Smart Meetings is nominated as Best Travel Media Outlet in the 2017 American Group Travel Awards (AGTA), which recognizes suppliers delivering outstanding services and group travel experiences in North America.
Nominations in 22 categories also include hotels, airlines, cruise lines, ground transportation, rental car companies, convention centers, CVBs and more. Categories and nominees were chosen by a panel of travel and hospitality experts based on “quality of services, experiences and customer satisfaction for group travelers.”
Now in its fourth year, AGTA is sponsored by HotelPlanner.com, a leading provider of online group hotel bookings worldwide.
The awards gala, hosted by documentary film producer and former MSNBC host Dylan Ratigan, will take place on Nov. 13 in New York City at Diamond Horseshoe Theatre in the Paramount Hotel.
“Make your voice heard by voting for your favorites in group travel today,” said Tim Hentschel, co-founder and CEO for HotelPlanner.com.
We wouldn’t presume to tell you whom to vote for, but… wink, wink.
Accor Hotel employees and guests star in these animated GIFs, created by agency WNP 909c. The brand wants to be hospitable in person and digitally, working hand-in-hand with their “Feel Welcome from the First Click” campaign. For instance, one GIF features a bellhop dancing in front of a hotel and another depicts a guest getting comfy in a bed.
The GIFs are available at giphy.com. The site also has several meetings-related shareable GIFs.
In addition to emojis and stickers, GIFs are another way to depict emotion online without the use of traditional written language.
One passenger described it as the “worst turbulence ever.” Over the weekend, an American Airlines flight from Athens, Greece, to Philadelphia, carrying 287 passengers, shook and dipped so violently that drinks flew to the ceiling and so did at least one passenger, according to news reports.
The seatbelt sign was on. Crew was in the midst of a beverage service.
In a passenger video, the captain of the plane can be heard apologizing over the P.A. system. “We were expecting some light turbulence; the plane in front of us didn’t report anything,” the captain says.
After 30 minutes of this, the jet landed safely in Philadelphia. Three passengers and seven crew members were taken to a hospital. All were subsequently released.
Every meeting professional has no doubt experienced in-flight turbulence. Most are no big deal. But extreme incidents such as this American flight are a good reason to review why they occur, and what you can do to minimize anxiety.
It’s the Jet Stream’s Fault
“Air tends to flow as a horizontal, snaking river called a jet stream,” British Airways pilot Steve Allright explained to The Telegraph. A jet stream can be thousands of miles long and flow up to 250 mph, but is usually only a few miles wide and deep. “Just like a fast-flowing river swirling against the riverbank, where the edge of the jet stream interacts with slower moving air, there may be some mixing of the air, which causes turbulence,” Allright says.
The Wings Won’t Fall Off
Wings will never snap off. And they’re designed to have flex, so if you look out the cabin window and see a wing flapping up and down a little, not to worry. Incidentally, experts say even engine failure will never result in a plane falling from the sky. All planes can make do with a single engine, and if both cut out, an aircraft at cruising altitude can glide for 70 miles in search of a place to land.
Take This Warning Seriously
We tend to ignore the crew members’ safety lecture—OK, you already know how to buckle a seatbelt. But one warning that should never be ignored is to keep your seatbelt fastened throughout the flight. Drinks hitting the ceiling in a sudden drop in altitude are one thing; you doing the same thing is quite another.
Mind Where You Sit
Sitting as far forward in the cabin as you can not only gets you off the plane sooner at your destination: It also minimizes the effects of turbulence.
Breathe and Squeeze!
At London’s Heathrow Airport, British Airways leads a fear-of-flying course. As reported In The Telegraph, passengers with turbulence jitters are urged to clench their buttocks and breathe deeply. The exercise forces blood flow to the brain—or distracts your attention, at least. “Turbulence is uncomfortable, but not dangerous. It is part of flying, and is not to be feared,” Allright says.
Water aerobics ain’t just for grandma anymore. Exercise classes in the pool have come a long way from their retirement community and rehab facility days. Resorts all over the world have hopped on this fitness trend. Splash around and get in shape with these wacky water workouts.
