NAPA VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL

Photo credit: Napa Valley Film Festival

In true show business form, Napa Valley Film Festival (NVFF) will go on as scheduled in Wine Country from November 8-12. Organizers are not letting devastating wildfires get in the way of the celebration. Similar to IMEX’s resilient pledge to hold their annual North American trade show in Las Vegas just one week after the tragic massacre on The Strip, event professionals in Sonoma and Napa counties are going ahead as planned.

“Our hearts and thoughts continue to be with all of our Napa and Sonoma County families, friends, colleagues, neighbors and partners during this difficult time,” NVFF co-founders and directors Marc and Brenda Lhormer say in a press release. “Our intention is to put on the most memorable and meaningful film festival to date. Our partners and venues are eager to share this festival with those who love and need great stories, conversation and bonding experiences.”

With the exception of Hilton Sonoma Wine Country and Fountaingrove Inn in Santa Rosa, which were both destroyed by the fires, almost all area hotels have already re-opened and are welcoming guests. One of the festival’s lodging partners, Silverado Resort and Spa, is due to re-open on Saturday, in plenty of time for the beginning of NVFF.

Tourism is one of the leading industries and employers in Napa Valley, according to the 2016 Napa Valley Visitor Industry Economic Impact report conducted by Destination Analysts. “Festivalgoers will be able to support the Valley’s rebuilding efforts by booking hotel rooms and making restaurant reservations,” the Lhormers add. Brenda tells Smart Meetings they sell multi-day passes to encourage attendees to stay overnight.

Photo credit: Napa Valley Film Festival

Besides donations of clothing, food and household supplies, what Wine Country residents most need is for visitors to continue to pump money into their economy to help stay afloat and rebuild, Michele Gardner-Kelley, director of sales for Kenwood Investments in Sonoma, tells Smart Meetings. She wants meeting professionals to know how essential they are to filling hotels in the region. She’s seen planners cancel meetings through November out of fear, although the area is running business as usual. If this pattern continues, Gardner-Kelley is concerned residents will lose jobs and struggle even further to recoup their losses.

“You still have the national news scaring off everybody,” Brenda points out. “[It’s hard to] change people’s perception who live in New York and Florida.”

The NVFF is more than just about movie screenings, popcorn and soda. Attendees can expect to sip and dine on the best wine and food from Napa’s many vineyards and restaurants. In addition to fans, over 300 filmmakers are anticipated to attend this year. In 2016, attendance was recorded at 11,000 people. NVFF will utilize nine venues within the region, including The CIA at Copia, Lincoln Theater and Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch, to screen over 120 new independent films and studio sneak previews.

Brenda tells Smart Meetings that NVFF welcomes meeting professionals to book group excursions to the festival. They can customize unique experiences, such as private screenings and meet-and-greets and cooking demos with celebrity chefs.

Ten percent of proceeds from ticket sales sold from October 16 onward will be donated to the Napa Valley Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund. In addition, the NVFF Presenting Sponsor Lexus announced they’re donating 1,000 tickets to fire victims.

Since the fires have been contained, the air quality has improved and access roads, the Napa Valley Wine Train and Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport are open to travelers.

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Waiting in an airport is almost always a drag. Meeting and event planners know this better than anyone. Meal choices are limited, people are everywhere, morale is low and time seems to slow down. Yet there are some truly unbelievable attractions at certain airports. After reviewing this list, we bet you’ll be eager to get stuck for a few hours—or perhaps even days—in these airports. 

1. Rock Out and Wind Down in John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)—New York City

jetblue-jfk,-Photo-credit--HandoutGetty-Images-North-America

Handout Getty Images North America

Where? Terminal 5-JetBlue

JetBlue has created some stiff competition at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Since its concert series began in 2009, JetBlue has welcomed superstars such as Taylor Swift and Sarah McLachlan for performances exclusive to JetBlue customers and contest winners. JetBlue gates also offer customers relaxing pods with an ergonomically optimized design that offers gravity-neutral position to encourage circulation and rest. Pods also include a privacy visor with built-in speakers to drown out surrounding noise, while internal storage bins lock away items. When the session is over, nappers are gently roused with light and sound.

