Hotels continue to cater to consumers by updating technology, allowing mobile devices to control tech from check-in to room keys, reports The American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AHLA).
AHLA’s new Lodging Survey, funded by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AHLEF), assesses forward-thinking guest services, sustainability and technology in order to understand how hotels continue to grow and advance assistance.
“The hotel and lodging industry is paving the way in innovation as evidenced by STR’s latest trend survey,” said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA. “We continue to be laser-focused on meeting the dynamic and diverse desires of consumers, focusing on service and guest experience, as well as developing and enhancing our properties and workforce.”
The survey is conducted every two years with partner STR, an industry consultant that provides data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights for global hospitality sectors.
Millennials’ Opinions Matter
As millennials continue to enter the hospitality industry, hotels have begun accommodating the younger generation. Something more than 10 percent of luxury, upscale and midscale properties that responded said they have been adding communal living spaces to help to increase the sense of community millennials crave. Benchmark’s observational survey, “Top Ten Meeting Trends for 2019,” also affirmed that sharing economy is leading to reduced single room requests.
Wellness is also a top priority for millennials; keeping up with their health regimen on the go, including exercise and healthy eating, has become more prevalent. In response to this, hotels are offering grab-n-go marketplaces—available in a third of hotels around the country—and healthy dining options at higher end hotels.
Rising Sustainability
In recent years, Green Certifications are increasingly important to travelers. As of April of 2018, only five LEED Platinum hotels existed, though 25 percent of domestic properties had received a Green certification, up from 16 percent in 2016. Aiding in this shift are linen and towel reuse programs—in 94 to 99 percent across chain hotels, and 83 percent in independent hotels—as well as water saving programs, with about two-thirds of hotels within all chain scales participating in the effort.
Technology Continues to Grow
From virtual concierges to robots delivering towels to your room, technology continues to reign supreme in trends reports. Smart rooms are becoming increasingly common, with hotels racing to keep up with growing tech improvements for the consumer experience.
What’s currently trending: moving to mobile. Hotels have begun upgrading their hotels to accommodate mobile devices as room keys and check-in/ check-out tools. In fact, using mobile devices for services reached 40 percent adoption in 2018, up from 35 percent in 2016. Using mobile devices as room keys more than doubled in percentage—in 2018, 17 percent used the service, compared to 2016’s six percent.
Yesterday marked the first day of Streampoint Solutions’ first Event Technology Week, a week-long briefing on technology trends, including event management and integrations, event marketing and housing management. This week we will deliver tips, guides and trends from event industry professionals who specialize in all aspects of the event planning and managing process.
Day one was all about finding the best technology solutions for your event. It was led by Dharmesh Dayabhai, co-founder of Steampoint Solutions, and Jennifer Beatty, managing director of Resiada.
From engaging attendees to ensuring positive ROI, technology can enhance the event experience, but only if used wisely. Following are some of the areas participant pointed to as being positively impacted by event technology.
Artificial Intelligence can track analytics of an event, provide insightful information and allow planners to act based on that data. Destinations across the country are using AR to create engaging experiences. For example, Wembley Stadium is using AR to create an interactive tour, during which, you can hover your Wembley-provided device over the many items around the stadium, including jerseys and trophies, and receive fun facts about the item. You can even pan your device across a conference room to watch the latest press conference held there.
Chatbots increase efficiency and satisfaction
With the use of chatbots, companies, such as Streampoint, have seen a decrease in call center support and it has increased efficiency and response times to commonly asked questions. Another plus is that when communication is delivered via text, recipients are more likely to respond.
Attendees want to be in control
Privacy is important. Attendees want to know where their data is going and how it’s being used. Be transparent about your privacy policies and attendees will feel more comfortable about connect with your company and each other.
Brand influencers are the new spokespeople, with a much larger reach and deeper audience engagement. They create authentic content and have the potential to drive traffic to websites and landing pages. A survey from EventMB found that the most-used social media sites are Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Jerry Cito
Cito, who has been with NYC & Company since 2001, was recently promoted to executive vice president of convention development. He is a trustee on PCMA’s foundation board and is a founding member and current executive committee member of the U.S. Travel Association’s Meetings Mean Business Coalition. He sits on the Destination International Sales & Marketing Committee and the MPI U.S. Council.
Christopher Postlewaite for NYC & Company
Roberta Tisdul, CMP
Ten years ago, Tisdul joined Visit Indy as an assistant. She saw many promotions in that time, including event manager and senior manager of convention services; she is now the director of convention services. She earned her event management certificate at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis’ tourism, conventions and event management program.
