Smart Meetings | Page 501 of 603 | Corporate Event Planning: Business Events, Meetings, Conferences

fingerprint boarding pass

Paper boarding passes are practically a thing of the past and soon, smart devices may no longer be necessary—just your fingertip. Delta Air Lines is testing a new technology that allows passengers to board more quickly by using fingerprint identification.

The technology was introduced to Delta Sky Club at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C., in May. The service will be available at the airport to all members of Delta’s SkyMiles loyalty program who are enrolled in the private verified-traveler service Clear. Depending on its success, Delta might expand the technology to airports across the country, potentially spurring a transformation of the boarding process.

So far, customer and employee feedback has been positive.

“Biometric verification has a higher level of accuracy than paper boarding passes and gives agents more time to assist customers with seat changes and other skilled tasks instead of having to scan individual tickets, and customers have less to keep track of as they travel through the airport,” said Gil West, Delta’s senior executive vice president and chief operating officer, in a statement.

“Customers throughout our domestic network could start seeing this capability in a matter of months—not years,” he added. “Delta really is delivering the future now.”

This exciting news still comes with risks—namely, cyber security. Delta computers will be storing more personal information, which includes fingerprints, of their customers. Hacks are always a threat, but the stakes are higher when dealing with something as permanent as fingerprints.

“The integrity of our customers’ data is the integrity of our company,” said David Cohen, Clear’s chief administrative officer. “Protecting our members’ privacy is our most important priority. For that reason, we do not discuss the security measures we have put in place. Clear also never rents or sells member data.”

This technology supplements Delta’s overall mission to streamline air travel. For instance, last year it was the first carrier to apply radio frequency identification technology (RFID) for tracking luggage. By embedding an RDIF chip, the scanner gives travelers detailed reports, in real time, of the location of their luggage.

Several months later, Delta began testing facial recognition technology. In hopes of speeding up bag drops at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), Delta installed specially equipped kiosks to scan travelers’ faces prior to accepting checked luggage.

Just like meeting and event planners, celebrities constantly travel, and during the course of their journeys, pearls of wisdom sometimes emerge. Here are a few travel tips from A-listers.

1. Julia Stiles, on preventing jet lag

“I try not to get stressed-out if I wake up in the middle of the night, and I accept that resting is better than not sleeping at all,” Julia Stiles told The Telegraph. “Drinking Coca-Cola also helps; it’s hydrating, and the sugar and the caffeine pep you up after a long flight.” If there was a single cure for jet lag, we’d all have it stashed in our travel bags. Until that happens, why not try indulging in the sweet soda?

2. Julianne Hough, on maintaining your glow

Planners are faced with a specific obstacle while traveling—being presentable just moments after stepping off the plane. Since the meetings industry involves a lot of in-person interaction, it’s beneficial to exude vitality, even when feeling a bit tired. “About halfway through a long flight or right around landing, I like to refresh my skin with an invigorating cleansing and toning pad,” Julianne Hough wrote on her website. “This removes any excess oil and an overall feeling of grossness.”

3. Lionel Richie, on packing wisely

Those who have never endured lost luggage are truly blessed. The rest of us know that the experience is a major inconvenience—plain and simple. This is especially true on a business trip. Yet there is a way to play it safe, even with more than one bag. “Pack your outfits in separate bags so if one bag doesn’t show up, you’re still ready to go,” Lionel Richie told The Telegraph.

4. Gwyneth Paltrow, on avoiding sickness

Spending time in airports, airplanes, taxis and other transportation modes seriously increases your chance of catching something. So how can you combat a germ-infested environment? “They say Vitamin C in high doses wards off viruses and strengthens immunity, so once I get to my seat, I take four or five of these [Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C] bad boys,” Gwyneth Paltrow wrote on her website, Goop.

5. Sofia Vergara, sticking a fitness routine

Jennifer Yates, Sofia Vergara’s trainer, told People that the starlet packs weights and resistance bands in her bags. This is a terrific way to avoid blaming the hotel’s gym facilities. Plus, when it comes to fitness, Vegara’s strategy is always a safe bet.

Aria Resort & Casino Las Vegas is in the midst of adding 200,000 sq. ft. of meeting space to its convention center in response to increasing demand from its luxury clientele.

Construction on the space began in 2016 and is scheduled for completion in February 2018. Aria then will boast 500,000 sq. ft. of meeting space in its LEED Gold-certified convention center area.

