Smart Meetings | Page 412 of 603 | Corporate Event Planning: Business Events, Meetings, Conferences

budget increases rise

Fifty-six percent of respondents in Eventbrite’s annual Pulse Report said that recruiting attendees for events was one of the top three most challenging part of the planner job in 2018. Rounding out the top three challenges: working with a tighter budget and locking down sponsors.

On the bright side: budgets overall appear to be increasing—38 percent of the 1,200 planners surveyed foresee a bump in budget growth. And more spending money means more events: forty-nine percent of respondents plan to host more events in 2019. Only six percent report lowered budgets.

Spreading the Word

What is driving budget boosts? Marketing and promotion. Surprisingly enough, social media isn’t the main driver. A solid majority (63 percent) of respondents said that word of mouth was the best way to reach potential attendees, while social media marketing came in second place, at 49 percent. Despite some labeling it old school, email marketing accounts for 38 percent of marketing.

Of social media posting, more than half (53 percent) said most interactions came from organic social marketing, while only a quarter (25 percent) used paid Facebook and Instagram ads and a small 3.75 percent used video.

Under-utilized tactics are still equally important. Though nearly half denied using it, and a small 21 percent found it to be an ineffective method, experts say SEO is undeniably important when increasing your event’s visibility through online key words.

Technology Reigns Supreme

Event tech continues to grow rapidly. A majority (53 percent) of event planners used mobile apps. That cohort is expected to rise to 60.5 percent in 2019. Interactive apps can add a dose of fun to events, while also providing real-time, interactive information that can increase efficiency. Cashless payments have increased, with 47 percent using them. Livestreaming is also more popular at events, with 40 percent incorporating the hybrid meeting format.

Demand for Green and Safe

Planners did not seem to be in synch with attendee priorities in a few areas. Sustainability has been a huge topic this year, but only five percent of planner respondents said they made it a priority when creating their event. On the other hand, 75 percent of consumers said they take sustainability into consideration when making a purchase. Planners reported that working with LEED-certified venues, which offer recycling and composting, along with choosing a sustainable event caterer, were easy ways to incorporate the demand for green events in the planning process.

A year filled with data breaches has also increased awareness of data privacy, though only seven percent of respondents took attendees’ said privacy was a major consideration in choosing vendors. Experts predict that 2019 will witness a shift to demand for smoother registration processes, choosing diligent technology partners and triple-checking that a venue is highly secure.

cruise marriott meetings sea yacht

Marriott International is expanding experiential options for groups in 2020 with the launch of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, a fleet of three floating hotels custom-built for cruising. When the keel-laying ceremony was held Jan. 11 in Vigo, Spain, to mark start of construction, the hospitality company’s position as a leader in the luxury meetings market expanded to include the seven seas.

Meetings at sea could maximize adventures while simplifying planning, said Brian King, global officer of digital, distribution, revenue management and global sales for Marriott International. “You can visit many countries—yet unpack just once.” The trips can be easily coordinated with pre- or post-cruise events at luxury hotels from Aruba to Mykonos, Greece.

The 149-suite yachts are billed as providing “a secure, exclusive, distraction-free environment to inspire camaraderie, and an inclusive fare for ease of budgeting.” They will feature private terraces, multiple dining venues, tech-enabled meeting room space and, of course, Wi-Fi. A flexible wall system allows suite layouts to be modified for meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) planners to accommodate specific attendees. A generous selection of spacious rooms will offer more options for ensuite entertaining.

Onboard, groups can enjoy exclusive cocktail receptions on the yacht’s bow (which is normally off-limits) and world-class cuisine conceived by Michelin three-star chef Sven Elverfeld of The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg.

Additional signature experiences include spa treatments, sunrise yoga and an encounter with a spiritual shaman, a day spent protecting wildlife, swimming with turtles in Tobago Cays or visiting a winery in Bordeaux with a sommelier. All are designed to operate at a relaxed pace to give attendees plenty of time to savor the activity and place.

Demand has been high, with full buy-outs for 2020 already sold out. Douglas Prothero, managing director of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, explained it this way: “The intimate size of our ships and compelling itineraries will give our guests the opportunity to explore unexpected destinations, all while enjoying legendary Ritz-Carlton service.”

