Risk mitigation and crisis management have always been pressing topics in meeting planning, but as our world evolves, the types of risks planners prepare for evolve in turn. In partnership with Destinations International, Smart Meetings is asking you to share your perspective on the top factors you consider in your risk mitigation and crisis management plans today.
The deadline is Oct. 28 and survey-takers will be entered to win an exclusive 2025 Tour T-shirt.
While walking the aisles of IMEX America 2024 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center this month, we caught sight of a number of Smart Meetings Catalyst Award winners. We asked these leaders, who’ve also been featured on Smart Meetings covers, to catch us up on what is happening in their lives and how they are supporting meeting professionals.
Since Messina was named a 2022 Fusion Catalyst Award Winner, she has moved from her role as Chief Sales Officer with Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to the same role at Visit Orlando.
She shared that Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) recently announced it generates approximately $3.9 billion—including direct, indirect and induced impacts—annually in economic impact for the Central Florida economy, according to a new study by PFM Group Consulting. OCCC has averaged nearly 200 events in recent years, attracting an estimated 1.5 million attendees to the market on an annual basis.
The center also continues to move forward with enhancements to the North-South Building which will include an additional 60,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and an 80,000-square-foot ballroom, along with a new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
Also on the horizon for the coming year in The City Beautiful:
When we talked to Caesars Entertainment Chief Sales Officer Mike Massari for our cover story in 2018, he was preparing to welcome the 550,000-square-foot Caesars Forum conference center to Vegas. We all know what happened to the meetings industry that year, but even during the breather, Caesars went on to host the industry’s major conventions, MPI World Education Congress 2021 and PCMA Convening Leaders 2021, in addition to ConferenceDirect, HelmsBriscoe and Experion. The sustainable, tech-forward building has been a hive of activity and has been tapped to host:
Learn More: Lessons from Leaders with Mike Massari
When asked how Caesars impacts attendees and communities where they operate, which was the theme for IMEX America 2024, Massari was circumspect. “It’s about being good stewards of the environment. It’s about wellness incorporated into meetings and events so that attendees can really have a well-rounded, full experience when they’re there. We lean into those things because our customers have these as values and they want to work with partners that have those as values as well.”
When we got to know Omni Hotels & Resorts Chief Sales Officer Dan Surette better in 2023, the company had just cut the ribbon on 500-guest-room Omni PGA Frisco Resort in Texas with 127,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and two 18-hole championship golf courses.
“PGA has been amazing,” he said. “It’s got some really unique features, including the Dance Floor, a two-acre putting green, and The Swint, a short course that’s quick and easy. Both work well for groups that don’t want to play the two championship courses. It’s part of the entertainment district with an icehouse, barbecue and retail.”
Read More: New Golf -adjacent Venues Emerge
Now the excitement is around Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, a new 801-guest-room hotel with 120,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and ocean views set to open with a connection to expanded Broward County Convention Center in Fall 2025. “This expansion puts Broward County on the map for larger convention programs,” said Surette. This project will mark the first time Omni has been in Southern Florida in 25 years. Like all Omni properties, it will feature only-in-Lauderdale touches that lend a sense of place to the stay. In fact, 20% of the brand’s 50 hotels from Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California, to Omni Parker House in Boston have been updated this year as part of a $1.5 billion investment to ensure an elevated identity. That was paired with an investment in training new and rehired staff post-Covid as part of a Power of Engagement initiative.
Surette stressed that one of the core pillars of Omni is local market leadership. The company partnered with Feeding America in 2016, donating a meal for every stay. That has added up to 27 million meals in eight years. The company also facilitates opportunities for groups and their attendees to support.
When Hurricane Helene hit Ashville, North Carolina, Omni Circle Plan made it easy for associates to donate $15,000 to help victims in and around The Omni Grove Park Inn.
Hawai’i is at a crossroads. It needs tourism, including groups, but its residents—especially but not only Native Hawaiians—have been increasingly upset about overtourism and degradation of the state’s fragile environment and treasured cultural sites. The aftermath of the tragic West Maui wildfire only sharpened divides. What to do?
Hawai’i Tourism Authority (HTA) has a new answer for bridging these divides and building trust: Qurator, a certification program for the widest possible swath of visitor-facing businesses that was developed with input from more than 100 diverse voices, on and off the islands—ranging from the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, Honolulu Police Department and hotel union Unite Here to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, LGBTQIA+ Travel Alliance and Humane Society of Hawai’i. DMO counterparts like Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism in Wyoming and Queensland Tourism in Australia were also consulted.
A 24-member advisory committee of representatives from the visitor industry, business associations, government and nonprofits provided guidance during the program’s gestation, as well.
Learn More: Hawai’i Is Open for Business
“Qurator isn’t just a stamp of approval,” explained Mufi Hannemann, HTA board chair, in a press release announcing the launch. “It speaks to a set of brand values for the Hawaiian Islands, that we care deeply about our land, our people, our culture and our guests. It’s a recognition of the interdependent relationship between businesses, visitors and our broader local community.”
Under a pilot program begun in May, 13 businesses—three airlines, one hotel, one restaurant, six tour operators and two attractions—were first to be certified. That number has already more than doubled since.
To achieve Qurator recognition, businesses can be evaluated in as many as six categories: Environment, Cultural Support, Equity, Safety, Community and Guest Experience. Across all of these, three tiers of overall certification can be awarded, starting with “Qurator Certified,” moving up to “Qurator Honored” and finally to “Qurator Elite.”
Among the most recent to receive Elite certification is SCP Hilo, a 128-room property with meeting space for up to 40 attendees, on the Island of Hawai’i. It was cited for being a hub of community engagement and cultural exchange, and for its Every Stay Does Good program, in which each stay at the hotel helps to remove trash from local beaches through its partnership with Hawai’i Wildlife Fund.
Read More: Event Certifications: Smart Head-Start
The certification process begins with self-evaluations by applicants, which are validated by an independent third party for “truthfulness and accuracy.” Qurator designations must be renewed yearly.
HTA says each Qurator survey is specifically tailored to the size, situation, and type of the applying business and contains 150-225 questions selected out of the 300 total criteria within the Qurator universe. Businesses may participate and be recognized in as few or as many categories as they wish.
All this makes Qurator “the broadest-encompassing visitor industry mark of quality in the world,” says HTA.
For one thing, all businesses in the visitor economy can participate, not just hotels or tour operators. The program also seeks “to recognize businesses that take responsible actions that help to mitigate a wide range of problems,” including wage inequality, human trafficking, communicable disease, and noise and light pollution. Finally, it is “cause-neutral” by allowing businesses to be recognized “for contributing in whatever way they are able, whether that means providing good jobs, protecting wildlife, or nurturing Hawai‘i’s culture.” Small, local businesses that might “struggle to meet ambitious certification goals set forth by other programs” can thereby participate, HTA notes.