2. Breathe in Cinnamon-Scented Oxygen in Narita International Airport (NRT)-Chiba, Japan

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Narita International Airport (NRT)

Where?  Terminal 1

 

Oxygen bars are popular for their refreshing attributes. Many believe increasing oxygen intake can reduce headaches, improve alertness and combat drowsiness (think jetlag).The cinnamon-scented oxygen available at Narita International Airport is thought to be particularly invigorating. Airport-goers hook up to self-serve tanks that pump a variety of flavors into their lungs. Flavors range from eucalyptus menthol to NRT’s signature cinnamon. Price is based on the length of a session: $6 for 10 minutes and $12.50 for 20 minutes.

3. Play with PUPs in Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

LAX-AP

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Where? Departure terminals

 

To accommodate the stress and anxiety many face when traveling, Los Angeles International Airport has implemented their PetsUnstressing Passengers (PUP) program. This initiative remains the largest of its kind, with 30 trained dogs and handlers who roam the departure gate area. All travelers are welcome to play with the dogs. Volunteers handling the PUPs go through an LAX classroom and in-terminal training to learn how to specifically assist travelers. 

4. Take a Craft Brewery Tour in Munich International Airport (MUC)

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Munich International Airport (MUC)

Where?  Terminal 2, Level 5

 

Sure, you can grab a beer at any old airport—but MunichAirport offers something much cool than a mediocre brew. Airbrau is the only airport brewery in Europe. The facility makes a variety of beers on-site, offering many options—from a pilsner to doppelbock. Enjoy the bubbly, German goodness. And, if you have a little extra time, you can take a full tour of the brewery.

5. Zen Out with Yoga and Art in San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

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San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Where? Terminal 2

 

San Francisco’s a very health- and wellness-conscious city, and this is certainly reflected in its airport. In 2012, SFO opened the world’sfirst airport yoga studio (although more have followed since then). The room supplies all of the mats, mirrors, darkness and silence necessary for getting those oms in. Five or six people may use the room at once. Also located in Terminal 2 is a series of wire mesh sculptures called Every Beating Second, by Janet Echelman. The art instillation is designed to evoke a sense of calming outdoor wind.

6. Experience a 4D Flick in Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

Hong-Kong-Airport

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

Where? Terminal 2

 

Are 3-D movies outdated? That seems to be the case, considering you can now watch a 4D flick while waiting for your flight. HongKong Airport’s 4D Extreme Screen is Asia’s largest 4D projection screen. The theater holds 360 seats. The audience watches movies in 3-D while experiencing first-hand effects, including wind, fog, water spray and bubbles (hence the fourth dimension). Specific movie showings are listed on the airport’s website. 

7. Interact with Marine Life in Vancouver International Airport (YVR)-Richmond, British Columbia, Canada

Ken-Eckert,-Vancouver

Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

Where? Domestic Terminal, Level 3

 

Enjoy British Columbia’s natural sea life while waiting for your flight. YVR offers more than a few guppies. Its aquarium holds more than 5,000 creatures, including wolf eels, kelp greenling, tiger fish and anemones. While the main aquarium is in the Domestic Terminal, the International Terminal provides something smaller, but also remarkable—a Jellyfish Exhibit with 12 Pacific sea-nettle jellies.

8. Ride Down a Four-Story Slide in Changi International Airport (SIN)—Singapore

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With Kids, We Go

Where? Arrival Hall, Terminal 3, Level 1

 

Changi International Airport has some pretty incredible stuff. Between the butterfly garden, Koi Pond, rooftop pool and bar, 300 plus shops and free movie theaters, there’s little-to-no chance you’ll find yourself bored. Perhaps most famously, the airport is home to a four-story indoor slide, the tallest in Singapore and the world’s tallest airport slide.