Luxury on the Rise

Marriott’s 2016 acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide expanded its luxury brand portfolio; Marriott’s luxury brands today are The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Edition, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, W Hotels, JW Marriott and The Luxury Collection. King predicted even more investments in the luxury market in the coming year. “We now have the largest luxury footprint,” he said, pointing to the unique properties, high level of craftsmanship and elevated service standards at those brands.

More: The Ultimate Hotel Brand Guide

King predicted a bifurcation in the market, with increasing demand for limited service and luxury service, but stagnation in the middle. “A whole generation of millennials is looking for more experiences, and they have discretionary income,” he said.

washington evergreen state

The state of Washington boasts several exciting options for planners, including one-of-a-kind attractions. Here are a few of the best, offered in the state’s leading cities.

Bellevue

washington evergreen state Burke-Gilman Trail: Situated just outside the city that gave birth to outdoor-oriented companies such as REI and Eddie Bauer, this abandoned old railway corridor features 27 miles of hiking and biking through the woods.

The Museum of Flight: From the flimsy, cloth-covered wings of the first bi-planes to the Space Age, this museum will take you on a flight of fancy through more than a century of airplane history.

Seattle

Pike Place Market: This local landmark opened in 1907, and is one of the oldest continuously operating markets in America. It’s also one of the most colorful and interesting…and perhaps the most aromatic. The market covers 9 acres and has more than 200 vendors.

Space Needle: It’s a dramatic structure that is probably the best-known symbol of Seattle around the world. It was built for the 1962 World’s Fair, when it was visited by 20,000 people per day. It was also arguably the second-biggest star (after Elvis Presley) of the 1963 movie, It Happened at the World’s Fair.

Spokane

washington evergreen state

Riverfront Park: This oasis of green in center-city features a ton of fun stuff, such as the world’s largest Radio Flyer red wagon, an early-20th century clock tower, a colorful carousel from the same period, an ice-skating rink and the SkyRide over the turbulent waterfalls of the Spokane River.

Steam Plant Restaurant: Ever dined on upscale cuisine in a red-brick, 1916 building that was a city’s original power plant? Well, here’s your chance to do it, amid the red pipes and steel fittings of that period.

Tacoma

Mount Rainier National Park: This 14,410-foot-tall peak looms high not only pretty much everywhere you look, but also in local lore. You can admire it from atop 6,400-foot-tall Sunrise, the highest peak in the park reachable by car.

Museum of Glass: This 75,000-square foot museum is most likely the largest in the world dedicated to glass art. And it’s definitely the only one you can get to by walking across a 500-foot-long bridge of glass.

Read more about Washington’s outstanding offerings in Steve Winston’s story, “Live It Like a Local: How Attendees Can Experience the Essence of This Unique Corner of America,”in the December 2018 issue of Smart Meetings.

When Specialty Food Association checks in 1,400 exhibitors and more than 80,000 products for the Fancy Food Show at the expanded Moscone Center in San Francisco the third week of January, it will be the realization of the dreams of generations of mayors, a decade of planning and creative logistics, and lots of input from event professionals.

The $551 million expansion, christened on Jan. 3, added 157,000 sq. ft. of space and created a massive, 504,941-square-foot contiguous area that connects the two existing buildings via an underground addition. This upgrade was accomplished in four phases over four years while events continued in the existing space behind a temporary wall and traffic flowed between the two buildings.

A Community Effort

moscone center Two-thirds of the funding for the project came from a partnership with the hotel community, and representatives were onsite Thursday to see the final project. “I am beaming, thrilled to be at the finishing line to bring world-class conferences here,” said Jon Kimball, area general manager for Marriott International.

City support came from a line of visionary leaders. The convention center, on the site of a former parking lot, was initially championed by (and later named after) Mayor George Moscone, who passed away in 1978, before the original ribbon-cutting in 1981. Moscone was remembered at the rededication as a man focused on inclusiveness and bringing people together.

Later, Mayor Ed Lee took up the cause of expanding and modernizing so the city could continue to compete for large conferences and serve the needs of a growing tech community. He passed away in 2017 before the final touches were added. New San Francisco Mayor London Breed did the ribbon-cutting honors with an oversize pair of scissors at the ceremony on Thursday as the Jazz Mafia band played in the background. She officially welcomed the world to the jewel in the middle of the city.

San Francisco Travel has been doing quite a bit of welcoming, as well. Joe D’Alessandro, president and CEO of San Francisco Travel Association, called it the heartbeat of the city and reported that the campus is already booked through April.

