GMID19pic.twitter.com/O0Z9cxH9WQ
Content Chief JT Long is celebrating #GMID19 in Las Vegas, where she asked John Schreiber, vice president of business sales at Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, what GMID means for the Silver City:
9:40 A.M. PT, APRIL 4, 2019
When “global” is in the name, it’s not just for show! These international industry organizations and destinations are making their celebrations known.
¡Ya inició el #GMID19! COMIR anuncia la firma de convenio que ayudará a promover la industria de México en eventos internacionales. pic.twitter.com/7dijuy4U4e
Don’t forget to join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #GMID19 and #MeetSmart!
Conventions need convenience, and we’ve got the keys. With flexible space, high-tech features compatible with advanced event technology, a central downtown location, and accessible onsite amenities, the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland is a convenient solution for modern events.
Key #1: Flexible Space
Located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, The Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland connects meeting planners to 410,000 sq. ft. of flexible space, including a 225,000 sq. ft. Exhibit Hall, the 32,000 sq. ft. column-free Grand Ballroom, an 11,000 sq. ft. Atrium Ballroom, and 140,000 sq. ft. of breakout and pre-function space. Our flexible space conveniently gives planners the keys to design a unique event experience.
Need more space? No problem! Planners have access to connected facilities such as the Hilton Cleveland Downtown and Public Auditorium, collectively offering over 100,000 square feet of additional space. Our one-million-square-foot convention center campus is capable of hosting everything from executive meetings to large-scale conventions and tradeshows.
Key #2: Tech Features
With a network capable of hosting over 15,000 devices simultaneously at speeds of 1 billion bits per second, redundant Cisco core network components, substantial infrastructure, streaming and video conferencing capabilities, and many more tech features, configuring advanced event technology with our network and features will never be more convenient.
Key #3: Amenities
Whether your attendees are craving a Mocha Frappuccino from Starbucks, have business needs that require our onsite UPS Store, are a nursing mother in need of our Mamava Pods, or even want a shoe shine, attendees can conveniently meet these needs using our in-house amenities.
Key #4: Location & Accessibility
Accessibility and location are key elements to consider when selecting a venue. Conveniently, our center is connected to the 600-room Hilton Cleveland Downtown and has a central downtown location. We’re surrounded by roughly 5,000 hotel rooms, over 200 exceptional restaurants/dining options, sports stadiums, the second largest theater district in the U.S., the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame, and the naturesque Lake Erie – so planning offsite activities comes with ease.