Ben Thiele
Thiele is general manager at Kimpton Canary Santa Barbara in California. Previously, Thiele held multiple leadership positions, including housekeeping manager, front office manager and assistant general manager. He was also general manager of Kimpton Palladian Hotel in Seattle.
James Wolfe
Seven Hills in Lenox, Massachusetts, appointed Wolfe as general manager. He comes from another Berkshire property, the Comfort Inn & Suites Sturbridge, where he also served as general manager. Wolfe has held general manager roles at various hotels in the Northeast and Midwest, including the Courtyard by Marriott, Hyatt Place, Newark Metropolitan Hotel in Newark, Ohio and Residence Inn brands. He also served as director of operations for Crowne Plaza and The Lofts in Columbus, Ohio, and Cherry Valley Lodge and Sheraton Kansas City Sports Complex in Kansas City, Missouri.
Norbert Mede
Heritage House Resort & Spa in Little River, California, appointed Mede as general manager. Most recently, he served as senior vice president of Pivot Agency. His career in hospitality began when Mede managed Cliffside Inn in Newport, Rhode Island. He’s had stints with numerous brands throughout his career, including Red Lion Hotels and DoubleTree Hotels in the Pacific Northwest, Stanyan Park Hotel and Hotel Griffon in San Francisco. In 2012, he was named General Manager of the Year by Luxe Hotels Worldwide.
Eric Gavin
Benchmark promoted Gavin to the position of chief sales officer. Previously, he served as senior vice president of sales and marketing; prior to that, he held the role of regional vice president of sales and marketing. Before joining Benchmark, Gavin was the chief marketing officer of Salamander Hotels & Resorts. He also served as vice president of marketing for Noble House Hotels & Resorts.
Miranda DeSantis
Aventri, in Norwalk, Connecticut, has appointed DeSantis as its first chief people officer. DeSantis started her career as a training coach at Verizon, where she was later promoted to human resources manager. She recently held the role of head of human resources for Rodale, Inc. Prior to Rodale, she served at Pret-A-Manger’s as vice president of people for their U.S. operation, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts as senior director and human resources business partner.
For two days next month, indie bookstores in San Diego will invite groups to participate at special events and peruse their shelves in celebration of the third annual Independent Book Store Crawl.
The crawl, which will take place April 27–29, will show off the city’s many new, used and rare indie bookstores and other literary spaces.
“At the moment, we have 10 [indie bookstores] in the San Diego area, with two more slated to open,” says Andrea Vuleta, executive director of Southern California Independent Bookseller Association. “We have seen growth in that area specifically, with an expansion of one store (Warwick’s) which now has an airport location, and a few new stores in the last two years.”
Here’s a roundup of some of our favorite San Diego bookstores to help plan your group’s literary journey.
The Book Catapult
It all began in 2006 with Seth Marko’s blog. For almost 10 years, he shared his reviews about books, authors and other aspects of the literary world. Then, in 2017, Marko and wife Jennifer Powell saw the opportunity to open a bookstore. They took over West Grove Collective bookstore and renamed it The Book Catapult. Located in South Park area, it contains a selection of new literary fiction, nonfiction, science and children’s books.
The stores hosts events such as Coffee with Catapult, an informal discussion with readers about what’s new in the world of literature. During the conversation, guests can grab a cup of coffee provided by Communal Coffee, a coffeeshop around the corner. At the end of the event, a 20 percent discount is offered on all books discussed.
Run for Cover Bookstore
Marianne Reiner had a longtime dream to have a space where she could express her passion for books and pastries. She became owner and founder of Run for Cover Bookstore, where customers can immerse themselves in the cozy, bohemian ambience that reflects Reiner’s French roots. While searching for a title, groups can drink coffee or eat a pastry at the store’s cafe. Outdoor seating is available in the back courtyard.
Verbatim Books
Justine Epstein, owner of this North Park neighborhood bookstore, has just acquired the former dentist office next door to expand her business. Part of the additional space will be dedicated to authors events and readings, and part will showcase the wide collection of used and rare books. The bookstore contains more than 200 new titles by San Diego writers, as one of the goals of the founder is to highlight local talents.
Library Shop
Located on the ground floor of the San Diego Central Library in the East Village, Library Shop is a hybrid—a bookstore and a boutique. The light-wood shelves display mainly new titles, including adult and children literature, whereas the wooden tables and walls feature a selection of local-crafted jewelry, greeting cards, souvenirs and T-shirts. The store is a partnership between San Diego Public Library Foundation and Friends of the Library. All proceeds benefit the San Diego Library system.