A Warm Welcome

Event planners taking the initial tours of the building had a lot to admire. From the soaring, light-filled, prefunction lobby space and two 75-foot-long video monitors wrapping around the meeting space to four new major artworks, expanded Moscone center has a lot of curb appeal to make a memorable first impression.

Courtney Bales, director of event operations for Oracle Corporation, was eager to see the new 49,775-square-foot, column-free ballroom and the terraces that will leave no doubt in attendee minds what city they are in. A survey of event professionals prior to finalizing plans found that open space and flexibility topped most lists for potential tenants.

Nearby, Oracle Senior Director of Corporate Event Marketing Karen Galatis praised the environmental credentials of the building. Moscone is now home of the largest rooftop solar installation in the city, which will provide 20 percent of the building’s power. An innovative water recovery system will literally harvest fog from the air, along with storm and groundwater to reuse for landscaping and street cleaning.

“The green initiatives are something we look for in a venue because it aligns with our goals at Oracle,” she said before heading up the escalator to see for herself.

With more than 25 years working in the meeting and event industry, I’ve seen many trends come and go, but one thing that remains constant is the importance of team building to drive bonds and connections. In the past quarter century, team building has evolved from trust falls and obstacle courses to more thoughtful, mindful and experiential activities that showcase the local culture of the destination. Below are the most important, and what I consider to be the most lasting, trends I’ve noticed through the years.

Corporate Social Responsibility is Now Company Culture

Although corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been a part of meetings for a while, it has now become an interwoven piece of the fabric of any company meeting. Instead of a single breakout session to plant trees or build a bike, meeting planners are expanding CSR elements into the everyday programming. I’ve seen groups work together to prepare extra meals at a welcome reception which are then donated to a local food bank. Puppy breaks allow guests to play with dogs to benefit a local animal shelter. And more planners are drafting fully-comprehensive plans for minimizing the group’s carbon footprint with everything from no-waste programs to composting.

When in Doubt, Incorporate Food

The most popular and impactful type of team building activities today involve food. Iron Chef-style competitions and team cook-offs are my personal favorite because they allow for friendly competition and showcase the local flavor and culture of the destination. For example, at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, we provide everything from chili cook-offs and salsa showdowns, each incorporating delicious local ingredients, to margarita pour-off competitions featuring one of San Antonio’s most popular beverages.

Utilizing the Destination

Another major shift I’ve noticed is the necessity of infusing the local destination into every aspect of a meeting. With team building activities in particular, planners have the opportunity to build out an experience showing off the destination that they thoughtfully selected for their attendees. For example, based on our resort’s location, we’ve seen groups take part in distinctly-Texas activities with everything from Armadillo races and Rodeo Olympics to local beer tasting from popular Texas-based breweries.

Getting Outside to Build Bonds

More events are being held outdoors and in unconventional spaces, and this is also ringing true for team building. For example, I’ve noticed that groups are hitting the golf course, but surprisingly not always for the purpose of enjoying a round of golf. Planners are utilizing the space for unique activities such as frisbee golf or glow-in-the-dark putt-putt, which are fun and interactive for every attendee, even non-golfers.

The Importance of Wellness and Safety

Wellness continues to be one of the most important elements of any event. I’ve seen a major uptick in the popularity of relaxation days and pop-up spa experiences, or even group exercise and meditation classes.

One thing I find interesting is that with the growing trend of health and wellness, groups are straying away from more adrenaline-inducing team building and instead opting for safe and inclusive options. For example, I remember the days when a team outing had the potential of ending with a trip to urgent care with one slip off of an obstacle course. For obvious reasons, that is less common these days. Planners are taking more steps to ensure fun and interactive experiences while being safe for every skill and activity level.

Timeless Tips for Building Bonds

My biggest tip for meeting planners is to remember the overarching goal of creating an unforgettable experience that will forge lasting connections and bonds.

With that in mind, I recommend keeping it simple. It’s not necessary to go above and beyond in stressing the minor details, because what matters most is for attendees to have fun together. For example, you do not need the most expensive celebrity chef to judge your cooking competition when the goal is getting attendees to let loose, relax, and truly enjoy each other’s company.

