Every article, breakout session and destination marketing campaign these days seems to include a reference to the importance of creating experiences at events. But what does that really mean? The latest IACC Meeting Room of the Future survey starts with the definition of this ubiquitous term and then highlights some of the tactics independent venues are putting in place to make the universal goal easier to achieve.
Sarah Weller, new business innovation at Steelcase Event Experiences, may have put it best in her comment for the report: “The core of experience design is putting the human first.” She reported receiving increasing requests from meeting planners looking for help in executing on their vision.
Venue as Consultant
The survey showed that at least some of the time, the overwhelming majority (93 percent) of venue operators act as strategic consultants for experience creation to arrange on- and off-site activities. Beyond the meeting room, that can include themed food and beverage options, outdoor spaces and team building—everything from wine tours to cultural excursions.
IACC CEO Mark Cooper explained that creating memories and inspiring delegates requires incorporating elements for all the senses—sight, sound, touch, taste and smell.
Venues are also being asked to support all modes of learning—auditory, visual and collaborative. That requires flexible meeting space, something a majority (60 percent) of operators said was becoming more important to their planner clients. “Effectively switching between modes of learning is best supported with active learning spaces that support easy movement and reconfiguration without interruption,” Weller said.
As a bonus, Ellen Sinclair, senior vice president at Benchmark Hospitality International, noted that mixing seating up also stimulates creativity and reinvigorates attendees.
Trend Watch
The study polled venue operators for the requests they are getting most frequently to determine what offerings are growing in popularly. Planner asks included:
Continuous refreshment breaks
Longer meal times for more networking
Culinary team building
More CSR options
More bright colours and natural light
Soft and lightweight furniture that can be easily moved
Casual breakout spaces
High speed Wi-Fi indoors and outside (71 percent ranked it as the most important meeting venue element)
Virtual reality technology
Photo Credit: Culinary Workers Union
On May 22, an overwhelming majority of members of the Culinary Union in Las Vegas voted to go on strike when their current contract ends on May 31. The decision impacts 50,000 servers, bartenders, guest room attendants and cooks, and includes properties operated by MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment Corporation and Boyd Gaming.
Richard Broome, Caesars Entertainment executive vice president of communications and government relations, said: “Caesars expects to reach an agreement with the Union on or before June 1 when the current contract expires.”
A representative from Wynn Resorts said, “The Wynn Las Vegas agreement with the culinary unions does not expire until 2021. Our agreement remains in place and consequently we are not subject to a strike vote.”
Union officials reported that 99 percent of the 25,000 who cast ballots voted in favor of the strike measure if an agreement isn’t reached in the next eight days.
Ongoing negotiations include salary, job security and workplace safety, including sexual harassment policies. Culinary Union Secretary-Treasurer Geoconda Arguello-Kline said, “We support innovations that improve jobs, but we oppose automation when it only destroys jobs.” She added, “Our industry must innovate without losing the human touch. That’s why employers should work with us to stay strong, fair and competitive.”
MGM released this statement, indicating that it hopes to find a solution before the end of the contract: “MGM Resorts and the Culinary Unions have always been great partners. We have issues to address, but we’re confident we will find mutually beneficial solutions to all our contract issues.”
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority released the following statement: “Our resort partners and their union representation have traditionally maintained a good working relationship. We continue to monitor the situation, but are not directly involved in negotiations and are respectful of the collective bargaining process.”
BREAKING: Culinary & Bartenders Unions have voted to authorize a citywide strike. 25,000 union members participated in 2 vote session throughout the day and 99% voted yes. 50,000 workers eligible for a strike after June 1st. https://t.co/AOXyUBz1nu#OurFutureIsNowpic.twitter.com/KMl6yt6ZvT
If anyone doubts the power of F2F, look no further than bitcoin. The cryptocurrency and worldwide payment system was the first decentralized digital currency, as it changes “hands” without a central bank. It was born in 2009 of skepticism, if not downright disdain, for traditional ways of conducting business.
