Smart Meetings | Page 502 of 603 | Corporate Event Planning: Business Events, Meetings, Conferences

comic-con

Dust off your cape and pull that colorful spandex out of storage—San Diego’s world-famous comic convention is just around the corner! Forbes has deemed Comic-Con International the “largest convention of its kind in the world.” It’s also one of the country’s most vibrant and culturally infused events. In order to accommodate the massive crowd, top-notch offerings are expected. And when you have a convention center full of nerds (we mean that affectionately), you better be ready to shock and awe with technology. As a meeting or event planner, this is the ideal case study for learning about the latest tech in our industry. Here are some of the most exciting attractions to look forward to from July 20 through 23.

Twitter Live Stream

Since Twitter first tested live-streaming at Wimbledon last year, the company has covered many types of events, including news, concerts, NFL Thursday Night Football games, college sports and many more. In conjunction with a new IGN partnership, Twitter will also be live-streaming Comic-Con. The streams will include interviews from ABC, AMC, Lionsgate, Marvel, Netflix, Starz, TBS and other major players, along with pre-and post-show commentary. Up to 13 hours of live coverage will be broadcast from July 19 to 22.

Virtual Face-to-Face with Stan Lee

Fans will be able to meet Stan Lee in person and virtually at this year’s Comic-Con. The virtual reality project, called “ICONS: Face to Face,” was created by Legion M, the “first fan-owned entertainment company” in the world. A VR headset will present Lee’s interview with Supernatural actress and nerd culture icon Felicia Day and former Mythbusters host Adam Savage. The technology is part of the “Stan Lee & Friends: A Celebrity Tribute to the Comic Legend” panel, which will be held on Friday, July 21 at 12:30 p.m.

FXhibition Experiments with Mixed Reality

Cable network FX is using Microsoft HoloLens to give attendees a taste of mixed reality. In a 10-minute experience based on the Marvel Comics-inspired show Legion, viewers are pulled into several scenes from the first season and get a few glimpses at what’s in store for the second. The experience combines the HoloLens headset, which allows users to interact with holograms, with live actors to give participants realistic depictions through the eyes of the show’s lead character.

Directed by Justin Denton from VR production company Here Be Dragons, Legion sessions will be part of FXhibition 2017, the television network’s interactive installation near San Diego Convention Center. It will also offer activations from other popular FX shows, including American Horror Story, Atlanta and The Strain.

The (Virtual) World of Blade Runner 2049

Even though the highly anticipated film won’t be released until October, fans can get an extensive inside look during Comic-Con weekend. The Blade Runner 2049 experience will be available in San Diego’s famed Gaslamp Quarter. It will begin with an art gallery, followed by an Oculus VR experience. In the final phase, participants will walk through a neon-lit Los Angeles street scene, where they are tasked with spontaneous tests to identify humans and replicants. Many film exclusives will also be on display, including the actual Spinner and some costumes.

The Blade Runner 2049 experience will be located across the street from the Convention Center. Registration will open for same-day appointments, but guests can also wait in line. Admission is free.

The Walking Dead’s 3D Creation

A realistic model of the Walking Dead’s main villain, Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), has been made available by Gentle Giant using 3D imaging technology. The item even comes with a limited certificate of authenticity. Gentle Giant’s Premiere Guild members can pre-order the figure while others can take test their luck at San Diego Comic Con at Gentle Giant’s booth. The models will be going for $120 at the convention.

Houston
George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, Texas

Finding a host city for a key meeting can be a geographic Rubik’s cube of schedules and locations that can seem impossible to solve. This short list of places, spaces and notations compiled by the travel risk management company On Call International can help narrow down the options. These 10 cities offer accessibility, lots of space, affordable accommodations and that little something special.

10. Houston

Meeting space: 4.2 million sq. ft.
Guest rooms: 30,577
Everything really is bigger in Texas, including Houston. It should be no surprise that the destination nicknamed Space City has two convention centers. George R. Brown Convention Center’s red, white and blue nautical theme offers meeting professionals 1.2 million sq. ft. of space. Situated on 350 acres, NRG Park offers 3 million sq. ft. of meeting space and a versatile complex perfect for large or small gatherings.