Mermaid Fitness
Photo courtesy of Hotel Del Coronado
Become part of Ariel’s world and have a fin-tastic time during a Mermaid Fitness class offered at Hotel Del Coronado in the San Diego area. Swimmers strap on mermaid tails for this 45-minute workout session. It blends swimming, core, cardio and strength training. Classes are taught on Friday and Saturday mornings.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Del Coronado
Bogafit
Photo courtesy of Monarch Beach Resort
Bogafit was named “The Hottest Fitness Workout of 2017” by ABC News. The Boga Fitmat floats atop the pool’s surface and participants are challenged to balance on top while performing core-building exercises from gymnastics, yoga and boot camp style movements. Hilarity ensues as participants struggle to stabilize doing burpees, pushups, situps and more.
Guests visiting Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, CA can sign up for a Bogafit class on Fridays and Sundays at the resort’s Miraval Life in Balance Spa. Smart Meeting West National will be hosted at Monarch Beach from September 10-12. Register here and pack a swimsuit.
Video of the British-based Aquaphysical, similar to Bogafit, went viral last year. Check it out below.
Aqua Trampoline
https://youtu.be/018azduP6ew
Are you ready to bounce and splash your way into tip-top condition? During Aqua Trampoline classes, mini-tramps are placed on the floor of a pool. Jumpers follow the directions of an instructor demonstrating from the pool deck. The water provides resistance, which helps to tone bodies. The Baltic Beach Hotel in Latvia offers Aqua Trampoline on Tuesdays-Thursdays.
Stand Up Paddle Board
Photo courtesy of Park City Yoga Adventures
Guests staying at Washington School House in Park City, Utah, are in for a once-in-a-lifetime retreat. They teamed with Park City Yoga Adventures to offer stand up paddle board yoga classes inside a 10,000-year-old crater at Homestead Resort. Guests execute yoga poses while balancing on top of a paddleboard as an instructor leads the class from the dock. Sun beams down from a hole at the top. The mineral water maintains a warm temperature of 90-96 degrees F. Homestead Crater is the only warm scuba diving location in all of the continental U.S.
Wet Barre
Calling all barre-istas and ballerinas! Get ready to practice your plies and arabesques in the pool. Wet Barre consists of more than 200 skills that activate different muscle zones. Wet Barre was created by Nashville-based trainer Katina Block. She has 25 years of experience in the field and was an original trainer at The Biggest Loser Resort in Malibu. Block is available to teach Wet Barre classes at events and for breakout sessions in Nashville, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Austin and other major cities.
Poles aren’t just for… firefighters. They’re for swimmers too! Pole dancing workouts have been trending for several years now, but Acquapole is now becoming a thing. The pole is placed on the bottom of the pool. Holding on, participants practice scissor kicks, leg raises and more. It’s a low-impact exercise that strengthens your core. Elastic resistance bands can be added for an additional challenge. A boxing bag can also be put on the pole so you can punch and kick your way to better health.
Acquapole actually dates all the way back to 2010 when it premiered in Italy. It’s gaining popularity and classes are offered throughout Europe. It’s only a matter of time before resorts add it to fitness schedules.
Aquacycling
Put the pedal to the water. Aquacycling submerges stationary bikes in a pool. The benefits of spinning underwater include massaging your body, activating the lymphatic system, getting rid of toxins and improving circulation. The water supports your body’s weight, so this low-impact activity doesn’t put strain on your joints, bones or muscles.
Washington, D.C.’s SplashCycle offers classes on The Rooftop of The Embassy Row Hotel on Mondays, Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Interested in aquacycling as a team building activity? SplashCycle can be booked for private events at Embassy Row or the pool of your choosing. Corporate discounts are also available.
Photo credit: Amtrak
A train can only take passengers so far. Once they reach the Amtrak station, meeting-goers often still need to rely on another mode of transportation to get them to the door of the hotel, convention center or venue. That’s where Lyft is coming in to save the day!
As of August 1st, smart phone users can access the Lyft app through Amtrak’s app to request a ride. If you’ve never used Lyft before, you’ll receive a $5 discount on your first four trips with the promotion code AMTRAKLYFT.
