Once upon a time, flying was a glamorous activity. Security was a breeze to go through, cocktails flowed freely on flights, flight attendants wore chic uniforms, and those nonsmoking signs were irrelevant. This was the height of flying, the 1960s.

It can be difficult to imagine a time in which a trip to the airport was enjoyable. But what if you could step back in time and see it yourself? John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City is working to make that a reality.

A Step Back in Time

As increasingly more passengers crave the nostalgia of the jet age, there’s now a place where you can step back in time to witness the aviation era at its peak. JFK is restoring its celebrated TWA center, which operated from 1930 to 2001.

TWA was once helmed by aviation expert Howard Hughes, who gave the airline a sense of elegance, complete with its signature vibrant-red decor and chic steward uniforms. Developer MCR is transforming TWA center into a trendy, retro-chic hotel.

 

Alas, the hotel won’t open its doors until 2019—but in the meantime, TWA Lounge, on the 86th floor of the World Trade Center, is offering a sneak peek at what’s to come.

Retro Redo

TWC headquarters opened in 1962 to wide acclaim. Created by the neo-futurist designer Eero Saarinen, the exterior was sleek and streamlined, while the interior was expansive and contemporary. The hotel and World Trade Center lounge aim to evoke the glamour of the heyday of Saarinen’s headquarters. 

Once complete, the TWA building will host the largest hotel lobby in the world, eight restaurants and six bars.

 

 The new hotel (connected to the historic Flight Center) will feature 505 guest rooms, 50,000 sq. ft. of event space, a rooftop pool and an observation deck, and a museum devoted to the ’60s.

Incentive Extras

TWA’s Hotel is dedicated to showing respect to all that TWA embodied. Vintage pieces have been donated by many former TWA flight attendants, including first-class china dining ware and Valentino steward uniforms.

Currently, the lounge has ashtrays, martini glasses, and a rotary phone to enhance the vintage vibes. Walls are decked out with original David Klein Jet Age prints, commissioned by Hughes himself. TWA’s lounge oozes retro and glamour.

As if things couldn’t get more vintage-chic and glamorous, a 1956 Lockheed Connie aircraft has been acquired, and will host a one-of-a-kind bar and restaurant. This will allow guests to sit in first-class seats and enjoy a martini without having to board a plane or fork over thousands of dollars for a first-class ticket.

Do You Have an Appointment?

While we wait for the TWA Hotel to open, you might want to plan ahead for a day in the lounge. Luckily for event planners, the primary role for the lounge is as a sales center and event space. It is open to the public by appointment only.

Book ahead for a slice of retro relaxation in an uptown-chic Manhattan space. And keep your eyes peeled for future announcements about the hotel’s 2019 opening.

 

Will you be planning your next event there? Let us know!

The weather outside is beginning to get frightful, but these rooftop igloos are quite delightful. Meet like an Eskimo inside a trendy, heated dome. These transparent structures have popped up in Boston, New York and London.

IglooLookoutEnvoy44_CREDIT-The-Envoy-Hotel

Lookout Rooftop and Bar at The Envoy Hotel in Boston

Brave the brutal cold at The Envoy Hotel in Boston. The 4,000-square-foot Lookout Rooftop and Bar is adorned with six intimate heated igloos for eight to 10 people apiece. Guests can wrap themselves up in fleece blankets as they take in the panoramic views of Boston’s skyline and harbor. Open until April 16, 2018, these igloos are typically first-come, first serve, but they can be reserved for private events for two hours. The hotel’s rooftop can accommodate affairs of up to 275 guests. If imbibers get a little tipsy after indulging in Cocoa Caliente (Mescal, Hot Chocolate, Cayenne, Smoked Marshmallows) and City Side Cider (Chai Rum, Apple Cider, Nutmeg Cloves), The Envoy Hotel has 136 guest rooms. Need a refill? Simply press a button to light up your igloo and summon your server.