The overall goal is as ambitious as the certification itself, and goes far beyond only promoting responsible tourism in the Aloha State.
On its website, Qurator’s vision statement is encapsulated as “360-degree education, helping us all learn from each other.” It continues: “We want the industry to learn the hopes and expectations of our community and guests. We want the community to learn about the positives that the visitor industry can offer, and provide a channel for their voices to be heard. We want guests to be able to find and support businesses which match their values.”
With the new year quickly approaching, are you considering your options for rewards programs? Alaska Airlines’ new offers might maximize your benefits. Thinking about finally taking that trip to Japan? A new tourist campaign is working overtime to catch your eye. We’re here to catch you up on all of that, plus a potential takeover riling up the travel sector, the latest on World Travel Awards’ global competition and how Jamaica is celebrating new improvements to tourists’ travel experiences.
Starting next year, members of Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan will gain access to new perks, including bonus miles, free meals, free Wi-Fi, lounge access, elevated Mileage Plan status for single trips, exclusive events and the option to roll over Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs). Miles accrued are based upon distance flown rather than amount spent on purchases. The current membership tiers are:
Next year, new milestones will be added to those who have accumulated 30,000, 55,000, 85,000, 150,000, 200,000 and 250,000 EQMs. Another key development is members’ ability to earn EQMs for flights on partner airlines that were purchased with miles. Also, following Alaska’s acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, an additional loyalty program will soon be launched as well.
Japan Airlines and Hoshino Resorts have partnered to launch a new sustainable tourism campaign, “All-Time Favorite vs. Hidden Gems,” which aims to attract visitors to Japan’s less-trodden locales. Categories such as “Cherry Blossoms,” “Festivals,” “Autumn Leaves,” “Snow” and “Nature/Activities” will focus travelers on specific themes as they explore places such as Kyoto (classified as an “All-Time Favorite”) and Nagato City (a “Hidden Gem”). The campaign is a response to an imbalanced tourism sector, with 73% of the total share of 2023 overnight stays in Japan occurring in just five locations (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido and Fukuoka).
Read More: Well-being, Exciting Food and Natural Beauty: Experiential Incentives in Asia
“All-Time Favorite vs. Hidden Gems” will also include targeted Instagram campaigns for residents of Japan as well as foreign tourists, encouraging them to share photos of regional beauty and culture. Participants will be eligible for prizes, including round-trip international and domestic flights for two on Japan Airlines.
Three anonymous sources have revealed to the Financial Times details of a potential takeover of Expedia by Uber, ruffling the feathers of many in the travel sector. Discussions of the acquisition, which would be Uber’s largest, are reportedly in their early stages and very well might not happen—but that didn’t stop the news from raising Expedia’s shares by 3.8% on Thursday, while Uber’s shares fell 2%.
Overall, Uber has had an 85% rise in its stock price over the course of 2024, reaching a $173 billion market capitalization and reporting this year as the first that has produced operating profitability. While Expedia is a markedly smaller company valued at $20 billion, its shares have risen 50% over the past year, an attractive upward trend to a potential suitor. Neither Expedia nor Uber have publicly responded to the report.
On Friday, Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort hosted the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony in Diani Beach, Kenya. Key players in the travel and tourism sectors attended the final regional leg of Word Travel Awards’ 2024 Grand Tour, following stops in Berlin, Dubai, St. Vincent and Grenadines, and Manila. Graham Cooke, founder of World Travel Awards, said ahead of the event, “Our gala ceremony promises to be a celebration of Africa’s tourism resurgence.
The continent is emerging as one of the fastest-growing travel regions globally, driven by its natural wonders, wildlife safaris and rich culture. As more travelers seek eco-conscious and community-driven experiences, African destinations have risen to the challenge by offering authentic and responsible tourism options.”
On Nov. 24, winners from each of the regional ceremonies will gather in Madeira, Portugal, for the announcement of the final victors in each of WTA’s World categories.
On Wednesday, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) hosted a gathering of over 1,000 guests in Montego Bay for its Jamaica Lova Showcase. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, attended and announced the construction of new airports, roadways and other infrastructure that will provide visitors to the island with an improved travel experience.
The Jamaica Love Showcase is part of “Sandals Jamaica Love Tour 2024,” a week-long event from October 14-20 where travel advisors and partners are following an itinerary that includes Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts tours, Island Routes excursions, Sandals Foundation activities and exclusive networking events.
If you’re planning a small gathering, these new and renovated hotels are the perfect place to get business done with a twist. Between meetings, your attendees will find perfect R&R in their refreshed guest rooms and plenty to do outside, whether relaxing poolside in St. Pete, exploring Nashville’s Broadway Street or taking in Savannah, Georgia’s fastest-growing area.
Moxy St. Pete opens its doors on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, bringing 163 guest rooms to one of Florida’s most vibrant streets. The first lifestyle hotel in downtown brings the EDGE District’s first rooftop pool deck as well as a poolside bar, and its dynamic lobby features another large bar that opens up to the street, as well as Rose’s coffee bar, with pastries, smoothies and more. This fall, the hotel also opens its rooftop dining and nightlife experience, a new location of Florida-favorite, Sparrow.
The hotel space infuses the poolside-fun vibe of St. Pete into every space, with meeting space that brings the water inside; just take in that pool mural by Miami-based artist duo Allison Matherly and Jeffrey Noble. Vibrant pops of color and eye-catching décor ensure the energy never dips. Across the 1,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and event space, visitors enjoy plenty of opportunity for fun breaks between getting smart work done, with shuffleboard floors paying tribute to the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club. Throughout the hotel, visitors will also find ample workspaces as well as podcast studios.
Guest rooms are a space for a cozy retreat, with a calming natural color palette accented by dark wood and vibrant artwork. Amenities include rain showers, floor-to-ceiling windows, plush beds and balconies overlooking the exciting atmosphere of Central Avenue.
The Drury Plaza Hotel Savannah Pooler is the first Drury hotel in the Savannah area and fifth in Georgia. Standing in one of Georgia’s fastest-growing areas, visitors will find 186 guest rooms and over 1,200 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, only 15 miles from downtown and four miles from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV).
During their stay, guests can enjoy all the amenities that make for an outstanding stay, with free hot breakfast, free 5:30 Kickback and casual dinners and craft cocktails at The Kitchen + Bar within the lobby. Complimentary amenities include a 24-hour business and fitness center, an indoor pool and spa, free parking, valet and laundry service and Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. The dedicated local team is committed to working with planners to make their events a success, and can accommodate a variety of groups. Onsite events enjoy affordable audio-visual and catering options.
This opening comes alongside the launch of Drury Hotels’ Meetings with More program, tailored for small to mid-size groups offering flexible scheduling, customized catering options, no food and beverage minimums, free Wi-Fi for an unlimited meeting attendees, affordable AV packages and Drury Rewards points.
