Smart Meetings | Page 498 of 603 | Corporate Event Planning: Business Events, Meetings, Conferences

hilton new passport project

Hilton Hotels & Resorts announced a new program that will make applying for a passport easy and rewarding. New Passport Project events at properties across the country and one airport yet to be determined will be one-stop shops for passport photos and help with the application process. At an event in New York City this fall, attendees will have the chance to immerse themselves in cultures and destinations from around the world and enter to win a trip to one of the featured destinations.

The initiative comes on the heels of a survey Hilton conducted that found the following:

Some 41 percent of Americans have a valid U.S. Passport. The number of U.S. passports issued has been increasing each year since 2001 with more than 18.6 million issued in 2016 alone, according to the U.S. Department of State.

Passport holders report higher satisfaction levels. Growing the number of people who hold passports could improve lives as more than half (53 percent) of those with a passport who were surveyed said they are content with their lives compared to 34 percent without a passport who said the same thing.

Passport holders take pride in their travels. 57 percent of passport holders say stamps from far-away—and not so far away—places are a “badge of honor.” More than half of recent international travelers reported that they have opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have if they hadn’t traveled and that they embrace a deeper understanding of the world at large because of their journeys. Another 44 percent even said they would think twice before dating or marrying someone without a passport.

Passports aren’t just for gate agents any more. Hilton also surveyed those who have a passport, but have not used it in the last 12 months, and made some surprising discoveries. 18 percent have never used their passport. A majority of those with unstamped documents said they had it just in case and a quarter said they used it for identification purposes. This could become more common. By 2020 even domestic travelers will need REAL ID-compliant licenses or a passport. In some states, this requirement will be put in place earlier than that.

Whether the 60 percent of people who do not yet have a passport use this opportunity to get one because of a desire to see other cultures (52 percent), career advancement (15 percent) or because they want to visit the scene of their favorite television show (17 percent), Hilton is making it easier than ever.

travel insurance after terror attack

In the days after a van drove into a crowd in Barcelona, Spain, killing 17 people and injuring more than 100 others, many already traveling in the area—and many more planning trips—were left wondering what to do in the face of an incident that was labeled a terrorist attack.

British Airways came out immediately saying they would offer “a range of options” for those wishing to change pending flight plans. Many who were not able to secure accommodations from their airline turned to travel insurance in the hopes that plans without a terror add-on would still cover adjustments, even though a travel advisory has not been issued by the government.

A representative from Allianz Global Assistance said that the company “may provide coverage for trip cancellation when there is a terrorist event at the customer’s destination within 30 days of the day they are scheduled to arrive, or for interruption if a terrorist event occurs while they are there.” As of Tuesday, the company had received 40 claims connected to the Barcelona attack (44 cancellations claims and 11 interruption claims as of publication date).

Some travel insurance cover extra expenses for changing tickets after an attack. Even if they don’t, some credit card companies include travel accident insurance that may offer some protection. The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 requires insurance companies to make terrorism insurance available for businesses, but coverage can vary and not all businesses purchase it.

For those wondering what to do if caught in situation similar to what happened in Barcelona, Allianz had the following suggestions:

Read your policy before you travel so you understand what coverage and services are available to assist you.
Contact your travel suppliers (airline, railroad, tour bus) before you cancel your trip. Some may allow you to change your trip without penalty.
If you change the dates of your trip, be sure to change the dates of your travel insurance policy to match.
Be sure to take your travel insurance card with you on your trip. It includes your policy number and contact information.

People have been enjoying photo booths since their creation in 1925. The timeless, vintage style is simply irresistible. Plus, there’s nothing more satisfying than instant development. The structure of photo booths perseveres, but some companies have presented seriously cool updates. Check out the thrilling new products.

Magic Mirror

Tahoe Photo Mirrors doesn’t provide a booth; rather, it supplies an interactive mirror. On its full-length screen, funky graphics countdown and present cheeky messages such as “Last chance to be hot!” After the photo is taken, the user can use glowing ink to sign their “creation.” The colorful animations and quirky voice guidance are delightfully entertaining.

Slow-Mo Motion

The Slow Motion Booth introduces video booths. Professionals assist in top-notch footage, making sure each clip is artfully composed with slow motion effects during filming, editing and uploading. Up to 14 people can be packed into a shot. Plus, they have an option for musical accompaniment.