John Hernstat is director of sales and marketing with Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa. He has more than 25 years of experience working in the hospitality industry, where he has helped to coordinate countless unforgettable meetings and events for his clients.

wine california — Ancient Peaks Winery; photo credit: Chris Leschinsky

The Golden State is home to an abundance of wine countries, with immersive experiences around every corner. From goat yoga to ziplining, the liquid in the glass is just the beginning. The creative spaces and productive vibes flow just as freely. Meetings held in these laid-back locales pair well with team building. Smart Meetings checked in with Nancy Light, vice president of Wine Institute, for some of the best group programs up and down the state.

North Coast

wineries california — Buena Vista Winery

Often referred to as the wine country, Napa and Sonoma counties were made famous by besting the French in a 1976 blind tasting. The region has since become synonymous with world-class vintages, and an entire lifestyle—and associated meeting spaces—have grown to support the $57.6 billion statewide industry. Here are some award-winning ways to enjoy all that bounty.

Winemaker for a Day: Buena Vista Winery in Sonoma County offers a “Be the Count” experience where guests can play the role of self-proclaimed Count of Buena Vista, Agoston Haraszthy, a vivacious and eccentric pioneer of California wine dating back to the founding of the winery in 1857. Wine educators guide attendees through the art of blending in the winery’s Cave of Curiosity. The result is a personalized bottle of red wine with a customized label.

Other Northern California wineries offering blending sessions include: Conn Creek Winery, Raymond Vineyards and Joseph Phelps Vineyards in St. Helena; Ravenswood Winery in Sonoma (famous for “unwimpy” wine); Rutherford Hill in Rutherford; and Shramsberg in Calistoga.

In the emerging wine region of Livermore Valley in San Francisco’s East Bay Area, Wente Vineyards offers black-glass blind tasting, where teams are challenged to guess a wine’s color without seeing it. Guests are also led (without the blindfold) on a vineyard tour that features the family history of the property, more tastings and pairings in historic sandstone caves.

Bocce Tourneys: Another Sonoma County group favorite spot is Francis Ford Coppola Winery. The Geyserville property owned by the legendary The Godfather movies director offers a parklike setting for up to 300 guests with family-style dining and serious bocce ball tournaments on four regulation-size courts.

Harvest Grape Stomp: If the company that crushes grapes together works better together, then Trefethen Family Vineyards in Napa Valley in the fall may be the ticket to better results that will pay rewards for years to come. The visitor center dates to 1886, when the three-story gravity-flow building was still experimental. The Villa next door, which formerly served as the home of the Trefethen family and still serves as a model for the Arts and Crafts style architecture, is the backdrop for private tastings for groups of up to 10.

If you time it right, other wine country grape-picking and stomping opportunities are available at Alexander Valley Vineyards in Healdsburg, and Benessere Vineyards (home of competitive grape stomping) and Grgich Hills Estate in St. Helena.

Culinary Masters: Food and wine go together like business and pleasure, so it is logical that world-class wineries offer masterclasses in the culinary arts for groups large and small. Cakebread Cellars in Rutherford holds cooking classes in The Winery House kitchen with the results of all that labor enjoyed on Pecan Patio. Wine pairings are served by the Cakebread team.

Another Livermore Valley favorite, Concannon Vineyard, offers 90-minute lessons on the philosophy of pairing cabernet sauvignon with food, and then challenges participants to apply what they have learned in team-based competitions.

Central Coast

Halter Ranch; photo credit: Anna Delores

From Santa Cruz to Paso Robles and the hills of Santa Barbara County, the middle of the state is producing wines and experiences that take top honors. Here are some of the varietals to explore along Highway 1—practically in Silicon Valley’s backyard—for your next best meeting adventure.

Goat Yoga: At Bargetto Winery in Santa Cruz Mountains, an all-levels yoga class surrounded by mini-goats is part yoga, part animal-assisted therapy. An hour of stretching is followed by 60 minutes of Goat Happy Hour (a flight of award-winning wines to sample). A special souvenir Goat Yoga wine glass is included.

In Los Gatos, Burrell School Vineyards & Winery offers sunset yoga and wine taught by a local instructor and followed by a five-course wine tasting featuring some of the wineries favorite reds and whites.

Wine Concerts: Start the meeting off with a concert in the vineyard at Clos LaChance Vineyards in San Marin. Guests can enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of their favorite place, with food prepared by an in-house chef and paired with Fintage 408 blends created to honor the local San Jose Sharks NHL team.

Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards; photo credit: Ralph Andrea

Wine and Chocolate Pairing: Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards in Saratoga offers winemaker-guided tours, followed by wine and chocolate pairings that are both educational and competitive. Groups break into teams to debate which vintages best enhance the artisanal sweets in a team-building activity where everyone wins.

More pairing experiences are on the menu at Ridge Vineyards in Cupertino, where the stunning vistas from Monte Bello Ridge pair perfectly with Private Estate tastings in a storied viticultural destination.

Cask Tasting: On the scenic campus of Regale Winery and Vineyards in Los Gatos, visitors can book tastings with the winemaker of premium selections drawn directly from magnificent French Oak casks, custom-made and shipped from the French Bordeaux region. At 11 feet tall and nearly 1,000 gallons, the casks honor the tradition of gracefully aging fine wines with the same centuries-old techniques used in France and Italy. A gathering that includes Pinot Pong Trivia tournaments and a cork engineering challenge in the Tuscan-inspired gardens will get any event off to a creative start.

Ziplining: For more perspective on the winery experience in the region made famous by the movie Sideways, Ancient Peaks Winery in Paso Robles hosts groups in Oyster Ridge Barn and buckles them up on a wire that ziplines over the vineyards.

Horseback Meetings: At Halter Ranch in Paso Robles, the best way to see the 2,000-acre property, vineyards and caves is on horseback with a catered lunch for up to 50 people. Bonus: The tour includes details on the ultra-green building features of this innovative winery.

All-Terrain Vineyard Experience: In beautiful Lompoc, Stanford Winery offers Polaris ATV-driven tours of the rolling Sta. Rita Hills and tastings of pinot noir and chardonnay offered while guests stand next to the vines where the grapes were grown.

Private Pond Escape: At Pence Vineyards and Winery in Buellton, the view from the octagon-shaped Pond House is the perfect pastoral setting to enjoy the property and the small-production Penny Label Collection wines.

Progressive Tasting: The Coastline Tour at Presqu’ile in Santa Maria spotlights eight limited-production wines paired with seasonally inspired food as part of a walking tour, which includes stops in the tasting room, a wine cave and the story of the Murphy family—which is ultimately one of connection, romance and dreams—and concludes in a private dining room, with an ocean view and acclaimed Presqu’ile Vineyard pinot noir.

In nearby Los Olivos, Stolpman Vineyards also believes in taking guests into the hills for educational vineyard hikes. A guided traverse helps visitors discover for themselves why biodiversity and sustainable farming is key to world-class winemaking.

Southern California

Temecula Valley has grown into a leading wine region with easy access from all of Southern California. There are as many ways to borrow the wine country vibe here as there are varietals up for grabs. Here are a few ways to work the vino into the agenda.

Family Style: Winemaking has been a tradition at Robert Renzoni Vineyards in Temecula since 1886. Borrow some of that heritage with a VIP tour and tasting experience. Wines are paired with imported Italian meats and cheeses for up to 12 guests.

Winemaker Competition: All the skills required to run a business—marketing, branding, sales, collaboration—are required to win the blending challenge at Cougar Vineyard & Winery in Temecula. Teams work together to create a blend of wines, design and create a label, name the blend, and then put together a marketing pitch that is presented to everyone. Winners are chosen by ballot.

Video ruled the social media world in 2018. Smart Meetings’ visual storytelling immersed planners in the trends and news of the year. If you missed some videos along the way, don’t worry. We prepared a list of the best of Smart Meetings TV from the last year.

Marin Bright: Welcome to the January Issue of Smart Meetings

Marin Bright, CEO of Smart Meetings, kicked off 2018 with a video detailing changes to Smart Meetings magazine. She announced that the company’s new mission is “inspiring brilliant experiences” while showcasing how the magazine has improved. The reimaging of the magazine was prompted by feedback she received from readers—a continuing source of inspiration for the entire team.

Destinations Inspire Brilliant Experiences

Smart Meetings TV host Mike Lyons explored how an interesting and unique destination can lead to fun and intriguing events. He talked with representatives from across the globe to uncover the gems that make their destinations unique.

Three Tips for Being Inclusive

Smart Meetings asked Jessica Pettitt, the author of Good Enough Now, to provide three tips on how to be inclusive. If the first one is being conscious of who you might be excluding and the second one is asking, can you guess the third one?

What Apps Do Planners Use Most at Events?

