bowlmor-upscale-bowling-lanes

Hit the Lanes, Raise a Glass, and Celebrate in Style This Holiday Season

Looking to strike the perfect balance between posh style and informal fun at this year’s holiday party? Finding the perfect “high/low” event destination (one that’s high on engagement, low on formality), isn’t as hard as you might think—especially when you host your office’s annual celebration at Bowlmor and Bowlero. These venues feature the perfect combination of high-end service, imaginative fare, and casual fun that can transform your otherwise ordinary party into a strikingly different (and totally entertaining) holiday event. Discover why these super-cool bowling alleys have quickly become America’s premier destinations for office holiday party fun.

Upscale Lanes. What exactly makes a bowling lane upscale? Plush laneside loungers, pins awash in hypnotic black light, and massive video walls playing everything from music videos to live sports to classic movies (and vintage bowling “how to’s”). Add premium laneside food & beverage service, and you’ve got everything you need for one seriously stylish bowling experience.

bowlmor-interactive-arcades

Interactive Arcades. Video games are definitely not just for kids—and the benefit of bringing your parties to a place like Bowlmor or Bowlero is that your guests can choose from a ton of interactive titles. Whether you want to play a life-size game of Connect Four, drift your ride along the streets of Downtown Tokyo, hunt the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park, or battle Imperial Tie-Fighters, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect collection of arcade games.

bowlmor-food-beverage

Outrageous Eats. When you plan an event at Bowlmor or Bowlero, your guests will have to prepare their taste buds for the shockingly delicious party menus that await them. Our 5-lb Behemoth Burger, 2-foot-long Mega Dogs, S’Mores Skillet, and Party Pretzel are the perfect laneside companions! And, with plenty of premium drink packages, you can be confident that everyone will be in good spirits at all the holiday celebrations you plan this year.

Ready to Roll? Book your party by 11/15 and get a FREE Bar Upgrade for your event (just use promo code: HOLIDAYXTRA16).

dongdaemun-design-plaza

Smart Meetings will be in Seoul from Nov. 21 to Nov. 26, visiting historic and modern hotels, venues and attractions. Seoul is one of the hottest meetings destinations on the planet, and you’ll understand why by following our regular posts here, ranging from a tour of Gwangjang Market, the first market in South Korea, to the neofuturistic Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

You can also follow Smart Meetings Chief Copy Editor Dan Johnson’s live updates on Twitter at @SmartMtgsDan.

Last Updated November 23, 2016 – 3:57 AM

tips for planning a holiday party

One of the most enjoyable parts of my role as corporate sales manager at The Abbey Resort on Geneva Lake in Fontana, Wisconsin, is collaborating with groups to plan their holiday events. Through my work, I’ve learned what makes─and what can break─ corporate holiday parties.

I’ve put together a list of seven tips sure to help make holiday parties successful and full of cheer:

Keep It Moving

When planning your party room setup, opt for high-boy tables instead of rounds and chairs to encourage conversation. The limited physical space between those gathered at smaller tables promotes introductions. Additionally, consider food stations or passing heavy hors d’oeuvres instead of a sit-down meal. Not only can this save some money, depending on your selections, but it encourages conversation to flow between a variety of guests rather than the few each would otherwise be assigned to sit with at a round of eight.

Location is Everything

Encourage additional movement throughout the room by setting the various food and beverage stations in different locations. As guests refresh their drinks or sample additional food, the natural movement created by this setup give holiday parties a vibrant and cheery atmosphere that guest will want to stay and enjoy.

Get Them Talking

Place festive conversation starters on tables to encourage mingling in a way that will help break the ice without feeling too forced. For example, simple questions such as “What was your favorite holiday gift received as a child?” or even “Fruit cake─love it or regift it?” will help the newly acquainted find common ground to talk about.