The Envoy Hotel

230_Fifth_Rooftop_Bar___Holiday_Lights_CREDIT-230-Fifth-Rooftop-Bar-Photography-by-Eric-Vasquez

230 Fifth in New York City

Warmer by the dozen! Groups of 12 can snuggle fireside inside the 17 igloos atop 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar. Offering unobstructed views of the Empire State Building, this Manhattan hotspot is the largest outdoor rooftop garden in the city. Kept at a toasty 75 degrees, the igloos light up the night sky for an expertly choreographed show consisting of 75,000 bulbs. Guests can sip on the bar’s seasonal signature cocktails, Winter Berry Mule or Empire Sour, or a long menu full of hot beverages. They also have complimentary red robes and blankets if you get chilly. The igloos are first-come, first-serve, but 230 Fifth is a popular destination to rent for private parties, so you can have it all to yourself. Conferences and meetings are held indoors in the Fifth Ave. Empire Room.

230 Fifth

Coppa Club in London

Things are getting heated this winter across the pond in London. Enjoy an elegant dinner along the River Thames inside Coppa Club’s luxurious igloos, which seat eight guests. The clear balls have a golden, candlelit glow and fuzzy chairs. Good luck getting a reservation for this high-ticket item. Rumor has it, it’s booked months in advance. But, the restaurant does leave some open for walk-in guests.

Walt Disney World is not just every child’s dream park. It can be an ideal destination for an event. Since its inception, the Orlando-area amusement park has been a place that has made every parent’s wallet just a tad bit lighter and every child’s heart a bit more golden. Many Walt Disney Parks and Resorts also offer hundreds of thousands of square feet of great meeting space and experiences that go far beyond Mickey and Minnie Mouse. You can use some of these offerings to your advantage by sprinkling some pixie dust on your event to customize magical moments.

1. Meet at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

A lot of expansion is on the horizon for Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. The new 15-story tower will feature more than 500 new guest rooms and a rooftop restaurant and lounge offering panoramic views of lake Lago Dorado. The growth project will also add a boardroom and two multi-purpose rooms to the resort’s current 220,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. The resort plans to build floating gardens and an island with bridges that will connect it to other areas of the property.

2. Take A Plunge at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

Part of Disney Vacation Club, 20 Bora Bora Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows overlook Seven Seas Lagoon. They offer spacious accommodations. The scenic two-bedroom abodes sleep up to eight guests. All bungalows come with plunge pools and private decks to ensure prime viewing of the fireworks.

3. Set Sail on The Grand 1 Yacht at Seven Seas Lagoon

Why not relax on a boat? After a long day of meetings, come on down to Disney’s 52-foot Grand 1 Yacht for a trip on the waterways of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. The luxury boat offers guests A-Lister views of the park during the day and fireworks at night. The yacht comfortably seats 18 and comes with an optional butler and five-course meal with wine pairings.

4. Dine at Victoria & Albert’s

Skip the churros and turkey legs and treat yourself to a meal at the #2 restaurant in the U.S. according to TripAdvisor, Victoria & Albert’s, located in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The AAA Five Diamond eatery is known for its 10-seat Chef’s Table in the kitchen. “There are not enough superlatives to describe the Chef’s Table, the most incredible ride at Disney World,” a TripAdvisor user praised. “It would be a major bucket list event for any foodie.”

5. Take a V.I.P Tour

To complete this one-of-a-kind stay, hire a VIP Tour Guide as an escort to special viewing areas for parades, stage shows and nighttime spectaculars. The expert cast members lend a hand in transporting groups of up to 10 guests to the parks and securing them seats on their favorite rides.

pike-place-market-seattlePike Place Market in Seattle

For the fifth consecutive year, Delta Air Lines is expanding flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) to seven new destinations. Since 2012, Delta has more than tripled flights and destinations at its Seattle hub.

Mike Medeiros, Delta’s vice president – Seattle, stated, “As we prepare for another year of significant growth at Sea-Tac, we’re pleased to offer customers  access to more of the top business and leisure destinations, larger aircraft and convenient flight schedules, all with a premium customer experience unique to Delta in Seattle.”