Tony Yousfi, vice president of sales for the property, lauds the easy accessibility to the meeting space.

“You can walk from your sleeping room without going through any casino space, and literally within minutes you reach a convention and performing arts theater that is much more than a convention space,” he told Smart Meetings’ Mike Lyons.

The first level will consist of 23,000 sq. ft. of ballroom space divisible into eight sections, a built-in theatrical stage and 6,700 sq. ft. of prefunction space. The second level will contain 12 breakout rooms and a 5,800-square-foot exterior terrace with glass walls that open up into 9,600 sq. ft. of meeting space and 8,100 sq. ft. of prefunction space.

Level 3 will consist of a 29,000-square-foot ballroom divisible into eight sections, a built-in theatrical stage and 12,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. Level 4 will offer event space divisible into six sections and 7,000 sq. ft. of prefunction space with natural lighting. It also will feature 22,000 sq. ft. of multi-use event space with glass doors opening into a 7,000-square-foot terrace overlooking The Park and T-Mobile Arena.

The new convention space reflects MGM International’s commitment to build all of its new venues to LEED Gold standards or better. Aria’s efforts to integrate environmentally responsible practices for all meetings, events and conventions has earned it a prestigious five keys from Green Key Global‘s Eco-Rating program.

paul van deventer MPI WEC 2017

Less than 50 percent of meeting planners have risk management plans in place for their events, said Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), in remarks given at WEC 2017 on Tuesday. This can range from contingency plans in the case of an active shooter or preparations in advance of extreme heat, such as the 117℉ weather attendees are experiencing at WEC in Las Vegas.

To help meeting planners handle risk and other issues that are trending in today’s climate, MPl is adding a slew of educational offerings on a wide variety of topics. The new courses are being introduced as a part of MPI Academy’s new Executive Education Series, which was created to provide more education for senior-level and executive meeting professionals, as well as mid-level professionals who are looking to move up in their careers.

Van Deventer also spoke with Smart Meetings TV about change coming to MPI.

“Our members tell us year after year that education is one of the most important benefits of their MPI membership so it is important we continue to strengthen our portfolio of offerings with fresh, relevant and timely courses,” said Van Deventer. “The average MPI member has between 10 to 20 years of experience and they have been seeking more immersive and insightful educational programs that are comparable to what they may experience in graduate school. We believe the MPI Executive Education Series will meet that need.”

The new courses are listed below:

1. MPI Women in Leadership: Executive Leadership Skills Certificate Course

This four-hour course was developed in partnership with Marriott and aims to help women advance their careers. It identifies the challenges women face in moving into leadership positions and helps participants create an action plan to overcome these obstacles. Attendees will receive peer mentoring and learn about career resources available to women looking for leadership roles in meetings and events. The course was first launched earlier this year and will be offered five more times in 2017, in New York, Florida, Nevada and Texas.

2. MPI Experiential Event Series and the Experiential Event Professional Designation

This program is a multi-day immersive experience which gives participants an inside look at putting on world-class events such as the Venice Film Festival, South by Southwest and the Indianapolis 500 race. After 15-25 hours of experiential education, students earn a certificate in one of four areas of event design: sports, culinary, entertainment or mega-event. Upon receipt of this certificate, they can apply for the new Experiential Event Professional (XEP) designation. The application process involves developing a business case and presenting it to a panel of industry representatives and peers.

3. Emergency Preparedness for Meetings and Events Certificate Course

This six-hour certificate course, developed in partnership with the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security at the University of Southern Mississippi, dives deep into one of the most concerning topics of our day: safety and security. Participants will learn incident management strategies needed to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from emergency incidents from terrorist attacks and natural disasters to everyday incidents such as fights or drunkenness. Planners will discover how to ensure the safety and security of attendees, limit loss and restore services. This course will be offered in January 2018 at the SITE MPI Global Forum in Rome. MPI plans to announce more program dates in the future.

dreamy summer venues

June 20 marks the first day of summer. This should be music to planners’ ears, as there are many ways to embrace the seasonal spirit at a meeting or event. Whether you’re drinking wine in a garden, enjoying fresh greens in a barn or soaking in some rays on a rooftop bar, it’s sure to be a hit. Booking a meeting at one of these ultra-dreamy venues is a great way to start planning. After all, ‘tis the season to get outdoors!

1. Fearrington Village (Pittsboro, North Carolina)

Formerly a working farm, Fearrington Village is now a AAA Five Diamond hotel, restaurant and spa that fully accommodates meetings, celebrations and incentive trips. But don’t worry—they kept the Oreo-colored cows. The luxe property can accommodate up to 300 and its inn offers 32 guest rooms.