Encourage Holiday Cheer

Consider offering a festive activity, rather than just the typical food, drink and comments. For example, at The Abbey we offer team-building activities to help kick events off with energy and enthusiasm, such as a tree decorating contest that is always a hit around the holidays. Other fun activities might be a white elephant gift exchange, Christmas carol karaoke or a craft station where guests can decorate their own ornament.

Give Back

Many companies and organizations do some sort of philanthropic effort around the holidays, such collecting food for a local pantry, buying gifts for underprivileged children, or filling care packages for military personnel. Consider making the effort a friendly and healthy competition between departments and announce the winner at your party where everyone can celebrate the success of the joint effort.

Think Big!

Even if your holiday party budget is limited, don’t shy away from bigger venues. Larger hotels and resorts are often better equipped to accommodate small events than are smaller venues. For example, while we can accommodate groups of more than 400 guests at The Abbey, we also regularly host groups of less than 10. With a large staff, more resources and a variety of event spaces available, such as restaurants and lounge areas, large venues are able to accommodate groups of all sizes, and often on short notice.

Never Hurts to Ask

Just because you don’t see something on the event planning guides and menus, or conversely if you see a requirement such as a two-week planning notice required, don’t be afraid to contact the venue and ask if alternative arrangements can be made.

Even if you are hoping to host a holiday party for your business or group, but never found time to organize it, it’s not too late! Now is a great time to take advantage of big savings by looking at off-peak dates such as midweek or in the new year.

Janine Osborne is corporate sales manager for The Abbey Resort and Avani Spa. She collaborates with businesses of all sizes on meetings and events, ensuring objectives are met and programs are executed with ease.

smart-meetings-platinum-choice-awards-2016

Distinguished hotels and CVBs earn coveted recognition from Smart Meetings

After much voting and decision-making, the 13th annual Platinum Choice Award winners have been selected by Smart Meetings magazine, the meeting industry’s premier resource for meeting professionals. This highly esteemed award salutes excellence in service and amenities among meeting hotels and resorts in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. An additional category acknowledges outstanding service by destination marketing companies and CVBs from across North America.

Since there are thousands of qualified properties and associations, selecting the top tier winners is no easy task. Recipients of the award have demonstrated exemplary standards of excellence ranging from ambience, amenities, breadth of resources, facility quality, guest services, meeting space and packages, recreational activities, restaurant and dining options, and technical support. Votes are cast by industry professionals, the Smart Meetings editorial team and Smart Meetings readers.

“Over the years, our list of winners has become a crucial resource for many meeting planners,” says Marin Bright, founder and CEO of Smart Meetings. “The Platinum Choice awards really identify who’s who in today’s hospitality industry. I’m thrilled about our list of winners, and I hope you use this roster when selecting your meeting destinations for the coming year—they certainly have earned your business.”

The new honorees will be celebrated in the December 2016 issue of Smart Meetings magazine. Those winners are as follows:

