Smart Meetings | Page 52 of 603 | Corporate Event Planning: Business Events, Meetings, Conferences

How does a forested metro become America’s No. 1 Food Truck City? You may need to visit Portland to find out. Having secured the title by Food & Wine, Portland’s take on the art of eating well, the thing we all need to do while traveling, makes its food scene remarkably irresistible.

Food trucks, or “food carts,” as they’re known in Portland, are one of the central elements of the city’s F&B culture. Portland is home to more than 500 food carts—with “pods” (clusters of food carts) at locations like the Inner Eastside, Midtown Beer Garden and Nob Hill.

Food carts can even be brought to your events at Oregon Convention Center. As your event takes place in the convention center’s 255,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space (including two ballrooms and 52 meeting rooms), the convention center can host food trucks in its outdoor plaza, steps from the main entrance. And with no sales tax, meeting planners can host their meetings in Portland with extra to spare for additional experiences, like adding an off-site adventure.

Although Portland’s food carts are worth telling all your attendees about, the foodie experience goes far beyond this.

Portland’s F&B Is a Certified Award Winner

The city has a long list of diverse award-winning chefs and restaurants. In 2023, Portland won the most James Beard awards of any other city in the United States. And to no surprise, 8 more local eateries clinched a nomination, semifinal or win for 2024.

These restaurants offer a wide selection of flavors from around the world.

Kann won the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant in 2023 and Chef Gregory Gourdet won Best Chef Northwest & Pacific in 2024. The restaurant blends Gourdet’s Haitian heritage and Oregon’s seasonal and local ingredients. At Kann, groups will find a savory, Caribbean-inspired menu, made up of meals like chicken and dumpling soup flavored with chayote and ripe with plantains, spinach, epis and potato; espageti (spaghetti) made with spiced tomatoes, peppers and avocado, as well as sides like crispy okra and diri ak djon djon (black mushroom rice and lima beans). Kann can accommodate private events for groups of 12-40 attendees.

Lilia Comedor, named one of the best restaurants in the U.S. by The New York Times, is led by Mexican-American Chef Juan Gomez. Named after his late mother, Lilia places a focus on “hyper-seasonality,” as Chef Gomez terms it, where his partnership with the local farming community plays a pivotal role in his restaurant’s operation, which also exerts a direct influence on the day’s meals.

Lilia offers three different F&B experiences. First, the Chef’s Counter, where visitors let the chef decide their meals; next, a la carte, where visitors decide their meals (according to Lilia’s website—staying true to the spirit of hyper-seasonality—“Our menu changes daily, so no day is ever the same”); lastly, chef’s choice for larger parties of four or more.

If you’re looking for Southern food in the Pacific Northwest, consider Screen Door, home to two locations in Portland. Screen Door serves up the cozy comfort you’d expect from a Southern-style restaurant—you’ll find the prolific chicken and waffles, fried catfish, and shrimp and grits, to name a few. You can even reserve all the southern charm for your group, even if only for a day, when you buy out location for your private event; Screen Door’s Pearl District location can hold up to 110 seated; its East Side location can hold up to 90 seated.

Anchored by a large cherry blossom tree crowning the middle of the restaurant, Japanese-Korean restaurant Janken brings Pan-Asian culinary influences to Portland’s downtown area. Consistently ranked on local “best restaurant” lists, Janken offers Asian dishes your group will love.

The menu features fresh sushi rolls, nigiri, a healthy happy hour list and hot and cold plates like tuna tartare and lobster rolls or Lan-Roc pork belly and wagyu gyoza. alongside a healthy list of hot bites, like charred corn, mushroom bao buns and crispy prawns, among its long list of nigiri, sashimi and numerous surf and turf meals. Janken can accommodate groups of 16 in its main dining room, groups of 17-40 in its private dining room and groups of more than 40—up to 120 seated or 160 for a standing reception—on its main dining floor.

Xiao Ye is inspired by the nostalgia of late-night snacking (“xiao ye” means “midnight snack” in Mandarin), and Eater Portland crowned it “Best New Restaurant in 2023.” Led by first-generation Americans, the restaurant’s menu is an homage to late nights spent eating with those dear to us. Xiao Ye’s menu is a mix of Brazilian (“little bites” like butter-basted chicken hearts), Italian (“warm dishes” like rigatoni all ’amatriciana) and Asian dishes (“bigger stuff” like curry just half fried chicken). Xiao Ye is an ideal location for intimate groups, home to a main dining room for up to 12 and a private dining room for up to 16.

Phuket Cafe is a Thai restaurant and cocktail bar that offers traditional Thai food in a lively, colorful setting. The man behind the restaurant, Chef Akkapong “Earl” Ninsom’s restaurant Langbaan, which shares the same space on alternating nights, won a James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant in 2024.

Whether ending the day at Phuket for dinner or grabbing a midday lunch instead, you just may find your new favorite meal. Groups take their pick from a wide selection of Thailand-based dishes, like vegan, prawn, panang curry, Thai paella and Lan-Roc pork chop on the dinner menu, or massaman curry (grilled chicken thigh, cauliflower and fried potato) and several rice noodle dishes on the lunch menu.

Group gatherings in conference meetings spaces are great. Group gatherings in meeting spaces with a haunted, scary story behind them are better—or, at least, more adventurous.

Stories of children walking halls, Prohibition-era gamblers roaming around pool areas and elevators taking guests where it wants them to go are all stories that have passed from person to person at these properties through the years. Whether you believe them is another matter entirely, but if a group member joins the morning breakfast with tales of sensing apparitions in their room, don’t say we didn’t tell you.

The Elms Hotel & Spa

the elms hotel and spa

“Friendly” isn’t typically a word used when describing something haunted, but reports of paranormal activity at this 153-room property in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, agree on its spirits’ amiability.

There have been several reports about spiritual activity at The Elms, such as that of a gambler in the pool area who was involved with illegal acts during the Prohibition and a maid donned in a 1920s-style uniform roaming the halls on the third floor. More can be learned during the property’s paranormal tours.