9. Ice Skate in Incheon International Airport (ICN)—Seoul

thepeakmagazine.com.sg

thepeakmagazine.com.sg

Where? Incheon Airport Transportation Center

Incheon International Airport is a very, very nice airport. Each year since 2005, Airports Council International has ranked it the best airport worldwide. Additionally, Skytrax has deemed it the world’s cleanest airport and the world’s best international transit airport. Incheon offers top-notch luxury with a golf course, a spa, private sleeping rooms, indoor gardens and a Museum of Korean Culture. The only attraction that might be even better than its claimed .0001 percent baggage mishandling rate is an indoor ice skating rink.

The rink is called Ice Forest. It can be found inside Incheon Airport Transportation Center (CAT and KTX Station). Skating is free and available year-round. Gloves and helmets are can be rented for a fee. Since the rink is made of artificial ice, a special plastic keeps skaters dry and safe from injury.

kimpton karma rewards

Are you a Kimpton Karma Rewards member? By early next year, you won’t be. Instead, like it or not, you will be joining IHG Rewards Club. In an anticipated move by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), which acquired Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in 2014, members of the two rewards programs will be folded into a single points-based reward system.

IHG Rewards Club is the world’s largest hotel loyalty program, with more than 100 million members, who have access to more than 5,200 hotels (and 11 brands) in nearly 100 countries. IHG Rewards Club members who stay at any of Kimpton’s 60 hotels in North America will begin to be able to earn and redeem points there, as well.

“Becoming part of IHG Rewards Club allows us to answer some common requests from our Kimpton Karma Rewards members, such as no blackout dates, online redemption and perhaps the pinnacle of it all, a whole world of international opportunities that the IHG Rewards Club program offers,” said Kathleen Reidenbach, chief commercial officer for Kimpton. “With the increased portfolio of hotels—80 times more hotels than what we’ve been able to offer—our members can now travel all around the world earning and redeeming points, including new international Kimpton destinations. What’s equally exciting is that members will continue to enjoy the highly personalized experience that Kimpton delivers, while gaining access to the rich benefits of IHG Rewards Club. It’s really a win-win.”

Some industry observers, however, wondered if Kimpton Karma members at InnerCircle, the highest tier, might perceive the move as at least a partial loss.

“A hallmark of the Kimpton Karma program was the deeply personal way members interacted with it. Those who qualify for InnerCircle status even receive a phone number they can use to call Kimpton CEO Mike DeFrino directly,” Skift noted.

Susanna Freer Epstein, senior vice president of customer loyalty marketing for IHG, sought to deflect any such concerns. “We’ve also preserved Kimpton Karma’s most-loved perks, like Raid the Bar (a $10 minibar credit, which will remain for Gold, Platinum and Spire Elite IHG Rewards Club members) and the $30 spa credit,” she said. “We think Karma Rewards members are going to be really happy to know their most beloved perks and the highly personalized Kimpton experience will remain, while at the same time, they will gain access to a whole new world of benefits that IHG Rewards Club introduces.”

Why the Federal Aviation Administration Wants You to Put Your Laptop in Your Carry-on Bag

These days, it can be hard to keep up with the exact protocol for bringing laptops on airplanes. Earlier this week the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) suggested a ban on packing laptops in checked bags. This recommendation feels rather contradictory for those who remember that last March the Department of Homeland Security imposed a ban on laptops in the cabins of planes coming into the U.S. from 10 Middle Eastern airports.

What’s the Problem?

That ban was made in an effort to prevent devices from being used as tools in an attack; it meant that many passengers put their laptops in checked bags instead of their carry-on bags. However, the ban was fully lifted in July, as the airports in the region took the necessary steps to improve security. The FFA ban, in contrast, focuses on preventing the risk of an accidental explosion, more so than on stopping the prospect of a terrorist attack.

What’s the Risk?

The FAA recommendation is based on tests the FFA conducted to see what would happen when lithium-ion battery laptops overheated next to various alcohol-based products.

During testing, four products were examined: nail polish remover, dry shampoo, hand sanitizer and rubbing alcohol. A heater was placed against the laptop’s lithium-ion battery to force it into “thermal runaway,” a condition in which the battery’s temperature continually rises. Each testing product was strapped to the laptop while it over heated. In each test the result was fire; but the aerosol can of dry shampoo was the only test in which an explosion occurred that would be too strong for an airplane’s fire suppressant systems to contain. When the dry shampoo was strapped to the overheated lithium-ion battery laptop, an explosion occurred in 40 seconds, which is too quickly for the fire suppression systems on board to guard against.