HOTELS/VENUES

           CVBS              

Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs
Allegretto Vineyard Resort
Aria Resort & Casino
Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa Reno
Atlantis Paradise Island
Austin Convention Center
Barcelo Maya Beach
Belmond Charleston Place
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Bowlmor/Bowlero
Caesars Palace
Cape Rey Carlsbad, A Hilton Resort
Chaminade Resort & Spa
Conrad New York
Dave & Buster’s
Eldorado Hotel & Spa
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Fountaingrove Inn & Conference Center
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco
Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado
Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead
Grand Hyatt Denver
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Grand Summit Hotel
Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Hershey Resorts
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort
Hotel del Coronado
Hotel Irvine
Hotel Teatro
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Hyatt Regency Orlando
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa At Gainey Ranch
Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso
InterContinental New York Barclay
InterContinental The Clement Monterey
JW Marriott Austin
JW Marriott Marquis Miami
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
Keystone Resort & Conference Center
La Fonda On the Plaza
La Posada De Santa Fe, A Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa
La Quinta Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Langham Place, New York
Lansdowne Resort and Spa
Loews Chicago Downtown Hotel
Loews Don CeSar Hotel
Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando
LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
Marina Inn at Grande Dunes
MGM Grand Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
Mohegan Sun
MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa
Naples Grande Beach Resort
Nizuc Resort & Spa
Nobu Hotel Eden Roc
Orange County Convention Center
Palm Springs Convention Center
Paradisus Punta Cana Resort
Peppermill Resort Spa Casino
PGA National Resort & Spa
Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago
Resorts Casino Hotel
Reunion, A Salamander Golf & Spa Resort
Rosen Shingle Creek
Salamander Resort & Spa
Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
Sea Island Resort
Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center
Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta
Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
Sheraton Grand Los Angeles Hotel
Sheraton Grand Phoenix
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
Sheraton Sand Key Resort
Silverado Resort and Spa
Skamania Lodge, A Destination Hotel
South Seas Island Resort
Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa
Streamsong Resort
Sun Valley Resort
Talking Stick Resort
The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort
The Biltmore Miami, Coral Gables
The Broadmoor Colorado Springs
The Coeur d’Alene Resort
The Diplomat Beach Resort
The Gideon Putnam
The Kahala Hotel & Resort
The Langham Hotel, Boston
The Meritage Resort & Spa
The Mirage
The Modern Honolulu
The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club
The Resort at Pedregal
The San Luis Resort Spa & Conference Center
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
The Tropicana Casino & Resort Atlantic City
The Umstead Hotel and Spa
The Venetian Las Vegas
The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village
The Westin Denver International Airport Hotel
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain
The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort
Tropicana Las Vegas, a Doubletree by Hilton Hotel
Trump National Doral Miami
Tulalip Resort Casino
Turnberry Isle Miami
Universal Orlando Resort
Villas of Grand Cypress Orlando
Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin Resort
Wynn Las Vegas and Encore Resort 		Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau
Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau
Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau
Colonial Williamsburg
Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau
Convention Visitors Bureau Riviera Nayarit Mexico
Destination DC
Diablo Valley Tourism Business Improvement District
Discover Newport
Discover The Palm Beaches
Explore St. Louis
Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau
Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau
Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau
Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau
Hampton Convention & Visitors Bureau
Hilton Head Island-Blufton Chamber of Commerce (SC)
Irving Convention & Visitors Bureau
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau
Long Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau
Meet Hawaii
Mexico Tourism Board
Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau
New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau
North Lake Tahoe Visitors & Convention Bureau
NYC & Company
Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau
Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board
San Francisco Travel Association
Sonoma County Tourism
Team San Jose
Tourism Australia
Tourism Victoria
Tourism Whistler
Tourisme Montreal
Travel Portland
Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau
Visit Alexandria
Visit Anaheim
Visit Billings
Visit Charlotte
Visit Denver
Visit Greenville SC
Visit Huntington Beach–Surf City USA
Visit Jacksonville
Visit KC
Visit Oakland
Visit Orlando
Visit Phoenix
Visit Raleigh
Visit Rochester
Visit Sacramento
Visit San Antonio
Visit Savannah
Visit Seattle
Visit Wichita

sharing-economy-for-business-travel

Sharing economy services such as Airbnb and Uber have recently been making a push to attract more business travelers. According to a new study from International SOS, a leading medical and travel security services firm, their efforts are paying off.

In 2016, 27 percent of international business travelers surveyed used ride-sharing services such as Uber, and nearly half expect to increase their usage. Twenty-two percent plan to increase their usage of home-sharing services such as Airbnb.

As the sharing economy becomes more prominent among business travelers, and millennials in particular, it is important for organizations to design and implement clear policies for using Uber and Airbnb. International SOS found that more than 70 percent of companies lack such procedures, leaving many employees unsure of whether or not they’re allowed to use them.

Although these services can offer cost savings, convenience and increased options for business travelers, organizations should consider the unique risks, benefits and legal considerations of these services in comparison with traditional hotel and resort accommodations.