Smart Meetings tracked the year’s top event apps by talking to you—industry professionals who put these tech tools to the test every day. From Poken and Certain Touchpoint, to new ways of introducing meditation in events, let us know your favorite resources and you could be featured in 2019.

The Future of Your Business According to Glen Hiemstra

Glen Hiemstra, founder of Futurist.com, explained that if you want to change your business, you have to start with the future, not the present. Fortunately for planners, they are already ahead of the game because they are always looking ahead.

conde nast top hotels

Conde Nast editors have some suggestions for where to host your next meeting. The travel magazine announced their 2019 top hotels in the world and the United States managed to snag 13 of the 14 best hotels in North America honors with hotels located across the country, from New York to California. Read on for the hotel wins in the U.S.

1. Sunset Tower, Los Angeles

Since opening in 1931, this hotel has hosted a parade of celebrities. Should you want a peek into the VIP life, this property is the perfect place to start. With 81 chic bedrooms to stay in and event space on The Terrace, which can hold parties of up to 500, this hotel will leave guests feeling like the stars they are.

2. Farmhouse Inn, Sonoma, California

All rooms come with wine refrigerators for the inn’s own wine, Lost and Found; wine tours of Sonoma and Napa are also available, including a tour of the hotel’s Lost and Found winery. With only 25 rooms and 650 sq. ft. of event space, it is designed for more intimate gatherings.

3. Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club, Surfside, Florida

Sitting at the northern end of Miami Beach, this hotel is a stunning property that lines the beach, giving gorgeous views of Surfside. Room options include cabanas, which offer patios to sunbathe on and watch the surf. You’ll find 105 guest rooms and suites in total, as well as a 531 sq. ft. boardroom at this dreamy hotel.

4. The St. Regis New York

Though you’re planted right in the middle of the city, this hotel is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City. The hotel channels old New York glamour, with chandeliers complementing the light walls and vibrant curtains in each of the guest rooms. Despite a 2013 renovation, the hotel still oozes vintage charm from its past 100-plus years. A total of 238 guest rooms and 16,000 sq. ft. of meeting space act as a refuge from the world.

5. The Robey, Chicago

Don’t worry about locating your hotel—The Robey is the only skyscraper in the area, towering at 203 feet. This Art Deco tower was renovated in 2016, turning it into an upscale boutique hotel. Stay in one of 69 rooms in the former Northern Tower, or 20 multi-bed Annex Loft rooms in the adjoining former Hollander Fireproof Warehouse. Meeting space totals 7,665 sq. ft.

6. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii

Overlooking white sand and turquoise waters among lava-rock formations, this hotel is the epitome of relaxation. If you’re looking to experience something other than lounging in one of the 243 guest rooms overlooking the beach, consider learning the ins and outs of snorkeling and marine biology—an expert will guide you in a 1.8 million-gallon, lava-rock aquarium among 4,000 tropical fish. Indoor and outdoor meeting space is available, totaling 37,034 sq. ft.

7. The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel, New York

The Beekman opened just two years ago, but manages to mix contemporary architecture with vintage elegance. What truly makes this hotel stand out from the rest is its art, decorating the walls, lobby and rooms, which was inspired by its eccentric history and the American Romantic period. Stay in 287 guest rooms, and host events in its 5,900 sq. ft. of meeting space.

8. Amangiri, Utah

When staying at Amangiri, you’re only a short distance away from adventure. Visit the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park and Monument Valley, all just a short distance away. Relax post-experience in the 25,000 sq. ft. spa, which includes space for massages, flotation therapy and scrubs. The four-room Mesa Home is surrounded by 600 acres of undeveloped land, while the 34 suites offer desert views.

9. The Dewberry, South Carolina

Its tagline, “Southern Reimagined,” is spot on. The clean lines and sleek details are a modern take on Southern charm; though it might not sound like a match, the two certainly mingle well in this hotel. The lobby features dark wood panels and marble floors, while each of the 155 guest rooms and suites incorporate foliage and blooms by artist Becca Barnet. Meeting space totals 9,700 sq. ft.

10. Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles

Greeting you at your arrival: swans, in a gorgeous lake surrounded by greenery. It’s a 12-acre oasis, offering privacy from the rest of the city in each of its 103 guest rooms and suites. If paradise were a place, this hotel would absolutely be it. For a superb dining experience, head to Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant, which offers fresh, local ingredients. Event space totals 11,000 sq. ft.