Courtyard by Marriott Nashville Downtown completes renovations to its guest rooms, corridors and fitness center, bringing a sleek, fresh feel to its 192 guest rooms. All guest rooms and public areas now feature new carpeting, and guest rooms are further updated with new wall vinyl, paint and furniture. The updated décor emphasizes the fusion of comfort and productivity with a relaxing color palette, and the hotel throughout brings tremendous character to life with its history as a bank opened in 1927 in Printer’s Alley. The ideal location situates guests steps from Broadway, the epicenter of Nashville nightlife, as well as easy access to major attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Bridgestone Arena and Ryman Auditorium.
In addition to the architectural guest room updates, all guests rooms feature refreshed artwork and draperies as well as the latest in-room entertainment technology, allowing guests to connect their Netflix, Hulu and YouTube accounts to their televisions, all alongside the Courtyard brand’s signature ergonomic desk chairs, well-lit workspaces and complimentary Wi-Fi. For business groups meeting onsite, the hotel features a combined 3,800 sq. ft. of functional meeting and event space with audio-visual equipment and catering, suited for a wide range of meetings and events.
Read More: The Rise of Small Meeting Workhorse Hotels
When Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit landed in San Francisco in November of 2023, everyone was watching how the Asian gateway city would perform on the national stage. The five-day global gathering headquartered at the renovated Moscone Center brought President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, then-Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and 19 other leaders along with thousands of business leaders attending the associated APEC CEO Summit.
The theme was “Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All” with officials addressing trade, investment, facilitation, the digital economy, clean energy and climate, health, gender equity and equality, along with anti-corruption and food security.
John R. McKinnon, CSEP, DMCP, president of Voila Events and 2024 Meeting Professional of the Year, was there to provide event management, production support and venue arrangements—with limited notice. “I was contacted by the US-China Business Council out of Washington D.C. approximately two months prior to the event date, and given a wide-reaching RFP that included a scope of services that most event companies would hope to receive two years before the event date,” he recalled.
McKinnon managed communications with Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA, Encore Global, Hensley Event Resources, Ornamento for florals, three local printing companies, simultaneous interpretation services, additional security services to augment the U.S. Secret Service and the Chinese government team. “Given the timeline and the politics involved, the primary focus was on being getting the job done successfully and most importantly, safely,” he said.
Read More: Authors Rave About San Francisco
Producing a public-facing event for the leader of China presented challenges unlike anything McKinnon had ever done before. The closest comparison was the Committee of 100’s Annual Conference & Gala in May of 2023. The nonprofit organization comprised of prominent Chinese Americans focused on advancing constructive relations between the U.S. and China and required some of the same considerations, but on a much smaller scale.
“This is without a doubt the most challenging situation I’ve ever faced in my career,” McKinnon shared. “It was a delicate balancing act of trying to mediate between what were very powerful forces within the U.S. Secret Service and China’s Ministry of State Security Services, who both had the same end goal, but very conflicting means as to how it would be achieved.”
The hotel and Voila navigated those intricacies to produce an impactful evening. “After President Biden’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier that day at the Filoli Historic House & Garden in San Mateo, it seemed that positive change was a possibility,” said McKinnon.
“This event reinforced to me that experience is key as is surrounding yourself with the best and the brightest, from your key staff to your primary vendors. Without their support and expertise, you can’t succeed,” he declared.
In September, Salesforce produced what it called “three unforgettable days of innovation, inspiration, learning and fun” with the core of the activity in and around Moscone Center. The citywide drew 45,000 people to the animated streets to see product launches, listen to naturalist Jane Goodall and actor/author Matthew McConaughey and see Pink and Imagine Dragons at Oracle Park. More than 100,000 registered to follow along remotely.
Read More: Don’t Believe Everything You See on Twitter About a San Francisco Meeting Apocalypse
The company repositioned itself at the user conference as an AI customer relationship management company by introducing Agentforce, “a way for humans with agents to drive customer success together.”
The company, which launched the landmark conference in the city where it is headquartered in 2003, also announced Dreamforce would be returning to San Francisco in 2025 to the joy of hoteliers all over the city. The economic impact was estimated at $93 million for the city.
At its annual Visitor Impact Summit hosted by the Hotel Council of San Francisco, San Francisco Travel announced that a projected 23.22 million visitors are expected to inject $9.24 billion into the city’s economy. In 2023, San Francisco received 23.1 million visitors, and visitor spending reached $8.8 billion. (Visitor spending does not include meeting planner and exhibitor spending).
Because bookings are down from 34 in 2023 to 25 in 2024, the agency is focused on 2025, when 29 events are planned, encompassing 590,000 hotel room nights.
“We are on the right track next year with the return of larger rotational events at Moscone Center. These will boost our visitor economy and drive more business to our restaurants, cultural institutions and local businesses,” said newly appointed San Francisco Travel President and CEO Anna Marie Presutti.
She pointed to other bright spots on the Pacific horizon, including the major sports events such as the NBA All-Star Game in February. “High-profile events such as these place the city on the global stage and will attract sports fans from around the world,” she said.
The city has been preparing for the return of international visitors with updates and new attractions. The iconic Transamerica Pyramid Center in the Financial District (FiDi) recently added a publicly accessible lobby as part of a $400 million renovation that will include an exhibition space, florist shop and Sightglass Coffee. Outside, Transamerica Redwood Park, home to more than 50 trees has been restored and expanded as an urban oasis.
Nearby, the Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco is moving into The Cube on Montgomery Street with free art exhibits. And a new entertainment zone on Front Street in a part of the Financial District known as the Barbary Coast during the Gold Rush, will allow visitors to enjoy outdoor alcoholic beverages during special events.
This week, we explore the impact the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions industry sector has had on global business travel, Wynn Resorts’ expanded plans for the UAE’s first casino, the benefits and economic power of Indigenous tourism, new European itineraries by Variety Cruises—and a last-minute chance to score some steep discounts on flights to Dublin, London and Paris.
A new report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) predicts business travel spending will reach a new height of $1.5 trillion by the end of 2024. Key players are the U.S. and China, whose business travel markets have expanded 13.4% and 13.1%, respectively, since pre-pandemic levels.
Read More: Today’s Best Practices for Visas and International Travel
Business travel has been a key economic driver, thanks in no small part to the power of in-person meetings and events. Julia Simpson, WTTC president and CEO, said, “Business travel is not only back but exceeding expectations. While virtual meetings kept people connected during the pandemic, in-person engagements are proving more critical than ever.”
The strengthening meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector has also made major economic contributions, with businesses worldwide investing more in corporate travel that builds relationships both within teams and extended networks. The growing interest in blended travel, or bleisure, where business travelers extend trips to include personal vacations, has also played a hand in boosting the market.