Here are some best practices for companies and business travelers using the sharing economy for business travel.

Make sure these services are legal at your destination.
As the sharing economy has become more popular, local governments have struggled to find the best ways to regulate these services. In some locations, Airbnb and Uber are battling lawsuits and new regulations in an effort to maintain legality. San Francisco and New York City are two major markets that have recently passed laws restricting the use of Airbnb. Boston officials recently considered—but ultimately did not pass—a bill banning Uber pickups at Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

Consider your customer service, support and amenity needs.
In most cases, Airbnb accommodations will not have the same services and amenities hotels can offer. A multilingual concierge, medical assistance from trained staff and amenities such as late check-in, room service and an onsite fitness center and spa are unlikely to be available at an Airbnb property.

Keep in mind vetting processes and standards for staff.
The staff at a top hotel and drivers from a trusted car service have been formally vetted through background checks and interviews. Although sharing economy organizations also screen their applicants and let customers rate and review service providers, recent reports of Uber drivers assaulting passengers has called into question the rigor of the screening process.

Research the unique safety risks of your destination.
In some high-risk locations, travelers may prefer the infrastructure, security protocols, technology and support that hotels and regulated car services offer. Hotels and car services have security teams and emergency response systems that most home-shares will be unable to provide. Not all cities require such a high level of security, so travelers should carefully consider the situation in each destination.

 

mayflower-exterior_fullMayflower Hotel, Washington, DC

Back on Oct. 16, 1941, travel industry visionaries gathered at Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC, to organize a movement that is celebrating its 75th birthday this week during the annual fall board meeting for U.S. Travel Association.

Just as U.S. Travel stood up for the benefits of the mega industry during the most recent recession, the organization began as National Association of Travel Officials (NATO) to serve as an advocacy arm when most of the world was experiencing travel anxiety due to World War II.  Advocacy for the travel industry was its prime motivation 75 years ago and it’s still a driving force today.

“This celebration is a look back at the remarkable work we have done to protect and promote travel—and a reminder of all we must continue to do to keep travelers moving to and within our country,” “night we will mark more than an anniversary of our industry’s voice in Washington,” says Roger Dow, president and CEO of U.S. Travel Association. “Our association was founded in the face of adversity, and we have weathered many storms in our 75 years of existence, but we have survived and thrived in even the most challenging of circumstances.”

Dow says U.S. Travel is committed to working with the Trump administration and the new Congress on policies that will keep travelers moving, and keep the United States an attractive and welcoming destination.

In addition to the 75th birthday party, the fall board meeting featured a ceremony for the next class of the U.S. Travel Hall of Leaders. New inductees are Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California, and Chris Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton Worldwide and incumbent chairman of U.S. Travel’s CEO Roundtable.

U.S. Travel Association
Milestones from 1941 to 2016

Oct. 16, 1941: Industry visionaries forge national association to represent travel industry’s total scope in a meeting at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC. It is called the National Association of Travel Officials (NATO).

1945: “Victory Vacation Year” promoted by nascent travel industry to restore domestic vacation travel following World War II. It is the first industry-wide domestic travel promotion.

1950: NATO headquarter office established in Washington, DC and its first paid staff is hired.

1951: Organization’s name revised to National Association of Travel Organizations.

1958: Proclamation by President Dwight D. Eisenhower declares 1960 the “Visit the U.S.A.” year, encouraging foreign nationals (and Americans) to visit the United States.

1961: International Travel Act passed by Congress and signed by President John F. Kennedy, creating United States Travel Service (now the National Travel and Tourism Office), a new agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce.

1963: Association responds to President Kennedy’s call to “See the U.S.A.” by establishing a broad industry campaign.

1965: Discover America, Inc. forms to develop a private-sector marketing program after Congress and President Lyndon B. Johnson urge Americans to see America.

1967: President Johnson appoints a Cabinet Task Force on Travel.

1969: NATO and Discover America merge, becoming Discover America Travel Organizations (DATO).