Meeting profs need not deal with spiritual maids or gamblers when planning an event in the property’s 11,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, nine event rooms or 16 acres of retreat grounds.

Congress Plaza Hotel

spooky Congress Plaza Hotel

The 871-room Congress Plaza Hotel is known as most-haunted hotel in Chicago. Many ghostly characters have been said to still walk the property, the most famous of which is Al Capone, said to have frequented the place when he was among the living. There is also Peg Leg Johnny, said to turn out lights and electronics; a woman in room 441, who kicks guests while in bed; and Dr. H.H. Holmes, America’s first serial killer, who lived only a few blocks from the property; among others.

Congress Plaza offers more than 50,000 sq. ft. of specter-free meeting space, featuring four ballrooms, the largest of which is the 8,625 square-foot Great Hall. The property’s proximity to Millennium Park, McCormick Place, Sears Tower and more is perfect for midday breaks or post-meeting exploration.

The Stanley Hotel

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The Stanley Hotel (@thestanleyhotel) • Instagram photos and videos

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, was recently renovated but that doesn’t mean it’s any less haunted.

The 100-plus-year-old hotel was built in the early 1900s by F.O. Stanley, creator of the Stanley Steam Engine. When it opened in 1909, it became the place where many of the rich and famous would hang out, including Theodore Roosevelt. Author Stephen King has stayed there as well, basing his novel, “The Shining,” on his experience there.

The Stanley is broken up into four different types of stays: The original Stanley, The Lodge at The Stanley, The Residences at The Stanley and Aspire Hotel & Spa (the newest of the four). There are four rooms in particular—in the main building—that have been called out for being haunted: rooms 407, 418, 401 and 217, the last of which King claimed to see a child calling out to his nanny on the second floor of the building.

Its 41,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, although it compasses the hauntingly beautiful private pond-facing Pavilion room, has not been reported to be haunted.

Hawthorne Hotel

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Hawthorne Hotel (@hawthornehotel) • Instagram photos and videos

Given the history of Salem, Massachusetts, it is seen as one of the most haunted cities in America. It’s only natural that, Hawthorne Hotel, which has been featured on shows like “Ghosthunters” and “Bewitched,” would be a property with ghostly stories.

Bridget Bishop, the first woman executed during the Salem Witch Trials, was said to own an apple orchard on the land on which the hotel sits. Guests have reported seeing her spirit in the 89-room hotel in room 612. Entities that frequent room 325 are said to be past guests; reports of lights and faucets being turned on and off and feeling touched while lying down have been made.

Since the property was created in 1925, the property’s 9,000 sq. ft. of meeting space has been a location for events in the city.

The Brown Palace Hotel

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The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa (@brownpalace) • Instagram photos and videos

Reportedly borne out of spite because a Denver-based hotel would not let him enter due to his cowboy attire, Henry Cordes Brown opened the 243-room Brown Palace Hotel in 1892. Originally the meeting location of the city’s socialites, the hotel is now the meeting place of ghosts. There are no reports of ghosts meeting in the property’s nearly 20,000 sq. ft. of dedicated space, made up of 18 meeting rooms.

Tales circulated of calls coming from an empty room 904, where a heartbroken socialite once lived from 1940 to the mid-1950s. Once the tour stopped sharing the story, the calls stopped. Other reported sightings include children known to skip along in the hallways and a baby’s crying often heard in the boiler room.

Queen Anne Hotel

parlor in queen anne hotel in san francisco

This San Francisco-based property was once a Victorian mansion that housed a girl’s boarding school in the late 19th century. The house was headed by Miss Mary Lake, and her former office, room 410, is said to still possess her presence. Guests have also reported feeling cold spots in the hallways and seeing odd reflections in mirrors around the hotel.

The property retains its Victorian era look in its 48 guest rooms, as well as its five meeting rooms, which includes an outdoor courtyard.

20 South Battery

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20 South Battery Charleston (@20southbattery) • Instagram photos and videos

Not only one of South Carolina’s most haunted properties, it’s also one of its most historic. 20 South Battery was first created as a private mansion in 1843 and was converted in the 1920s into what it is today, as an 11-room boutique inn. Its 4,800 sq. ft. of meeting space is split into a grand ballroom and a verdant garden.

While no malevolent spiritual encounters have ever been reported. Guests have reported headless torsos standing at the head of their beds (potentially from the Civil War era) and men walking through closet doors.

The Emily Morgan Hotel

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A Doubletree Hotel by Hilton (@emilymorganhotel) • Instagram photos and videos

Formerly the Medical Arts Building, a hospital constructed in 1924, The Emily Morgan Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, now houses guests, and possibly, ghouls and a ghostly bride. The property’s most haunted floors are said to be the basement and 7th and 14th floors.

The basement was the hospital’s morgue and crematorium and is said to sometimes take guests there, despite them having pressed a different floor; the 7th floor was the hospital’s psychiatric ward, said to be haunted by a bride, whose identity is unknown, but has been heard screaming and waking guests. The 14th floor was the hospital’s surgical ward, reported to contain its antiseptic smell.

Luckily, the supernatural will not be heard or smelled (fingers crossed) in the property’s four meeting rooms, which total 4,000 sq. ft.

Pfister Hotel

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The Pfister Hotel (@thepfisterhotel) • Instagram photos and videos

Milwaukee’s American Family Field is where its MLB team, the Milwaukee Brewers, hosts its home games.

The field’s proximity to Pfister Hotel and its 25,000 sq. ft. of meeting space makes it a prime location for stays from baseball players and a source of creepy stories from them, as well. Tales include footsteps in the guest room to tables being moved from one side of the room to the other overnight. One player, Michael Young, bargained with the ghost that they could be pals if the phantom didn’t wake him. Apparently, it left him alone.