On Tuesday, Wynn Resorts debuted a significantly expanded presentation of its UAE casino project to investors and analysts. Wynn Al Marjan Island, located in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), is projected to open in 2027 and cost $5.1 billion, a $1.2 billion increase from a previous estimate. Wynn also announced it will break ground across almost all of Ras Al Khaimah’s third Marjan Island, Island 3.
Wynn has obtained the first casino license granted in the UAE, opening a new sector of the country’s hospitality market. Wynn Al Marjan Island will be tailored to the ultra-wealthy—which makes sense, seeing as 20% of the world’s high-net-worth individuals are UAE residents (which works out to be 9.7 million people). Meeting profs in search of venues that meet the standards of the most discerning tastes might find a perfect option in the Marjan Island project.
More meeting profs, venues and those in the tourism industry have begun to include Indigenous experiences and perspectives to their events, and they aren’t alone. A new report released by the WTTC revealed Indigenous tourism is projected to contribute $67 billion to the global economy by 2034. The research was presented at the council’s Global Summit in Perth, Australia, and highlighted how remote regions are most likely to benefit from the surge in Indigenous travel. This economic influx can provide tremendous benefits to sustainability, conservation and cultural preservation efforts in those areas, ensuring their protection for generations of visitors.
Whether it be incentives, breakouts, meetings, conferences or other gatherings, industry professionals are finding Indigenous-focused activities and experiences to be a major highlight for many attendees, which has a significant impact on location. “Indigenous tourism is not only about showcasing rich cultural traditions; it’s about empowering communities, creating sustainable jobs, and ensuring that Indigenous people are in control of their own stories and economic futures,” said Julia Simpson, WTTC president & CEO, at the organization’s Global Summit.
If you’ve seen an increased presence of European cruise videos on your social media feed, you’re not the only one. A new generation is discovering the uniquely attractive benefits of this travel experience, and Variety Cruises is gearing up to provide top-tier itineraries for booking. The cruise line’s 72-guest Variety Voyager and 34-guest Callisto ships will offer sails through Dubrovnik, Venice, Athens, Malta and several other top destinations, with passengers enjoying 8-day explorations of Italy, Malta, Albania, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia and several others.
Read More: Europe in Southern California
Many meeting profs have found smaller cruise vessels to be ideal for incentives, breakouts and meetings. Onshore activity options, location variety and luxury accommodations are additional draws, as are the sustainability benefits of smaller seacraft.
Meeting profs don’t always have the luxury of planning vacations ahead of time, with ever-evolving schedules and shifting deadlines common throughout the industry. But if you just so happen to have an opening this fall/winter, Icelandic airline Play has dropped some major deals for fares to Dublin, London and Paris.
Take advantage of a 20% discount on the below select dates; flights must be booked by Oct. 16, so mark your calendars:
These major savings can also be applied to incentives as well. We just want to remind you to treat yourself, too!
IMEX America 2024 ended today with a final count of 15,500 attendees (5,500 buyers and 86,000 pre-scheduled meetings) walking through the doors at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. In addition to visiting a world of destinations, hotels and tech suppliers, attendees took in 1,600 education sessions on the show floor and another 1,600 nuggets of wisdom were delivered to those who came in a day early for Meeting Professionals International (MPI)’s Smart Monday. That is an increase of 30% over 2023’s Smart Monday, spread across 46 concurrent sessions, compared to 30 in 2023.
Expanded keynote sessions included Andre Norman who spoke on “Prison to Harvard: The Power of Belief and Self-Motivation,” Justin Wren, who shared his insights on “Purpose. Performance. Impact” and Olympia LePoint who talked about “Making New Artificial Intelligence Technology Ethical & Accurate.”
Read More: Your IMEX America Recap Day One
“Our goal is to provide a platform to inspire growth and positive scale,” said IMEX CEO Carina Bauer. She noted the number, quality and diversity of fringe events around the show. She described the dynamic as a partnership with the hosted buyer trade show as the strong heart making space for partners to create their lively activations on the show floor and beyond. The end result is a week where people choose their experience whether it is #Drymex, alcohol-free events or celebrations that go deep into the night.
A new associated experience for marketing executives was a boutique Brand Experience Summit created in partnership with InVision, LVCVA and Allegiant Stadium Private Events. Senior level marketeers gathered for conversations about how to better use events as a key marketing channel to drive brand loyalty, trust, engagement and business outcomes. “There is often a disconnect between marketing and business events and we’re aiming to close the gap,” she said.
Read More: Your IMEX America Recap: Day Two
The talking point of “Impact” came to life will continue into 2025 as IMEX worked with MGM Resorts to shrink the event’s footprint even more to maintain zero-waste status by improving waste diversion.
Explosive Las Vegas Growth
Rebecca DeLuca, vice president of destination sales with Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, pointed to the dramatic planned implosion, fireworks and drone show that demolished the Tropicana Hotel in the middle of Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning to make way for a baseball stadium on The Strip as an example of how the city is constantly reinventing itself for locals and the more than 40 million visitors who come to town each year, as many as 17% classified as business events customers. She thanked Bauer for committing that IMEX would continue to return to Las Vegas and the completely remodeled and upgraded Mandalay Bay indefinitely on behalf of 420,000 hospitality workers in the city of Las Vegas.
Read More: Smart Monday Kicks Off IMEX America
Also seeing record numbers was 20-year partner MPI’s Foundation which raised more than half a million dollars this year from activations such as Rendezvous after-party on Wednesday night at Drai’s Nightclub. MPI Foundation uses the $14.4 million it has raised over the 40 years of the organization for scholarships, grants and research.
In 2025 MPI will introduce new technology tools to help chapters manage events and marketing initiatives, and launch new DEI training to ensure chapters remain inclusive and welcoming to all, according to Drew Holmgreen, MPI Chief Experience Officer.
Read More: MPI Gears Up for EMEC 2025 in Türkiye
MPI Academy continues to grow and based on insights from our community, the MPI Academy will introduce new learning opportunities and fresh subject matter experts to help our members stay competitive.
Drew Holmgreen, MPI chief experience officer, pointed to a slight increase from last year of respondents to the company’s Q3 Meetings Outlook report on trends who say they are optimistic about the outlook for business conditions and budgets for 2025. “This signals confidence in the financial health of the industry,” he said.
Read More: Continuing Education with MPI Academy
MPI released the results of its Q3 Meetings Outlook, which provides a comprehensive forecast of trends and expectations for the industry. In a slight increase from last year, 72% of respondents report an optimistic outlook for business conditions and budgets for 2025, signaling confidence in the financial health of the industry.
Additionally, 76% of respondents reported favorable projections for in-person event attendance, which highlights the continued resilience and growth of face-to-face events. Respondents reported the most balanced market that we’ve seen in a while, with a mix of 43% of respondents describing the current environment as a seller’s market, 31% as a buyer’s market and 26% as a balanced market. This shows stability in the market, which will benefit both buyers and sellers in the year ahead.