Beginning this summer, global coverage will provide customers with access to 160 peak-day flights to 49 destinations from Seattle, including 16 of its top 20 destinations. Travel to Austin, Boston, Milwaukee, Nashville, Orlando and Raleigh, along with top destinations in Hawaii, Alaska and Canada will be available through new or expanded non-stop services. Specifically, the new year-round destinations are as follows:

1. One daily flight to General Mitchell Airport in Milwaukee beginning March 9, 2017.
2. Three daily flights to Eugene Airport in Oregon beginning April 1, 2017.
3. One daily flight to Nashville International Airport in Tennessee beginning May 26, 2017.
4. One daily flight to Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina beginning June 8, 2017.
5. One daily flight to Austin Bergstrom International Airport in Texas beginning June 12, 2017.
6. Two daily flights to Redmond Municipal Airport in Washington beginning June 12, 2017.
7. One daily flight to Lihue Airport in Kauai, Hawaii, beginning Dec. 21, 2017.

Delta-Seattle-Hub-Expansion

In 2017 Delta Air Lines will celebrate another Seattle milestone. Delta’s joint venture partner, Virgin Atlantic, will initiate service from Seattle to London’s Heathrow Airport using Boeing 787 aircraft. This flight replacement will add 50 seats and a Premium Economy class. The Port of Seattle is also anticipated to release a world-class International Arrivals Facility in early 2017.

Delta Air Lines was named on Fortune’s top 50 Most Admired Companies 2016, also earning the title of most admired airline for the fifth time in six years. Delta provides service to over 180 million customers every year. With an extensive global network, Delta and Delta Connection carriers service guests to 323 destinations in 57 countries.

event planning buzzwords

Each year brings a new collection of buzzwords. These words usually indicate bigger trends and are often interrelated. Predictably, big trends impact all industries—including event planning. These are some of the hottest event-planning buzzwords of 2017.

1. Virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) can be used during the course of event planning. For instance, before the event, planners can accurately visualize venues or destinations with a VR aid, ensuring that everything is accounted for. During the event, virtual information booths can answer basic questions from attendees.

2. Sharing economy

Ride sharing, room sharing and room block sharing are only the beginning of this popular new model. When traveling for events, businesses can cut costs and simplify processes by taking advantage of these services, which are offered on a variety of apps such as Uber, Airbnb, Getaround and more.

3. Authenticity

The modern use of this term implies a rich story and character. Living in the information age has undoubtedly roused skepticism, and authenticity has also become a rarity in a world of mass production. This preference should be considered when making event-planning decisions—anywhere from speakers to decor and overall ambiance.

4. Wellness

U.S. society has definitely witnessed a large-scale movement toward embracing wellness. This trend is now an expectation for a good customer experience. The modern individual wants to improve mental and physical health, especially while traveling, which makes it challenging to stay healthy. Attendees are no longer interested in overworking their minds throughout the day. They want what’s best for them and realize that mindfulness and a high standard of health will ultimately lead to personal and professional achievement. Accordingly, services and itineraries that prioritize this value will be most successful.

5. Customized

The option for customization evokes a sense of care and control. It allows people to feel that their particular needs are being acknowledged and met. In order to accommodate individual needs, customization will be necessary for food and beverage, giveaways, scheduling, and more.

6. Local

Going local is a concept that showcases a location’s personality. Planners that incorporate local businesses and products into their events not only benefit the local economy, but help to showcase the region’s charm as well. Ultimately, many people value familiarity and comfort when they’re visiting a location, even if a stay is only temporary.

7. Simplicity

In response to a world of infinite options, there is a drive toward simplicity as well. The average consumer is often overwhelmed with endless options, reviews and social media feeds. Simplicity cuts through the chatter. Nature and wellness programs, as well as farm-to-table dining, are examples of the growing popularity of this preference.

8. Niche

Instead of taking a blanket approach, meeting planners are focusing on designing events that appeal to a specific audience. Because of the personalized attention to detail, attendees often prefer these niche events or those with a more narrowly defined focus. These events also tend to be smaller, more relevant and therefore more engaging to the individual.