Refreshes for your next Marriott hotel meeting

Take a journey through Marriott history with these new and renovated properties. From an expansive renovation of one of the brand’s first hotels to an innovative new build, the event of your dreams, whatever your style or desired location, is at your fingertips.

Marriott Saddle Brook

One of the Marriott brand’s first hotels, and the second-oldest operating in the system, Marriott Saddle Brook, unveils phase one of a $15 million renovation, presenting new guest rooms and meeting spaces and a redesigned ballroom and fitness center. The updated design reflects the hotel’s significance within the Marriott brand and its connection to its New Jersey locale. Artwork and decorative features emulate the exterior’s distinct grid façade with geometric elements, strong guiding lines and intersecting patterns.

All 244 guest rooms feature a soft, warm color palette alongside modern furnishings and décor that evoke urban roots and a sense of place. The spacious desk area inside guest rooms is ideal for business travelers, of course, alongside the nearly 12,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space. Seasonal outdoor event space spans 4,700 sq. ft., and 7,200 sq. ft. of the hotel’s indoor meeting space has been completely redesigned. The newly built Atrium, formerly the pool area, brings in ample natural light into a space where a blue-toned carpet pattern and color scheme elevate the bright feel of the sky above. Phase two of the renovation will include the rebuild of the Marriott M Club, a new restaurant and a recreation of the Greatroom lobby space, scheduled to be completed in early 2025.

Read More: Historic Meeting Grounds

AC Hotel and Residence Inn by Marriott Reston

Northern Virginia welcomes the newly opened AC Hotel and Residence Inn by Marriott Reston. The dual-branded property allows guests to choose the hotel that best suits their needs but enjoy shared amenities including a spa-style indoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, a full service restaurant, an all-season 16^th floor rooftop bar and lounge and a grand total of 11,300 sq. ft. meeting and event space. SEVEN Restaurant & Bar is a full-service all day dining outlet under the leadership of award-winning executive chef Alexis Hernandez.

Its location in Northern Virginia’s dynamic mixed-use development Reston Center situates guests right by over 50 retailers, 30 restaurants and a variety of entertainment options. Direct pedestrian access to the Reston Town Center Silver Line Metro Station, which can take travelers directly to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), makes it even more convenient.

Extended-stay travelers as well as those simply seeking a home-away-from-home will enjoy the spacious and modern studios and one-bedroom suites complete with fully-equipped kitchens and complimentary hot and cold breakfast offerings in a private lounge. Alternatively, the elegant and purposefully-designed rooms in the AC Hotel will bring guests to a space of maximized relaxation whether in-between meetings or getting ready for the day as they enjoy European-style a la carte breakfast and complimentary morning coffee.

Pittsburgh Airport Marriott

Following an $18 million, four-year renovation, Pittsburgh Airport Marriott unveils the final phase to modernize the guest experience and infuse Pittsburgh’s Steel City heritage and the surrounding natural landscape. Though it conveniently stands only six miles from Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), the property is a world of its own, with a quiet location outside the flight path and a design that nods to local grist mills, glass works and steel factories through an intentional color palette and carefully selected textures, such as brick, corrugated metal, iron and steel structures. Art pieces such as the abstract Pittsburgh topography map, with layered tonal metallic panels, displayed in the Greatroom reception area, add to this sense of place.

The top to bottom renovation refreshed all 301 guest rooms and 16 suites, including two presidential suites, alongside the public spaces and restaurant, fitness center, Marriott M Club and 12,500 sq. ft. of meeting space made up of 18 meeting rooms, ranging in size from ballrooms to boardrooms.

Luxury is in the eye of the beholder. One person’s decadent spa soak may be another person’s rigorous trail ride.

The challenge for meeting professionals is to determine the appropriate amount of “me-time” and surprise and delight, balanced with confidence that their needs will be taken care of so they can focus on the content being presented. Smart Meetings Luxury Experience at Newport Harbor Island Resort in Rhode Island embraced the challenge with help from some friends.

White building — Newport Harbor Island Resort in Rhode Island

The historic Classic Coast town of Newport, Rhode Island, is a New England gem built by eccentric rebels looking for religious freedom more than 300 years ago. It became a favorite in the Gilded Age as socialites built mansions to throw lavish parties in the summers, including Rosecliff, where Smart Meetings closing reception was held in the same ballroom that Robert Redford starred in The Great Gatsby.

The circa 1902 waterfront mansion—one of four that can be rented from Newport Mansions, the Newport County Preservation Society—just completed a $7.5 million restoration and cleaning.

A Champion Mindset

What gift is more appreciated than the present of a fresh perspective? Two-time Olympic gold medalist Heather Moyse shared tips for making champion mind shifts, small changes in how you look at the world that can have powerful outcomes. “If you want to be a champion, you have to make champion choices,” she said. “Excuses are everywhere and we are more capable than we think we are.”

Smart Tip #1: Doubt Your Doubt. Whether it is a critical family member or the voice in your head, when you hear negativity, ask, “Are you sure?” Make choices based on data and evidence.

Smart Tip #2: Challenge Your Comfort Zone. Self-limiting beliefs, fear of isolation and judgement of failures can stop us before we get started. “Sometimes exposed is exactly how you have to feel to get to the next level,” said the woman who had to overcome her fear of wearing full-body spandex in front of millions on national television to compete as a bobsledder in four Olympic competitions. “My fear of looking back on my life and wondering, ‘what if’ had to be stronger than my desire for comfort.”

Smart Tip #3: No Regrets. Moyse echoed the wisdom we often hear, but seldom internalize. “We usually regret the things we don’t do more than the mistakes we make,” then added, “To have no regrets you need to have no excuses.” When it is all over, you need to know there is nothing more you could have done. You gave it everything you could have given.

Smart Tip #4: Perspective is Power. Instead of asking, “Can I?” Ask, “How Can I?” That turns the conversation to a solution focus instead of a binary choice.

Smart Tip #5: Believe in the Possibilities. Everything isn’t possible and there are no guarantees, but before anything can be achieved, you have to believe it is possible. “Remember highly unlikely doesn’t mean impossible—focus on the things in your control.”