Yet this week, in New York Hilton Midtown, thousands of the bitcoin savvy and curious filled a ballroom for Consensus 2018, a conference “where people pitched ideas, mingled and reveled in the possibility of disrupting health care or real estate or how government works,” reported The New York Times.
The newspaper’s account noted that some in attendance looked the part of disrupter. For instance, Seth Kaye, a “miner” of Litecoin, another cryptocurrency, from Washington state, who sported hot pink hair and wore Pokemon stuffed animals on his shoulder.
Yet the gathering also had all the “typical trappings of a modern American business conference: hotel-catered lunch wraps, networking mixers and schwag.” Exhibitors included Deloitte, Microsoft, KPMG and IBM.
“Nibbles, chafing dishes and lanyards were in abundance at the conference, which was put on by CoinDesk, a news and data site,” The Times said.
Speakers at the conference covered topics ranging from government regulations to advances in privacy and what kind of lawyer you need if you work with bitcoin or another currency using blockchain technology.
When thousands of event professionals start lining up in Indy for MPI’s World Education Conference (WEC18) at the beginning of June, they are going to have busy calendars. Between the pep rallies, education sessions and villages, experience coaches will keep the engines running at Indiana Convention Center.
Hopefully, many have scheduled some time to explore Indiana’s capital city. Smart Meetings asked local planner Michael Downs, director of conventions and meetings at Kiwanis International, for tips on everything from where to get the best cup of coffee (he likes his black) to the best place to watch the sunset (Eagle’s Nest in Hyatt Regency Indianapolis).
Getting Around Town
Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium are connected to 12 hotels (more than half of the downtown’s 7,100 guest rooms) by way of a network of climate-controlled pedestrian walkways. That means attendees technically don’t ever have to go outside.
But if they do, Downs lauds the walkability of downtown. The Hoosier city is built on a grid fanning out from Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument at the intersection of Meridian and Market streets, and the site of WEC18’s Monumental Block Party on Sunday evening. And for those who want to get off their feet, Indiana Pacers Bikeshare makes it easy to get around.
On the first night, attendees will experience downtown Indy’s convenient access to the great outdoors as the opening night celebration will be at White River State Park, a 250-acre cultural district that includes green spaces, running trails, a concert venue, Indianapolis Zoo, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art and NCAA Hall of Champions Museum. In fact, the city has a museum inventory that rivals Washington D.C.’s and boasts a Triple-A baseball stadium, Victory Field, that shines with fireworks on Friday game nights. Downs suggests buying tickets on the lawn and bringing a cooler.
Options for listening to live music are numerous in the home of Indiana legend John Cougar Mellencamp. Broad Ripple Village has become the home for local bands rocking intimate stages and a hostel that bills itself as having the vibe of a bed-and-breakfast.
What and Where to Eat and Drink
One reason to venture beyond the convention center is the emerging culinary and brew scene bubbling up in the city. Downs recommends starting the day at Tinker Coffee in the Herron-Morton Place Historic District. They roast their own beans and will hand-craft your cup’o any way you want it.
Local fare is only steps away from the convention center during the Food Truck Networking Lunch as the city’s traditional Friday mobile cuisine scene returns to Georgia Street for a special appearance.
Then make your way to Massachusetts Avenue (or as the locals call it, Mass Ave) for more restaurants than you can swing a fork at. Downs suggests making room for at least one pork tenderloin sandwich (breaded and fried the way God intended) while in town. This delicacy, dating back to a modified schnitzel sold out of a cart in 1904, now comes in all shapes and sizes, so you may have to try more than one.
Another Indy legend is St. Elmo’s Steakhouse and its very spicy shrimp cocktail. Although the historic spot boasts a private dining room, Downs suggests heading up to 1933 Lounge and pairing the hot crustaceans with a signature Elmo Cola, a glass-bottled Coke—or diet Coke—blended with an infusion of Maker’s Mark Bourbon, imported Italian Luxardo maraschino cherries and Madagascar vanilla beans. They also serve a lauded version of Hoosier or sugar cream pie, another local staple.