The FAA believes that the only reason more explosions haven’t occurred thus far is because most passengers already take their laptops and large electronic devices onboard in their carry-on bags.

What are the Next Steps?

What does this proposed ban mean for U.S. travelers? The FAA paper doesn’t address whether there should be a domestic ban, but rather, sees this as a global issue. The goal is to set a worldwide standard through the UN, especially since people so commonly hop on connecting flights in and out of the US.

The U.N.’s International Civil Aviation Organization will be discussing the issue during meetings next week. If the committee accepts the findings of the FAA paper, the proposal would still have to be adopted individually by participating countries.

What Can You Do?

While legislation won’t be affective for a while, you might want to think twice before packing your laptop and your dry shampoo or hairspray in your checked bag. Consider buying dry shampoo and/or hairspray once you’ve reached your destination, in a travel size from the nearest drug store.

For those with separate work and personal laptops, taking both in a carry-on can be challenging. Consider the type of batteries your laptop(s) use and prioritize accordingly.

Are There Alternatives?

Aside from an outright ban, the FAA has recommended allowing checked laptops on aircrafts with the most advanced fire suppressant systems, as well as asking passengers not to pack aerosol cans of hairspray or dry shampoo. The FAA is welcoming alternative analysis from other countries, acknowledging that their ten tests may not be enough data to allow a ban on checking all laptops without more sufficient research.

Ever since Netflix released the documentary What the Health? last March, more and more people have been jumping on the vegan bandwagon. This diet’s defining rule is that all animal products are prohibited—which makes it a challenging regimen to follow. Yet according to a report entitled “Top Trends in Prepared Foods in 2017” compiled by research firm Global Data, American consumers who identify with the diet now make up six percent of the population. This represents an increase of 600 percent since 2014.

With veganism moving steadily into the mainstream, meeting and event planners need to have it on their F&B radar, along with all the other forms of dietary restrictions. How far to go in offering a veggie fare is, of course, heavily dependent on the nature of your group. The location of your meeting or event might play a big role, too, as it may dictate how extensive relevant resources are.

WalletHub released a report on the best cities for vegans and vegetarians. In determining which big city was both the best and cheapest for those on a plant-based diet, WalletHub analysts used 15 key indicators of vegan- and vegetarian-friendliness for 100 of the largest cities. These indicators were equally weighted in three categories: affordability; diversity, accessibility and quality; and vegetarian lifestyle.

Here are the top five cities in this 2017 ranking, along with a little more on what each offers all the herbivores out there.

1. New York

Ranking the Big Apple as No.1 actually makes a lot of sense. If you take a look around New York City these days, you’ll find a plethora of farmer’s markets. Additionally, the WalletHub survey found that New York has the highest share of restaurants serving vegetarian options, 56.25 percent. It also has the most salad shops (per square root of population).

What really makes the city stand out, though, is that its vegan-friendly restaurants offer a lot more than twigs and leaves. The city has perfected the craft of natural delicacies, with upscale takes on Italian, Japanese, Korean, Indian, New American and Mexican cuisines.

Vegan-friendly caterers: Tastee Vegan and Jay Astafa Catering

2. Portland

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Everybody’s favorite quirky city is beloved for creative culture, top food trucks, craft beer and Powell’s books. Considering Portland’s overall character, though, it’s only natural it’s also a top destination for those avoiding animal products. In fact, the city was named No. 1 Most Vegan-Friendly City in the U.S. by PETA and Paul McCartney last year.

Portlandians don’t stop at food either—the city has a vegan tiki bar, cruelty-free barbershop, and even a vegan-run and ink tattoo parlor. It’s safe to say vegans will find comfort there.

Vegan-friendly caterers: The (Vegan) Caterer and Crave Catering

3. Orlando

WalletHub found that Orlando has the nation’s highest share of restaurants serving plant-based options—31.14 percent. To put this in perspective, that number is 8.8 times higher than in Chicago, which is the city with the lowest percentage, at 3.52 percent.