11. The Peninsula, Chicago

This hotel has much to be proud of: since its opening in 2001, it has received Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond awards every year. It brings its Asian heritage to the area without placing it at the forefront, but it brings together “far-Eastern graciousness with Midwestern hospitality.” With 339 guest rooms and suites and 15,973, this hotel is the perfect place for sophisticated meetings.

12. Wynn Las Vegas and Encore, Las Vegas

Wynn Las Vegas features 200,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, 2,700 rooms and 357 suites. It’s a giant in Las Vegas. Encore’s 2,034 suites and 60,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including a 20,650-square-foot ballroom, are equally elegant. The two giants blend together to create a seamless experience space for large, spectacular meetings.

13. The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel, New York

Located in the “Museum Mile,” the hotel is within walking distance of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, the MET Breuer and the Frick. Its live entertainment is also top notch, featuring current musicians such as Earl Rose and Rob Mosci through December. Stay in one of 190 guest rooms; meeting space totals 2,300 sq. ft.

disney developments

“’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse”—except for Mickey and Minnie! They and all their Disney pals have been up to a whole bunch in 2018, including celebrating Mickey Mouse’s milestone 90^th birthday. The entire cast of characters has a busy 2019 to look forward to. Here’s a roundup of the latest meeting developments at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.

1. Disney Meetings Rebrands as Disney Meetings & Events

In October, the Disney Meetings division added an “ampEARSand” to become Disney Meetings & Events. The announcement was made at IMEX America in Las Vegas. Disney invites planners to use cast member’s imaginations to “imaginear” a creative event in one of the resorts’ hotel ballrooms or in-park experiences.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93Xr-n8_uAs&feature=youtu.be

2. Toy Story Land Opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

You’ve got a friend in me-etings! Since Toy Story land opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on June 30, visitors have enjoyed riding Slinky Dog Dash rollercoaster and Alien Swirling Saucers. There’s no private event space inside this park-within-a-park, but think outside of the toy chest to bring the theme to a ballroom. Green army men can march in for a character appearance. Take your imagination to infinity and beyond by decorating with oversized blocks, crayons and more. Customize a menu to include alien macaroons.

More: 7 Toy-riffic Ways to Incorporate Toy Story Land into Meetings

3. Swan and Dolphin Resort Breaks Ground on New Meetings Hotel Tower

Conveniently located on Disney property (although not owned by the mouse), Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort broke ground Nov. 27 on The Cove, a new, 14-story tower with 349 guest rooms. The hotel expansion will add more than 22,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including two ballrooms, a dozen meeting rooms and rooftop reception venue with nightly fireworks views. The new structure will open fall 2020 and is accepting group bookings beginning March 1, 2021.

More: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort to Add Hotel Designed for Groups

4. New Group Dining Options Open at Disney Springs

Disney Springs, formerly known as Downtown Disney, has a menu-full of new private-dining options. George Miliotes opened Wine Bar George, the only master sommelier-led wine bar in Florida, in May. More than 130 wines are available by the ounce, glass or bottle. The 6,000-square-foot space can accommodate up to 300 guests. Keep the party going until the wee hours at The Edison, open since January. This 1920s-themed restaurant features an aerial act and live musical performances to entertain guests. Cap off the night with one of its delectable milkshakes or a lollipop tree with bubble-gum whipped cream. Paddlefish, which was named Orlando’s best seafood restaurant in 2018 Orlando Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards, has private event spaces for groups of 30 to 250.

More: Walt Disney World Resorts Adding Exciting New Group Options

5. Coronado Springs Releases Renderings of Major Expansion

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is adding a new two-story lobby, boardroom and multipurpose rooms to its current 220,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. A new 15-story tower will contribute more than 500 guest rooms to the inventory, and a new rooftop restaurant and lounge will offer panoramic views. Expected to open in Summer 2019, Villa del Lago will be a floating bar and grill connected to the resort grounds by bridges. It will accommodate up to 150 guests.

More: Sneak Peek at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Expansion

6. Yacht & Beach Club Opens New Ballroom

Mickey was on-hand at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort in September to introduce the new 16,000-square-foot Newport Ballroom, which can be divided into eight breakout sections. The ballroom’s lobby and gallery areas add 4,600 sq. ft. of prefunction space. In total, the resort’s expansion tacked on an additional 28,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, bringing the total to almost 100,000 sq. ft. The hotel has 1,190 guest rooms.