1969: First “Discover America International Pow Wow” (now IPW) held at Commodore Hotel in New York City.

1969: Association establishes a National Council of State Travel (now Tourism) Directors (NCSTD).

1972: U.S. Travel Data Center created to develop credible research data on the U.S. travel industry. (The Data Center merges into U.S. Travel in 1995.)

1976: Association establishes a National Council of Area and Regional Travel Organizations; the National Council of Urban Tourism Organizations; and the National Council of Travel Attractions.

1979/1980: U.S. Senate and House of Representatives establish tourism caucuses

1980: Organization’s name is changed to Travel Industry Association of America (TIA).

1981: National Tourism Policy Act passed by Congress and signed by President Ronald Reagan.

1982: Association establishes a Travel and Tourism Government Affairs Council.

1984: President Ronald Reagan signs proclamation establishing “National Tourism Week.”

1984: First ESTO conference held, in Lawrence, Kansas.

1985: Association establishes USA Marketing Council following work by a committee that created a marketing plan for the federal government to increase America’s share of international visitors.

1986: Association’s National Tourism Awareness Council established.

1995: President William J. Clinton holds first-ever White House Conference on Travel and Tourism, attended by 1,700 industry leaders from all U.S. states and territories.

2000: Association opens offices in London, Tokyo and Sao Paulo and launches SeeAmerica brand and SeeAmerica campaign as elements of a strategic plan to promote increased travel to U.S. from Europe, Asia, Latin America.

2002: President George W. Bush lends support to restoring travel following September 11th by appearing in public service television campaign airing in the U.S. and abroad.

2006: Industry business leaders form the Discover America Partnership to facilitate increased travel to U.S. from overseas by improving visa and entry system, creating a global marketing program.

2006: First Travel Leadership Summit (now Destination Capitol Hill) held to convene travel industry advocates with lawmakers.

2009: The U.S. Travel Association is formed when the Travel Business Roundtable, TIA and Discover America Partnership become a single organization to best represent the domestic and international issues affecting the U.S. travel community.

2009: U.S. Travel leads corporate travel executives to White House for a meeting with President Barack Obama.

2010: President Obama signs the bipartisan Travel Promotion Act, creating Brand USA.

2012: White House releases National Travel and Tourism Strategy, setting a goal of drawing 100 million international visitors by 2021.

2013: Association launches Project: Time Off to promote the value of time and win back America’s Lost Week.

2014: President Obama meets with travel executives at White House and signs a Presidential Memorandum to help welcome more international visitors to the U.S.

2014: Congress reauthorizes Brand USA through 2020.

2015: Congress passes FAST Act, a long-term surface transportation package with U.S. Travel-backed provisions that ensure travel leader engagement in critical transportation planning.

2015: Association defends and protects U.S. Visa Waiver Program from policies that would undermine its security measures and hinder international travel to U.S. Legislation enacted to strengthen and enhance the program.

Nov. 16, 2016: U.S. Travel salutes its 75th anniversary at Hall of Leaders Dinner in Washington, DC.

air-new-zealand best airlines in the worldAir New Zealand Premium Economy Spaceseat

We all know flying can be stressful. Long hours on a cramped aircraft with uncomfortable seats, mediocre food, lackluster entertainment options and substandard service can be a deterrent for many travelers. Luckily, there are a few airlines that make it a pleasure, rather than a chore, to fly.

Airlineratings.com has announced its top ten airlines for 2017 as well as the winners of the Airline Excellence Awards, which recognize the top carriers in categories such as Best Business Class, Best Catering and Best Lounges. The ratings are based on a combination of factors, including service, innovation and staff engagement.

The award for Best First Class went to Etihad Airways, which won for the third consecutive year. In a surprise win, Virgin Australia took the trophy for Best Business Class with its new “The Business” suite, which the ratings site calls “more first class than business class.” Best Economy Class went to Singapore Airlines.