Lyft drivers can be found in 360-plus cities throughout the United States, spanning 80 percent of the country’s population. More than 95 percent of Amtrak passengers are located in territories that Lyft covers.
“We are focused on improving the customer experience, and this is one way we are working to make your entire journey as seamless and enjoyable as possible,” said Jason Molfetas, executive vice president for marketing and business development for Amtrak, in a press release.
The two companies plan to expand this partnership in the future. “As a fixture of American travel, Amtrak makes it simple and convenient for passengers, something Lyft feels passionately about as well,” says David Baga, chief business officer for Lyft. “Both companies have a long-standing commitment to supporting communities we serve and we’re excited to grow together.”
Photo credit: thomashartshelby.com
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas isn’t even seven years old yet, but it’s already itching for a refresh. The company announced on Wednesday that when renovations are complete in 2018, 90 percent of the guest rooms will have been upgraded. Of the resort and casino’s 3,027 rooms, 2,895 of them are getting a facelift in the coming months.
Among all the changes, the rooms will be completely outfitted with top-of-the-line technology that millennials will likely find very appealing. An iPad “virtual concierge” will enable guests to make restaurant and spa reservations, buy tickets, order room service, schedule wake-up calls, and control lighting and temperature. This will also be a great tool for meeting professionals to utilize. They’ll be able to communicate with attendees to send updates and alerts about the itinerary.
Other anticipated technological additions include 65-inch Samsung TVs to stay entertained with Hulu, YouTube, Pandora, Crackle and NetFlix, and personal Bluetooth connectivity.
“Where The Cosmopolitan is at today is a reinvention of the property that opened its doors more than six years ago,” said Bill McBeath, president and CEO of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. “The past two years have been a transformative process that has reinvigorated gaming, food and beverage and will now include the complete redesign of our hotel rooms. They are bold, innovative and a direct reflection of our alluring brand.”
The rooms receiving these renovations are located in the Boulevard and Chelsea Towers. They’ll first become available exclusively to members of Identity, the resort’s rewards program, before hitting the market for everyone to book. The Terrace rooms and Reception Suites will incorporate rich jewel tones, touches of gold, handcrafted patterns and artwork. The property is hoping guests will feel an edgy and sophisticated vibe.
“The design of the rooms is intended to lead guests on a journey of discovery, allowing them to explore different aspects that would not immediately be revealed at first glance,” states a press release. “Some of the more playful features are located in discrete locations such as whimsical wallpaper within the closet or shadowed figures that separate the shower from the bedroom.”
The Wraparound Terrace Suites and City Rooms & Suites are taking a different approach, seeking to emulate the residential feel of an urban penthouse. Visitors can expect to see a neutral color palette accented by bright colors. Feast your eyes on graffiti art, wallpapered closets and playful patterns.
These upgrades have been in the pipeline for quite some time. After a thorough 18-month selection process, The Cosmopolitan decided to team with Virserius Studios on the re-design project.
Earlier this year, the hotel introduced 21 Boulevard Penthouses in February and renovated the Lanai Suites and Bungalow Suites, and built 46 additional rooms in 2016. The Chandelier Bar is also undergoing renovations before the end of next year and the expansion of retail store Vitals will be complete before summer 2017 concludes. Several new restaurants opened during the past two years.
Travelers are like human boomerangs. Most people who fly eventually come back. The Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) released a study in July titled “Myth Busting the Cost of One-Way Tickets” that found a growing trend toward travelers selecting one-way tickets instead of roundtrip.
In many cases, when you are purchasing a roundtrip ticket, you are really purchasing two one-way tickets in a single transaction. If you compare the one-way fares for those same exact flights, you will see the cost is the same whether you are buying individually or combined.
ARC analyzed data over a more than three-year period and noticed that one-way ticket purchases have steadily increased since 2014. The margin between roundtrip and one-way ticket purchases has narrowed. Many airlines have either eliminated or reduced fees associated with single-way fares. The study shows that one-way sales have grown by 45 percent since 2014. One-way tickets represented 29 percent of purchases in 2014. This has spiked to 42 percent as of May 2017.