At the end of the meeting, what counts isn’t that you accomplished a flawless program but the fact that you set yourself up for the best possible outcome.

Inspired Touches

Kate Patay and Justin Carbotti on stage — Kate Patay and Jordan Carbotti

Terramar DMC Vice President of Global Engagement Kate Patay and designer Jordan Carbotti shared tips for adding those little touches that make a powerful impression on guests.

Smart Tip #1: Visualize the Experience. Include photos with dress code inspiration in the know-before-you-go along with reminders about passports if the group is international and anything else that will help people visualize what they can expect and have a smooth transition to the event.

Smart Tip #2: Give People What They Want. The top-requested luxury request is one that is also budget-friendly: “me time.” Especially in a walkable, scenic place like Newport, Rhode Island, scheduling in some time to discover the area, answer emails or catch a nap is always appreciated.

Smart Tip #3: Offer a Personalized Service Ambassador. Prepare the hotel concierge with information about the group and sponsors so they can make better recommendations and anticipate the needs of attendees.

Smart Tip #4: Make Everyone Feel Special. Design VIP areas that are semi-private so people can see in through drapes and create tiers of access so the privilege is not divisive but aspirational and flows into other areas. Include a “red carpet runway” in your brand colors and hire “paparazzi” to take pictures and call out names for excitement.

Smart Tip #5: Leverage Pop Culture Influences. Look to inspirations such as Taylor Swift for colors, gifts and themes. You can tell if something is a flash-in-the-pan fad or a trend that will stick around by watching to see if they show up on multiple platforms—concert stages, runway shows, fast fashion.

Throughout the travel industry, sustainability has become a primary focus for both guests and hospitality providers. As travelers grow increasingly engaged with environmental issues, hotels and restaurants around the world are implementing innovative programs to create the greatest environmental benefit while minimizing their impact, allowing guests to feel good about partnering with companies that share their values.

Sustainability in hospitality is no longer a trend but rather a foundational set of practices, including for Marriott Bonvoy Events. From locally sourcing food and provisions to waste reduction programs, hotels and restaurants alike are integrating smart measures to ensure a better future and greater guest satisfaction.

In October, Marriott International was thrilled to announce Connect Responsibly with Marriott Bonvoy Events. This new global program is focused on helping meeting planners embed sustainability into their events at our hotels, with the aim of making us all better stewards of the communities and environments where we operate.

Connect Responsibly offers customers detailed Meeting Impact Reports to measure the environmental impact of their events, along with options to purchase carbon credits. The easy-to-use Meeting Impact Report is designed for our hotel associates to give planners details about their event, including its carbon and water footprints and general sustainability practices at the property. It’s available in 11 languages, so it’s accessible globally. Plus, we’ve teamed up with South Pole, a carbon project developer and climate consultancy, to allow planners to choose from a list of verified climate action projects that can be purchased as part of their events.

We believe that all of us—whether we plan large-scale meetings and events, or small gatherings of our team members—can embrace sustainable meetings practices. Below are some of the top trends in events that we are seeing on the ground at Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of hotels and resorts throughout the country.

Local Sourcing for Sustainable Cuisine

When it comes to the menu, hotels and restaurants are focusing on sustainable cuisine by locally sourcing ingredients and supporting organic farming. Many culinary teams have turned to harvest-to-table dining experiences, featuring in-season ingredients from nearby farms, fisheries and gardens.

These days, many hotels even have their very own gardens, which adds to the on-property guest experience and allows guests to enjoy the freshest ingredients possible. Many hotels and resorts are home to hydroponic gardens that grow fresh herbs and microgreens for us in on-site restaurants and event menus.

Waste Reduction Initiatives

Reducing waste is another critical practice of sustainable catering and hospitality. Marriott’s approach to reducing waste is designed to assist hotels within our portfolio in first preventing waste, followed by the disposal of waste in a responsible manner, in line with global waste management trends. Based on the types of products used at Marriott properties and available waste management services, hotels are guided to prioritize the use of reusable products where feasible.

Marriott Bonvoy hotels around the world continue to introduce waste separation programs, to maximize recycling and composting efforts. Marriott continues to execute our phased Residential-Sized Bath Amenities Program, switching from small toiletry bottles to larger pump-topped bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body gel. When fully implemented across the globe, Marriott International’s expanded toiletry program is expected to prevent about 500 million tiny bottles annually from going to landfills; that’s about 1.7 million pounds of plastic per year.

Menu Customization is Key

Another option to reduce waste is to work closely with executive chefs to create innovative and custom offerings for culinary-focused group experiences. Our chefs aim to be creative in the kitchen and utilize as many remaining ingredients as possible to make sure as little as possible is wasted.

Customizing a menu does not only offer a sustainability-minded experience, it also helps to showcase the incredible local cuisine of the destination. For example, many Marriott Bonvoy hotels that are based on islands have comprehensive lists of local preferred vendors in an effort to reduce transportation emissions that result when ordering provisions from the mainland. Plus, island-based hotels and restaurants have the added benefit of access to bountiful fresh seafood and lush gardens with ultra-fresh produce, which means guests have many delicious options when it comes to their curated meal options.

Sustainable Building and Design

Thoughtful design is also integral to sustainable hospitality. Restaurants and hotels source furniture and decor made from recycled materials such as tables and chairs built with repurposed wood, as well as light fixtures and food containers constructed from recycled glass. Another way for hotels to incorporate sustainable touches is by working with a designer with a penchant for sourcing local vintage finds, giving them a second life, while simultaneously adding unique style and flair to any space.

The future of hospitality is undeniably moving towards more sustainable solutions. As hotels and restaurants continue to innovate and adopt more sustainable practices, they reduce their environmental impact, while raising the bar when it comes to industry standards. These programs demonstrate that sustainable practices can be thoughtfully incorporated in various settings, enhancing guests’ experiences around the globe, while also benefiting the planet. Sustainability is no longer merely an option but rather an integral part of the industry’s evolution.