9. Orlando

Orlando

Meeting space: 5 million sq. ft.
Guest rooms: 119,000
A meeting in Orlando can combine business and pleasure. The massive amount of meeting space across 150 meetings hotels is a great place for productivity while the many theme parks, such as SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Studios Florida, can provide days of excitement. Don’t worry if you have to stay an extra night to fit in your day of fun; Orlando comes in first in affordable hotel prices.

8. Tampa

Tampa

Meeting space: 600,000 sq. ft.
Guest rooms: 20,000
The picturesque city is a great place to hold a meeting thanks to affordable hotel prices and excellent 4G LTE coverage. The walkable waterfront is a perfect place to go for a stroll and get fresh air between meetings. Attendees can unwind at the Museum of Art, exploring exhibits from around the globe.

7. Sacramento

Sacramento

Meeting space: 384,000 sq. ft.
Guest rooms: 16,000
Centrally located in Northern California, Sacramento is an idyllic city for meetings because of its affordable hotel prices, low traffic congestion, 4G LTE coverage and variety of things to do. With a meeting in California’s capital your attendees can indulge in Central Valley’s farm-to-fork abundance. Award-winning chefs and restaurants occupy the city centrally located amongst a diverse range of high-quality farms.

6. Dallas

Dallas

Meeting space: 1 million sq. ft.
Guest rooms: 80,000 total; 13,000 downtown
A work hard, play hard motto fits well in Dallas with more than 12,000 dining options, 200 golf courses and 20 entertainment districts. Dallas rated well in low traffic congestion and offers great 4G LTE coverage. Accessibility within the city makes for stress-free transportation. Journey from either airport to downtown on the DART light rail and take advantage of free rides on D-Link and McKinney Avenue trollies.

5. Denver

Denver

Meeting space: 584,000 sq. ft.
Guest rooms: 45,000 total; 10,000 walking distance to convention center
Attendees will feel at-ease meeting in Denver, which boasts a number one ranking in hospital performance. The Colorado Convention Center offers nearly 600,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. As a bonus, when heading from the Mile High Ballroom to one of 63 meeting rooms, you can conveniently charge electronics at charging stations.

4. Minneapolis

Minneapolis

Meeting space: 475,000 sq. ft.
Guest rooms: 39,000 total; 5,600 downtown
Minneapolis excels in accessibility; it is less than three hours from most places in the U.S. Getting from place to place during your business trip will be manageable, too, as the city maintains low traffic congestion. The Minneapolis Convention Center offers a 3,400 square-foot, fixed-seat auditorium, 87 meeting rooms and two large ballrooms at 28,000 sq. ft. and 55,000 sq. ft., making it ideal for a large event.

3. Cleveland

Cleveland best cities for business travel

Meeting space: 1 million sq. ft.
Guest rooms: 22,000 total; 5,000 downtown
A meeting in Cleveland will leave attendees feeling refreshed and productive simultaneously. Modern venues paired with exciting nightlife and outdoor adventures give Cleveland a top spot in the ranking. They are ranked number one in low traffic congestion and number two for on-time flights; arriving is as easy as a hop, skip and a jump away.

2. Phoenix

Phoenix

Meeting space: 312,000 sq. ft. indoor; 210,000 sq. ft. outdoor
Guest rooms: 63,000
The city of Phoenix is a great meeting place for enjoying warm weather–temperatures average at 75 degrees. Phoenix offers a unique perspective to view the downtown area with their Grid Bike Art Tour that takes riders from parks to gardens throughout downtown. The low-traffic congestion, on-time flights, affordable hotel prices and hospital performance make it an effortless place for business travelers to get together for their next meeting.

1. Detroit

Detroit

Meeting space: 2.7 million sq. ft.
Guest rooms: 36,000 total; 5,000 downtown
Detroit ranked in the top five in on-time flights, affordable hotel prices, low traffic congestion, 4G LTE coverage and hospital performance. A multi-million dollar entertainment district paired with large meeting venues won it the top spot in On Call International’s list of best places to meet in the U.S.

Marian Wilson

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
announced the appointment of Marion Wilson as director of sales and marketing of the 170-room resort. In her role, Wilson will oversee revenue management; group, catering and transient sales; as well as marketing initiatives for the AAA Five Diamond resort. Wilson previously served as the director of sales at Horseshoe Bar Resort in Austin, Texas, where she surpassed banquet goals by $1.4 million.