In the Wholesale District, Omni Severin Hotel’s sumptuously refurbished bar offers a timeless culinary favorite—bacon on a stick, with your choice of bourbon-maple, apple butta bbq or red-hot sauce. You can also sample Indiana popcorn in fresco lime salted lemon, maple bbq, bread and butter pickle or spicy mustard flavors.
Consider washing all that Indy food down with locally brewed specialties. In addition to the popular Sun King Brewery ales—which is preparing to open its third location—Downs suggests a trip to St. Joseph Brewery & Public House. It is a converted church now blessing congregants with Belgian-style lagers and crispy Brussels sprouts. Can’t make up your mind? Consider a Brew Bus tour for a guided trip through Indy’s innovative suds scene.
The Absolutely Most Important, Must-See Thing in Indy
“The Brickyard”, aka Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is where a quarter-million people (the 2.5-mile oval has capacity for more than 250,000) will be on their feet the week before MPI kicks off to cheer the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500. The city’s claim to television coverage houses a museum, Auto Racing Hall of Fame and Brickyard Crossing Golf Resort. Happily for WEC attendees, this historic site where 33 drivers go tire-to-tire for 200 laps over 500 miles will also be the backdrop of the Closing Night Celebration, so attendees can have a celebratory swig of milk—or another drink of their choosing—to the strains of “Back Home Again in Indiana” (the traditional starting song and winner’s celebratory beverage for the Indy 500).
Looking for more local tips? Your friends at Visit Indy have some suggestions.
#MeToo and Time’s Up proved that when Hollywood celebrities took a stand about what would—and would not—be tolerated in the workplace, people listened. They also showed how getting influential people behind a cause can make a difference. That inspiration—along with the momentum building behind Global Meetings Industry Day—was pivotal in Association for Women in Events (AWE)’s announcement on May 21 that the group had gathered a #StrongerTogether coalition to address sexual harassment in the meetings industry.
“Sexual harassment is an issue AWE has long wanted to address, and now that we are speaking with a united voice with all of these organizations, we can be a resource to end harassment for everyone,” said AWE president Kiki Fox.
Signing on to support the movement was The Center for Association Leadership (ASAE), Events Industry Council, International Association of Exhibitions and Events, IMEX Group, Joint Meetings Industry Council, MPI, PCMA and Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE). “These groups will help us reach a larger audience and share best practices from all over the world,” Fox said.
“All the organizations came together because the ethical concerns and human rights would be better served working together, so we can stop sexual harassment from occurring in the industry,” said ASAE President and CEO John Graham.
SITE Past President Rhonda Brewer, who will sit on the coalition task force, said: “SITE is deeply committed to providing a supportive professional community where all members are treated with dignity, decency and respect.” SITE already uses a code of ethics and conduct that bans members from allowing harassment or intimidation of any kind.
“We must make every effort to prevent harassment of any kind within our global community and look forward to collaborating with the coalition on this very important initiative,” said MPI President Paul Van Deventer. Amanda Armstrong, MPI’s board chair, will serve on the committee.
Starting with a training webinar, the task force will develop tools and resources to educate and empower individuals in the events industry. “We want to put out the message that there will be zero tolerance [for sexual harassment],” Fox said.
Perhaps your idea of an island meeting or a board retreat doesn’t jibe with powdery white-sand beaches, hip-shaking music and tropical drinks. Perhaps it’s more like whale-watching, biking and hiking, with a stroll along a picturesque harbor or a sea-kayaking adventure. In that case, consider San Juan Island, the second-largest of the San Juan Islands, just off the coast of Washington State.
Its hub, and arrival port, is the 1-square-mile Friday Harbor, set on a walkable hill lined with art galleries, boutiques, bookstores and antique shops. Restaurants serve up locally inspired, seasonal menus, with many including local wines.
Branching out from Friday Harbor, meeting-goers can explore the island along several scenic byways, which take in the rolling farmlands, rugged coastline—and even a winery, San Juan Vineyards, which produces estate-grown Siegerrebe and Madeleine Angevine in what is the coolest climate growing region in Washington state. Or, for outdoor adventures, join whale-watching, sea kayaking or bicycle tours.