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Originally from Cairo, Egypt, Denise graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Science in Geography with an emphasis on human impacts on the environment. Denise became involved with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society, implementing environmental education programs around the world. A decade later, Cousteau’s program took her to the Cayman Islands and then eventually to Washington, D.C., as a member of Marriott International’s global operations team. In Naguib’s current role as global vice president, sustainability and supplier diversity global operations at Marriott, she and her team lead the strategy, program implementation, and reporting for both sustainability and supplier diversity for Marriott’s 9,000+ hotels around the world.

Naguib currently serves as Chair of the Board for WEConnect International, the global organization supporting women’s businesses around the world. She is also on the Boards of Arbor Day Foundation, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, and Sheridan School, and is an active member of the Global Business Travel Association’s Sustainable Leadership Council.

With Smart Travel Editor Kate Zaliznock checking out the upscale offerings in Orlando this week, I thought I would jump in and share some of the items that made me put down my coffee when they crossed my keyboard. The more you know, the easier your job will be and that is definitely the case when it comes to resources that will help you find suppliers that leave a destination better and give you a short cut to reporting all your sustainable decisions.

Also, I was curious how you feel about lining up for a quick mug shot every time you make a run for the gate. Are you one of the nine in 10 who support biometric screening at TSA stations if it will speed up the line and possibly do a better job of screening out the “bad guys” the whole “no liquids over 3 oz.” process was designed to find?

Finally, I added a bonus brief because I love thinking about the people all those decades ago who had the foresight to make it possible for us to get from place to place with ease—unless it is closed for maintenance, of course. The full-circle story of the building and repairing of the Holland Tunnel put a lot of things in perspective for me.

Let us know whether you agree by dropping a line to [email protected]. Send your travel news there, too. Let’s see if you can make us spill our mocha.

Don’t worry, Kate is back next week and I will be reporting from our Smart Meetings Luxury Experience in Rhode Island so hold onto your pearls.

Hotels Pledge 100,000 Hours for Overlooked Populations

Just in time for the holidays, American Hotel & Lodging Association announced that 23 hospitality companies have signed a Dignity of Work pledge that could result in more than $7.4 million in purchases to reach the goal of 100,000 hours of paid employment for people who face barriers to work. You can see a list of the founding partners here if you are looking to source from responsible sourcers.

The initiative with Procure Impact, a B2B marketplace for products that support minority communities, works with people with disabilities, refugees, veterans and those who have experienced poverty, mental health challenges, homelessness, trauma, incarceration and addiction. Products include food and beverages, bath and body, retail, furniture and art.

Learn more about one example Cameron’s Coffee & Chocolates in Fairfax, Virginia, which employs 30 people with disabilities and is now in 90 hotels and see the wholesale products here and gifting ideas here.

New Marriott Program Will Help You Plan Sustainably

If reporting on your event’s carbon footprint is part of your RFP requirement, Marriott Bonvoy Events has a new program that might allow you and your attendees’ consciences rest easier.

Connect Responsibly with Marriott Bonvoy Events helps meeting planners embed sustainability into their events at participating hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. Access to detailed Meeting Impact Reports will help measure the environmental impact of events and select options to purchase carbon credits from South Pole, a carbon asset developer and climate consultancy.

The program is anticipated to go live at managed and franchised properties from participating brands globally by the end of this month.

“Meetings and events are important business for Marriott. Our customers are eager to participate in sustainability efforts. Connect Responsibly expands ongoing initiatives and strengthens our efforts focused on sustainability in hospitality,” said Tammy Routh, senior vice president of global sales with Marriott International.

Get Ready to Smile for the TSA Cameras

Have you stepped up to airport security screening lately only to be asked to stand for a photo that will be deleted after the exchange? Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has started testing biometric technology—facial matching, digital identity and facial identification—to enhance security and efficiency and it seems to be getting the thumbs up.

U.S. Travel Association is advocating for the shift from what it calls “the bartender method” of visual comparison with an ID. The non-profit representing all sectors of the travel industry, recently surveyed travelers and found that four out of five support the use of biometric technology.

Nine in 10 said they would be “more likely” or “equally likely” to support biometric use if it reduced the typical time it takes to get through security, but they also cited stopping terrorism and human trafficking as well as making airports safer as the top two reasons for supporting biometrics—even above their own convenience.

Bonus Brief: Anniversary of Meeting in the Middle; Find Alternatives for Late Night Jersey Shuttles

construction workers operating machine

Oct. 29, 2024, will mark two significant anniversaries for the Holland Tunnel connecting two popular Northeast meeting destinations. It will be exactly 100 years since digging teams from Jersey City and Lower Manhattan met in the middle deep under the Hudson River and established the passage that thousands of motor vehicles now traverse each day. It’ll also mark exactly 12 years since the river attempted to reclaim the space, as storm surge from Superstorm Sandy sent 30 million gallons of water into the tunnel, flooding it with several feet of water.

“It’s a little eerie,” acknowledged Enrique Ramirez, the Holland Tunnel’s general manager.

Ramirez and his team are currently overhauling the tunnel’s critical components. Corrosive damage left by Sandy’s saltwater on the tunnels’ walls, electrical systems and pump rooms now necessitates closer inspections and replacement to prepare the crossing for whatever may come in its next 100 years.

A word of warning, however if you have groups in the area late at night. The work is resulting in overnight shutdowns on the New Jersey-bound tube. And if you are a history buff, the backstory, including the death of the chief engineer and namesake two days before the opening due to a “nervous breakdown.”

The invitation-only activation for CMOs during IMEX demonstrated the power of live events

How do you surprise and delight veteran marketing executives who have seen it all? A collaboration among Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, InVision Communications, Allegiant Stadium Private Events and IMEX Group set its collective sights on wowing the leaders tasked with impacting hearts and minds every day—and the result was a masterclass in making an impression. We talked to the forces behind the debut experience of Brand Experience Summit on the Monday of IMEX and came away with three lessons.