Surprisingly, Orlando even beat out San Francisco. Guess they have less fried gator bites and more salads than we thought! In fact, the Sunshine State fared well in general. Miami, Tampa and Jacksonville ranked No. 9, No. 15 and No. 32, respectively.

Vegan-friendly caterers:  Ethos Vegan Kitchen and Puff n’ Stuff Catering

4. San Francisco

How could the city long known for its hippie culture not earn a vegan gold star? Not to mention the fact that this is where Kip Andersen, creator of What the Health?, resides (in case the man bun didn’t tip you off).

Plant-based eaters will find many options in Fog City, from the abundance of organic produce to health-food markets to plant-based restaurants and cafes. Plus, WalletHub found that San Francisco has the most community-supported agriculture programs (per square foot).

Vegan-friendly caterers: From the Garden and Hella Vegan Eats

5. Los Angeles

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Let’s be honest—veganism is super trendy right now. Meaning there’s no way Los Angeles hasn’t surfed this wave. L.A. has always loved the latest fads—especially when it comes to health. Witness The Real Food, a vegetarian café at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and vegan cooking classes offered at Spork Foods, a West Hollywood culinary school.

Vegan-friendly caterers: Jennie Cooks Catering and Kitchen 12000

How IMEX Made a Point of Promoting Women in Events—And You Can, Too

Amid the rush of appointments at Sands Expo in Las Vegas during IMEX America, a group of more than 100 women—along with a contingent of supportive men—gathered to celebrate Women in Events. The oasis of community was the Event Tech Tribe booth. The hosts were Leonora Valvo, founder and CEO of Swoogo; and Marie-Claire Andrews, director of operations for the Tribe and former CEO of Show Gizmo; along with IMEX and Association for Women in Events (AWE). The goal was inspiring a better future together.

“I truly believe every woman in our industry, as they climb higher in the ranks, should be looking about her to reach down and pull up the next wave of female leaders,” said Valvo. She added, “I scan the industry and see that women make up the bulk of employees, but there’s a disproportionate amount of men holding the highest-level executive and leadership positions, and that’s got to change.”

Smart Meetings Founder and CEO Marin Bright voiced similar conviction in March when she announced the winners of the 2017 Smart Women awards. “In the female-dominated meetings industry, there are far too few women in leadership and other influential positions.” She added. “Our top goal is to help change this.” The awards are only one part of that mission. Smart Meetings also hosts a Women’s Conference, and publishes educational and inspirational content that will empower people of all genders to take on new challenges. “As a female leader, I have been very lonely at the top, and I’m always excited to see more women join me by stepping up and taking the helm. We salute those on a trajectory to success, and plan to help many more smart women rise up by providing the support they need every step of the way,” she said in her founder’s letter that month.

Power of the Mentor

AWE’s call to arms is a simple question: “What if Women Empowered Women?” The organization, founded by 2017 Top Smart Woman of the Year Carrie Abernathy, is a hub for resources, mentorship and career guidance. It now hosts events, webinars and discussions as part of its mission to start a movement. It also includes an insightful blog article by Andrea Peterson, a lecturer and instructor in the Hospitality, Tourism & Events department at Metropolitan State University of Denver, called “A Great Mentor Is…” It points out that mentoring is about the little things. Her example showed that we can all play a role in the lives of women moving up the ranks of the event industry by doing simple things, such as:

  • Listening—really taking the time to listen and understand the challenges of co-workers, clients, students, friends, that woman on the bus
  • Sharing—leverage the experiences we have had to help others take shortcuts without repeating the same mistakes or searching blindly for solutions we have already discovered
  • Encouraging—sometimes a kind word at the right time, an introduction, another person to repeat our question or applaud our success is all we need to gather the courage and credibility to take on the next challenge.

If you are looking to work the mighty spud into your meeting on National Potato Day, October 27, the french fry is a great go-to alternative. In honor of this holiday, we’ve rounded up the best french fries to chow down on in some of the most popular meeting cities.