7. The Force is With Star Wars

A fun group activity is now open at Disney Springs in Florida and Downtown Disney District in California. At The Void, guests go undercover as Stormtroopers in this multisensory hyper-reality experience, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire. A galaxy far, far away is closer than ever with the much-anticipated launch of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Summer 2019 at Disneyland and late Fall 2019 at Disney World. A fully immersive Star Wars-inspired hotel is also under development in the Orlando area. Guests will check in to the starship for a multiday adventure, dress in character attire and view space from all windows.

More: Greater Orlando: The Yummiest Place on Earth

8. Paradise Pier Becomes Pixar Pier

On June 23, what was originally named Paradise Pier inside Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim got a new moniker, Pixar Pier. It was outfitted in new signage, which includes rebranding of the rollercoaster, which is now called Incredicoaster. The area is made up of Incredible Park and Toy Story Boardwalk (which will add Jessie’s Critter Carousel in 2019). The Ferris wheel, now called Pixar Pal-A-Round, is the focal point of Pixar Promenade.

9. Fans Get First Look of Disney Skyliner Gondola

In November, some of Disney’s most dedicated fans got a sneak peek at one of Disney World’s upcoming additions. Those in attendance at D23’s Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouse event were first to see one of the gondolas that will be part of Disney Skyliner. The new transportation system is set to open in Fall 2019. It’ll connect Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to four resort hotels—Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, as well as the proposed Disney’s Riviera Resort.

intercontinental-shanghai new

Keeping track of renovations and the emergence of important new properties is a fundamental part of a meeting planner’s work, and the task has become more challenging recently with the huge upsurge in construction. Here’s a look at five of our top New and Renovated stories from 2018.

New & Renovated: International Intrigue

From Canada to Puerto Rico, beautiful hotels have sprung up across the globe, and others received incredible makeovers. The hotels include El San Juan Hotel in Puerto Rico, the 388-room hotel that underwent a $65 million renovation following Hurricane Maria; The Josie Hotel in Rossland, British Columbia, Canada, a ski-in/ski-out resort that opened this fall; Rosewood Baha Mar in the Bahamas, which opened in June, featuring laidback architecture; and Hilton Garden Inn Mexico City Santa Fe, which debuted if February, showcasing floor-to-ceiling windows and modern architecture.

New & Renovated: International Intrigue

New & Renovated: File Under ‘Florida Upgraded’

Boasting marvelous beaches and plenty to see and do, Florida is a prime location to host a meeting or to visit during a vacation. Mr. C Coconut Grove embodies modern design with its steel architecture, Sirata Beach Resort sets a trend with an all-new color scheme, Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort provides unobstructed, sweeping views of the Atlantic, and Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront reimagines the lobby concept.

New & Renovated: File Under ‘Florida Upgraded’

New & Renovated: A Step Outside the Ordinary

While every hotel and venue has at least some sort of unique feature, some go above and beyond. These recent openings and renovations redefined what was expected in 2018. Los Angeles Athletic Club, the city’s first private athletic club, received a multiphase renovation, the Big Cedar Lodge now provides luxury glamping, Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel brought in robotic backup and InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland went underground.

New & Renovated: A Step Outside the Ordinary

New & Renovated: Boutique, Stocked with Character

Extravagance is always appreciated, but character goes a long way. These luxurious boutique hotels have more than enough character to spare. The Kinney SLO invokes college campus nostalgia, The Alida Hotel embraces local culture, The Inn Above Tide blends luxury and boutique sensibilities, and The Groton Inn, a historic property, was rebuilt after a fire.

New & Renovated: Boutique, Stocked with Character

New & Renovated: Of Business and Airports

When traveling through airports and trying to get to meetings with as little fuss as possible, convenience takes on an all-powerful meaning for attendees. Few options are more convenient than business hotels, just a skip and jump from the airport. New and renovated airports include Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Airport, with its 24-hour complimentary airport shuttle service; Courtyard Dulles Airport Herndon, which is a short commute from all the attractions in Washington, D.C.; Phoenix Airport Marriott, which was remodeled to feature a modern look; and Hyatt Regency John Wayne Airport Newport Beach, which blends business with pleasure.

New & Renovated: Of Business and Airports