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Footnote Books
This is a small, old-fashioned store with so many books that the ceiling-to-floor shelves cannot contain all of them. It specializes in used and rare books, including out-of-print books. The shop is little off the beaten path—it’s at 1627 University Ave., a few minutes’ walk from Park Boulevard. The store also has a large assortment of vinyl records.
Bluestocking Book
The bookstore’s name refers to a well-educated, intellectual woman, originally a member of the 18th-century British Blue Stocking Society, led by hostess and critic Elizabeth Montagu. In homage of the lineage, the shop has a series of new and used books, including art, architecture, biography, fiction, gardening and cooking. It also features an interesting selection of graphic novels, including Japanese manga.
Founded in 1896 and located in La Jolla, this is the country’s oldest family-owned indie bookstore, and is now run by the family’s fourth generation. Warwick’s is known for its thousands of new titles and book-signing events, featuring prominent politicians, Prize Pulitzer-winning authors, literary celebrities and many other notables. They have included Hillary Clinton, author Ian McEwan, stand-up comedian Patton Oswalt, and humorist and comedian David Sedaris.
On the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m., the store hosts a morning coffee with a member of its bookselling team, where participants talk about new releases, literature and other inspiring topics.
One thing many visitors may not know about New York City is that the Big Apple is actually quite green. As NYC & Company prepares to welcome 10,000 people for The Climate Group’s 10th annual Climate Week NYC Sept. 24–30, Mayor Bill de Blasio called out the city’s green cred as part of his OneNYC strategy.
Mayor Bill de Blasio set the bar high in his remarks at a press conference the first week of August. “We’ve committed our city to hit the highest goals of the Paris climate agreement. We’re divesting from fossil fuels, mandating that our largest buildings cut their emissions, and investing in electric vehicles. Through investments in resiliency and sustainability, we are building a fairer city for all,” he said.
NYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixon explained the commitment this way: “Our goal is to leverage the city’s significant and growing sustainability efforts to position the destination as ‘the capital city of a responsible world.’”
The fierce focus on managing resources responsibly makes it easier for planners to soften their environmental footprint when bringing a group to the city. Here are three ways to leverage the sustainable investments being made in New York City’s hospitality sector.
The Grass Above Our Heads
Javits Center
Javits Center, the 760,000-square-foot exhibition center on the banks of Hudson River, is already home to a 6.75-acre green roof that cuts energy use by 26 percent and absorbs storm water. That urban oasis will soon include a 1-acre farm to grow produce that could be served at banquets in the meeting rooms below.
A half-hour away, Brooklyn’s Barclays Center is topped by a 3-acre green roof that muffles sound to the arena and reduces water going to the sewer system in storms. Brooklyn Grange manages a network of 30 beehives and green spaces from Long Island to Queens and Brooklyn Navy Yard.
The New York Botanical Garden’s Edible Academy in the Bronx recently opened a 3-acre green roof, demonstration kitchen, technology lab and solar pavilion. Closer to the ground, Snug Harbor’s 2.5-acre Heritage Farm on Staten Island works with 100 volunteers and opens its doors to 2,280 children to demonstrate best practices in farming, food sources and plant biology.
Stay Green
Crosby Street Hotel Sculpture Garden
Delegates can sleep easier knowing they are doing right by the planet at many New York City hotels. A total of 29 properties have committed to the NYC carbon Challenge, including 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. The Grand Hyatt New York and The Peninsula New York installed upgraded boilers and LED lighting. The Pierre, a Taj Hotel, participates in EarthCheck, which monitors impacts on the environment. And Crosby Street Hotel was awarded the city’s first LEED Gold certification for a hotel building.
For an immersive green experience, consider The Assemblage Hotel John Street, a trip through a mossy arch tucked in the financial district that acts as a portal to a community of health-minded short- and long-term visitors. Meals are communal and plant-based. The bar serves up personalized elixirs. Rooms are apartment-style and augmented by yoga, tea and meditation rooms topped by a rooftop event space.
LEED-Certified Attractions
Photo credit: Brittany Petronella
Outside the hotel lobby, many of the most popular sites in the city are also the most sustainable. One World Trade Center is more than an office building and a monument to resiliency. It is the world’s tallest LEED-certified gold building. Elevators produce energy through regenerative braking, low-E glass coating reduces heat gain and access to daylight in 90 percent of the building reduces the need for electric lighting.