Atlanta: Grindhouse Killer Burger

If crinkle cut is your thing (and if you’ve had Shake Shack, then you know it’s your thing), this is the place for you.

Austin: Hopdaddy Burger Bar

With multiple locations throughout Austin, this place turns out tasty fries every time. Order the truffle fries. They may be trendy, but that’s because they taste SO GOOD.

Boston: Saus Restaurant

Belgian frites take center stage here, served alongside a choice of 15 different sauces; don’t miss out on the bacon parmesan or truffle ketchup.

Charleston:  Tattooed Moose

Tattooed Moose knows there is very little in this world that can satisfy your belly as much as duck fat fries. They do them here and they do them well. The kitchen is open ‘till 1 a.m. every night so you can grab a bite after that long flight when everywhere else is closed.

Chicago: Au Cheval

Granted, the words “upscale” and “diner” aren’t commonly found together, but at Au Cheval the concept just works. And they provide gluten free and dairy free options.

Dallas: CBD Provisions

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Comfort and class unite in this hotel brasserie. Serving classic Texas comfort food and cocktails, the fries here can’t and shouldn’t be missed.

Denver: Steuben’s

Steuben’s provides revamped American fare in a space that feels just like home. Come in for brunch or dinner, and try the special of the day. But also get the gravy cheese fries.

Houston: LowBrow

Hipster chic on the exterior, and serving elevated comfort food inside, this place can serve as an after work drinks meeting place or a quick lunch stop. The curry fries come with masala, cotija cheese, and pickled shallots, providing a unique spin on a classic side.

Indianapolis: Brugge Brasserie

Beer, mussels and tasty french fries are what you’ll find here. Really, do you need anything else? Try as many dips as possible, and opt for multiple cones to share.

Las Vegas: PBR Rock Bar and Grill

You’re in Vegas, which means being on or near the strip is nearly impossible to avoid. Use thisto your advantage by trying out the fries at PBR Rock Bar and Grill. The Bucking Bull fries come with cheese sauce, diced onions, tomatoes, a fried egg and buffalo sauce.

Los Angeles: Plan Check or Republique

L.A. is full of some dang tasty fries, but these two made the list as the best in town. Plan Check provides sweet potato waffle fries with impeccable seasoning that somehow makes them more savory than sweet. Republique provides classic frites with enviably crispness.

Miami: Bourbon Steak

The fries here take the title for best in town. Duck fat is the secret in crafting the perfect potatoes. Soak up the luxe ambience of the Turnberry Isle Hotel while you’re here.

Nashville: Gabby’s Burgers and Fries

Crispy outside, fluffy inside, and lots of dipping sauces prove that the perfect fry does exist and that it doesn’t have to have truffle oil on it. Although these would taste pretty great with truffle oil if we’re being honest…

New Orleans: The Delachaise

Wine bars seem to be synonymous with tasty fries, and The Delachaise is no exception. With 36 wines under $36 too it’s cost effective and can provide relief from drinking sugary hurricanes. The secret to their five time wins for best fries in Louisiana? It’s a game changer: goose-fat.

New York City: Pommes Frites

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Fries become portable here, served in cones with all the sauces. They’re twice cooked and Belgian style, and you’d be hard pressed to find better fries anywhere in the U.S., let alone anywhere else in New York.

Orlando: Five Guys

Orlando has Disneyworld and Universal studios. Five Guys is your best bet here, but they’re In-N-Out’s competitor so you know it’s still going to be tasty eats.

Phoenix: Zinburger

Zinburger combines two crowd favorites in one here with their wine and burger bar. Choose from sweet potato, zucchini or truffle fries along with a salted caramel milkshake for ultimate comfort and indulgence. Sip the “zin” part of zinburger on their patio.

San Diego: Searsucker or In-N-Out

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You’re already in SoCal, which means it would basically be a crime not to grab In N Out burger and enjoy it on the beach. But if you crave a little more of an upscale option, Searsucker provides prosciutto dusted, twice cooked fries that look almost as good as they taste.