2. Gansevoort Park Hotel (New York City, New York)

Centrally-located in New York City’s hip Meatpacking District, Gansevoort Park Hotel offers a bi-level bar, lounge and rooftop pool. It also boasts a three-story atrium lobby and 249 lavish rooms and suites. The rooftop features three levels of versatile space, accommodating up to 600.

3. Rainbow Island (Sea Island, Georgia)

Rainbow Island is a charming picnic area that spans 10,000 sq. ft. along the Black Banks River. Fire pits, a wooden boardwalk and 500-person capacity make the outdoor venue a summertime delight.

4. Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis (St. Louis, Missouri)

The rooftop lounge at Four Seasons Hotel in St. Louis provides panoramic views of the surrounding city. Its cutting-edge meeting spaces support all technology needs. Plus, the onsite design team can arrange anything from table settings to lighting specs. With just over 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 176 guest rooms, this property is equipped to handle events of various sizes.

5. Granite Ridge Estate (Norway, Maine)

An abundance of surrounding trees, wooden fixtures, fresh air and its big barn make Granite Ridge Estate a countryside dream. Attendees can mingle in the 3,500-square-foot barn (which, luckily, has air conditioning) or on a side patio designated for cocktail hours. The barn sits on top of a mountain and is surrounded by 200 acres of private space.

6. Arista Winery (Healdsburg, California)

Arista Winery was designed to reflect the characteristics of the Russian River Valley, where it is located. The stunning vineyard specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The venue can fit up to 200 standing or seated.

7. 1 Hotel (South Beach, Miami, Florida)

Innovative and eco-friendly, 1 Hotel uses reclaimed materials in its natural design. Beachfront views accompany the rooftop pool and lounge—day or night. Plus, you can rent out well-appointed cabanas, which can fit up to 10 people. A sizable property, 1 Hotel holds 25,000 sq. ft. of meeting space with 426 guest rooms.

8. Sodo Park (Seattle, Washington)

This full-service venue is located in the heart of Seattle’s historic SoDo district, just minutes from downtown. Its special structure includes vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and millwork. The event space capacity can accommodate 325 seated and up to 450 standing.

strange foods trends

Chefs are becoming more and more inventive with food presentations, making for some pretty outrageous creations. Love it or hate it, a quirky presentation gets people excited. Outlandish f&b displays are a new experience and, perhaps more importantly, they’re highly Instagrammable. Rather than scoffing at the latest food craze, corporate meeting planners can take advantage by offering trendy foods at their next meeting or event. This shows off your ability to keep up with the latest trends. Even better, it encourages attendees to take and share pictures—can you say earned media? Here are the latest, greatest and most eccentric options to choose from.

1. Black/Goth Ice Cream

Wearing the color black has always been chic. But what about eating it? Since Los Angeles-based ice cream shop Little Damage introduced its “Almost Charcoal” flavor last April, it has been immensely popular and even made its way to New York. As the flavor name suggests, the ice cream’s dark hue comes from activated charcoal. This is thought to have detoxifying properties, which lets you check off another f&b trend!

2. Ube

Ube is another ingredient attracting attention with its color. The purple yam has long been a common ingredient in Filipino desserts, but now the United States is taking notice. Ube has a mild sweet flavor, making a versatile item with a variety of applications. It’s often sold frozen, in a jam or in its original vegetable form.

3. Cold Soups

It seems like not too long ago everyone was raving about the juicing craze. So souping isn’t too much of a leap. Cold soups typically use vegetables such as carrots or avocado. The health benefits are obvious, and changing the lower temperature is less maintenance.

4. Edible Flowers

Perhaps you’ve seen this at a wedding once or twice. The trend is now gaining popularity among all types of meals and events. It’s an easy way to make any dish pretty and it’s a little more interesting than the typical garnish. Let your mind run wild with this. Many have thrown edible flowers in a green salad, baked them into a cookie or even sprinkled them on pizza.

5. Upcycled Fruit

The whole upcycling trend began in an effort to promote food conservation. Simply put, this means that all parts of the fruit or vegetable are used in order to minimize waste. This is often accomplished by repurposing the outer shell of the fruit. For instance, you could serve a watermelon salad and use its rind as a bowl. Some are also taking this trend out of the kitchen and using fruit and vegetable waste to craft instruments, candles, sculptures and more.