1. Focus on the Target Audience POV

Meeting professionals know that some of the best ideas happen between sessions. Angie Smith, CEO of InVision Communications, explained that the idea for Brand Experience Summit started at Event Marketing Summit in May when a hallway conversation around involving event planners’ bosses’ bosses gained traction as a way of expanding the conversation about the role of live events to the top of the marketing pipeline.

The guest list for this high-touch, personalized experience included 36 chief marketing officers and senior vice presidents, essentially heads of brand, along with executives leading large portfolios of experiential events—by definition, people who have seen it all when it comes to activations.

Debby Jacobs Felker, founder and president of It’s Buzzworthy, described how after getting the call from Ashley Hinsen, vice president of sales and private events at Allegiant Stadium, asking for a collaborative experience that called on uniquely Las Vegas elements to wow the people charged with wowing audiences, the first step was to go to the stadium and take it all in. “Ashley and I stood there in the middle of the field and envisioned all the elements, the surprise of coming back for dinner, the energy of the music and the dancers coming down from the suites with literal fanfare, all of the senses heightened when they aren’t expecting it,” she explained.

“What Vegas does so well is unique experiences with all the talent in town to instill emotion and I could tell by the looks on their faces and that they were filming it with their phones that we had succeeded,” she said.

But getting to that point required putting themselves in the footsteps of attendees and asking some fundamental questions. “What is someone going to remember? What senses do we evoke and when? Where’s the crescendo and where’s the next?” That’s the nuts and bolts of leaving an impression, regardless of budget, Hinsen advised.

Attendees were treated to a demonstration of how live events create brand advocate communities in a venue designed to excite rabid Las Vegas football fans. Who better to illustrate that message than Johnny Earle, founder and CEO of Johnny Cupcakes, a clothing brand and T-shirt bakery that has grown into a movement centered around the creative environment he created at his flagship store in Boston.

Dan Preiss, vice president, experiential marketing, Dell Technologies, pointed to the authenticity of their partnership with McLaren Racing. “As McLaren’s official technology partner, we help the team leverage our technology, which is critical in Formula 1, where every second matters.

“Having the ability to take this partnership and bring it to life with activations and custom experiences all over the world is something we’re quite proud of. In the end it’s truly about showcasing how ideas lead to innovation and giving our attendees the tools and motivation to take these experiences home with them and put them to use.”

Both examples inspired guests to feel like they were a part of something special.

“Sometimes we forget to talk about the true power of events to create brand loyalty because we are focusing on the logistics or the scores,” said Smith. “You have to take a step back and have other people talk about all the important things live events accomplish for a company.”

2. Make It VIP From Start to Finish

In a logistical feat of synchronizing busy schedules, attendees were driven onto the field at Allegiant Stadium in private SUVs. “It was essentially a stadium buyout for 35 people,” said Hinsen.

After a Champagne toast and opening remarks, each component of the afternoon moved to a different part of the stadium until guests were danced onto a completely transformed field for a big reveal of what felt like an intimate dinner in the middle of a space that holds 60,000 people on game days.

While guests were away taking part in progressive activations of numerous spaces, including the football and cheerleader locker rooms and an event space with a dramatic view of The Strip, a kitchen had been built on the field and tables placed on the 50-yard-line. Each moment built in intensity leading up to the grand finale. There, Silver & Black Hospitality in conjunction with local celebrity chef James Trees of Esther’s Kitchen awaited to explain the culinary mastery they were about to enjoy. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience with modern nods to the past that celebrated “new Vegas” even the most jaded executive would want to share.

“We thought ‘outside-the-stadium’ and gave each experience within the venue the opportunity for a real wow factor. The dinner on the 50 yard line was the ‘chef’s kiss’ to a day full of surprise and delight around every corner,” said Hinsen. She said the collaborative approach the team took to create a one-of-a-kind event is the way of the future for the stadium in creating experiences that people want to come back to.

“It was such a treat to be able to show off to this audience that a place like Allegiant Stadium can host an intimate private event and a concert for pink or a soccer game,” said Smith. “We made it about them and what they do and how they can open their eyes to what is possible and will advance your career. That is why they were willing to take time out of their schedules to trust that we would deliver,” she added.

3. Collaborate to Create Value

Raiders Locker Room

When creating something completely new from scratch, Rebecca DeLuca, vice president of destination sales with Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, suggested getting the best team possible together. In addition to Allegiant and InVision, IMEX Group was an important part of the coalition, linking the purpose of live events with the goals of heads of brand. “IMEX America is our Super Bowl of events and we need to elevate who is participating,” she said. That is why it had to happen on Smart Monday so the marketing leaders could go see the energy at Mandalay Bay Convention Center for themselves while they were in town.

The short timeframe required the team to revisit every detail in regular meetings and texts. “We are still all texting regularly even after it is over,” DeLuca said.

From here, DeLuca is eager to explore what intimate experience could be planned for next year to continue the conversation. “When you get these brilliant minds together, you see sparks fly,” she said.

The fire the group was trying to ignite was bigger than the number of people in attendance or even Las Vegas. “It was about elevating this incredible industry and career that we’ve all chosen,” Smith said.

Stephanie Byington

Stephanie Byington, Visit Seattle

Byington is appointed as Visit Seattle’s Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. She has spent her career leading several influential Seattle area brands, including TCS World Travel, Nordstrom and Starbucks. She also brings extensive experience in the travel and tourism space, with past roles such as vice president of marketing and product development as TCS World Travel. At Visit Seattle, she will oversee all marketing and brand development initiatives to promote tourism to the city across all segments, including meetings and conventions, leisure, transient and international markets.

Matt Mongoven

Matt Mongoven, Impact XM

Impact XM welcomes industry veteran Mongoven as senior vice president of client services. He brings over 20 years of experience developing business-driving strategies across all areas of the event marketing portfolio with Fortune 500 brands. Throughout his career, he has overseen teams across meeting logistics, event and AV productions and agency services and is a committed advocate in the events industry as a member of organizations such as MPI and CEMA at both the local and national levels.