San Francisco: AT & T Park

San Francisco Giant’s games are certainly fun to watch, but the best part, as any locals will tell you, is eating the Gilroy garlic fries with a cold brew in hand. And considering companies can rent out boxes here to watch the game from, we can’t think of a better example of the perfect marriage of meetings and food.

Seattle: The Swinery

Fries are decidedly pretty great on their own, but toping them with bacon blue cheese béchamel sauce, as The Swinery does elevates them to a whole new level.

Scottsdale: Brat Haus

Communal seating, street art and microbrews make this beer garden as good looking on Instagram as it is good tasting in your mouth. Play giant Jenga, pet pooches or just take in the sunshine with a brew in hand and Belgian fries on your plate. Don’t miss out on tasty sauces and poutine either.

Washington D.C. : Ben’s Chili Bowl and Blue Duck Tavern

Totally different fries, but equally tasty for their own reasons. Ben’s Chili Bowl provides some of the best chili fries in town, perfect for a late-night bite or midday snack.

Blue Duck Tavern takes thick cut fries to a whole new level by serving giant, twice cooked taters that are crispy outside and decadently fluffy on the inside. You can share, but it won’t be easy.

Let us know which fries you want to try the most or if you have other fries to recommend. Potato knowledge is power.

jetblue booking site

Like to prowl the web for the cheapest airfares, no matter where you find them? Your choices just narrowed, at least for all JetBlue Airways’ flights. The budget airline has joined others such as Delta in dropping several online travel-booking websites, or aggregators. They are second- or third-tier metasearch engines that sell a “very small percentage” of the airline’s flights, the airline said.

JetBlue blames the economics of the situation. Air passengers who booked through the banished sites chose cheaper fares and spent less on add-ons such as premium seating or pet booking. “We looked at the cost structure and recognized that we had an intersection of relatively high-cost channel and some relatively low-value customers,” Marty St. George, JetBlue’s executive vice president for commercial and planning told Skift.

Sites no longer able to sell the airline’s tickets include SmartFares.com, FlightSearch.com, FlightNetwork.com, VacationExpress.com, FlyFar.ca and Vayama.com.

Delta Air Lines stripped its flights from some 30 sites several years ago. American Airlines temporarily removed flights from booking giants such as Expedia and Orbitz.

Like other airlines, JetBlue wants to avoid paying commissions to third-party sites for tickets sold, and instead hopes ticket buyers will gravitate to its own website—as Southwest Airlines has forced its customers to do exclusively for years.

St. George said his airline is considering further steps, and that one option is to assess fees on tickets not sold directly. That practice is trending in Europe. Lufthansa charges a $19 fee for tickets purchased through third-party agencies, and next month British Airways and Iberia Airlines will begin adding a $10.50 fee.

Similar bias against third-party aggregators has crept into the hotel space recently. “Hotels are not giving the aggregators as many good deals as they did in the past,” a former Priceline engineer told Wired earlier this year. “You might as well call Sheraton’s front desk.”

In 2016, Hilton Hotels Corporation guaranteed the lowest rate when booking on its own website, with the marketing slogan, “Stop Clicking Around.” More recently, the InterContinental Hotels Group stopped awarding rewards points to guests booking through aggregators.

The Hindu holiday of Diwali is being celebrated all over the world this week, even at a 30,000-foot altitude in the sky. Emirates, the Dubai-based airline, is honoring Indian culture by serving passengers special treats.

All passengers flying to India from Dubai are receiving a Diwali delicacy. In economy class, guests are getting Motichoor Ladoos, which are prepared with chickpea flour, ghee, cardamom and saffron flavored syrup. The dessert is wrapped in a decorative box garnished with a pistachio and silver leaf embellishment.

Photo of Motichoor Ladoos with a dry fruit burfi dish, credit: Emirates

And in business and first classes, fliers are chowing down on the Motichoor Ladoos paired with a dry fruit burfi dish. This nutty mixture is made with cashews, almonds, pistachios, walnuts, raisins, dried figs and dates. The limited-edition sweets are being offered from October 16 until October 22.