6. Sushi Burger

Is the original form of sushi so outdated and conventional that we now need it in both burrito and burger form? Depends who you ask. Using all of the same building blocks as a sushi roll, rice is molded into a bun shape, and raw fish, avocado and other components are sandwiched in the middle. Restaurants serve it in a variety of ways. Some have crafted bite-sized burgers while others have served it up in a more-burger-than-sushi fashion.

7. Matcha Green Tea

Many have crowned matcha the healthy alternative to coffee. The green tea product does have health benefits, while also providing a solid energy boost. The tea has become such a fad that it’s literally seen in everything. Matcha-flavored ice cream, chocolate, crepes, smoothies, macarons, pastries—you name it.

8. Unicorn Foods

There’s no telling how much longer the unicorn obsession will last. The unicorn food trend requires a rainbow coloring (often pastel) and/or sprinkles. Bonus points if the dish also has something resembling a unicorn horn. With Starbucks on board, this trend has definitely hit the mainstream.

9. Overloaded Desserts

Have you ever seen a picture of a truly decadent dessert and wondered whether someone would actually eat that? Well, that qualifies as an overloaded dessert. Often photographed for its appearance and decadence, these over-the-top creations are undeniably taking social media feeds by storm.

team-building activities for the summer

Summer is for getting outdoors, and that goes double for team-building outings. But why stop at the door? Instead of settling for picnics, trust falls and other corporate clichés, try kicking it up a notch. After all, it can be difficult to excite a modern (not to mention millennial) group. Whether it’s building a castle (we’ll get to that) or paddling under the stars, the following are guaranteed reminders of why summer is the happiest season.

1. Adult Summer Camp

Every grown-up camper has felt the urge to return at least once or twice. At Camp No Counselors, adults enjoy camp’s delights in a completely new way. The all-inclusive, weekend-long, sleepaway camp offers the quintessential camp activities but with adult twists—mainly a no-phone policy and an open bar. Camp No Counselors has locations in Austin, Boston, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto and elsewhere.

2. Corporate Survivor

TeamBonding’s Corporate Survivor is modeled after the television reality show yet is tailored to corporate outings. When your group arrives, teams are divided up. Much like the original Survivor, participants are faced with a series of physical, problem-solving and survival-skill challenges. However, rather than turning on one another, teams collaborate to keep their members on the “island.”

3. Sand Sculpting Competition

Does anything say summer like building sand castles? Plus, this activity requires a high level of collaborative thinking, planning and coordination. Your team gets the opportunity to roam the beach and soak in the sunshine, all while stimulating their creativity. There are many programs that facilitate the competition as well. Such services include: TeamBonding, Beach Sand Sculptures, The Sand Lovers, SAND-ISLE and more.

4. Night Paddle

San Diego Hotel & Marina gives visitors a special opportunity to see San Diego bay at night. On LED-lit paddleboards, teams of 10 to 20 glide across the spectacular bay on a guided tour. The experience ends as any summer night should—with a camp fire, drinks and traditional Hawaiian-style storytelling.

5. Custom Chariot Race

Wildly Different offers a variety of special team-building exercises. One particularly fascinating option is Chariots Afire. During this activity, each team builds a chariot to use on an obstacle-filled race course. Carts, building and decorating materials are provided. But it’s up to the imagination of each team to simulate the horsepower to get the cart going.

places for glamping

If you are looking to change it up for your next meeting, glamping is the way to go. Also known as luxury camping, glamping allows professionals to explore new places, go on outdoor adventures and escape busy city life while still remaining productive. Here are seven places you can go glamping that offer beautiful meeting spaces and luxurious lodging options.

Brush Creek Ranch, Saratoga, Wyoming

Photo courtesy of Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming

Meeting Spaces: 13

Lodging: lodge rooms, cabin residences, cabin suites, yurts

This luxurious resort offers adventure and natural beauty to guests. Thirteen meeting venues situated throughout the property make it a ideal for team-building meetings. Attendees can choose their desired glamping method; a cabin residence or authentic yurts. Bonding activities include aerial ropes course and a paintball course.

The Resort at Paws Up, Greenough, Montana

Photo courtesy of The Resort at Paws Up in Montana

Meeting Spaces: 13

Lodging: estate suites, multi-suite homes, luxury tents

The Resort at Paws Up is located on 37,000 acres of land in the Montana wilderness. Enjoy both relaxation and adventure on hiking, fishing, kayaking and rock repelling adventures. You may choose to hold your event in only one of their outstanding venues or throughout the entire resort. They offer a unique outdoor dining experience to really immerse guests in the adventurous experience.