A 2009 energy efficiency retrofit of the Empire State Building will shave 38 percent off the building’s annual energy use by replacing chillers, resealing windows and using innovative lighting fixtures.
The brand-new Hudson Yards development, billed as the largest private real estate development in the history of the United States, is designed from the ground up to minimize impacts on the earth while maximizing green spaces. To be specific, 14 acres of gardens and public spaces will be opened up to the public. Meanwhile, an innovative rainwater-collection system will reuse 10 million gallons per year of water and an on-site, hyper-efficient power plant figure in plans for LEED Platinum certification.
The greenest attraction of them all, Central Park, which welcomes more than 42 million visitors a year, will soon be car-free. And at Battery Park City, pesticides have been banned in favor of large-scale composting.
From traditional Ayurvedic relaxation therapy in San Diego to a self-marriage ritual in Riviera Maya, Mexico, luxurious spa tourism options are everywhere. Smart Meetings has rounded up a few interesting and luxurious treatments from some of the most esteemed destinations. All you and your guests have to do is relax and enjoy.
The third eye has been associated with wisdom and enlightenment throughout the world for centuries. It is closely tied to the pineal gland (which the French philosopher Descartes referred to as “the seat of the soul”), found in the middle of the brain, behind the eyes. Imbalances and blockages of the third eye are said to cause headaches, dizziness and even blindness, as well as memory loss, confusion and a sense of feeling lost.
At Golden Door in San Diego, you can unblock your third eye with Shirodhara (literally meaning “head flow”), an ancient Ayurvedic therapy in which warmed herbal oils are gently poured over the forehead and scalp. Shirodhara promotes relaxation and deep calm while normalizing the functions that regulate sleep and balance emotions.
Thai Massage with a Twist
Most of us are familiar with the ancient art of Thai massage, developed more than 2,500 years ago by Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, personal physician of the Buddha. While it’s been known for centuries to reduce stress, increase energy and improve circulation, a few people at Miraval Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona have added a twist to the classic.
Miraval Naga Thai, the spa’s unique, therapeutic procedure, is meant to remove energy blockages; ease pain, stress and tension; improve flexibility; and increase circulation. Guests lie on a Thai mat while a Naga practitioner, entwined and suspended in silk wraps, applies pressure with his or her feet to shift guests’ energy and provide deep stretches. Services are customized, so every experience is unique.
A Sensational Experience of Color, Light and Sound
For those looking for an out-of-this-world experience, there is the Color Light Wrap with Aura Imaging treatment at the spa at The Omni Grove Park Inn, in Asheville, North Carolina. This unique experience brings body and mind together with a before-and-after aura photograph—interpreted by your specially trained therapist, a customized, colored-clay exfoliating wrap, aromatherapy, music and full-spectrum lighting.
Get Married—to Yourself
The Buddha said, “You must love yourself before you can love another.” Sense, a Rosewood Spa on the Riviera Maya, helps guests do just that through a unique, shaman-guided journey to self-commitment. Four Mayan-inspired pillars—Shaman Encounter, Elements of Nature, Rituals of Touch and Marry Yourself Ceremony—combine to create an unforgettable, transformative experience of personal wellness.
Guests will enjoy luxury accommodations, spiritual pampering and a variety of revitalizing spa treatments. The journey can be experienced alone, as a couple or with a group.
If Guinness Book of World Recordssays it, it must be so: Massiv Water Coaster at Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Water Park in Texas (at 81 feet, 6.72 inches tall) is the tallest water coaster in the world.
Riders can feel the anticipation as they climb 123 steps to the top of the 81 foot, 6 3/4-inch tall coaster. They then twist, turn, drop and splash for 926 feet, zip through a mind-bending light show created by the slide itself and then splash down in a triple-drop in the landing pool.
Galveston also boasts Dragon Blaster and Tempest water coasters. All three coasters use Master Blaster technology, invented in 1994 by Schlitterbahn’s wizard of water, Jeff Henry. A water coaster differs from a roller coaster and a waterslide. We’re all familiar with the scream-inducing sharp twists and turns, steep climbs and plunging drops of a roller coaster. We’re also familiar with water slides, and their blasts of water that propel you up, up and away (or downhill), water walls and a huge splash for the finale.
Water coasters combine the best elements of both, where narrow spaces, g-forces, ride dynamics and velocities combine with splashing, blasting water to knock off your socks (or at least your flip-flops).
Here are a few other top water coasters in the United States—located in cities that frequently host association groups and other meetings. They’re also cities in which attendees are likely to bring their families along.