Jim Curtis

Atlantis, Paradise Island named Jim Curtis as vice president of group sales. Curtis will lead the group sales team in its efforts to exceed revenue targets and room night goals, and create long-term sales relationships. Curtis previously served as director of sales and marketing for The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida. He improved booking pace in 2016 and 2017 during a $100 million renovation. Curtis holds more than 30 years of experience in hospitality sales and marketing.

Aaron Coburn

The Art, a Hotel—a 165-room property in Denver—appointed Aaron Coburn as general manager. Coburn has more than 20 years of hospitality experience, including a strong food and beverage background. Coburn will be responsible for ensuring The Art, a Hotel remains at the forefront of hospitality in downtown Denver. Prior to this role, Coburn served as a key member of the property’s opening management team.

Colin Bennett

The Art, a Hotel announced that Colin Bennett is serving as director of sales and marketing of the innovative, art-focused luxury property in Denver. Bennett previously held leadership positions at Hyatt Hotels & Resorts and JW Marriot Denver Cherry Creek, and brings 17 years of experience to his new role. Bennett will be responsible for all aspects of hotel sales and marketing strategies.

Jorge Villarreal

The Resort at Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, announced the appointment of Jorge Villarreal as director of sales and marketing. In his role, Villarreal will oversee all hotel sales, marketing and communication initiatives. He will lead group sales strategies and implement target marketing initiatives to maximize revenue opportunities and property goals. Prior to his new role, Villarreal served as opening director of sales and marketing at The Cape, a Thompson Hotel in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Villarreal has a comprehensive knowledge of the luxury hospitality industry with 20 years of experience in sales director and management roles.

John S. Hernstat

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa—a 500-room luxury resort in San Antonio—announced the appointment of John S. Hernstat as director of sales and marketing.Hernstat will be responsible for leading sales and marketing teams in group, leisure and business travel sales. He has spent 25 years with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts throughout eight properties in the United States, most recently at Hyatt Regency San Francisco.

Amy Zellmer

GMR Marketing named Amy Zellmer as vice president of GMR Marketing’s Meetings + Incentives team. Zellmer has 25 years of meeting industry experience and is a certified meeting professional with a designation in strategic meeting management. She most recently served as senior director of operations at GMR, where she managed multiple business units in support of a national brand marketing program. Prior to GMR, Zellmer was the director of operations at BCD Meetings & Incentives.

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Despite fears the Trump travel ban would hurt tourism, the number of travelers visiting the U.S. is up.

International arrivals in May were 5.2 percent higher year over year. In April they were 6.6 percent higher than a year earlier.

“There is widespread talk of daunting challenges to the US travel market—perception of the country abroad is mentioned most, but the strong dollar and slowing global economy are factors as well—yet the resilience of our sector continues to astound,” said U.S. Travel Association president and chief executive Roger Dow.

The surprising statistics were contained in a report compiled jointly by U.S. Travel Association and Oxford Economics.

“Tourism marketing efforts at the federal, state and local level undoubtedly deserve a large measure of credit, and policymakers need to be aware of the large dividends these programs are paying for economic activity, jobs and tax revenues,” Dow added.

Meantime, Emirates and Turkish Airlines are the latest carriers to have been exempted from an American ban on laptops and other electronic devices in passenger cabins on U.S-bound flights. Turkey and United Arab Emirates were among eight predominantly Muslim countries with such restrictions, which were imposed in March. They came after intelligence reports indicated Islamic State militants were attempting to hide explosive devices in lithium batteries in electronic devices.

A spokesman for U.S. Transportation Security Administration said Emirates had introduced more rigorous screening procedures at Abu Dhabi International Airport, as had Turkish Airlines at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul. Another airline based at Abu Dhabi airport, Etihad Airlines, was also approved.

The lifting of the laptop ban for these airlines came amid President Trump’s continuing effort to bar all visitors from countries he views as a threat.

The $27 million dollar transformation of Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown started with the renovation of the 413 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, and the addition of the Kennedy Junior Ballroom.

The final touches of the project covered the redesign of the lobby, lounge and outdoor courtyard, which drew inspiration from the geometry of an aerial view of Washington D.C. The color palette, also influenced by this aerial view of D.C., was intensified to add more drama and sophistication to the lobby and lounge.

A variety of seating is available, allowing for a mix of social groups, intimate gatherings, business meetings or quiet contemplation with a laptop or book. The outdoor courtyard oasis with cafe tables spread throughout the center provides a great place for light bites or to enjoy locally inspired seasonal menus.