The Ranch at Rock Creek, Philipsburg, Montana

Canvas Cabin Exterior Photo courtesy of The Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana

Meeting Spaces: 9

Lodging: glamping cabins, The Granite Lodge, historic barn, luxury homes

As a member of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World, The Ranch at Rock Creek can serve as a great location for your next corporate retreat. Their venues offer a comfortable and relaxed meeting space to brainstorm fresh ideas and stay on top of goals, while their 6,600-acre ranch is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors. They offer fun evening entertainment, including a four-lane bowling alley, billiards, table tennis, shuffleboard and karaoke.

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, Tofino, British Columbia

Photo courtesy of Clayoqout Wilderness Resort in British Columbia

Meeting Spaces: 8

Lodging: ensuite tents, deluxe tents

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort’s dining, banquet, lounging and break out spaces make it a wonderful option for a glamping meeting adventure. Guests can really submerge themselves in earth’s natural beauty as the resort is located in Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve, situated in Vancouver Island on the west coast of British Columbia. The resort offers half and full-day activities ranging from equestrian, marine and land-based adventures to restorative and helicopter tours. Guests can enjoy a five-star feel in their extremely luxurious glamping tents.

Safari West, Santa Rosa, California

Safari Tour Photo courtesy of Safari West in California

Meeting Spaces: 3

Lodging: luxury tents, cottage rental

Safari west provides a unique glamping experience surrounded by conditions very close to natural habitats in Africa. When spending the night in their plush tents on high wooden platforms with spacious decks, the wild, but gentle sounds will carry you through your sleep. Safari West offers three meeting areas perfect for corporate events, including the elephant room, flamingo landing and outdoor gazebo.

Carmel Valley Ranch, Carmel, California

Photo courtesy of Carmel Valley Ranch in California

Meeting Spaces: 5

Lodging: studio suites, 1-4 bedroom suites

Carmel Valley Ranch offers an outdoorsy location where attendees can enjoy classic suite-style accommodations. Let Carmel Valley Ranch do the work for you by choosing from their signature activities, including a beeswax candle workshop, organic garden tour and team-building activities such as a color war and back-country obstacle course. Carmel Valley Ranch can accommodate large events with big meeting rooms and smaller breakout rooms.

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, Mt. Carmel, Utah

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort

Photo courtesy of Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort in Utah

Meeting Spaces: 40

Lodging: vacation homes, cabin suites, glamping

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort offers guests the ability to experience business and pleasure together. After having a morning meeting, guests can enjoy the climbing wall or an afternoon hiking adventure. With many exciting actives throughout the day, guests can recharge in either cabin suites or glamping tents in the evening. Vacation homes on the property provide comfortable meeting space along with the privacy of lodging.

Laura Manriquez

Visit Santa Cruz County (VSCC) in California has hired Laura Manriquez as the new director of sales and marketing. She brings more than eight years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry and will focus on management of sales and marketing programs for group travel. She will target two primary markets: corporate group meetings and international tourism travel trade.

Jim Koutsky

Benchmark Resorts & Hotels named Jim Koutsky director of finance for Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, West Virginia. He brings vast experience in financial operations at multiple resorts, including as chief financial officer for Visionary Destin, a resort and property management company in Destin, Florida. He attended Florida Southern College in Orlando.

Barret De Santos

Benchmark Resorts & Hotels hired Barrett De Santos as director of leisure sales for Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii. He brings 35 years of experience in the Hawaiian hospitality industry. He previously held the position of area director of domestic and international sales for Highgate Hotels Hawaii. He attended Leeward Community College and Travel Academy.

Philipp Knuepfer

Mandarin Oriental, Boston, appointed Philipp Knuepfer general manager of the five-star hotel. Originally from Bonn, Germany, he received a degree in hotelmanagement from International School for Hotel and Catering Business in Munich. His prior roles include hotel manager of Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C., and Mandarin Oriental, Taipei where he served an instrumental role in opening. He started his career with Kempinski Hotels in Germany and has 15 years of global hospitality experience.

Ivan Ruiz

Westgate Park City Resort & Spa, a premier Utah resort, announced that Ivan Ruiz is now serving as food and beverage director and executive chef. In his new role, he will oversee the resort’s food and beverage operations including marketplace and banquet operations, and the two award-winning restaurants. For the past eight years, he worked with Carlson Hotels launching and managing restaurant and banquet operations. He received his education from Scottsdale Culinary Institute in Arizona.