Dana Cates

Dana Cates, Origin Hotel Atlanta

Origin Hotel Atlanta appoints Cates to its executive team as director of sales. She brings over 18 years of experience in the Atlanta market with previous positions at Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center, Hotel Colee, an Autograph Collection Hotel and Transformation Hospitality Solutions, and has received two district “Sales Manager of the Year” awards. She brings a results-driven leadership approach and strong experience in streamlining marketing tactics and developing customized strategies that align with market trends and enhance team performance.

Tiffany Irwin

Tiffany Irwin, Montage Big Sky

Irwin joins Montage Big Sky as director of sales and marketing. She brings over two decades of experience leading luxury hotel and resort brands, and will now oversee all aspects of sales, revenue management, marketing, public relations, meetings and events for the Montana property. She most recently worked with Auberge Resorts Collection as area director of sales for properties in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Deer Valley, Utah.

Parag Athavale

Parag Athavale, Sagamore Pendry Baltimore

Athavale takes on the role of general manager at Sagamore Pendry Baltimore. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise gained from over two decades in the hospitality industry and a reputation for gaining significant achievements while leading teams through challenging periods and enhancing guest satisfaction scores. He most recently served as hotel manager at Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf, and played a crucial role in the hotel’s opening, as well as led several innovative initiatives.

Lisa Anders

Lisa Anders, Explore Gwinnett

Explore Gwinnett promotes Anders to the role of chief operating officer (COO) from her prior position as executive director. She has worked with the DMO since 1996, and has built and maintained a track record to outstanding leadership and building and maintaining essential partnerships, including both the creation and oversight of the Gwinnett Film Commission and Gwinnett Creativity Fund. As COO, she will additionally oversee the Gwinnett Sports Commission.

Ylva Linder

Ylva Linder, IAAPA

IAAPA, the global organization for the attractions industry, appoints Linder as global director of sustainability. She holds an Executive MBA and a degree in chemical engineering alongside further qualifications in environmental management and leadership. She brings 25 years of experience in strategic and operational sustainability work, and in her new role, will champion a holistic approach to IAAPA’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) to drive the organization further in its sustainability agenda.

Andressa Gomes

Andressa Gomes, Discover Santa Clara

Gomes joins Discover Santa Clara as sales manager. She most recently served as sales and marketing manager at Visit Walnut Creek, where she developed and implemented a sales process that led to a 233% year-over-year increase in qualified leads sent to hotel partners, successfully managing 158 leads annually. In her new role, she will focus on the sale of citywide events, using the Santa Clara Convention Center Booking Strategy and will establish client lists of target businesses and events to meet and exceed economic impact goals and build venue and destination brand awareness.

Abigail Seanez

Abigail Seanez, Caption by Hyatt Nashville

Caption by Hyatt Nashville appoints Seanez as director of sales. She brings over eight years of expertise in sales, revenue management and leadership in the hospitality industry. In her most recent role as director of sales as Hotel Nashville Brentwood, she was responsible for meeting and exceeding revenue goals, managing key relationships and identifying new target markets.

Juliana Kline

Juliana Kline, Visit OKC

Visit Oklahoma City (Visit OKC) welcomes Kline as convention sales manager. She holds a bachelor’s degree in recreation, park and tourism sciences from Texas A & M University. Prior to taking on this role with Visit OKC, Kline held the role of senior sales manager at the Ambassador Hotel in Oklahoma City.

**Bespoke experiences to Wow attendees**

These new and renovated spaces have one critical element that brings meetings to the next level: character. Whether you send your attendees to gather among curated art and European-inspired design, to indulge in a lavish setting fit for royalty, or to relax and unwind lakeside, they’ll no doubt be impressed.

Artful Activations

Le Meridien Fort Worth Downtown guest room new and renovated — Guest suite living room, Le Méridien Fort Worth Downtown

For a meeting in spaces infused with European elegance, in the heart of a vibrant city, Le Méridien Fort Worth Downtown is waiting and at the ready.

Just opened, the 14-story boutique hotel puts forth a mid-century modern design. Curated art pieces and intricate touches of modern aesthetics and original elements call on the space’s origin as the Hotel Texas Annex. Art enthusiasts should know that the hotel will also participate in Le Méridien’s signature Unlock Art program, enabling guests to explore the local culture with complimentary access to Fort Worth art institutions. In addition, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points during their stay.

The hotel offers 188 guest rooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows featuring scenic views of downtown throughout the space. The nearly 5,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, including a ballroom and breakout rooms, include state-of-the-art tech and optimize natural light.

At the onsite restaurant, Bouvier Brasserie, visitors enjoy all-day dining on Parisian-inspired fare with a Texan twist. The rooftop lounge, available as an event space, is the perfect setting for enjoying cocktails and light bites alongside stunning views and weekly live music. Further amenities include valet parking, a fitness center and a rooftop pool on the sixth floor, which can also be booked for private events.

The Royal “We”

Admiral Hotel Lobby — Admiral Hotel, Lobby

The Admiral Hotel debuts a top-to-bottom renovation in Mobile, Alabama, infusing regal 17^th century inspired style into a modern-day luxury experience. The design pays homage to 17^th century French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville, who established Mobile. It epitomizes the elegant space Avocet Hospitality imagines d’Iberville would have built to honor his king.

Throughout all 156 guest rooms and public spaces, the hotel’s refreshed look incorporates local character into this design, with bright jewel tones of purple and gold to pay homage to the city’s French colonial and Mardi Gras heritage, walls adorned with mirrors and portraits for a space reminiscent of the Palace of Versailles and an upside-down oak tree chandelier nodding to the oak tree-lined Governor Street.