Around the perimeter of the courtyard, under canopies of cherry trees, two new water features add to the visual and auditory backdrop. Lounge furniture surrounds three different fire pits, providing a social environment to gather day or night.

Guest Rooms & the Fairmont Gold Experience

Inspiration for the guest room decor comes from the city of Washington itself, conveying politics and power in the design. Like the eclectic city, modern furnishings are mixed with classically detailed pieces, while the art collections reflect the city’s history and importance. Added features in the spacious guest rooms, starting at 400 sq. ft. (37 sq. m.), include multiple outlets for charging electronics along with bedside USB ports, a built in luggage bench and enhanced lighting.

For the more discerning traveler, Fairmont Gold is the perfect option. The 58 rooms and suites enjoy special amenities such as private check-in and concierge service in the Fairmont Gold Lounge. Daily breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres are also served, giving guests a sanctuary to relax beyond their guest room.

The Perfect Place to Meet

A diverse selection of meeting and event venues, totaling 30,000 sq. ft. (2,787 sq. m.), make Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown, the ideal location for intimate events and grand occasions. Two ballrooms include the Grand Ballroom at 5,460 sq. ft. (507 sq. m.) and the new Kennedy Junior Ballroom at 2,990 sq. ft. (278 sq. m.). An additional 16 meeting and event rooms are also available, the most unique being the Colonnade. With a beautiful view of the courtyard and a glass-dome atrium, this room is a favored location for any social event of up to 300 people.

Marie Lanaud

General Manager Michael Musarra announced the appointment of Marie Lanaud as director of catering for Fairmont San Jose, a landmark in Silicon Valley, California. Lanaud will be responsible for organizing and promoting food and beverage, while exceeding guest expectations and financial targets at the 805-room hotel. She has a decade of experience and previously served as catering and conference services director at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora.

Michaela Foley

Palace Resorts hired Michaela Foley as the director of sales for the Northeast Region collection of 10 oceanfront resorts. Foley has 12 years of experience in the industry at places ranging from luxury boutique properties to large, branded hotel companies. Previously, Foley worked for Sbe, representing SLS Park Avenue and Redbury New York as area director of group sales. Foley will be responsible for leading sales initiatives related to meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions, and the market for the brand’s oceanfront resorts.

Lisa Josoff

Lisa Josoff was named director of sales for the Midwest Region of Palace Resorts, a collection of 10 oceanfront resorts overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Josoff will develop and execute sales strategies and new business plans with a focus on furthering growth and development of the MICE segment. Josoff previously served as global account manager for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, leading high- caliber profile accounts to success. Josoff has a diverse background, with 20 years of industry experience, and brings a strong sales and marketing skills.

Jean Capps

The newly rebranded Sheraton Bay Point Resort in Panama City, Florida, appointed Jean Capps as general manager. She brings considerable expertise and vibrancy to her new role and has extensive experience in sales, food and beverage, and operations. Capps previously served for more than eight years as general manager for Florida-based resorts such as B Ocean (Ft. Lauderdale), Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel and Sheraton Suites Cypress Creek. She is an active tourism industry volunteer and has served on boards such as the Beach Improvement District and the Beach Council.

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Star Spangled 200 (All photos courtesy of Fireworks by Grucci)

Visualize looking up at the dark night sky and seeing your event or brand logo bursting in color. Now imagine looking at the expression of awe on the faces of your event’s attendees. Incorporating fireworks into a meeting can be impactful, but there are several boxes to check before pressing start.

“I think the lasting effects of a good firework show are forever,” Phil Grucci, president/CEO of Fireworks by Grucci, Inc. and Pyrotechnique by Grucci, said. “Four hundred feet from the White House or roof of a billion dollar building. That experience can extend from a big open field…to the world’s tallest building like the building in Dubai…[The] sky is the limit, literally.”

Branding

To promote your brand, you can have a name or logo emblazoned in fireworks. A professional firework company can make that happen a couple of different ways. A stationary set piece can feature the logo surrounded by pyro. Or, in new technology developed by Grucci, a technique called “sky etching” produces a series of dots in the sky to spell out a word.

Hire Professionals

Meeting professionals wishing to entertain guests with a firework display first and foremost need to hire a licensed, insured and reputable professional pyrotechnic company to execute the performance. “[A] firework company should be a one-stop place to handle everything,” Julie Heckman, executive director of American Pyrotechnics Association, said. They’re responsible for acquiring necessary permits, insurance, being aware of noise curfews in the area and alerting local authorities who may need to close streets and manage traffic.