“Spreading the Diwali festive spirit from Dubai to the world. Happy Diwali from all of us at Emirates,” the airline Tweeted.

Emirates’ impeccably dressed flight attendants also pounded the pavement. They took to the streets and stores of Dubai to share the love. The crew personally handed out boxed goodies to passersby, drivers and shoppers.

Diwali, known as the festival of lights, represents the victory of light over darkness. It is a five-day cultural celebration with a candle lighting ritual, firework displays, dancing and, of course, food. Meeting professionals looking to incorporate the positive energy of this popular occasion have incorporated Indian cuisine into the food and beverage offerings at events during Diwali and all year round.

If you’re on social media, you have almost certainly come across the #metoo hashtag recently. These words have become a rallying cry to raise awareness about sexual harassment and assault. It began with a tweet from Alyssa Milano, a famous entertainer, producer and activist.

https://twitter.com/Alyssa_Milano/status/919659438700670976

Attention to this topic has been accumulating since the bevy of charges levied against mega-movie producer Harvey Weinstein surfaced. Many are shocked that this situation only recently came to light. Throughout Weinstein’s career there was an abundance of hushed, vague rumors and appalling excuses (“that’s just Harvey!”) which silenced women. Victims feared for their livelihoods, reputations, self-worth and the overwhelming probability of dismissal.

The good news is that event professionals are in an ideal position to initiate change. Here are some positive steps you can take in the office, at events and personally.

In the Office

An important first step in implementing a sexual harassment policy is defining the term. Below is an excerpt of the definition provided by EEOC.

It is unlawful to harass a person (an applicant or employee) because of that person’s sex. Harassment can include “sexual harassment” or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature. Harassment does not have to be of a sexual nature, however, and can include offensive remarks about a person’s sex. Both victim and the harasser can be either a woman or a man, and the victim and harasser can be the same sex.

Establish a strict policy. Detail specifics in the policy and communicate that harassment or retaliation against a harassment claim, will not be tolerated under any circumstance. In this policy, set up a clear procedure for filing sexual harassment claims.

Continuously check in and check up. Managers are tasked with monitoring workplace dynamics. Request honest input and demonstrate open communication. If a complaint is issued, it must always be investigated.

Encourage consensual agreement forms for office romances. It may not seem necessary in the moment, but it’s a simple step to ensuring a safe environment.

Set-up training. The company policy should be reiterated at least annually. Depending on the company size and location, you may be legally obligated to provide technical training more often.

At Events

Make your event beneficial. Events can be used to raise awareness, heal (encourage victims to share), engage with the community and endorse public policies. Seek out organizations and inquire about partnerships.

Maintain a strict policy on discrimination and harassment. Make this clear before the event so even if someone isn’t involved in an incident, they are encouraged to report it.

Incorporate charitable resources. Fundraising is always a good go-to. You may also incorporate local companies or non-profits by giving them time to present or by offering materials at an information desk. You can also reinforce your position by partnering with companies who donate to the cause.

Never be a bystander. You planned this event, meaning you’re responsible for anything that occurs during it. Don’t let rumors, suspicions or even inappropriate humor slip. Always follow up and investigate.

Keep attendees safe. Ensure the safety of your attendees by putting in place a strong security system.

Personally

Educate yourself on the issue. What verbiage is best to use? What might trigger victims? How can legal action be taken? Being able to answer these questions, and similar ones, adds value to your role.

Take a stance. Report harassment if you see it. If you hear something offensive, don’t let it slide and correct misconceptions. Participate in conversations, virtually or in-person. Show up to protests or wear a teal pin—anything to welcome statements that signify unity.

Promote healthy gender attitudes. Endorse healthy masculinity, discourage rigid gender norms, it’s damaging to everyone. Many male victims are uncomfortable coming forward because of these attitudes, so shunning stereotypes helps everyone.

Work on the big picture. Get involved with the politics. What policies could help victims? How can you back these?

Connect with and support victims. There are many resources where you can volunteer. Some examples include: women’s shelters, RAINN and the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline. Offer support to victims and be mindful of language when speaking to them. Avoid phrases which may sound judgmental. Listen and sympathize.