Master Blaster at Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels, Texas (near San Antonio)
Master Blaster at Golfland-Sunsplash in Roseville, California (just outside Sacramento)
Master Blaster at Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Read more about Galveston in Carolyn Koenig’s story, “Texas Two-Step: Houston, the Woodlands and Galveston Deliver What Meeting Planners Want,” in the April issue of Smart Meetings.
Barangaroo, Sydney
Popular destinations throughout the world have been busy adding new properties and attractions—from a spectacular entertainment venue in Montreal to a stunning convention center in San Jose, Costa Rica—that have enhanced their offerings to meeting groups and tourists. Here’s a summary of some of the main developments.
Located next to the famous Placa de les Gleries Catalanes, the recently opened Hotel SB Glow is an innovative cosmopolitan hotel that features 235 rooms, two restaurants offering local cuisine based on the diversity of flavors, aromas and Mediterranean colors, and a cocktail bar with spectacular 360-degree views of the city. The 6,082 sq. ft. of meeting space is surrounded by bright interior gardens.
Berlin
The Nineties Berlin multimedia exhibition at DDR Museum takes groups back to the legendary Berlin of the 1990s, a time when subcultures and creatives enjoyed a playing field of endless possibilities. The exhibition shows the decade after the fall of the Berlin Wall, when locals and visitors from throughout the world used newly free spaces, a unique club culture developed and life in the once-divided city rapidly changed.
Budapest
Castle Garden Bazaar, which was built from 1875 to 1883 and later deteriorated, has been restored. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has preserved the original facade of the building complex, while other areas were restored in accordance with modern architectural styles. The site offers many meeting areas, including outdoor venues, multifunctional event spaces, exhibition areas and terraces with panoramic views.
Dublin
Located in the CHQ Building in the Docklands area of the city, Epic: The Irish Emigration Museum provides a new, interactive experience in Dublin City Centre. Groups can uncover the dramatic and inspiring stories of the Irish who traveled the world, from early times to the modern day. It’s the world’s only fully digital museum and features 1,500 years of Irish history. Attendees can relive some of the greatest achievements in music, literature, sport, politics, fashion and science. The museum offers group tours and can be rented for morning and evening events with up to 180 people (300 can be accommodated by using space in The Galleria, also in the CHQ building).
Hong Kong
Nicollo Hotels, a luxury brand, opened its new flagship property, The Murray, Hong Kong, in January 2018. It breathed new life into one of the city’s most iconic and historic buildings, located between the Central Business District and Hong Kong Park. The 25-story structure features 336 oversized guest rooms and suites, signature restaurants and bars, a stunning rooftop bar with breathtaking views, and 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
Mexico City
Ritz-Carlton is planning to open its first hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City, in the capital city this year—a 153-room property in a 58-story building on Paseo de la Reforma Boulevard. Occupying floors 36–47, it will offer unobstructed view of Chapultepec Park and the brand’s luxury services and amenities, including a club lounge and spa.
Montreal
A spectacular, first-of-its-kind attraction—a pyramid-shaped, transcendent entertainment venue—is set to debut in June. Lune Rouge will offer the PY1 experience, a concept developed by Lune Rouge Entertainment, founded by Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laiberte. Four possible configurations will provide space for up to 1,000 people, who will be able to enjoy augmented reality experiences. After hours, the pyramid will morph into a next-generation nightclub that features an experiential multimedia environment.
San Jose
Centro de Convenciones de Costa Rica, a convention center, opened in 2018 with more than 60,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. It’s an eco-friendly, advanced architectural work inspired by Costa Rican biodiversity, culture and authenticity. The design was conceived to create unique experiences for visitors in a sustainable, modern and versatile venue. The center, located 5 miles from SJO and 6 miles from downtown San Jose, features state-of-the-art technology.
Stockholm
Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Sweden’s museum of fine arts and design, reopened in October after being closed for five years for renovations to create a more modern environment, while respecting the historic original architecture of the building, which was built from 1844 to 1866. The museum now has the capacity to display more than 5,000 works at once from the diverse collection—including painting, sculpture, drawings and prints from 1500 to 1900 and applied arts, design and portraits from the early Middle Ages to the present day. A sculpture courtyard, restaurant and creative workshops have also been added to the facility, which offers group tours.