The firework company will also clean-up the launch zone. “You should have a company that …leaves that site exactly as it looked like when they got there,” Grucci said. The only housekeeping the meeting professional takes on is raking up fallen paper near the discharge site.

Las Vegas Strip

By Land And By Sea

Keep in mind that fireworks being set off from barges in the water come with additional complications. The firework company will need to work hand-in-hand with the U.S. Coast Guard and navigable waterways may need to be closed to other boat traffic. Pyrotechnicians aboard the barge need to take proper safety precautions, such as wearing life vests, having adequate lighting and safety ladders present. Meeting professionals should oversee safety measures from the shoreline to prevent spectators from falling in the water.

If you plan to keep the party indoors, be advised that some cities, states, buildings and fire codes prohibit pyrotechnics inside, hand-held and cake-mounted sparklers included. Grucci suggested checking with the local fire authority to confirm that sparklers can be used without a permit and to learn if a pyrotechnician needs to be present to supervise.

Logistics

Once you decide as a meeting professional to treat attendees to a beautiful fireworks show, you need to get down to the nitty gritty of when in your program you’d like to schedule them, duration and music selection.

For the American Pyrotechnics Association annual convention, Heckman likes to go out with a bang with a big firework show as “our closing event.” At their 2005 conference at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, she contacted the local CVB ahead of time to see if any other groups would be having events at the same time. It turns out Oracle was throwing a big party too, so she invited their attendees to enjoy the fireworks in exchange for her guests getting to go to portions of Oracle’s event.

Music choice depends on the theme of the event and the reason for celebration. The meeting professional can certainly have a say in this and work with the firework company to “customize” the tunes, Heckman said. Duration of a firework show can vary, but it’s important to keep your audience captive. You don’t want them to lose interest if it goes too long, but you also don’t want to cut it short. So, what is the sweet spot? “Anything over 20 minutes tends to get boring. I would say that a 12-16 minute show is plenty,” she suggested. Grucci added that firework shows in Vegas are typically only six minutes in length to get gamblers back in the casino quicker.

2014 Guinness World Record; Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Budget

Fireworks do not come cheap and there is a widespread price range depending on the complexity, duration and location of the show. Grucci classifies their offerings into four categories. Traditional firework shows can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $40,000. Elaborate displays choreographed to a music soundtrack can run up a tab of $40,000 to hundreds of thousands to millions. He said the most expensive firework show ever produced was $10 million!

Inclement Weather

Event professionals do run the risk of losing thousands or millions if the unpredictable Mother Nature gets in the way. Grucci said many contracts with professional firework companies come with a 100 percent payment clause that requires full payment if everything is already loaded by the time an event is cancelled. It costs his company more to pack everything back up and bring it back to their storage facility than it does to blow it up. To minimize financial damage, planners may want to consider taking out event insurance.

Grucci explained that different cities have different protocols when it comes to wind speed. For instance, if winds reach a speed of only 10 mph in Las Vegas, a firework show must be cancelled or delayed. Some places experiencing a period of drought might restrict or prohibit open flames.

2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, Beijing

Safety

Heckman explained that the firework industry abides by the safety regulations set forth by the National Fire Protection Association Standard 1123 titled “Code for Fireworks Display.” These guidelines contain a mathematical equation to determine the distance spectators need to be from the point of discharge. Some locations may have additional requirements, which the hired professional firework company will be aware of.

Most firework shows nowadays are set off electronically. “You still always have a pyrotechnician monitoring the system at all times,” Grucci said. “[There’s a] dead man switch in the event you need to immediately stop the program.”

A safety lesson can be learned by event professionals in the aftermath of the tragic Station nightclub fire in which 100 victims perished after fireworks ignited a blaze during a concert in February 2003 in Rhode Island. It is very important to confirm that the building where you are holding an event is up to code, is not constructed of flammable material, fire extinguishers are easily accessible, the venue has a sprinkler system and there is an evacuation plan in the event of an emergency.

Event professionals should also consider posting proper signage that pyrotechnics will be used to notify guests who may suffer from sensory issues, such as autism or seizures.