MPI World Education Congress (WEC) in St. Louis from June 18-20, is expected to draw 2,000 for education and networking. San Antonio will host WEC June 1-4, 2026.
MPI recently concluded its first-ever takeover of the EVENT in Ottawa with 300 attendees focused on the theme of “Origin Stories.”
MPI, in collaboration with VisitDetroit, launched its Workforce Development program in September 2024 with a chapter toolkit featuring a career exploration guide for local schools. As part of this effort, MPI introduced “Meetings 101” for secondary students, with certificates being delivered at three Detroit schools this fall. The program aims to inspire the next generation of professionals by educating students on career opportunities within the meetings and events industry.
Read More: Empowering Future Planners
MPI has launched two new industry association partnerships this summer, adding Society of Government Meeting Professionals and LGBT Meeting Professionals Association to its list of partners.
In addition, MPI together with the International Association for Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and the Society of Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) has relaunched the Global MICE Collaborative, delivering the all-new certificate, MICE Fundamentals: Introduction to Conference, Exhibition & Incentive Events, for its debut delivery at IMEX America Smart Monday. The certificate offers a strategic overview of all three event types for both emerging professionals and seasoned professionals who want a better understanding of the business event ecosystem.
Read More: Food Donating Laws
MPI is collaborating with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to address global food waste reduction strategies. In 2024, WWF conducted a study, Unveiling the Appetite for Change, which found that while many meeting professionals recognize food waste as a significant issue, actionable solutions remain limited. Together with venues and global clients, MPI and WWF are setting new global norms for reducing food waste through the DREAM initiative, which stands for Divert, Recover, Empower (and Educate), Adjust, and Measure.
Destination DC promoted resources that will help meeting professionals organizing events in the area be a force for good. The destination organization supports Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Sustainable DC 2.0 initiative, which has the goal of making DC the “healthiest, greenest, most livable city.”
Washington, D.C. is the first LEED-Platinum city in the world, the leading U.S. city for parks and encompasses more than 140 miles of bike lanes and paths. Meeting professionals can find a list of businesses that have satisfied all program requirements and commit to the continuous improvement of their offerings and services in ways that advance environmental protection, equity and economic development for the long term here.
Visit Lauderdale made a bold statement with eye-catching digital activations on the exterior of Sphere–the world’s largest LED screen, known as the exosphere. The larger-than-life display showcased Greater Fort Lauderdale’s beaches in dynamic color.
“Our mission is to continuously push the boundaries in the travel industry, and this is yet another way we’re solidifying our reputation for being bold and innovative,” said Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale. “By bringing the beach to Las Vegas, we’re showcasing the energy and beauty of Greater Fort Lauderdale and reminding everyone that our diverse, welcoming destination offers something for every type of traveler—from family vacations to luxury escapes.”
Orange County Convention Center, which is expanding to add 60,000 square feet of meeting space and an 80,000-square-foot ballroom to the North-South building, generated $3.9 billion in direct, indirect and induced impacts over the last year, according to a new study by PFM Group Consulting. The OCCC has averaged nearly 200 events in recent years, attracting an estimated 1.5 million attendees to the market on an annual basis.
The city’s theme parks are opening major new experiences including the 2025 debut of Universal Epic Universe–an entirely new theme park–at Universal Orlando Resort. Disney Experiences recently announced the largest expansion ever at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. In Spring 2025, SeaWorld Orlando will unveil the world’s first-of-its-kind Arctic flying theater which will have riders experience the icy region as if they were truly there.
Additionally, Disney Meetings & Events is unveiling new meeting products and resources including a creative studio at Walt Disney World Resort in early 2025 where meeting professionals can collaborate with Disney Meetings & Events experts.
Preparations to host the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics, Summit of the Americas, FIFA World Cup and the Super Bowl will leave an expanded meetings infrastructure according to Adam Burke, president and CEO of Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.
Modernization of LAX, including the automated people mover and direct Metro service to downtown LA, should be completed within 18 to 24 months, making events at an expanded Los Angeles Convention Center more accessible. The addition of 7,500 new rooms in the last 36 months and the diverse product offerings at various price points will help expand what groups come to the city as well.
In partnership with California Meetings, LLC, the destination marketing organization for the Golden State released CaliforniaMeetings.com, a portal that showcases 55 group-focused California destinations with direct connections to each destination.
DMC Network company, Terramar, commemorated three decades of delivering exceptional experiences with a champagne toast at IMEX, featuring 30 drawings, culminating in a grand prize that whisked the lucky winner away to the stunning landscapes of Los Cabos. In collaboration with Hilton Los Cabos, Revo, PezGato, and BoothEasy, Terramar unveiled a spectacular prize package. The recipient, Alexander Rapp of ACDI, was awarded a three-night getaway for two, complete with flight credits, roundtrip airport transfers, welcome amenities, daily gourmet breakfast, an exclusive agave tasting session, stylish Revo sunglasses, and an enchanting sunset jazz cruise around the iconic Arch and Land’s End.
For its part, DMC Network hosted a blinged-out bingo night at Skyfall Lounge for 500 guests. “IMEX America is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our international Network to a wide range of clients, and to thank those who make the events all of our DMC partners operate hugely successful,” said Vice President of Business Development Aoife Delaney. “Our presence at each year’s show continues to grow, with 2024 our biggest year yet.”
As the final day of IMEX unfolded, the “last day energy” on the show floor was palpable, with a variety of wellness and experiential activities guiding us through most people’s need for recovery from Rendezvous the night before.
Read More: 7 Ways to Embed Wellness in Your Meetings
Kicking off at 10:00 AM, the session on “Men’s Health: Avoiding a Public Health Crisis” brought an important discussion to the forefront. With a focus on the wellness of our male attendees, this conversation was essential in addressing the often-overlooked aspects of men’s health. Attendees engaged in a thoughtful dialogue around preventative care and lifestyle changes, which helped shine a light on the growing public health concerns affecting men globally.
At noon, a much-needed mid-day recharge came in the form of somatic breathwork with Sepideh Eivazi at the “Just Breathe” session in the Well-Being Wheel located in the Inspiration Hub. Sepideh’s guidance through mindful breathing techniques helped many attendees find a moment of stillness amidst the busy environment. The session was a perfect reminder of the power of breath in managing stress and staying grounded, something every event professional can appreciate after a whirlwind week.
At 2:00 PM, Google Xi returned with Storycraft Lab in their CoLaboratory at the Inspiration Hub. This time, they delved into the theme of “Belonging” using nature as a powerful metaphor. Through interactive exercises that incorporated noticing, play and gratitude, participants explored how nature’s rhythms could inspire a deeper sense of community. The session was insightful, leaving attendees with a greater understanding of how we can cultivate belonging in both personal and professional settings.