Photo courtesy of www.walledoffhotel.com

Want to book a night in the world’s coolest hotel? Well, if controversial art is your thing then we have the hotel for you! After 14 months of construction, Banksy’s boutique hotel will officially open on March 11.

Banksy has attained both fame and infamy through graffiti art portraying radical political statements. Although Banksy’s identity has remained a mystery, the art is iconic throughout the world. The hotel, Banksy’s latest installment, is located in Bethlehem in the West Bank. Aptly named The Walled Off Hotel, visitors are compelled to encounter the communities greatly impacted by the West Bank wall conflict. The setting for the hotel was tactful, evidenced even further by one bedroom mural which shows an Israeli soldier and a masked Palestinian engaging in a pillow fight.

Instead of having a fitness center, the hotel holds a museum. The exhibit was created to inform and enlighten guests about the political separation. Still, the entire hotel is very cautious about maintaining neutrality about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Banksy has created and financed the hotel, ensuring it is not allied to any political party or message. The museum’s co-curator, Gavin Grindon, told CNN, “It’s meant to be a space that’s both empowering and informing for people.”

Political allusions begin at the entrance where a figure resembling British Foreign Secretary Lord Arthur Balfour sits. This controversial figure demonstrated UK support for establishing a “national home for the Jewish people” in his Balfour Declaration of 1917. To this day, Israelis revere him and Palestinians loathe him. Banksy provocativeness—check!

Photo courtesy of www.walledoffhotel.com

Banksy did most of the artwork but two rooms were delegated to two other artists. The artists were kept in the dark about the hotel design beyond their rooms, prohibited from leaving their assigned spaces.

One of the chosen artists, Dominique Petrin, spoke to CNN about her artistic direction, saying, “I made this room like a nice, lushy, colonial room, but when you look at some details, you see something is really going wrong. You know when things are going so good, but at the same time it’s apart?”

The trendy property will feature nine guest rooms and a presidential suite. The presidential suite features a complete mini-theater, jacuzzi, study and bar. The walls, including the entrance, are all marked with quintessential Banksy statements. Eccentric contradictions fill the property, with paintings such as a baby cherub hanging on for life support. The Walled Off Hotel cements the theme with its windows; each one opens up to a view of a wall of 30-foot concrete.

coachella-2017

Coachella is arguably the queen of music festivals. Each year, around 126,000 people (per weekend) unite in the desert of Indio, California, to enjoy performances by the  trending musicians. Now in its 18th year, the 3-day, 2-weekend festival is a dynamic experience which has grown to be much more than just a few concerts. Coachella is a convergence of Instagrammable foods, high-tech décor and innovative activity options—the perfect combination for popularity.

Considering the festival’s consistent and major success, event planners can take a few tips from its many unique event ideas. This colorful guide is sure to spark inspiration in any planner.

F&B

Coachella is offering more than 100 food vendors this year, serving all tiers of food and beverage options. Regarding variety, Coachella promises “everything from wood-fired pizza and hand-crafted burgers to authentic street tacos and fresh-from-the-wok pad Thai,” along with “plenty of options for every taste and budget, and ample menu items for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free guests.”

 

Kindred is a full-service, dine-in pop-up restaurant in the secluded VIP area at Coachella. The San Diego-based restaurant serves vegan food and drinks. With a menu featuring components such as beer battered dill slices, maple spiced carrots and curry roasted cauliflower, Kindred is truly a health experience unlike any other.

 

Who copped a waffle pop on Coachella Day One? ☝?? We are on the Boardwalk! See you Day Two! ? @foodwithmichel

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Sweet Combforts is a waffle dessert concept. In its Coachella debut, they’re serving up decked out Belgian waffle. Waffle topping options include Fruity Pebbles, Oreo, animal crackers and “Plain Jane.”

PDT (Please Don’t Tell) is a famous New York City speakeasy. It has two stations at Coachella offering an Old West-themed cocktail cabin serving premium whiskey. The brand is also introducing a tiki bar called PDTiki,  a 35-person bar in the Beer Barn Area.