Smart Tips:

Plan ahead because fireworks require permits that cannot be obtained at the last minute
Secure an appropriate venue and consider bringing a firework expert venue shopping with you
Hire a professional firework company with well-trained staff
Make sure firework company carries a minimum of $5 million insurance in general liability
Meeting professionals should be listed as an “additional insured”
Make sure firework company is licensed to operate in jurisdiction where meeting is being held

facebook billion milestone

Facebook’s popularity has officially exploded. Well it’s been exploding year-over-year since its launch in 2004, but the social media mogul has just reached new heights. When Facebook released its statistics in May, the number of monthly active users was 1.94 billion. On June 27 that number hit a satisfying 2 billion. Every savvy meeting and event planner knows Facebook’s impact on the industry. So why not celebrate the 2 billion mark by recalling all of the daily wonders Facebook makes possible? Here’s what Facebook does for corporate meeting planners:

1. Solidifies Our Community

Facebook was created with the mission of networking, and this holds true for any business on the platform. Facebook groups are the ideal place for sharing useful resources, educating and collaborating. Plus, it’s a much better alternative to inconvenient or outdated methods of collaborating, such as conference calls and email chains. Not to mention the fact that people love engaging on the platform.

“Each day, more than 175 million people share a Love reaction, and on average, over 800 million people like something on Facebook,” Facebook product manager Guillermo Spiller said in a press release. “More than 1 billion people use Groups every month.”

Once your brand has entered the virtual community, there are many ways to accumulate support. Whether you’re seeking job hires, sponsorship opportunities, advice or publicity, casting out a line on Facebook is often helpful. Hashtags have been adopted by Facebook to support this function as well.

2. Encourages Attendee Turnout

Of course, attendee turnout is directly correlated to exposure, in terms of quality and quantity. On Facebook, getting your message to your audience is easily achievable. An average of five new Facebook profiles are created every second—yes, second—so no matter what demographics you want to reach, you’ll probably find them on Facebook. Additionally, Facebook provides multiple ways of publicizing an event. There are paid posts, advertisements, event pages, message invitations, and in-group and brand page posting. Automatic follow-ups are integrated into many of these features, so potential attendees get notified of any changes along the way. Users can even see the event location on a map and browse the confirmed attendee list—both of which can bolster attendance.

3. Builds Brands

Facebook is well aware of its capacity for building a brand’s image. The site provides multiple avenues for businesses to showcase character, authority, success and connections. For example, it’s an essential social network for blog posts to be promoted and circulated. Planners can also take advantage of feedback. In general, users are more candid and outspoken on Facebook than in person or through email. When there’s negative feedback, brands may demonstrate their ability to respond by acknowledging it and enacting a positive change.

Facebook constantly showcases its intelligence and dating gathering abilities with banner ads, which can also be beneficial to your brand. The platform generates feeds eerily catered to our interests. So, corporate meeting planners who take advantage of Facebook’s ad powers can enjoy getting exposure to the right crowd.

4. Shares Real-Time Action

Facebook has been evolving to become a more present reflection of reality. In particular, live streaming is developing as a key feature. Event organizers are beginning to use Facebook Live to give interested parties a look inside an event, hopefully spurring them to attend at a future date. Other features also let planners stay up-to-date with the latest trends. For instance, event coverage on Facebook can extend to posting photo and video coverage with relevant tags and location markers. Location check-ins can even spur interaction, and in some cases a real-life meet-up.

5. Cultivates Valuable Relationships

Facebook isn’t only about catering to an audience. It’s also a legitimate way to connect with partners. For planners this means scoping out and connecting with potential vendors and sponsors. A successful brand page can even incentivize partnerships. The first thing planners can do is assess a company’s image and professionalism. How are their ratings and reviews? What types of posts and images are they sharing? If a planner likes what she sees, she can then reach out to the company on the platform. Another option is to seek out recommendations from mutual connections.

Lake Tahoe

Edgewood Tahoe

154 guest rooms, all with gas fireplaces; two conference rooms totaling 3,200 sq. ft.; modern-mountain clubhouse; ballroom and board room space in The Lodge; three restaurants, including Chef Frank Stagnaro’s Edgewood Restaurant, whose New Zealand elk chop was featured on The Food Network.

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino

17,500 sq. ft. of meeting space; accommodates 850 people; seven restaurants, including Sushi Kai; South Shore Room/Peek Nightclub.