Sydney
Once a bustling container terminal, Barangaroo is a huge urban renewal project that will be completed in 2021. Located on the edge of Sydney Harbour, it is connected to Darling Harbour and ICC Sydney (with 403,711 sq. ft. of meeting space). Most of the promenade is already open for walking and cycling. Barangaroo includes beautiful parkland, and when it’s finished, groups will be able to walk or cycle along Wulugul Walk from Walsh Bay to Darling Harbour. The new development also features more than 40 new restaurants and bars, shopping and event spaces with that can accommodate up to 5,000 people. The six-star Crown Sydney Resort Hotel and Casino is slated to open at the complex in 2020. Barangaroo Aboriginal Cultural Tours explore the world’s oldest living culture and the rich aboriginal history in the harbor and beyond.
Read more about these 10 cities and how they have become outstanding meeting destinations in Dan Johnson’s story, “Finding the Right Recipe: International CVBs describe the secret to their cities’ success,” in the March issue of Smart Meetings.
When disaster strikes a destination, one of the major casualties is often the image of the area in the eyes of national media viewers for years to come. Whether it is hurricane, earthquake, volcano or fire, the pictures of devastation are everywhere—but that negative news could have an upside.
As an owner of a corporate destination management franchise in New Orleans, I saw the reality of ground zero as I worked to rebuild my business after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. But as I regained footing, I watched a different story unfolded on the news and I learned some important lessons.
Welcome Empathy Tourism
In the years post-Katrina, areas in recovery mode were still being featured in ongoing, relentless press coverage, even though they were out of the path of typical visitors. I was surprised to find that this “bad press” is not necessarily a bad thing. People are naturally curious and may accept your request for appointments simply because they know what you’ve been through. Use this to your advantage.
Other players in the hospitality industry were also working hard to shift the narrative from one of devastation to one of renewal. Hotels, destination management companies, tourism-dependent restaurants and New Orleans & Company issued press releases, contributed articles and leveraged every conceivable marketing channels to tell the story of a reborn city. It didn’t matter who got the business, as long as we got business to New Orleans. In the long run, we knew that would lead to more business overall, and everyone would eventually get their share. To some extent, that feeling carries on to this day and I think we are all better for it.
They say it takes a village to raise a child. I will attest that it also takes a village to uplift an industry after natural disaster. I am proud of my colleagues in the hospitality industry—even my otherwise competitors—who remain committed to rebuilding and sustaining the jewel that is our beloved city. New Orleans is our city, but the hospitality industry is my village.
Go Tell the Story
Of course, as anyone in the hospitality industry knows, at no point were we able to coast. We still had to be out in front of potential customers, meeting them face-to-face. Often, companies facing difficult financial times cut back on travel, as they somehow view it as a discretionary expense. The reality is quite the opposite. We chose to meet potential clients at trade shows or at their office. We saw this as an investment in building a lasting relationship. The alternative may save you money in the short-term, but in the long-term, you’ll likely have fewer sales, and less money to spend on sales activities. So, even though we had very little available cash, I was on the road visiting potential customers.
I hope that no disaster ever befalls your own city, but if it does, my advice is to seek out your village. They’re the ones who are working hard, not waiting for a path to be cleared for them, taking every difficult boulder and finding a better place to put it. Join them and you’ll find that the path just gets smoother and better for everyone.
Jeff O’Hara, author of Have Fun, Fight Back and Keep the Party Going: Lessons from a New Orleans Entrepreneur’s Journey to the Inc. 5000 (Greenleaf, 2018), is president of PRA New Orleans, a business event management firm creating unique experiences for corporate groups. Formerly an angel investor, Jeff has backed several startups in the fields of technology, biotech, consumer staples and alternative energy. Jeff currently serves on the Board of Directors of Society of Hosts at Florida State University, which named him Alumnus of the Year in 2004. He received a BS in Hospitality Administration from Florida State University and an MBA from Tulane University.
Are you inspired by this year’s Oscar nominees and planning to watch and celebrate? Then you’ll want to read over this description of the stunning environments throughout the world where the nominees for Best Picture were filmed. These destinations provide excellent options for meetings, including properties with exciting attractions and fabulous meeting spaces, such as Broadway-style and elegant, royal venues.
Plot: Jack Main, a famous country music singer with alcohol and drug addictions, falls in love with Ally, a waitress and nightclub singer-songwriter. The couple starts performing together, until Ally has the opportunity to pursue her own career as a pop singer. The artistic separation enables Ally to achieve success, and leaves Jack alone, dealing with his shadows.
Filming location: Tucson, Arizona
Golden venue: The grand ballroom at Casino Del Sol Resort can host 1,800 guests. The 19,000-square-foot space is very versatile and can accommodate all the glamour you want to add to an event. The ballroom includes more than 7,000 sq. ft. of prefunction space that can be used for cocktail receptions and refreshments breaks.