Number one on the top ten rankings is Air New Zealand, which Airlineratings.com also named Airline of the Year for the fourth year in a row. The carrier was lauded for its modern fleet and industry-leading focus on environmentally friendly practices. Geoffrey Thomas, editor-in-chief of Airlineratings.com, said, “In our objective analysis Air New Zealand came out number one in virtually all of our audit criteria, which is an exceptional performance.”

The runner-up is Australia’s Qantas, which jumped from 4th to 2nd in this year’s rankings. Qantas has made a notable turnaround; according to the ratings site, its customer approval rating is currently at an all-time high. Rounding out the top three is Singapore Airlines, which has long been known for its excellent service. Over the past year, the airline has debuted impressive new premium economy and business class sections.

World’s Top 10 Airlines

1. Air New Zealand
2. Qantas
3. Singapore Airlines
4. Cathay Pacific Airways
5. Virgin Australia and Virgin Atlantic
6. British Airways
7. Etihad Airways
8. All Nippon Airways
9. EVA Air
10. Lufthansa

Airline Excellence Awards

 Airline of the Year  Air New Zealand
 Best First Class  Etihad Airways
 Best Business Class Virgin Australia
 Best Premium Economy  Air New Zealand
 Best Economy  Singapore Airlines
 Best Cabin Crew  Virgin Australia, Virgin Atlantic and Virgin America
 Best Catering  Qantas
 Best Lounges  Qantas
 Best In-Flight Entertainment  Emirates
 Best Low-Cost Airline  Virgin America, Scoot, Kulula.com and Norwegian

For a complete list of winners, click here.

american-airlines-automated-TSA-checkpointsAmerican Airlines automated screening lane

After a nationwide crisis of extra-long security lines due to undermanned security checkpoints,  American Airlines and United Airlines have opened innovative automated screening lanes at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago to expedite airport security processes. The update comes just in time for Thanksgiving weekend, one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

On Nov. 14, American Airlines announced the launch of two automated screening lanes inside Terminal 3 at Chicago O’Hare. American funded the new checkpoints and has partnered with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to operate them. The airline estimates that these lanes reduce traveler screening time by 30 percent.

These lanes use automated belts to move luggage into X-ray machines and return empty bins after screening is complete. Bags that have been flagged can easily be directed to a separate area without holding up the line. The bins used in these screening lanes incorporate RFID technology to better track items as they move through the screening system. Cameras also take photos of the exterior of each bag, and the computer links these with the corresponding X-ray images.

On the same day, United Airlines announced the opening of its own automated screening lanes at the redesigned TSA Precheck security checkpoint in Terminal 1 at Chicago O’Hare. United’s three new security lanes allow up to five travelers to fill bins at a time, helping the line move faster. Similar to American’s automated conveyer system, United uses a parallel conveyer system that returns empty bins to the front of the queue.

“Earlier this year, wait times at TSA checkpoints escalated to an unacceptable 104 minutes,” said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “Working together with our federal and airline partners, we resolved this crisis and today have average wait times that are among the shortest of major airports in the country.”

Both United and American are implementing similarly innovative screening lanes in other major airports across the United States. United is currently working on building and redesigning checkpoints at Newark Liberty International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and others. In early 2017, American plans to debut new automated checkpoints at several hubs, including Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport.

American is also partnering with the TSA to test the viability of using computed tomography (CT) scanners in airport security checkpoints at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. 3D CT technology could significantly reduce screening time by allowing passengers to leave liquids, gels, aerosols and laptops in their carry-on bags.

food-and-beverage-trends-for-2017

Food and beverage is one of the most important variables in meeting and event planning. Delicious, thoughtfully prepared cuisine can leave a long-lasting, positive impression on your attendees, while a poorly executed meal might literally send them home with a bad taste in their mouth.