Read More: XI Days Inclusion Experience
For those needing a quiet moment to recenter, the Resilience Space powered by Google Xi and Hello! Destination Management, was available at Bayside B. This calm haven offered an oasis for relaxation and reflection. Nearby, a quiet space dressed by Lux Rentals added an extra layer of serenity for attendees seeking an even more intimate setting for mindfulness.
Meanwhile, the Community Table on the Well-Being Wheel became a gathering spot for heartfelt conversations, particularly around parenting, with a focus on E2 children—those with dual exceptionalities. This space offered both empathy and understanding, as attendees shared their unique parenting experiences and exchanged valuable insights on navigating life with E2 children.
At the Inspiration Hub, attendees could also participate in one-on-one life coaching sessions focusing on Ayurvedic health, stress management, emotional intelligence, and resilience. These personalized sessions provided practical advice and wellness strategies, helping attendees carry lessons from the event back into their daily lives.
For those looking to move their bodies and have some fun, Pickleball was still available as a playful reset. Meanwhile, creativity was on display at the collaborative murals sponsored by Paintillio and the Hospital Arts Foundation, where attendees could contribute to a beautiful and meaningful collective art project.
A particularly memorable experience came from checking out Mixly’s partner display with Hard Rock Hotels in the hosted buyers lounge. Their “Taste the Music” experience allowed attendees to pick a favorite song on Spotify, which Mixly’s AI would then use to create a custom cocktail or mocktail recipe. Watching the robot bartender bring these drinks to life was nothing short of mesmerizing, offering a unique blend of technology and creativity.
Adding to the excitement, I took part in the MLB VR Home Run Derby experience, where you could choose your favorite stadium and test your batting skills in a virtual reality setting. To my surprise, I hit 7 home runs in a row, placing me 7th on the leaderboard for the day—a fun and competitive highlight that not only got the blood flowing, but added to the day’s entertainment.
As the day wound down, everyone made sure to get in their final steps for the Wellbeing Challenge, sponsored by Caesars Entertainment Meetings and Events and powered by Heka Health. The challenge encouraged attendees to stay active throughout the event, and those who met their step goals had the chance to win some great prizes. It was a fitting way to cap off the day, ensuring everyone left with both a sense of accomplishment and a commitment to wellness.
With a mix of learning, movement, and meaningful connections, IMEX’s final day was a testament to the power of wellness in the meetings and events industry. It was the perfect close to an inspiring week, leaving attendees energized and ready to implement these wellness strategies in their own lives and workspaces.
That lengthy line that once led to IMEX’s dining section in 2023 found its way to another area of the convention this year, namely, Two Dudes Photo. At several points of the day a long line could be seen stretched across the aisle with meeting professionals eager to have their headshot taken. I guess this means goodbye to those 10-year-old headshots!
In addition to this observation here at Smart Meetings, there were a host of other observations—as well as celebrations—we made on the second day of IMEX America 2024.
On Oct. 9, Caesars Entertainment and MPI produced the first “Media & Momentum: A Morning of Recognition and Impact” as a celebration of the contribution of the meetings and events industry media and announced the UNLV Hospitality College Scholarship.
Meeting industry journalists and publishers received certificates of appreciation. Honors were given to Laurel Herman, president and CEO of Worth International Media; Solomon J. Herbert, founder, publisher and editor-in-chief of Black Meetings and Tourism; Harvey Grotsky, president, CEO, publisher and editor-in-chief of Coastal Communications; and the late Marin June Bright, CEO of Bright Business Media, publisher of Smart Meetings. Luc Troussieux, president and co-Founder at Smart Meetings, accepted the accolades on her behalf.
“Today, we are here to celebrate you and thank all of you for your contributions and commitment to our industry,” said Kelly Gleeson Smith, vice president of sales of meetings and events for Caesars Entertainment. “Each one of you makes such an impact every day when you share the stories you write about the happenings in our industry, about our people, the trends, and where we have been and where we are heading.
“Early on in my career and still today, I read the trade news to stay current. You provide us all a greater perspective. Besides recognizing each one of you, we have made arrangements for a scholarship donation to the hospitality college at UNLV.”
The Annual Society for Incentive Travel Excellence SITE NITE North America fundraiser at Topgolf Las Vegas on Smart Monday attracted 1,700 meeting professionals. Highlights included the opportunity to play golf across the Las Vegas skyline, competitions, charity challenges and a drone show by Skyworx to conclude the evening.
Annette Gregg, SITE CEO, emphasised the significance of the event, saying: “SITE NITE North America is more than just a networking event—it’s a catalyst for business success. This year, we’ve seen hundreds of professionals come together to exchange ideas and foster connections that will undoubtedly translate into meaningful partnerships. The energy and collaboration last night prove that the incentive travel industry is thriving, and we are proud to facilitate an event that inspires growth and innovation.”
Swingers Las Vegas is slated to open this November 2024, in Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. And tonight, those borders covering up the construction site will officially come down—so, get excited!
This venue will be Swinger’s fifth—and first on the West Coast. Oh, and the biggest, with a 1,500-person capacity. There are currently two Swingers venues in London, one in Washington, D.C., and one in New York City.
Swingers Las Vegas will feature four, nine-hole courses across two levels where players are immersed in a countryside English garden with colorful florals, vines and ambient lighting, and each floor has its own full bar serving custom craft cocktails. On the second floor is the carnival, with old school classics like skee-ball and whack-a-mole. Plus, there’s a prize desk! And, if you opt for a buyout for a private event, that prize desk can be transformed for gifting your lucky attendees, and that ambient lighting throughout the golf course can be customized to your branding, too!
Read More: This Las Vegas Bar Wants You to Horse Around
Also within the venue is a food market serving up gourmet street food, like pizzas, burgers and wings, along with sandwiches and salads. For a fun memento, attendees can visit the “winner’s podium,” where 10 high-tech cameras will capture a gif-like photo that they can have sent straight to their email.
Jessica Hernandez, head of sales at Swingers, said, “We are high touch, versus high tech.” Ashley Cavalli, business development manager at Swingers, added, “It’s really about that engaging experience. We’re engaging with guests to help them get the perfect hole-in-one, or how to nail the carnival game.” It’ll stand apart as an activation for meetings and events in Las Vegas, with a down-to-earth vibe that remains actively engaging and provides an opportunity for real connection over some friendly competition—and cheering each other on! “It’s nostalgic, it’s classic, it’s pencils and paper, and engaging with your group of four,” says Cavalli.
Victoria Conference Center in British Columbia, a biosphere-certified and carbon-neutral venue, offers sustainable event options with tools and guides for planners.
Read More: Canada Calls: Event Planning Paradise
Miranda Ji, vice president of sales with Destination Greater Victoria, shared that the city celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Crystal Gardens next year and remains a popular cultural and meetings hub for light-filled distinctive gatherings. New activities include the Songhees Wellness Centre, a 55,000 sq. ft. venue offering indigenous culinary experiences. Victoria’s Impact Program partners with local charities for group activities, such as supporting women re-entering the workforce and urban farming initiatives.