Harveys Resort & Casino

742 guest rooms; 17,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; accommodates 1,100 people; home of Lake Tahoe Outdoor Summer Concert Series; four restaurants, including Cabo Wabo Cantina.

major venues in nevada

Montbleu Resort Casino & Spa

437 guest rooms; 16,000 sq. ft. of convention and meeting space; four restaurants, including South Shore’s only Four Diamond restaurant, Ciera Steak & Chophouse.

Las Vegas

Aria Resort & Casino

4,004 guest rooms; 300,000-square-foot convention center; four ballrooms; 15 restaurants, including Jean Philippe Patisserie.

Caesars Palace Las Vegas

3,960 guest rooms; 300,000-square-foot convention center; theater; 16 restaurants, including Restaurant Guy Savoy.

Green Valley Ranch

495 guest rooms, 60,000 sq. ft of meeting space; eight restaurants, including Tuscan indoor-outdoor dining at Bottilgia.

Las Vegas Convention Center

3.2 million sq. ft. of meeting space; 144 meeting rooms; recently announced $1.4 billion renovation will add 600,000 sq. ft. meeting space by 2023.

Linq Hotel & Casino

2,640 guest rooms; 63,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 12 meeting rooms for groups of up to 300; ballroom; world’s largest classic car showroom; six restaurants, including Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar.

Luxor Hotel and Casino

4,407 guest rooms; 20,000-square-foot Egyptian Ballroom; 50,000 sq. ft. of meeting room when expansion is complete; home of Blue Man Group; seven restaurants, including Tender Steak & Seafood.

M Resort, Spa, Casino

390 guest rooms; 92,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including 25,000-square-foot M Pavilion and Lux special event venues and 17,400-square-foot ballroom; six restaurants, including Anthony’s Prime Steak & Seafood.

MGM Grand Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

Largest hotel in the United States; 6,852 rooms; 600,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; Topgolf facility; restaurants by Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, Joel Robuchon and Michael Mina.

Palms Casino Resort & Spa

703 guest rooms; 25,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 2,500-seat concert theater; three fine-dining restaurants, including N9ne Steakhouse.

Red Rock Casino Resort

800 guest rooms; 100,000 sq. ft of meeting space; nine restaurants, including 8 Noodle Bar.

Sands Expo and Convention Center

Embedded in Venetian Las Vegas and Palazzo Las Vegas; 2.3 million sq. ft of meeting space; theater space for 3,000; five ballrooms; 11 bars, including Tao Asian-themed nightclub.

South Point Hotel Casino & Spa

2,080 guest rooms; 750,000-square-foot conference center with ballroom and breakouts; 80,000-square-foot, column-free exhibit hall; 64-lane bowling center; 11 restaurants and 7 bars, including Michael’s Gourmet Room.

T-Mobile Arena

New multi-use indoor arena on The Strip; seats 20,000; numerous food and drink options on site and at the adjoining The Park.

Treasure Island Hotel & Casino

2,884 rooms; near Las Vegas Convention Center, newly renovated 30,500 sq. ft. of meeting space; nine restaurants, including Senor Frog’s.

Tropicana Las Vegas

1,502 guest rooms; 72,000 sq. ft. of convention space; five restaurants, including Robert Irvine’s new Heating Up The Kitchen.

Wynn Las Vegas & Encore Resort

Combined 4,750 guest rooms and suites and 260,000 sq. ft. of event space; Le Reve The Dream show by Cirque du Soleil; more Forbes Travel Guide Four Star Award-winning restaurants than any other resort in North America, including Chef David Walzog’s SW Steakhouse.

Reno

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa

824 guest rooms; two ballrooms; 50,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; seven restaurants, including Oyster Bar on the Sky Terrace.

Grand Sierra Resort and Casino

1,900 guest rooms; 200,000 sq. ft. of event space; 45 breakout rooms; bowling center; Top Golf range; 2,700-seat theater; 11 restaurants and seven bars/ lounges, including a cigar loft.

Nugget Casino Resort

1,382 guest rooms; 110,000 sq. ft. of meeting facilities; new Executive Conference Center; 34 meeting rooms; six restaurants, including The Rotisserie Buffet.

major meeting venues nevada

Peppermill Resort Hotel

1,635 guest rooms; 106,000 sq. ft. of space includes 62,000-square-foot Tuscany Ballroom; seven restaurants, including Master Chef Benny Tsang’s Chi; many new restaurant options opening in 2017.