Instant Social Sharing

TapSnap is an open-concept, high-tech photo service that allows attendees to instantly edit and seamlessly upload their pictures onto social media. Top brands including NBC, Westin Hotels & Resorts, Fox Sports and Visa have enlisted TapSnap photo booths for their events. Digital props can be added, messages can be written, moving effects can be integrated—the possibilities are seemingly endless.

Doodle Depictions

Disclaimer—Doodlebooth doesn’t technically involve photographs. Nonetheless, it’s a completely original and crafty way to create lasting memories. The portraits are drawn by an artist named Jana, who employs a Western- and Eastern-style cartooning that has been heavily influenced by both pop culture and fashion illustrations. At an event, Jana draws voluntary participants. The doodles are then assembled digitally and distributed. Jana’s nontraditional caricatures are also made accessible through an online gallery.

Virtual Surroundings

The Bosco uses green-screen-compositing technology to create virtual backgrounds for short video scenes. Whether the backdrop is a virtual catwalk, explosion or galaxy, the creative photo and video experience brings attendees into another world. The service produces a six-second video, available for use across all social media platforms. Also, did we mention GIFs are also available?

productive things to do this weekend

Time off from work can be time well-spent. Instead of lounging around like a couch potato, Smart meeting planners can use their weekends to boost their careers, nurture their professional growth or improve their productivity. In a posting on HubSpot, Lindsay Kolowich offers 12 suggestions on how to make the most of weekends.

1. Shift your focus. If you spend the majority of your time indoors sitting at a desk, get outdoors. If you generally work outside, spend some time indoors reading or exploring a new hobby. The takeaway is to mix things up and make the weekend seem different than the rest of the week.

2. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Many people view the weekend as a time to address myriad tasks, but be realistic about what can be accomplished. Before beginning a task, evaluate how much effort it will require, and what the impact will be. Prioritize to address only the most important concerns.

3. Start early. People are generally most productive in the morning. Set the stage for success by beginning with an easily accomplished task.

4. Give your brain a break. If you spend much of your workweek problem solving and brainstorming, shut that part of your brain off and focus on relaxation. A regular meditation practice has been shown to increase concentration and reduce stress. Attend a meditation class or download an app such as Headspace or Calm.

5. Get some shuteye. Lack of sleep is a serious health problem that can affect memory, lower the immune system and raise the risk of stroke. Overcome exhaustion by using the weekend to catch up on lost sleep. (Having trouble falling asleep? Check out Nestmaven‘s list of best sleep meditation videos.)

6. Learn a new skill or specialization. Master HTML, take a marketing class or find a mentor willing to share knowledge and expertise. Not only is this fun, it may help land you a promotion or a new job.

7. Express yourself. Write an original article or blog posting that will contribute to you being viewed as a thought leader or industry expert, and submit it to a media outlet for publication.

8. Enjoy time with family or friends. Keep work-life balance in check by getting off the high pressure treadmill and doing something that will make you happy. Don’t feel guilty about taking a day off.

9. Set a time boundary for weekend work. If you must work, establish a specific time block that you are willing to devote to it. If you fail to get as much done as you wanted, forgive yourself and resolve to be more efficient next weekend.

10. Clear out clutter. Although it may not be “fun,” sorting and ridding yourself of items you no longer need or want is a valuable and productive weekend endeavor. Sell items online, give them away or donate them to charity. Decluttering your living space will make you feel more clear and refreshed.

11. Do some volunteer work. Helping those less fortunate or devoting oneself to a cause such as animal abuse or improving the environment fosters a sense of pride and satisfaction, builds connections with others and helps strengthen the greater community. Just pick a cause close to your heart.

12. Make Sunday night special. Do something fun. Watch an episode of a favorite television show, take a run with your dog or prepare a nice dinner. Reflect on the week that past, reveling in joyous moments and accomplishments, and think about what you can do to make next week even more awesome.

Deer Valley Resort

A new ski conglomerate has purchased Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah, thereby adding another prestigious resort to its already-impressive portfolio.

The new company, which has not been named, was created earlier this year by Henry Crown and Co. and KSL Capital partners to purchase Intrawest Resort Holdings and Mammoth Resorts. Squaw Valley Ski Holdings, which was previously owned by affiliates of KSL, also is part of the new company.