Several CVBs from the island of Ireland, Visit Cork’s Seamus Heaney, Visit Belfast’s Jackie Geddis and Dublin Convention Bureau’s Matthew Smith, gathered to talk about the latest on the island, moderated by Tourism Ireland’s Chris Lynn.
Geddis used a key word when talking about the trajectory in which Ireland has been going: investment. With a recently opened Voco Hotel, and Bedford and Moxie hotels opening up soon, the island is investing heavily in its tourism focus. “It’s bringing more visitors to the city and the surrounding area,” she says. “With our local experiences, like our food and businesses, it is year-on-year, bringing much more people to Belfast that may never have visited the city before or possibly held a conference [here].”
“I don’t think you’ll find in any hotel in Ireland plastic bottles anymore. Their thing in the past, they’re just not there,” Heaney said, talking about the county’s sustainability efforts. “You don’t find individual shampoo bottles inside many rooms of hotels, that day is gone. We’re as far as down to the minutia of helping the industry to label their bins correctly and making sure people recycle the proper and meaningful way. If we all do that, sustainability does transpire, and it does make the world a better place to live in, but there’s so many aspects to it.”
“Access is a key selling point for the island,” Lynn said. “It is an island, naturally, it isn’t like the island next door that has maybe a train line to Europe.” With that, several major U.S. cities now have or will soon have a direct route into Dublin, Ireland, via Aer Lingus, such as Las Vegas, Nashville, Detroit and Minneapolis, which also has a direct flight thought Delta Air Lines.
New and Renovated: Meetings in International Cities
Hilton held a panel discussion at Virgin Hotels, a Curio Collection by Hilton, highlighting its latest developments, such as its recent acquisition of Graduate Hotels, partnerships with AutoCamp and SLH, and the trends the team is seeing coming from its customers.
Harald Han, director of lifestyle brands for Hilton; Shawn Parker, executive director of strategic accounts and corporate group sales at Hilton; and Cliff Atkinson, president of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, were in attendance, moderated by Gerilyn Horan, vice president, group sales strategic account for Hilton Worldwide. In addition to Hilton’s acquisitions, they also discussed Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report, in which the team surveyed 13,000 people, including 4,100 Hilton team members.
Parker began the panel with a statistic that isn’t too surprising to hear: 78% of travelers are looking to book completely online and looking for personalized experiences. But on the meeting planner side, the Hilton team are using that behavior to benefit meeting planners.
“We looked to see how we can incorporate that into our offerings for meetings and events,” he said. “The first thing we came up with was Hilton Meeting Packages. The thought is, just as we want to do it for individual travelers, planners, especially for small and medium events, they want frictionless meeting planning experiences as well.”
Hilton is reaching out toward other corners of the hospitality world, with the recent acquisition of Graduate Hotels earlier this year, and Hilton partnerships with AutoCamp and Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) more recently.
AutoCamp is a collection of luxury campsites. “As some might call it, glamping,” Parker said. He and several of his colleagues at Hilton went on to AutoCamp Catskills recently, and Parker mentioned some of his favorites, like the communal firepit, where the team listened to their favorite songs around a campfire and a cookout kit, where attendees can bond via cooking experience. “For planners who are looking for something new and different to introduce to their stakeholders, AutoCamp should be top of the list.”
With SLH, Parker mentions that attendees will be able to earn and spend their Hilton Honors points in fanciful locations like castle in Scotland or treehouses in the forest. For those who’ve done plenty of events the traditional way, he said, “If they’re not starting with AutoCamp and SLH, they’re doing the wrong thing.”
Naomi Clare Crellin, founder and CEO of Curiosity Lab, and David Allison, founder of The Valuegraphics Project and keynote speaker, introduced brand new resource guide, The Belonging Playbook, a go-to resource for planners looking to create meetings where each and every attendee feels a sense of true belonging; and the ways people feel a sense of true belonging varies, person to person.
Based on extensive research conducted by The Valuegraphics Project and Storycraft Lab, the creators of The Belonging Playbook were able to identify numerous pillars of belonging, and based on statements from professionals across the industry, created a comprehensive and meticulously organized guidebook for each pillar. “We found, as we talked to people about belonging, there are 912 different definitions for belonging, and we’ve tracked every one of them with a code in the Valuegraphics database,” said Allison. “It’s this amazing, qualitative and quantitative mashup.”
Listeners broke up into groups based on the pillar that resonated with them and discussed that section of the book in detail, then shared with the group. “When we experience belonging and…begin to find those correlations, we can start to see those things that are bubbling up, and that gives us a north star as designers to know where to focus our intention in how we design for belonging,” said Crellin.
After the final attendees filed out of the trade show, a select few headed over to Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club at The LINQ for an evening of networking over a bountiful charcuterie board and Las-Vegas-perfect bites, before sitting down for a panel moderated by David T. Stevens, PMED, co-founder of Olympian Meeting, host of “Return on Wellness” podcast and award-winning keynote speaker. The audience sipped on Loverboy, a sparkling drink offered as both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, while Stevens introduced them to Carl Radke, co-founder of Loverboy; Madelyn Olavarria, affinity group president at Amazon Web Services; Alyssa May Hart, global sales manager at OTHR Agency; and Tracy Stuckrath, host of the “Eating at a Meeting” podcast.
Together, the panel dug into sober inclusion at events, as Stevens retold his experience of walking around the IMEX floor searching for a true mocktail; between booths with juice and aqua fresca, he was hard-pressed to find what he was looking for until he wandered over to the Caesar’s booth, where he found a signature beverage called the “Honest BS Mocktail,” with spirit-free bourbon, ashwagandha and lime juice served in a martini glass.
“Here’s the best part,” Stevens shared. “It was sitting right next to their alcoholic cocktails served in martini glasses. So, tonight isn’t just about trying to make a case for one or the other. It’s about inclusion.”
The panel discussed the level of comfort attendees feel simply by having a drink in hand, whether it has alcohol or not. It’s about fitting into the environment and being able to meld into the group. As consciousness around sobriety and semi-sobriety continues to become an ever more present discussion topic, attendees who choose not to drink deserve to have options for beverages just as gastronomically beautiful as those who do choose to drink alcohol.
“Just because you’re not drinking alcohol doesn’t mean you deserve a lesser experience,” said Radke.
Day two of IMEX started off quite unexpectedly. Despite my usual emphasis on prioritizing sleep for wellness, when a rare opportunity presents itself, such as the demolition of the iconic Tropicana hotel at 2:37 a.m., I couldn’t resist. Day 2, therefore, began at 1:00 a.m.