Statistics revealed that managed travel still tends to book roundtrip, possibly missing out on savings. Business travelers booking individually prefer one-way because of the flexibility of last minute changes to itineraries. Here are three things to consider when booking flights:
Mix & Match
Sometimes, it is beneficial to be flexible. Consider flying to your destination on one airline and flying back home on a different airline. Use caution, however and don’t use multiple airlines in a single leg of a trip. If there’s a delay and you miss a connecting flight, your airline will try to accommodate you on the next flight of their airline. But, if you miss a layover on a different airline, you’re likely out of luck.
It is also worth considering flying in and out of different airports if the city you are traveling to and from has options. For instance, if you live in Los Angeles and are flying to New York City, you can fly from Burbank to JFK and return from LaGuardia to LAX. Get creative and mix and match.
Caution: A La Carte Charges
The cheapest ticket is not necessarily the least expensive trip. Before impulse-buying what you think is the best deal, take a moment to factor in the cost of checking luggage and transportation to/from the airport. For instance, buying the lowest fare level on JetBlue is typically $15 cheaper than the next level up. If you plan to check a bag, they charge $20. However, if you pay the extra $15 for the mid-level ticket, you get one free checked bag. Easy $5 savings each way.
Often the cheapest airline has hidden fees. This quickly adds up to more than paying a higher rate for an all-inclusive airline. If it is going to cost a premium to go to a more distant airport for a cheaper flight, when transportation costs are included, it might be more budget-friendly to get a more expensive ticket at a more convenient airport.
Did someone say free checked bags? It also may be worth paying a bit more for a ticket if you don’t pay extra for luggage. Southwest Airlines includes two free checked bags for all passengers, but their tickets aren’t sold through any of the major travel websites. You need to book directly with Southwest online or over the phone. Don’t forget about them because many times Southwest is the cheapest, but deals might get overlooked. Plus, Southwest is the preferred airline of travel industry professionals and travel rewards program members, according to YouGov.
Especially when traveling for business, you might require in-flight Wi-Fi. Some airlines charge an additional fee, others offer it complimentary. Same goes with entertainment, such as television. Every little bit adds up. Do some research before you book it.
One Final “Point”-er
Want to use points to travel, but don’t have enough accumulated for a roundtrip ticket? Some airlines do not allow you to combine points and dollars. You could buy one-way with points and the other way with money. Or, if you have points saved on multiple airlines, redeem them on airline A in one direction and airline B in another direction.
Most of Hawaii’s energy comes from expensive, imported fossil fuels, so it’s no surprise solar power is a hot ticket there. In fact, SolarPowerRocks.com ranks the state 15th best in the nation on its 2017 Solar Report Card. The hospitality sector has long been a sustainability leader in Hawaii, and going solar is high on the list for hotel and resort upgrades.
Among the latest solar converts in the Aloha State is Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, located on 40 oceanfront acres along a 3-mile stretch of famed Kaanapali Beach. The property became Hawaii’s first LEED Silver resort in 2014.
The resort’s system of solar panels, one of the largest rooftop photovoltaic systems in the state, produces more than 6 percent of the resort’s annual electricity needs, equal to powering 158 homes. Reduction in yearly CO2 emissions is the equivalent of removing 111 cars from the road.
“Our efforts here at the Hyatt Regency Maui have created greater awareness of environmental sustainability among the community and our resort guests,” says Gary Bulson, senior engineer at the resort and a member of the Green Team, a group of employees involved in sustainability initiatives. “We are currently in the process of introducing a sustainability tour around our property that will increase awareness of the different areas [in which] we are making environmental advancements, including water efficiency, ocean and reef protection, minimizing food waste, recycling, solar energy, air quality and green cleaning.”
Hyatt Regency Maui also embraces Hyatt Thrive, a long-term strategic approach to environmental sustainability built on three focus areas: Use Resources Thoughtfully, Build Smart, and Innovate and Inspire.
Photo credit: Marriott International
Andy Cohen is all about fun and games on Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live,” but he means business when it comes to fetching “furever” homes for dogs. The talk show host, producer, author and proud papa to rescue pup Wacha teamed with Residence Inn by Marriott and North Shore Animal League America, the world’s largest no-kill shelter, for a pet adoption campaign this summer. He graciously took a break from vacation sipping rosé in the Hamptons to answer a few questions for Smart Meetings.