The purchase price of Deer Valley Resort was not disclosed. The transaction is subject to closing conditions, but is expected to close prior to the upcoming ski season. Operations will continue as usual during the full 2017–18 ski season, with the resort continuing to honor existing season pass products that are currently on sale.

“Deer Valley is one of the preeminent mountain resorts in the world and is a tremendous addition to our existing portfolio,” said David Perry, president and CEO of the new company. “Prior to this acquisition, we were able to offer our guests exceptional experiences throughout most of North America’s major ski regions, but we did not have a resort in Utah, a state that is known for great skiing and mountain town life.”

Other resorts purchased by the conglomerate include Square Valley Alpine Meadows and Mammoth Mountain in California, Steamboat Ski Resort and Winter Park Resort in Colorado, Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont, Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia, Blue Mountain Ski Resort in Ontario, Canada, and Mount Tremblant Resort in Quebec, Canada.

Bob Wheaton, president and general manager of Deer Valley Resort, is enthused about joining the conglomerate.

“We are thrilled to join this impressive portfolio with 12 other resorts and are excited about the opportunities this transaction will create for our guests, staff and the community of Park City,” he said. “Joining this portfolio of resorts will enable Deer Valley to build upon its outstanding traditions and further enhance our ability to provide our guests with a world-class skiing experience.”

Solitude Mountain Resort, which Deer Valley Resort bought in 2015, is not part of the deal Deer Valley partners will continue to own the Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah, property.

Henry Crown and Co., established in the early 1900s, invests in publicly traded securities, real estate, investment funding and privately held companies, including four Colorado resorts run by Aspen Skiing Co. KSL Capital partners is a private equity firm that specializes in travel and leisure enterprises.

twenty four seven hotel expansion

Photo credit: DoubleTree by Hilton LAX-El Segundo

The hotel management company Twenty Four Seven Hotels is expanding to the Los Angeles area with four new management contracts there to be announced in 2017. The most recent announcement was the addition of DoubleTree by Hilton LAX-El Segundo to the portfolio.

For event planners, this means a renewed focus on group business. The 216-guest-room property includes 3,238 sq. ft. of indoor meeting space and more room for poolside events at a 625-square-foot deck that is being completely redone for 2018. A new farm-to-table approach is being implemented for East Bar & Grille restaurant and on-site catering.

In addition, meeting rooms, which are all on the first floor and feature direct entrances from the parking lot and natural light, will feature new artwork by local artists. Doors with have RFID technology, allowing planners to open or lock meeting rooms with a touch of their mobile phones.

Twenty Four Seven Hotels plays an advisory role in financial transactions and asset management strategies in addition to managing the 19 U.S. properties it contracts with.

top penthouse suites

Photo credit: The Peninsula Beverly Hills

As summer wraps up, it’s time to make the most of the remaining weeks. Planning a last-minute company getaway is one way to savor the time. And if you’re looking to bid farewell in style, consider getting a little impulsive, and very luxurious, in a sky-high penthouse. We’ve rounded up the some of the top options, where everyone is sure to feel like a rock-star or billionaire.

1. Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Season Hotel New York (New York City)

Resting on the 52nd floor of the lavish Four Seasons New York, Ty Warner Penthouse was recognized as “a visual tour de force of volumetric flourishes and crafted surfaces” by Architectural Digest. From the four cantilevered glass balconies, guests enjoy a 360-degree view of Manhattan, including uptown, downtown and midtown. The penthouse spans 4,300 sq. ft. and remains the highest of its kind in the world, soaring 500 feet from the ground.

2. Bungalow Penthouse, Edition (Miami)

From the Bungalow Penthouse’s wrap-around terrace, visitors can soak in oceanfront views. The newly built, five-floor tower maintains privacy in a secluded area of the hotel. Edition’s most lavish offering provides 2,588 sq. ft., with 1,900 sq. ft. outdoors and 688 sq. ft. indoors.

3. The Penthouse Suite, Fairmont San Francisco

The Penthouse Suite occupies the entire eighth floor of the historic Main Building of Fairmont San Francisco hotel, comprising 6,000 sq. ft. of space with a reception capacity of 150. The suite was crafted in the 1920s by Arthur Upham Pope, a famous American archaeologist and art historian, and embodies the magnificent style of that era. Many high-profile meetings are held in the landmark suite.