I had gone to bed early on Tuesday night, setting my alarm for 1:00 a.m. to attend the Club Ichi viewing party for the demolition of the historic Tropicana. The event featured a drone show, fireworks, and a countdown to the grand finale as both towers came down. The mood was surreal, and while many attendees seemed emotional, I suspect the early hour played a significant role. I was back in bed by 3:30 a.m., squeezing in a bit more rest before another busy day.
At 6:00 a.m., my alarm went off again for the sunrise and the IMEX 5K run. Despite the short night of sleep, a great turnout greeted the event, with plenty of people showing up to get in some early morning movement. It’s always amazing to see how committed attendees are to balancing movement with work, reinforcing the importance of physical activity in such high-energy environments.
Read More: The Convergence of the Events and Wellness Industries: Why Event Planners Should Care
At 8:00 a.m., I participated in the Push-Up Challenge at The Neu Project Resilience Space, powered by Google Xi and Hello! Destination Management. Inspired by IMEX Group’s 2024-2025 talking point, “Impact,” this was a collaborative space designed to help attendees recharge and reconnect. The challenge, which took place in Bayside B, just off the show floor, was exhilarating. We had almost a dozen people, including two doctors, and over the course of 20 minutes, we managed to complete a total of 210 push-ups! It was a great example of how wellness can be seamlessly integrated into the event’s program.
The day continued with the Wellbeing Challenge Prize Pick-Up at 9:00 a.m. Having accumulated 10,000 points, I was one of the first 10 participants to stop by the Wellbeing Challenge booth, winning two tickets to the LINQ High Roller. The booth itself was buzzing with excitement as attendees celebrated their accomplishments in health and wellness.
The 10:00 a.m. session on women’s health by Anca Platon Trifan was a highlight, offering insightful biohacking strategies tailored specifically for event professionals on the go. Anca’s strategies provided practical tips on optimizing health, especially in high-pressure environments like IMEX.
Afterward, I stopped by NovoBeing for a 10-minute VR relaxation session. Located near the Event Tech Education Stage in the Tech Zone, this was the perfect midday reset, offering a moment of calm amid the bustling show floor.
To wrap up the day, at 6:30 p.m., I joined industry leaders Carl Radke, Alyssa May Hart, Tracy Stuckrath, and Madelyn Olavarria for a sober-inclusive happy hour at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club. The beats by Martin Smith set a perfect tone for the evening, and it was a fantastic opportunity to network in a relaxed, sober inclusive environment free of judgment but full of inclusion with a tasty calorically conscious beverage for everyone. Presented by Caesars in partnership with CEMA, this exclusive event was a refreshing way to wind down after a long, eventful day.
Day two at IMEX was a true mix of movement, mindfulness, and meaning, demonstrating how wellness can be woven into even the busiest schedules. From the early-morning hotel implosion to the mindful happy hour, the day was a reminder that wellness is all about finding balance, even amidst the chaos.
All cheer for IMEX day two! Or three. Do we consider Smart Monday day one? If you know, let me know.
Learning the meetings and events industry has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Today, I had a conversation with Mike Lyons, host of Smart Meetings TV, about networking. We are always building, and every time we meet someone new, it’s an opportunity not only to advance in our careers, but to have a connection on the human level.
So, we do our best to remember names and faces, and even though we only run into these folks at a few conferences throughout the year, walking past them on the trade show floor and saying, “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I found you! How are you?” generates a feeling of excitement, inspiration and honestly a lot of love that isn’t really matched anywhere else.
And just as thrilling is meeting those we’ve only so far met digitally (I’m talking to you, Jaclyn Bernstein. This lady and I have been emailing back and forth for months, since we first did a podcast episode together and later when I asked her to submit a journal response for Notes to Self, a self-reflection activity in the back of each magazine. I have never met her in person until today, and it was one of the highlights of my first IMEX experience).
We’re actually not just here to do our jobs. We’re here to connect with people, and feel happy! It really is all about the friends we make along the way. Call me cliché! I have had a beautiful experience.
And, oh my gosh, I am IMEXhausted!
In case you missed it—or want to relive it all over again—check out our IMEX day one recap!
MPI, the largest association within the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) industry, has announced it will hold its 2025 European Meetings & Events Convention (EMEC) in Istanbul, the site of the EMEC 2014. With 1,000 members and 10 chapters and clubs, MPI has the largest presence at the conference.
Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of MPI, said of the development, “EMEC has long been a cornerstone for the global events community, fostering professional development through innovation, learning and connections. Returning to Istanbul after more than a decade is not only a testament to the city’s enduring appeal but also a clear indicator of the excitement and popularity surrounding this iconic destination. Istanbul offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity that resonates with our international audience, and we are thrilled to bring EMEC back to this vibrant city.”
EMEC focuses on three core goals: to act as an idea incubator for the international MICE community, to produce an event for Europeans by Europeans and to honor the history and culture of its host destination.
İsmail Bütün, general manager of the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), commented, “Hosting EMEC 2025 is a monumental opportunity for Türkiye to showcase its position on the global MICE stage. Istanbul has a proven track record of hosting large-scale international events, and EMEC’s return highlights our commitment to growing and evolving as a premier destination for meetings and events professionals.”
Read More: WEC 2024 in Louisville Lifted Spirits with a Tactical Chaser
I spoke with Drew Holmgreen, chief experience officer of MPI, and dove into what attendees to EMEC events can look forward to, both now and in the future. Holmgreen impressed upon me the importance of MPI’s “idea incubator” approach, involving formats and education. He said, “Those things that work really well, we try and take and use them as learning [opportunities] for our community, so we can show them how to do and how not to do certain things, and then we can also take those formats forward and use them in other experiences that we put together.”
When it comes to EMEC, MPI’s focus is on a wholly authentic experience for attendees, regardless of their homebase. “This is our signature European event. We’ve got a community of about 1,000 members in Europe, which makes us the largest association in Europe. And so, we make sure that this event is really planned, designed and developed by our European community. It is inherently a European experience,” says Holmgreen.
Holmgreen points out attendees should arrive in search of European trends and topics, saying, “The trends that are taking place in the States or the trends that are taking place in Latin America or in Canada don’t necessarily make their way to this event. This is based on what our community there needs, so it’s planned and designed by them.”
Read More: New and Renovated: Meetings in International Cities
Visitors to EMEC should also expect new, innovative and inspiring activities that partner education with incredible experiences, a feature the event is known for.
Holmgreen recalled one such element as part of the 2020 EMEC held in Seville, Spain, describing an off-site spent in Andalusia: “Andalusia is well known for its horses and the Andalusian ranches, so we actually went out to a horse ranch and we used the horses to teach leadership, because the Andalusian horses are trained to actually teach their riders how to ride them. So, it was really, really cool seeing our attendees engage with these horses but actually learn from them.”
MPI is currently preparing to release RFPs for the 2026 and 2027 EMEC events.