Felipe Facchin

Felipe Facchin was hired as chef de cuisine of Edge Steakhouse at Westgate Park City Resort & Spa in Utah. Born in Brazil, Facchin has 10 years of experience starting from dishwasher. He came to the United States to pursue a culinary arts career and has since spent most of his career in Park City, learning techniques in fine dining. He lives by the culinary philosophy of sourcing as many local ingredients as possible and incorporating influences from his Brazilian upbringing and Italian heritage.

Frits Hannenberg

Newly opened The Shore Club Turks and Caicos named Frits Hannenberg general manager. The hotel was unveiled in December under Hannenberg’s leadership. He oversaw pre-opening and opening development and strategy; project management and budget and hiring strategy. He brings 15 years of luxury resort and hotel experience to his role and received his degree from Hotel Management School Maastricht in the Netherlands.

John Kurtzweil

The Special Event Company, a North Carolina-based event and meeting management company, named John Kurtzweil chief financial officer. He brings 19 years of experience in a CFO role for multiple companies, including Cree and Extreme Networks. He will work closely with CEO Sally Webb as the international company expands the scope and scale of its operations.

Jordan Barnett

St. Regis Atlanta resort appointed Jordan Barnett executive chef. He has served in many culinary positions, including chef de partie and executive sous chef and has over a decade of experience. In 2014 and 2015 he received the Four Diamond Award and was nominated for the Marriott International Rising Star Award. In his role, Barnett will oversee all culinary initiatives, including operations at Astor Court and The St. Regis Bar, in-room dining, and banquets and catering.

Robert Dorr

Benchmark Resorts & Hotels named Robert Dorr director of sales and marketing for The Chattanoogan in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He previously served as director of sales and marketing for The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center and has held multiple positions at Westin, Hilton, Sheraton and Dolce properties. Dorr received his education in hotel and restaurant management from Paul Smith’s College in New York.

Do you have an announcement about a new executive-level job appointment? Email us the good news at [email protected].

event professional lessons

Destination Marketing Association International President and CEO Don Welsh launched his organization’s new Destinations International brand and strategic mission in front of almost 1,500 people at the opening session for the organization’s 2017 annual convention in Montreal on June 12. It included some lessons that could help all event architects build better meetings.

1. Do your homework

The new branding for the organization included an extensive listening tour that talked to thousands of destination marketers over an eight-month period to better understand their needs and how the organization could help them.

The same is true of all groups. We often assume we understand what keeps our attendees up at night. Have you taken the time to ask what really adds value for the people sitting in the chairs at your meetings?

2. Mirror your mission on your home page

In addition to a new mission statement and name, Destinations International worked with Miles Partnership to create a new, mobile-friendly website focused on international members. The clean design puts the mission—advocacy, community, education and research—front and center with a resource library, case studies and a new online user community.

Gary C. Sherwin, chair of Destinations International as well as president and CEO of Newport Beach & Company, explains, “Our industry website is often the first interaction between the association and its members.” Are you making a first impression that reflects your mission?

3. Put People First

Welsh stresses that the association’s main job is “connecting people at different stages of their careers to help their cities, states and countries thrive.” New online resources and educational sessions at events around the world—along with an apprenticeship program, career center and recognition of emerging leaders program—do just that.

What are you doing to help people make personal connections that can develop their professional growth?

4. Be Better Together

While in Montreal, Destinations International made a point of meeting jointly with Meetings Mean Business Canada (previously known as Business Events Industry Coalition of Canada) to ensure everyone in the industry is speaking with a unified voice when it comes to messaging about the importance of face-to-face meetings for the larger economy worldwide.

Partnering with other organizations in the space can help both groups be more effective. What other resources could you join forces with to help your audience be heard?

5. Do Good

The annual conference included a golf tournament and dinner to raise money for Destinations International Foundation. This nonprofit provides scholarships for education, industry research, advocacy and leadership development.

Corporate social responsibility is increasingly being included in meeting agendas. What can you do as part of your events to raise awareness about important issues and give back to the community?

Bonus: One extra lesson Welsh expressed fluently as he had fun bantering about his lack of French speaking skills with Tourism Montreal President-Director General Yves Lalumiere is don’t take yourself too seriously. That is a valuable message, indeed.