“Wacha is the most important thing in my life—he is my best bud and opened my heart,” Andy Cohen says of his beagle-foxhound mix who he rescued in 2013 from a West Virginia shelter. “I can’t think of a better cause to support pet adoptions and work with such a great organization like North Shore Animal League America and a pet-friendly brand like Residence Inn by Marriott.”
Cohen is based in New York City, but like many meeting professionals, he travels often for work. Before rushing to Clear the Shelters—a nationwide pet adoption drive promoted by NBC and Telemundo owned stations on August 19th—he shares some things prospective pet parents should take into consideration.
“It’s important to give your pet a healthy foundation. If you need to go out of town, make sure your pet is comfortable and happy with the person who is taking care of them. Make sure they are aware of all of your pet’s needs and can arrange everything accordingly,” he says. “Pets are family and you need to treat them as such. Pet owners know that it can be challenging to travel.”
Andy Cohen poses with Wacha, photo credit: Marriott International
Residence Inn by Marriott is hosting the “Dog Days of Summer” adoption series at select U.S. hotels this month in New York, Miami Beach Surfside and Washington Capitol Hill/Navy Hard. Guests and locals are encouraged to stop by for “Yappy Hour” to meet and bond with the homeless pups. Approved families can bring home a new furry friend or both person and pup can feel right at home in the hotel.
“Staying at a brand like Residence Inn by Marriott that’s pet-friendly is a huge benefit. Wacha and I didn’t get any dirty looks when we came into the lobby today. All Residence Inn hotel rooms are suites, giving owners and pets lots of room to spread out,” Cohen says. “They even have a grocery delivery service, so if you forget your pets’ favorite food, you can have it delivered right to your room.”
Although Cohen opts not to fly with his pooch, he does bring him to work regularly. Anyone who tunes in to Bravo knows that Wacha makes cameo appearances in the “WWHL” clubhouse. “It makes the meetings that much cuter,” Cohen says of his canine companion joining him in the boardroom. “He lies there and absorbs everything around him.”
If you plan to host a pet-friendly meeting, Cohen suggests having “plenty of water and a calm environment. Treats don’t hurt either.” The “Love Connection” host is hopeful that all of the adoptable four-legged friends will find their perfect matches this summer.
10 Best Historic Hotels in the U.S.
The popularity of the hit Broadway musical Hamilton has made history cooler than ever. In fact, it’s inspired groups to meet at historic hotels, including the 10 Best Historic Hotels of 2017, selected as part of USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Travel Awards. (There were some new additions compared to last year’s list.)
The annual list, which consisted of the following properties, was released earlier this month. The awards also included the 10 top hotel luxury brands, pools, restaurants, spas, destinations, bars, waterfronts and more.
Swipe right or click through to see the list.
1. Grand Hotel — Mackinac Island, Michigan
Grand Hotel is home of the world’s longest porch. Presidents, governors and powerful leaders have met there, and so can your group. There’s 22,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including the two-story. 16,000-square-foot Woodfill Conference Center, with six meeting rooms under one roof. Grand Hotel offers meeting rooms, AV and coffee breaks at no additional fee in most scenarios. All 393 guest rooms have unique decor.
2. Mission Inn Hotel & Spa — Riverside, California
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa opened its doors in 1876. Groups can meet there just as former presidents, royalty, and the movers and shakers of business did years ago. The Mission Inn stays true to its past with Spanish Mission-style architecture, but has made necessary updates to accommodate modern meetings. It offers 238 guest rooms and 20,000 sq. ft. of flexible function space.
3. The Peabody Hotel — Memphis, Tennessee
Meetings have been held at The Peabody Memphis since 1869, and it has a longstanding reputation of being the city’s business and social hub for presidents, celebrities and socialites. Guests can quack up at ducks waddling passed during the famous Peabody Ducks March. The “South’s Grand Hotel” is on the National Register of Historic Places; is a Forbes Four Star, AAA Four-Diamond rated property; and is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and National Trust Historic Hotels of America. It has 80,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 464 guest rooms.