Things to do: Famous for its golf tournaments, Tucson is home to several golf champions who now are investing their talents in designing the perfect course. Immersed in the Sonoran Desert landscape, Casino Del Sol’s Sewailo Golf Club was created by Ty Butler and Notah Begay III—a Native American who was a former PGA tour professional. Sewailo, which means flower world in the Pascua Yaqui language, is spread over 7,400 yards of land from the championship tees, with different tee boxes on each hole.
BlacKkKlansman
Plot: It’s the early 1970s. Ron Stallworth is the first African-American detective to serve in the Colorado Springs Police Department, and has a clear goal in mind: Infiltrate and expose the Ku Klux Klan. His colleague, Flip Zimmerman, helps the detective accomplish his mission by staging an undercover investigation.
Filming location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Golden venue: The Broadmoor offers an array of refined venues for hosting an event. The 11,000-square-foot Rocky Mountain Ballroom features an elegant foyer and Broadmoor Hall offers 60,000 sq. ft. For a Broadway-style vibe, International Center has 18,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, including a theater stage.
Things to do: Only 75 minutes away from the resort, on the Colorado Tarsal River, The Broadmoor has its own exclusive Fly Fishing Camp, a peaceful retreat immersed in natural surroundings. On more than 5 miles of private river, with patience and determination, it is possible to catch wild brown and brook trout. For hiking lovers, the best option is to follow one of the trials to get a closer look at Seven Falls, a series of stunning waterfalls that is one of Colorado’s best natural attractions.
Green Book
Plot: As a world-class African-American pianist, Don Shirley is ready to embark on a concert tour in the Deep South. It’s 1962, and people of color aren’t well-accepted in much of the country. He decided to hire an Italian-America driver, Tony Lip, who can take him to all his destinations and protect him. After a few disagreements, the two men bond and help each other to face racism and danger.
Filming location: New York City
Golden venue: Classic gala furnishings are featured at The Roosevelt Hotel. Adorned with original Tiffany chandeliers, a gold-gilded 27-foot-tall ceiling, iron-laced balconies and colossal arched windows, the grand ballroom stands out for its glamour. Next to this captivating space is the ballroom foyer, ideal for a cocktail reception.
Things to do: Debuting the day of the Golden Globe Awards, Museum of Modern Art the exhibition, Joan Miro, Birth of The World (which will be featured Feb. 24 to July 6) explores the connection of the Spanish artist with poetry and how it influenced his works.
On March 5, The Metropolitan Museum of Art will launch The Tale of Genji, A Japanese Classic Illuminated. It will be on display through June 16 and is the first major exhibition in North America to focus on Japanese artists’ works inspired by the famous book, The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu. The collection will feature more than 120 pieces, including paintings, calligraphy and silk robes, produced from the 11th century to present.
Roma
Plot: This autobiographical movie of film director Alfonso Cuaron explores the unstable domestic lives of the members of a middle-class Mexico City family and its servants, all residents of the neighborhood Roma.
Filming location: Mexico City
Golden venues: St. Regis Mexico City offers 17,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 12 venues, including the sophisticated Astor Ballroom (8,337 sq. ft.) and the more intimate Club Potentia.
Things to do: Mexico City is home to some of the most influential architects and artists in the world, including Luis Barragan, an award-winning architect. One of his most famous projects is the colorful Casa Gilardi, known for its huge jacaranda tree in the courtyard, hallway with vertical apertures and intimate indoor pool. Torres de Satelite, which he co-created with Mathias Goeritz, is one of the country’s first tall urban sculptures. Casa Luis Barragan, the architect’s former home and studio, is the only private residence to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lovers of Frida Khalo will want to visit Casa Azul, the cobalt-blue-and-brick-red residence where the artist grew up and later lived with her husband, Diego Rivera.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Plot: This film tells the story of the legendary British band Queen and lead singer Freddie Mercury. It traces the rise of the band through its most popular songs, performances and innovations.
Filming location: London
Golden venue: Designed by the famous Guy Oliver, Claridge hotel’s ballroom embodies the charm of the art deco style with its platinum leaf-covered pillar, hand-engraved mirrors and refined carpet with geometric designs. It is the perfect location for a formal, seated dinner. Cocktails and appetizers can be served in the reception area, known for its 1930s decor.
Things to do: For group that are passionate about music, London offers a vibrant selection of free concerts. Every Friday, Royal Opera House offers a series of one-hour, lunchtime recitals inside the foyer of Lindbury Theater with artists from Royal Opera, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and Royal Ballet. On Sundays and Tuesdays, Troubadour, the legendary South Kensington location features free jazz performances.
