Printsome, an online custom apparel agency, enjoys doing things a bit different. Instead of writing a step-by-step guide to discuss the meeting planning process, the London-based company has design an infographic by using vacationing as a metaphor for event planning.

Have you ever compared your job to another one that’s not related at all? Printsome believes that most activities are really not that different from each other, especially when you look at them from a certain perspective. The infographic was created by a graphic designer who enjoys traveling. The premise is that planning a vacation and organizing an event are surprisingly similar.

According to Printsome research, there are 11 crucial tasks needed for successful meeting planning and traveling. The journey goes from deciding what to do to setting a date to documenting your adventure.

meeting planning

 

starwoodMeeting room at Hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam, a Starwood property

The back-and-forth negotiations that began in November when Marriott International, Inc. made its initial offer to acquire Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. will likely come to a happy ending on April 8. That’s the date that Starwood stockholders are expected to approve the Marriott-Starwood merger, which will create the largest hospitality company in the world.

Marriott has properties in more than 4,200 locations in 79 countries and territories worldwide. It added nearly 52,000 guest rooms during 2015. For its part, Starwood boasts nearly 1,300 properties in approximately 100 countries.

In the latest turn of events on March 31, Anbang Insurance Group Co., Ltd., J.C. Flowers & Co. and Primavera Capital Limited (known as the “Consortium”) informed Starwood on that it was withdrawing its proposal to acquire Starwood due to “market considerations” and would not be issuing another proposal. Starwood’s board of directors appears to have unanimous support for the merger with Marriott.

“We are excited to be part of the world’s largest hotel company with an unparalleled platform for global growth,” says Thomas B. Mangas, CEO of Starwood. “The existing merger agreement provides substantial value to our stockholders through significant upfront cash consideration and long-term upside potential from projected shared synergies, including $250 million in cost synergies and significant revenue synergies, as well as ownership in one of the world’s most respected companies.”

Marriott-Starwood Merger Timeline

• Starwood accepts a $12.2 billion acquisition offer from Marriott in November

• Starwood opts for a $13.2 billion bid by Anbang on March 17

• Marriott sweetens offer to $13.6 billion, which Starwood accepts

• Anbang allowed to continue negotiations, upping its offer to $14 billion last week

• Anbang pulls out of negotiations on March 31

• Special meeting of Starwood stockholders to vote on and approve the Marriott-Starwood merger agreement will be held Friday, April 8, at 10 a.m. Eastern Time at the Sheraton Stamford Hotel in Connecticut.

“We are focused on maximizing shareholder value and from the beginning of this process we have been steadfast in our belief that a combination with Starwood will offer the highest value to all shareholders,” says Arne Sorenson, president and chief executive officer, Marriott International. “Together, we can provide opportunities for significant equity upside and great long-term value driven by a larger global footprint, wider choice of brands for consumers, substantial synergies, and improved economics to owners and franchisees leading to accelerated global growth and continued strong returns. Our integration teams have been diligent in their work over the last few weeks and are more committed than ever to a timely and smooth transition.”

Further Reading
Anbang Sweetens Offer for Starwood
Marriott Acquires Starwood—Again
China Firm Acquires Starwood

San Francisco is a culinary melting pot where diners can find dishes inspired from virtually every country in the world. La Mar Cebichería Peruana is the place to go for a taste of Peru in San Francisco. Located on Pier 1.5 on the walkable Embarcadero, the restaurant boasts fantastic water views and has a modern, comfortable aesthetic. It was opened seven years ago by Gastón Acurio, a famed Peruvian chef.

Acurio and Chef Victoriano Lopez recently traveled to the Mother Land, returning with renewed inspiration for presenting traditional Peruvian cuisine with their signature artistic twists. One of their immediate goals is to incorporate more locally-sourced ingredients in their preparations. They showcased some of the new menu items at a sit-down dinner March 28 at the restaurant’s exclusive chef’s table.

A Fusion of Flavors

The meal began with some artfully displayed appetizers. Tiradito scallop is a Peruvian interpretation of Japanese sashimi. A thinly sliced, raw scallop was floating in a light, orange-colored rocoto cream. It was presented in a shell, balanced on some rocks. Several roasted corn nuts gave the silky dish a delightful crunch. Niguiri pobre was served on a wooden plank. The sushi-style dish featured wagyu skirt steak, chalaca (mussels), a cooked quail egg and ponzu. It was a perfect bite of complex yet balanced flavors.