Among a variety of lodging and meeting properties on the island are two that suit the needs of small meetings. Located on the top of a bluff overlooking the harbor, Friday Harbor House offers 23 recently upgraded contemporary guest rooms, along with a restaurant and a newly expanded outdoor patio.
Its 1,070-square-foot meeting space can be configured in a variety of ways to host up to 80 attendees. Earthbox Inn & Spa, a retro-chic motor hotel close to the ferry landing, has 73 renovated guest rooms, an indoor pool, a full-service spa and complimentary beach cruiser bikes. Its 1,675-square-foot conference room can accommodate up to 100 guests. Both properties can assist groups in planning excursions.
There’s no doubt that stories of champion athletes and famous musicians can be motivational. Their tales of perseverance and striving to overcome obstacles to reach the peak of their profession can resonate with anyone working to succeed in a career. At these venues, meeting-goers can get inspired by exhibits and collectibles that pay tribute to legendary hall of famers.
National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum
Photo Credit: National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
Hit your event out of the ballpark by incorporating a visit to National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum into a Cooperstown, New York, meeting. The newly renovated, 189-seat Grandstand Theater reopens on May 25. Meeting professionals can hire one of the inductees to speak at a meeting held at The Otesaga Resort Hotel or play a round of golf at Leatherstocking Golf Course. The hotel offers 132 guest rooms and 13,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. They offer a special Baseball VIP Experience Package, which gives guests entrance to a welcome reception, a behind-the-scenes tour and admission to a catered event at the museum.
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Events held at Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, are sure to be a slam dunk. The hardwood transforms into a magnificent ballroom, accented by a domed roof and balcony. Event space totals more than 80,000 sq. ft. throughout the building, including a 200-seat amphitheater. Team-building activities are also offered. The much-anticipated MGM Springfield opens later this year with 250 guest rooms and 44,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
College Football Hall of Fame
Attendees will be doing their best touchdown dances in the end zone at College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. Your draft picks will feel like the MVPs that they are as they explore the exhibits. The Quad, which has a three-story interactive wall of helmets as its focal point, can accommodate up to 600 guests for a reception in the 8,133 square-foot space. Tailgate on the 45-yard indoor field. This is the facility’s largest venue, at 13,280 sq. ft., and can fit 1,330 people. Go over your plays and give your team a pep talk in the 150-seat Game Day Theater. The exquisite Hall of Fame Rotunda offers views of Atlanta’s skyline and 3,627 sq. ft. of event space for up to 300 guests. Omni Hotel at CNN Center is the official partner hotel. Meeting professionals will find 1,059 guest rooms and 120,000 sq. ft. of meeting space there.
International Tennis Hall of Fame
Court guests at Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. Its 2,000-square-foot Horseshoe Piazza forms a semicircle around the museum’s signature grass court, where guests can be entertained by an old-fashioned tennis exhibition by players dressed in throwback court attire. Attendees will enjoy the essence of Wimbledon. Additional meeting space is available in the USTA Wing and The Canfield House. The area has four convention hotels—Newport Marriott, Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina, The Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina and Hotel Viking—offering more than 900 guest rooms and 70,000 sq. ft. of combined meeting space.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Party like a rock star all day long in Cleveland at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. During a buyout, groups of up to 2,000 people can enjoy access to the museum’s seven floors of exhibits, plus its outdoor plaza. There are also options for smaller meetings. Hall of Fame annex can fit 40 guests for a meeting amid induction footage and in-memoriam tributes. Foster Theater is a great space for presentations and lectures; it can accommodate 163 people. Level O, which fits up to 150 guests for a reception, overlooks Lake Erie, FirstEnergy Stadium and Steamship William G. Mather. The Arcade is a small hospitality suite with a pinball machine for up to 10 people.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame can create custom-themed scavenger hunts for team-building and provides meetings with badges on a custom lanyard, so guests feel like they have an all-access pass to a concert. The Hilton Cleveland Downtown provides planners with 600 guest rooms and more than 50,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. The hotel is connected to Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland.