The Favourite
Plot: At the beginning of the 18th century, England is at war with France. Queen Anne occupies the throne, and her beloved friend, Lady Sarah, governs the country in her stead. When Abigail, a new servant, arrives, she immediately wins Lady Sarah’s heart. Lady Sarah takes the servant under her wing, and Abigail envisions a chance to return to her aristocratic roots.
Filming locations: Hertfordshire, England
Golden venue: At Hatfield House (yes, the same location where the movie was filmed) you can host your award event inside of the Old Palace. Once the residence of Queen Elizabeth I, the royal house has kept the elegance and high-end quality of its decor and added a modern twist. The Old Palace at Hatfield House can accommodate up to 300 guests, who will be delighted by its 15th-century design that incorporates a few original paintings of Queen Elizabeth I. The room formerly accommodated only traditional banquets, but now all types of meetings and parties can be arranged.
Things to do: The whole area is famous for its royal gardens. If you are looking for an Edwardian era-style project, you will be surprised by Knebworth House and Gardens. There, rhododendrons, woodland plants and a colorful kitchen garden with a wide variety of vegetables animate the landscape. Rose enthusiasts should take the time to explore Pembroke Farm Garden, which has 150 specimens.
Myddelton House Gardens offers an exotic touch. The gardens were designed by Edward Augustus Bowles, a self-taught gardener, at the beginning of the 19th century. Amid the 8 acres, your group will find an alpine setting he created that was inspired by his trips to Pyrenees, with daffodils and camasses during spring, Japanese knotweed and a garden dedicated to his passion for stones.
Art is celebrated inside Henry Moore Studios & Gardens, featuring a curated selection of flowers and plants, as well as some of the artist’s sculptures.
Vice
Plot: Gov. George W. Bush of Texas chooses Dick Cheney, CEO of Halliburton Co., to be his Republican running mate in the 2000 presidential election. When Bush wins, Cheney begins to use his newfound power to help reshape the country and the world.
Filming location: Wyoming and Washington, D.C.
Golden venue: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole provides 10,900 sq. ft. of meeting space. A classic ballroom and four meeting spaces are available, including Cottonwood Terrace, which provides 1,003 sq. ft. of meeting space, a large fireplace and slide windows that open to the outdoors. Another intriguing location is Cottonwood Lawn, offering 2,000 sq. ft. and breathtaking views of Sleeping Indian Mountain.
Things to do: Serious and amateur skiers know the beauty and challenge of Grand Teton National Park and its 50-mile-long Teton Range. If you decide to take a group there, be aware of the dangerous corners along the Death Canyon hike. For a more relaxed experience, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers a broad variety of comfortable and easier slopes. Once there, don’t forget to have your group jump on Corbet’s Couloir, a tram cruise that brings it to the mountaintop.
Black Panther
Plot: After the death of his father, T’Challa returns home to the mythical African nation of Wakanda to become a king. Invested in his new role, T’Challa (Black Panther) must confront a powerful enemy. The conflict puts the fate of the nation and entire world at risk. To bring peace back to his kingdom, T’Challa must tap into the full power of Black Panther.
Filming location: Nairobi, Kenya.
Golden venue: Sarova Stanley is a historic business hotel in Nairobi. For a large party, the hotel provides Churchill Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 450 guests. The private, intimate atmosphere of the Hemingway room is ideal for a cozy cocktail party. If the plan is to have a seated dinner, the Huxley room is the best option.
Things to do: Nairobi National Park has rich wildlife and is one of the only national parks in the world close to a capital city. The best way to travel through it is by Matatus (minibuses) or by renting a private vehicle. Expect to see lions, d hyenas, gazelles, warthogs, zebras, giraffes and buffaloes. With a little bit of patience and determination, you might see cheetahs and leopards, too.
Now, write down your picks for each category and don’t forget to wear your special Oscars outfit.
As millennials continue to enter the hospitality industry, hotels have begun accommodating the younger generation. Something more than 10 percent of luxury, upscale and midscale properties that responded said they have been adding communal living spaces to help to increase the sense of community millennials crave. Benchmark’s observational survey, “Top Ten Meeting Trends for 2019,” also affirmed that sharing economy is leading to reduced single room requests.
From virtual concierges to robots delivering towels to your room, technology continues to reign supreme in trends reports. Smart rooms are becoming increasingly common, with hotels racing to keep up with growing tech improvements for the consumer experience.