MatchaBar is a family-owned business that features bright green Matcha tea in all of its products. The stand provides cup and bottle options along with baked goods which also integrate the ingredient.

Supplementary activities

Naturally, music is the main entertainment at Coachella, but sometimes attendees appreciate a few extra entertainment options, especially with a mixed crowd. People often want to get moving and interacting. Here are a few ways Coachella provides that.

Yoga and pilates classes are offered on the campsite area. Professional classes are held at several times in the mornings under a shade structure.

 

Rock, paper, scissors final pt. 1

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Game tournaments are held throughout the weekend. Many of these offer enticing prizes such as VIP upgrades. Games range from dodgeball to life-sized foosball to rock, paper, scissors challenges.

“Twerk Out” dance classes are available at the festival daily from Friday through Sunday. Attendees receive personal instruction on how to really get down for the upcoming performances.

Afterparties

Afterparties are the time for planners to really showcase creativity and induce excitement. Brands are using highly innovative methods of making their parties stand out at this year’s Coachella.

Neon Carnival was sponsored by Levi’s and Tequila Don Julio, and conceived by event producer Brent Bolthouse. The glowing carnival mixed games, performance, neon lighting and amusement-park rides. Tinder’s ride was particularly memorable as it paired matches on bumper-car rides.

Victoria’s Secret Angel Escape began with escorted boat rides. The special treatment continued by providing chokers or anklets that could be personalized on-the-spot with the owner’s name.

Fashion Mamas Pool Party acknowledged the diverse crowd of attendees by creating a family-friendly environment for guests. At the pool party, Base Coat Nail Salon offered pedicures using a special collection of colors.

PopSugar’s Cabana Club included a very customizable giveaway in which guests selected the contents of their makeup swag bag. The bags were then topped off with the guest’s name and Instagram handle. The party had glamorous photo opportunities set against a floral background. Of course, posting pictures of amazing perks is half the fun of Coachella.

united airlines

After recent public blow-back against poor—and even abusive—service on U.S. airlines, are we witnessing the beginnings of a welcome customer-first era in air travel? United Airlines, object of the most withering criticism after cellphone video of a Kentucky doctor being dragged off a United jet on April 9 for refusing to give up his seat on an overbooked flight, has announced it will make “10 substantial changes to how it flies, serves and respects its customers.”

In a separate but terse press release, the airline announced it had reached an “amicable resolution” with Dr. David Dao, the object of United’s roughshod treatment. The amount of the settlement was not made public.

“Every customer deserves to be treated with the highest levels of service and deepest sense of dignity and respect,” said Oscar Munoz, United’s CEO, in unveiling the changes. “Two weeks ago, we failed to meet that standard and we profoundly apologize. However, actions speak louder than words.”

Those actions include not calling in security or the police, and no longer requiring a person to give up a seat involuntarily, unless safety or security is at risk. When customers agree to be bumped off a flight, United will now offer them up to $10,000 in return. The air carrier promises to create an automated system for soliciting volunteers willing to be bumped.

United also commits to reducing what put it in the public-relations doghouse in the first place—over-booking, or selling more tickets than there are seats for a flight.

Overbooking is standard operating procedure at nearly every airline, to avoid flying with empty seats when a few passengers are no-shows. JetBlue was the only major U.S. airline with a policy against overbooking, but this week Southwest Airlines said it would stop overselling seats. This, too, is big news. Last year, Southwest bumped 15,000 passengers off flights, more than any other U.S. airline, according to the Associated Press.

Other United changes involve enhanced employee training, support and authority to resolve customer service issues on the spot. Several of these new policies are effective immediately, while others will be rolled out through the remainder of the year, the airline said.

“This is a turning point for all of us at United,” Munoz said, “and it signals a culture shift toward becoming a better, more customer-focused airline.  Our customers should be at the center of everything we do, and these changes are just the beginning of how we will earn back their trust.”

Smart Meetings magazine won a Maggie Award for Best Web eNewsletter in the trade publications division at the 66th Annual Maggie Awards in Los Angeles on April 28.