Country Music Hall of Fame
Grab a partner and do-si-do at Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. The museum has a wide range of event spaces ranging in size from a 758-square-foot private dining room to an 11,000-square-foot glass-enclosed conservatory. There’s also a massive event hall with capacity for 1,200 guests. If your meeting includes a performance or presentation, Country Music Hall of Fame has two theaters. Buyouts of the entire place are also available. Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center has 2,715 guest rooms and 757,478 sq. ft. of meeting space.
Only a small fraction of the world’s population is born into royalty or marries into it. But, it is possible for everyone to meet at hotels and venues that have hosted members of Britain’s royal family. Here are a few of the places the well-traveled Windsors have visited.
Markle recently left her acting career behind after announcing her engagement to Prince Harry. In her final episode of her USA Network series Suits, her character Rachel Zane got married. In the storyline, the wedding took place at The Plaza in New York City, but the scene was actually shot at Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. It has 1,365 guest rooms and meeting space for up to 1,670 attendees, including the newly renovated mezzanine.
Photo Credit: Ian Watson/USA Network
According to People.com, the bride-to-be and her mom will spend Friday night at Cliveden House & Spa in Berkshire, England. The exquisite estate has vast meeting space and 48 guest rooms. Royal activities include fascinator-making classes and horse polo lessons to learn to play like the princes. The hotel also offers guest speakers to educate groups on etiquette. A Queen Elizabeth I impersonator can even be hired to speak about shattering the glass ceiling and being a woman in charge.
Prince Harry
Before saying his “I Dos,” Prince Harry will spend the night at Coworth Park in Ascot, according to people.com. Situated on 240 acres of English countryside, this hotel features its own polo grounds and is located very close to Windsor Castle. Planners will find 3,475 sq. ft. of meeting space and 70 guest rooms here.
Over the years, Prince Harry has visited the United States on numerous occasions for military training and charitable causes. He hosted the 2016 Invictus Games at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It is a sports competition for wounded active-duty military members and veterans. The athlete’s village was at Shades of Green, a special retreat for military members and their families on Disney property. It has 15,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and almost 600 guest rooms.
The sports complex is the leading facility for youth sports in the nation, and is especially popular for cheerleading and dance competitions. There are also facilities for football, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball and more. In January, The Arena opened, which has 8,000 seats. The new space also hosts the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo during race weekends.
In his bachelorhood, Prince Harry made headlines in August 2012 when he famously exhibited cheeky behavior. During his epic rendezvous in Sin City, he and his mates stayed on the 63rd floor of Wynn Las Vegas in room 2401, according to dailymail.com. The eight-room suite reportedly features three master bedrooms, a private elevator, butler service, massage table, fitness equipment and a pool table. There’s 200,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 2,716 guest rooms at Wynn.
The night before walking down the aisle in April 2011, Kate Middleton slept in the Royal Suite at The Goring near Buckingham Palace. It’s the only five-star hotel in London that’s owned and operated by the family that built it in 1910. It received a Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II in January 2013. Their Michelin-star restaurant, The Dining Room, serves one of the queen’s favorite meals, Eggs Drumkilbo, a lobster and egg-based dish.
The Royal Suite features two bedrooms and royal artifacts. The hotel’s meeting space can accommodate up to 100 people for a reception. It has 69 guest rooms.
A few months after tying the knot, Prince William and Kate Middleton traveled to North America. One of the stops on their tour was The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, where the newlyweds attended Variety‘s Venture Capital and New Media Summit. The hotel has more than 60,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 569 guest rooms.
While pregnant with Prince Louis, Middleton was joined by her husband and brother-in-law aboard the Belmond British Pullman train for a charity ride through the English countryside with young children. The restored 1920s train carriages offer scenic views of England through their windows. Groups can enjoy an elegant dining experience while chugging along the rails.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip have graced Williamsburg, Virginia, with their presence on two occasions, in 1957 and 2007, to honor the 350th and 400th anniversary of the Jamestown settlement, respectively. During their visits, Her Majesty stayed at Williamsburg Inn in a suite named after her, The Queen’s Room. The Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five Diamond hotel has 7,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 62 guest rooms.