Explore 2017 Hospitality Trends in our FREE Webinar – Earn CEU Credits

Planners looking to impress hungry attendees should stay updated on the latest culinary trends. Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants’ 2017 Culinary & Cocktails Trend Forecast surveyed chefs, sommeliers, bartenders and other food influencers from more than 70 Kimpton restaurants, bars and lounges across the United States to uncover the food and beverage innovations groups will be craving in the coming year.

2017-food-and-beverage-trends-infographic

6 Inventive Food Trends

1. Creative twists on beloved childhood desserts will please adults looking for culinary nostalgia. Expect boozy berry sundaes and grown-up versions of push-up ice creams to make an appearance.
2. In 2017, chefs will likely go wild in the kitchen, thanks to the growing popularity of elk, venison, bison, ostrich and other lean-meat alternatives.
3. Chefs are increasingly going from head to tail, using the whole animal to create innovative, flavor-packed dishes. Don’t be surprised to see options ranging from bone marrow to chicken skin, to pork neck on the menu.
4. Restaurants are not only making the most of the whole animal—they’re also getting in on the root-to-leaf movement, which lends itself to surprising creations including carrot top pesto.
5. The regional cuisine of the Mediterranean is expected to be trending next year, leading to a burst of Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as hummus with braised chickpeas and Moroccan spiced lamb chops.
6. Cardamom, cumin and turmeric will help spice up any dish that needs a kick.

5 Experimental Cocktail Trends

1. One of the hottest trends in cocktails is fat-washing alcohol by adding a liquid fat such as melted butter or bacon grease to infuse the spirit with savory flavor. Fat-washing with alternative fats, including milk, coconut and peanut butter, is on the rise.
2. In 2017, interesting new food and beverage pairings, from oysters and gin to sherry and fries, will emerge to compete with wine and cheese.
3. Cocktails with a culinary twist are predicted to be a hit at events, thanks to unique ingredients with innovative cooking methods, including roasted grapes, smoked tomato water and even pickling brine.
4. Bartenders are incorporating fermented beverages ranging from Kombucha to kefir into creative cocktail creations such as a cranberry and tangerine Kombucha cocktail.
5. Mezcal, serrano chili syrup and other ingredients and flavors associated with South American cuisine will be featured prominently in cocktails.

wanda-reign-on-the-bund seven star shanghai hotel

A new $516 million “seven star” hotel in Shanghai has become the destination of choice for many of China’s elite.

Wanda Reign on the Bund, which opened in June, joining The Peninsula Shanghai, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund and many other high-end hotels on the Bund waterfront of the Huangpu River.

The new hotel is the 51st property of the Wanda Hotels & Resorts Group, which is part of Dalian Wanda Group, a Chinese multinational conglomerate corporation and the world’s biggest private property developer and owner. It offers 193 guest rooms, including 14 uniquely designed units, as well as a 4,047-square-foot meeting room and a 7,750-square-foot grand ballroom.

Wanda Reign bills itself as a seven-star property, but Christie Chen, director of marketing and communication, says that internally, staff thinks of it as a five-star hotel, generally regarded as the top ranking.

Wang Sicong, the 28-year-old son of Wang Jianlin—China’s wealthiest man and the founder of Dalian Wanda Group—is considered by many as the brainchild behind the Shanghai property. He’s known for his flamboyant lifestyle, and this is reflected throughout the hotel, including luxury vehicles available to guests starting at $110 per trip and the popular bar, which is stocked with bottles of Chateau Lafite and Louis XIV cigars.

The lobby features Art Deco-inspired jade inlaid floors, 33-foot-tall marble columns and a wall-sized abstract painting of Shanghai by renowned artist Shi Qi.

Staff uniforms were designed by Laurence Xu, the first Chinese designer to show at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week. He created liveries using fine Chinese silk and other traditional Chinese motifs.

Until recently, such luxurious hotel features mainly have been offered to please wealthy, generally older clients and groups in China. But partly due to Wang Sicong’s influence, Wanda Reign on the Bund has become a favorite of the rapidly increasing number of well-heeled young adults.