4. Infinity Suite, The Langham (Chicago)

Offering a comfortable 2,700 sq. ft. of space, the extravagant Infinity Suite sits on the 12th floor of The Langham hotel. Deluxe accommodations include a fireplace, a custom-painted grand piano, a private butler pantry and formal dining facilities that can serve up to 10. Visible through floor-to-ceiling windows, spectacular views of the Chicago River and cityscape enhance the indulgent experience.

5. Royal Patio Suite, The Peninsula Beverly Hills (California)

The Peninsula Beverly Hills‘ 2,250-square-foot Royal Patio Suite is ornamented with cream-tones throughout the room. Linen drapery borders terrace views of the hotel gardens and city skyline. Accessible through French doors, the 450-square-foot private terrace is designed for al fresco entertainment. The grand suite has several seating areas, a dining table, a crystal chandelier, contemporary artwork, LCD TVs and a modern kitchen with Viking and Sub Zero appliances.

jw marriott raises the barre

Scene from ‘Behind the Barre’

Most meeting and event planners are challenged to squeeze in a workout. Along with juggling a jam-packed office schedule, they frequently travel, resulting in a lot of hotel stays and difficulty finding time to exercise. However, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts has just taken a step toward resolving this dilemma.

In a new partnership with The Joffrey Ballet, the hotel brand launched Behind the Barre on Aug. 3. The video series of ballet-centric workouts will be available on demand to Marriott guests around the world. It uses customized barre class videos, suitable for any fitness level and compatible with the confines of a hotel room. The moves are inspired by three major wellness states: calm, balance and invigorate.

“Guests of JW Marriott are always seeking new and innovative ways to stay active while on the road,” said Christy Donato, vice president of global brand management for JW Marriott. “Our partnership with the Joffrey Ballet provides an elevated fitness experience that goes beyond the traditional in-room workout, allowing our guests to tailor their fitness routine to best fit their travel schedule.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32cK5DEbJcs

The videos, filmed at the recently opened JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa in Mexico, showcase Joffrey’s professional ballet dancers as they participate in challenging workouts. Exercises involve a full-body barre method, core strengthening and stretching. Still, the videos are meant to maintain a fun spirit—they are filmed in hotels, after all.

This initiative marks the second time that the luxury hotel and the ballet company have partnered. In 2014, they collaborated on Poise and Grace, an internal training resource meant to incorporate the gracefulness of ballet into the staff’s everyday routine (and thus enhance the guest experience). Behind the Barre is the first guest-facing venture.

“We’re thrilled to partner once again with JW Marriott on the Behind the Barre video training series,” said Ashley Wheater, artistic director of the Joffrey Ballet. “The benefits of ballet go far beyond the barre to promote discipline and self-confidence, and can enhance any fitness plan. We’re honored to continue our partnership with JW Marriott and share Joffrey’s world-class training with hotel guests in the around the world.”

The program has already been implemented at the newly renovated JW Marriott Essex House in New York City. It will continue to roll out in select JW Marriott hotels this fall.

Catch Your Own Dinner in Dorado Beach Program

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Puerto Rico, will be launching its Hook-to-Cook program this month. The initiative gives guests the chance to embark on a half-day fishing trip during which they can catch their own dinner.

The experience begins with a daytime fishing trip. During the excursion, guests are accompanied by the resort concierge and a fishing instructor. The instructor shows guests various ways of catching local, deep-sea fish, these include mahi-mahi (dorado) and wahoo.

After the fishing tips, guests return to La Cocina, the property’s interactive culinary education center, to indulge in a one-of-a-kind meal that incorporates the fish caught earlier. Chefs prepare the fish with an emphasis on Puerto Rican cuisine, using locally sourced produce, herbs grown on-site and open-fire cooking methods. Meanwhile, guests indulge in individually paired wines. The meal is supplemented with an extensive explanation of the culinary procedure, as well as the inspiration of the techniques and ingredients.

The Hook-to-Cook program is designed to connect guests with the local culture while supporting sustainable fishing techniques. The experience is designed to suit a single group and accommodates up to six participants per boat.

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a AAA Five Diamond hotel and the Caribbean’s only 2017 Forbes Five Star Hotel and Spa.

These new luxury hotels reflect the essence of their world-class cities: from rock and roll’s roots to Alpine serenity, events in these signature spaces will be infused with the character of place and attention-to-detail only luxury properties offer.