This marks the second consecutive year that Smart Meetings has won a Maggie in the category. The publication also was a finalist this year for Best Non-Paid Single Issue, Best Supplement and Best Interview or Profile.

Publications from throughout the western United States participate in the Maggies competition. This year, awards were given in 74 categories.

The  Western Publishing Association, a nonprofit organization, hosts the Maggies each year. This year’s ceremony, which took place in the grand ballroom at Sheraton Gateway Hotel at Los Angeles International Airport, attracted hundreds of publications professionals.

cocktail recipes for events

Cinco de Mayo has arrived—it’s time to pull out those sombreros and infuse your event with the spirit of Mexican culture! The traditional lime, salt and tequila combo will get any fiesta going, but these Mexican-inspired cocktails will add a little more flair to your event. Feliz Cinco de Mayo, salud!

1. Paloma

Although paloma has tart undertones similar to the margarita, the bubbly beverage deviates enough to be own Mexican classic. Its fizz offers a smooth and light tequila drink option.

Ingredients
2 oz. mezcal or tequila
2 tsp. lime juice
2 oz. grapefruit soda
1 lime wedge (garnish)
Kosher salt for rim (optional)

cocktail recipes for events

2. Chimayo cocktail

The chimayo cocktail was created in 1965 by a restaurant owner in Chimayó, New Mexico. The crisp apple taste is highlighted by sweet and sour flavors in this juicy cocktail.

Ingredients
1.5 oz. tequila
2 oz. apple cider or unsweetened apple juice
2 tsp. cinnamon sugar
1.5 oz. fresh lemon juice
1.5 oz. crème de cassis
1 apple slice (garnish)

3. Mexican Chocolate Shots

Chocoholics rejoice! These shots are a decadent way to satisfy your sweet-tooth while keeping the party going through dessert. The Mexican spice and sugar pairing is guaranteed to ward off drowsiness.

Ingredients
1 oz. chocolate liqueur
1 oz. heavy cream
3 tsp. amaretto-flavored liqueur
2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tsp. vanilla-flavored vodka
Whipped cream (chocolate or regular)
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. cayenne pepper

cocktail recipes for events

4. Tequila Sunrise

A Mick Jagger favorite, Tequila Sunrise is bright and colorful like a sunrise. It’s a refreshing choice for brunches or a scorching hot day.

Ingredients
1.5 oz. tequila
5 oz. fresh orange juice
1.5 oz. grenadine syrup
1 orange slice (garnish)
1 maraschino cherry (garnish)

5. Firecracker

Much like the name implies, this cocktail has a spicy kick to it. Watermelon chunks and rum give the Firecracker hints of tropical flair.

Ingredients
4 watermelon chunks
3 oz. rum
1 oz. triple sec
1.5 oz. lime juice
1 oz. simple syrup
2 tsp. cayenne pepper

6. Mexican Martini

Mexican Martinis are hugely popular in Austin, Texas. Adding fruit juice, tequila and extra brine allows the spin-off it to identify as a Mexico-inspired beverage.

Ingredients
Salt (optional, for rim)
2 oz. Reposado Tequila
1 oz. triple sec
1.5 oz. fresh lime juice
1 oz. fresh orange juice
2 tsp. agave nectar
1/2 oz. olive brine
2-3 olives

cocktail recipes for events

7. Prickly Pear Cactus Margarita

This margarita gets its stunning plum hue from the prickly pear cactus, which has been a signature Native American food for centuries. The drink is as pretty as it is invigorating.

Ingredients
2 oz. tequila
2 oz. sweet and sour mix
Coarse salt (optional, for rim)
1 oz. triple sec
1 oz. lime juice
1 oz. prickly pear syrup

8. Michelada

Also known as a “Mexican Bloody Mary,” the Michelada is the best route to elevating your beer. Much like the original Bloody Mary, it is an acquired taste that a distinctly satisfying feeling.

Ingredients
12 oz. Mexican beer
3 oz. clamato or tomato juice
3 tsp. hot sauce
2 tsp. worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. soy sauce
2 oz. fresh lime juice
Mexican seasonings or salt (optional, for rim)