The royal couple has also been hosted in Hilton Chicago’s 12,640 square-foot Grand Ballroom. In July 1959, the queen attended a dinner in her honor there, and her husband attended a dinner in his honor in 1966. The regal ballroom features original chandeliers from 1927. Hilton Chicago has a total of 234,320 sq. ft. of meeting space and 1,544 guest rooms.
The Crown Jewels
On the edge of the River Thames, the Tower of London houses some of the royal family’s most prized possessions, the Crown Jewels. There are several meeting and reception spaces inside this stone fortress for groups of a dozen to 300 guests. Private guided tours of the Jewel House are available for groups in the mornings and evenings. At nighttime, this can be paired with a cocktail party.
At HD Expo 2018, more than 875 exhibitors and 12,500 attendees marked the hospitality design trade show’s largest turn out yet. From May 2–4, interior designers, architects, owners, suppliers and hoteliers tromped the 275,000 sq. ft. of show floor space at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas in search of design inspiration. They must have found it, as the expo continues to grow, with a five percent increase in attendees from 2017 and 80 percent of the show floor already sold for 2019.
Expo HD, hosted by Hospitality Design magazine, features new design products, an awards show and competition, a networking pool party, more than 30 conference sessions and engaging booth exhibitions, but it’s the excitement of getting inspired that keeps attendees coming back.
“There are opportunities to rethink everything in the hospitality world thanks to inspiring products,” says Will Meyers of luxury design firm Meyer Davis. “This is why we come to HD Expo.”
What’s New in Hospitality Design
With aesthetics at the forefront of hotel image and branding, the exposition provides a key service—putting decoration decision-makers face-to-face with the newest products in hospitality, so they can identify the industry trends that work for them.
Products include luxury design firm Kallista’s 3D-printed faucet and cube-shaped handles—winner of the Best in Competition category for the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and HD Product Design Awards—as well as creative love seats and couches by PolArt, which won Best in Show. Kevin Barry Fine Art won Best Insta Moment for its summer vacation-themed #KFBAonholiday booth with neon artwork, customizable signs and a surfboard seesaw.
Event Inspo from HD Expo 2018
New to this year’s HD Expo, the HD/Hilton Box Design Challenge tasked 12 design firms with creating the ideal luxury guest room in just 24 hours. Celebrity designer Bobby Berk, of Queer Eye fame, helped select the winning firm, Chapi Chapo Design, which debuted a 1920s inspired room in honor of Hilton’s 100-year anniversary.
“The buzz and excitement for this show have been amazing,” says Stacy Shoemaker Rauen, editor in chief of Hospitality Design magazine. “Attendees are saying this was some of the best content ever presented at HD Expo.”
Industry veterans and rising stars lead the curated conference sessions to talk about branding, F&B trends and luxury design. A highlight was the signature HD and International Society of Hospitality Purchaser (ISHP) Owners’ Roundtable, which brought more than 35 hoteliers and brand executives together.
Adding to the buzz was the opening night party at Top Golf MGM Grand and the following night’s popular Party by the Pool at Drai’s at The Cromwell Las Vegas.
Next year’s HD Expo runs May 15–17, 2019. Visit hdexpo.com for more information and this year’s highlights.
Memorial Day is a time for symbols. We remember those we have lost and honor those who continue to serve. In many parts of the country, it is the gateway to much-anticipated warmer weather and the beginning of summer event season. Whether you’re shopping through Maine or taking a cruise in Wisconsin, this is a great time to catch some rays outside of your event venue. Here are some noteworthy destinations around the U.S. where you can get business done while enjoying the long, glorious weekend.
Portland, Maine
Take a deep breath in as you take in the water at Eastern Promenade, a 68-acre waterfront park. For those looking to wander, Old Port features 19th-century architecture surrounding cobblestone streets lined with quaint eateries and outlets. On May 28, the large Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony Festival celebrates veterans and current service members along Congress Street—stay nearby to get in on the action.