Onsite restaurant Le Moyne’s Chophouse features the type of decadent fare one would have found at the feasts of the French court, made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

The property offers six event spaces, between the North and South Gallery conference rooms, The Boardroom, The Study, a private dining room at Le Moyne’s and the divisible Crystal Ballroom.

Meet Well, Feel Even Better

Coachman Hotel Heavenly Room classroom setup for new and renovated — Coachman Hotel, Heavenly Room in classroom setup

South Lake Tahoe’s Coachman Hotel has completed a renovation of its 81 guest rooms and added an additional 21 new rooms and suites, alongside a relaxing wellness space and an expansion of its fitness facility as part of its multi-phased, full-scale property reimagination.

The location offers easy access to both the lakefront, at the private Lakeside Beach, and Heavenly Mountain’s adjacent ski resort. The full-scale renovation is grounded in its commitment to epitomize an elevated, active and holistic experience, and the property is ideal for serene, recreation-focused company retreats.

All 101 guest rooms maintain the modern minimalist mountain lodge aesthetic. Framed photography of the property’s natural surroundings stands out against a neutral color palette and accents like plywood furnishings, rich leather accents and handwoven wool rugs to create a feel of laid-back luxury.

The new suites offer numerous options to cater to the business traveler. Four Business Suites, feature built in work nooks and adaptable desks. The Three Bedroom Suite, which sleeps 11 and kitchenettes in select suites are just some of the available options, In March 2024, the property debuted an all-new 900-square-foot, tech-equipped meeting space, with landscaped patio seating, bringing the property’s total meeting space to 1,900 sq. ft. of flexible indoor and outdoor options.

The new 300-square-foot wellness room brings space for healing and relaxing massages, whether visitors have enjoyed their day lounging on the beach or adventuring on the slopes. The fitness facility now offers Peloton bikes, treadmills and free weights. The next phase of the renovation will open a new food and beverage outlet, slated for completion in 2025.

Industry trailblazer Julie Coker makes the move to serve as president and CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions

On the morning of Oct. 22, the NYC Tourism + Conventions Board of Directors announced it had selected Julie Coker to step in as the organization’s president and CEO. Beginning on Dec. 9, 2024, she will step into the top executive position at the official destination marketing organization (DMO) and convention and visitors bureau (CVB) for the five boroughs of New York City.

Rising Through the Ranks

Coker currently serves as president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA). Under her leadership, SDTA consistently ranked as one of the top-performing US destinations. In 2023, it ranked third in the nation in hotel occupancy, at 73.5%, and in the same year, group and convention business surpassed 2019 levels as the tourism industry generated $14.3 billion in visitor spending. During her time at SDTA, tourism jobs returned to pre-pandemic levels with more than 200,000 employed, and the retention rate among SDTA members held at 93%. SDTA’s sales and marketing programs delivered a $30 to $1 return on investment—the highest in the organization’s history.

“Leading the San Diego Tourism Authority has been an incredible journey, and I’m immensely proud of what our team has accomplished,” said Coker in a note on SDTA letterhead. “Together with our Board of Directors, members and the local tourism community, we successfully navigated the challenges of the pandemic and have driven San Diego’s tourism recovery. This resilience and collaborative spirit have laid a strong foundation for my new chapter with New York City Tourism + Conventions. I’m eager to bring my passion for the tourism industry to New York City and look forward to building upon the remarkable work of the talented team in place, further enhancing the global appeal of one of the world’s most iconic cities.”

Read More: The Power of Meetings

Prior to her role at SDTA, Coker served as president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) during pivotal moments for the city’s travel and tourism markets, including the 2017 NFL Draft and the 2016 Democratic National Convention, which together brought an economic impact of $325 million. She earlier held the role of PHLCVB’s executive vice president, convention division. Before joining PHLCVB, she spent over two decades with Hyatt, where she rose through the ranks, from an assistant front office manager to a general manager.

Service and Beyond

Earlier in her career, from January 2018 to 2020, Coker served as co-chair for the U.S. Travel Association’s Meetings Mean Business Coalition, as well as secretary-treasurer for International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Executive Committee. From 2016 to 2019, she co-chaired the Shared Spaces Initiative, a public-private work group that works to combat homelessness, with Philadelphia’s mayor.

In January 2023, Coker was appointed to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, where she served with 31 other leaders from the domestic travel and tourism industry to advice the Secretary of Commerce on travel priorities. In addition, she serves on the executive boards of the U.S. Travel Association and Visit California. In addition, she serves as a board member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, the San Diego Lodging Association and Sharp Health Care.

A Celebrated Professional

Coker is the recipient of numerous awards, including Smart Meetings’ very own Smart Woman in Meetings All-Time Hall of Fame, which she was inducted into in 2023.

In both 2012 and 2019, Coker was named among Philadelphia Business Journal’s Women of Distinction Honorees. She was honored as the 2017 United Negro College Fund Mayor’s Ball Honoree for Civic Leadership and, in the same year, named by Network Journal one of the 25 Most Influential Black Women in Business. In 2021, she was once again honored, this time as a Phenomenal Woman in Business in the San Diego Union-Tribune’s Phenomenal Woman series. In 2023, she was honored with the Fearless Award from the San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce.

“Julie is an extraordinary and highly respected leader in the travel industry on a national basis,” said Mark Hoplamazian, president and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation. “Through her work in Philadelphia and San Diego, along with multi-constituent experience across municipal, state and federal entities, as well as industry organizations like USTA and TTAB, she is an exceptional choice as the new leader for NYC Tourism + Conventions. As someone who used to work with Julie and has known her for many years, I can say that NYC Tourism + Conventions is fortunate to have her advocating for the tourism economy and its many stakeholders. Her values and people skills will carry New York to higher heights of visitation and engagement.”

Coker steps into this new role as New York City expects major growth in the coming years. On pace to attract nearly 65 million visitors in 2024 and anticipating over 68 million in 2025—surpassing pre-pandemic levels—the city is preparing to host numerous world-class events, including America250 and the FIFA World Cup in 2026.