4. The Hermitage Hotel — Nashville, Tennessee
The Hermitage Hotel is Nashville’s only Forbes Five Star, AAA Five Diamond hotel, and has been a meeting destination since its grand opening in 1910. Babe Ruth, President John F. Kennedy, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash and many other entertainers and politicians have walked through its doors over the years. Meeting professionals have several options to choose from, including boardrooms and the Veranda. Coming in at just under 2,500 sq. ft., the grand ballroom has an ornate ceiling and Russian walnut paneling. The Hermitage Hotel also has 250 acres of farmland, with a 2,400-square-foot barn that can be rented for private events. Attendees are greeted in the lobby by a painted glass skylight and can enjoy the hotel’s Beaux Arts style during their stay in one of the 122 guest rooms.
5. Mohonk Mountain House — New Paltz, New York
Attendees can get swept off their feet at a Victorian castle in upstate New York. Mohonk Mountain House is nestled in a 40,000-acre forest. Designated a National Historic Landmark, the resort offers a 2,400-square-foot conference center with 14 meeting rooms, and the new Grove Lodge can accommodate small meetings. This historic hotel, which opened in 1869, has 259 guest rooms and suites, plus five cottages.
6. The Broadmoor — Colorado Springs, Colorado
One of the most unique resorts in the world, The Broadmoor offers a wide range of activities to guests. It features shopping, a spa, tennis, golf, horseback riding, mountain biking, archery, canoeing, fly-fishing, rock climbing, falconry and more. The Broadmoor also includes Penrose Rooms, the only Forbes Five Star, AAA Five Diamond restaurant in Colorado. Open since 1918, the nearly 100-year-old hotel has 185,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 784 guest rooms. The hotel prides itself in going green and giving back to the community. Guests can dine on food from “mountaintop to tabletop,” as Broadmoor Farms grows veggies, herbs and more.
7. The Don CeSar — St. Pete Beach, Florida
Get tickled pink at The Don CeSar! Go back in time at this Gatsby Era hotel. The Great Gatsby author, F. Scott Fitzgerald, even visited this classic hot spot. The hotel is located on Florida’s Gulf Coast and has 277 guest rooms, which were remodeled in 2012. Its 38,000 sq. ft. of function space can host events big and small. Attendees can dip their toes in the sand or pool while enjoying their stay in the Sunshine State. The Don CeSar has appeared in films and on TV shows.
8. The Royal Hawaiian — Honolulu
Add some aloha spirit to your next meeting at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. This year, the resort is celebrating its 90th anniversary. There was a tremendous turnout of 1,200 people at its 1927 grand opening gala—which cost only $10 per plate. To this day, the 12,000 sq. ft. of indoor meeting space and 66,000-square foot Ocean Lawn remains a choice property for event professionals. Nicknamed the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” The Royal Hawaiian has 528 guest rooms with vintage and exotic decor, historic photos and indigenous art. The hotel went through a renovation in 2009 and debuted upgrades to Mailani Tower in April 2015. The hotel offers twice-weekly historical tours every Tuesday and Thursday at 1 p.m.
9. The American Club — Kohler, Wisconsin
The American Club has an interesting history. At one time, it was a dorm for immigrant employees with a pub, bowling alley and barber. It transformed into a glamorous hotel in 1981 and has gone on to achieve a Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond rating. Various ballrooms, a theater and a boardroom serve as great settings for meetings. The American Club is poised to host the 2020 Ryder Cup on its four championship golf courses. The property features 241 guest rooms, nine restaurants and Kohler Waters Spa, one of only 35 spas in the world to receive a Forbes Five Star rating.
10. The Omni Homestead Resort — Hot Springs, Virginia
The Omni Homestead Resort has hosted 23 U.S. presidents from the 18th century to the present. Groups can take in the beauty of the Allegheny Mountains at this 2,000-plus-acre property that boasts hot springs, two historic and challenging golf courses, a water park, ziplining and ice skating. Omni Hotels and Resorts partnered with Feed America to help address hunger issues. All Omni properties, including The Omni Homestead Resort, pledged to provide one meal per room night booked as part of a group reservation.” There are 483 guest rooms and 72,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, with the largest meeting room measuring 13,485 sq. ft.