If you’re looking for a modern-yet-homey venue, Portland Marriott at Sable Oaks offers more than 12,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including a ballroom that can fit 900 banquet-style.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Take a river cruise along Milwaukee’s three rivers and Lake Michigan. While bar cruises have become a popular choice, closer views of historical and architectural landmarks abound. For a Memorial Day weekend treat, register for The Kayak Crawl, a guided tour along the Milwaukee river that stops at brew pubs while interspersing stories of the city’s history.
The Westin Milwaukee offers a grand total of 9,800 sq. ft. of meeting space, which includes their 4,800-square-foot ballroom. It’s perfect for events, small and large.
Providence, Rhode Island
There’s a reason it’s considered the Ocean State. Visit Waterfront Park for glimmering water views fronting Providence River Park. If you’re nearby on May 26, WaterFire features fire sculptures in the three rivers of Providence’s downtown, with more than 80 bonfires, a firelight on the arched bridges, torch-lit vessels traveling down the river and music.
Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel will meet all your needs. Efficiently located near T.F. Green Airport (PVD), 14,540 sq. ft. of event space is yours for the booking.
Charleston, South Carolina
For those looking to unwind post-meeting, jump aboard The Schooner Pride for a sunset wine-tasting cruise from Charleston Harbor. If you’re into adventuring, rent a bike and explore secret gardens and flickering alleyways hidden throughout the city. For Memorial Day, honor local veterans and their families by dedicating a flag to them at Charleston Field.
A crystal chandelier and dual staircases will greet you inside Belmond Charleston Place, where you’ll find more than 40,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, including a grand ballroom that can fit 1,120 banquet-style.
Honolulu
We don’t need to tell you how to enjoy the long weekend in Honolulu. With sparkling beaches galore, soft sand, clear water and underwater adventures wherever you turn, every inch of shore feels like paradise. But for those looking to celebrate Memorial Day, look no further than Lantern Floating Hawaii, which takes place at Ala Moana Beach Park. Write names inside lanterns and float them in honor of those in the military.
With stunning ocean views, Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach boasts itself as a modern oasis—and for good reason. The resort features a total indoor meeting space of 12,909 sq. ft., as well as a pool deck for outdoor events.
Phoenix
When in town for the summer, there’s plenty to do in Phoenix underneath the scorching sun. As it cools at night, head to the Cave Creek Balloon Festival, where hot air balloons light up the night, reminiscent of neon signs lighting Las Vegas. Phoenix also hosts plenty of Memorial Day events to attend—head to the Avondale Memorial Day Service for a candlelight vigil, military presentation and guest speakers, or observe the holiday at Pioneer and Military Memorial Park, where you can find local reenactors in historic dress.
Best for your biggest events, Sheraton Grand Phoenix offers 110,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including a 27,000-square-foot ballroom.
Ashland, Oregon
Oregon Shakespeare Festival is a destination unto itself. With Shakespearean performances running day and night at multiple venues, there is always something to see. Lithia Park boasts enchanted trails, street performers and Creekside cafes. On Memorial Day, wind your way north to Eagle Point National Cemetery to hear speeches from U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Dave Dotterer and U.S. Army National Guard Sgt. Mark Dalton.
Ashland Springs Hotel is one of the city’s oldest, dating back to 1925. Four meeting rooms total 5,700 sq. ft. of charming space, including a grand ballroom and courtyard garden.
Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. is a logical choice if you’re looking to celebrate this patriotic holiday. The National Memorial Day Parade features marching bands, floats, performers and plenty of veterans. If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, National Mall checks all the boxes—visit National World War II Memorial or observe a moment of silence at Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Looking to loosen up? The National Mall is lit up for a nighttime walk, or listen to live music while overlooking the Anacostia River at Years Park in Capitol Riverfront.
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown is located in the heart of the capitol. Some 20 meeting rooms come together to form more than 34,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
Venues are also being asked to support all modes of learning—auditory, visual and collaborative. That requires flexible meeting space, something a majority (60 percent) of operators said was becoming more important to their planner clients. “Effectively switching between modes of learning is best supported with active learning spaces that support easy movement and reconfiguration without interruption,” Weller said.