Cebiche (cerviche) is the national dish of Peru and a staple at the restaurant. La Mar prepares its cebiche with sustainably-caught fish and shellfish. Chef Lopez prepared a bandeja (platter) de cebicheria that included four different sushi-like preparations, including one with bright purple potatoes, pureed and formed into rolls.

The next course was la gran bandeja criolla (a platter of native cuisine.) Served on a banana leaf, it emphasized the traditional street food found in Peru. Savory chicken empanadas were served with a tasty green dipping sauce, while strips of chicharron (fried pork rind) were crispy and decadent. BBQ lovers swooned over the anticuchos, which were tender chunks of beef grilled and served on bamboo skewers.

Main courses featured a delicate whole Thai snapper, deboned and served simply with capers, lime juice and parsley, and estofado nikei (slow-cooked beef cheek) that was served with rice and a variety of vegetable dishes, including tiny sauteed baby leeks.

Dessert was also a multi-faceted, visual spectacle. A bite of refreshing basil shaved ice was layered in a spoon and topped marinated apple and a dollop of pisco sour foam. A bed of Peruvian chocolate mousse was covered with caramelized toasted quinoa that provided an expectantly pleasant mouth pop. A small scoop of lucuma (a fruit native to Peru) ice cream completed the dish.

Dessert was served with a special cocktail, The Last Pisco. It featured Pisco Aromatic, espresso, chocolate bitters, cardamom, simple syrup and cocoa powder.  Icy and unique, its taste lingered late into the night.

Killer Cocktails

In addition to its spectacular food, La Mar is known for its killer cocktails. Most are made with Pisco, a grape-based spirit that like wine, has many variations and flavors. The cocktails served at this dinner were all strikingly flavorful and different.

The Chinguerito was an attractive-looking beverage, boasting a short bamboo skewer with three grapes on it. It was prepared with Pisco Porton, simple syrup, lime juice cinnamon, clove and green grapes. The Spicy Rue featured Pisco Barsol Acholado, agave nectar, lemon juice, grapefruit juice, jalapeno and pineapple slices and 151 Proof. It was refreshing, with a delightful kick.

Private Events

Planners interested in staging an event at La Mar have several options. The covered and heated patio offers breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and Treasure Island. It can accommodate up to 100 people for seated receptions and 130 for cocktail receptions.

The lounge, which is located near the main dining room entrance, can accommodate 50 guests for standing receptions, or 30 guests for seated events.

The semi-private chef’s table gives guests a peek into the efficient open kitchen, and also provides lovely views through the waterfront windows. A maximum of 22 people can be served at the chef’s table.

There is plenty of parking in nearby garages.

La Mar Cebicheria Peruana, Pier 1.5, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA  94111 415-397-8880   lamarsf.com  @lamarsf

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Located in the heart of Silicon Valley – San Jose, California is the 10th largest City in the U.S. and Team San Jose’s industry leading service model makes San Jose the best choice for your next meeting.

Great ideas come in unexpected places and San Jose’s revitalized downtown offers a wealth of lively social settings and offbeat activities to ignite passion at your meeting. San Jose cultivates an atmosphere for innovative thinkers with a vast selection of meeting space, al fresco dining options and cultural venues.

Meeting planners can choose from one of seven Team San Jose managed venues and cultural facilities including the San Jose McEnery Convention Center and four historic theaters that offer a combined 550,000 square feet of meeting space. Hotel rooms are always close with 2,200 committable rooms on peak within downtown and a total of 8,000 guest rooms available citywide. Planners can also benefit from the luxury of Team San Jose’s innovative and pioneering one stop-service, a testament to 98 percent of meeting planners and tradeshow executives wanting to return.

As the Capital of Silicon Valley, San Jose continues to produce world-class technology and visitors will be thrilled with Team San Jose’s free Wickedly Fast Wi-Fi in the Convention Center. The nation’s best, free Wi-Fi experience extends from Mineta San Jose International Airport and throughout downtown, satisfying travelers on the go.

After the convention, guests can access award winning wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains and Santa Clara Valley and pristine natural beauty in the nearby redwoods and coastal shores. San Jose cultivates an inspiring atmosphere that breeds innovative ideas – the ideal environment for meetings to round out a Silicon Valley experience.

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Also, be sure to explore downtown’s 250+ dining and nightlife options in Japantown San Jose, Little Italy and San Pedro Square, stroll along an eclectic strip of museums and galleries in SoFA District, get hands on with the valley’s latest tech gadgets at the Tech Museum of Innovation, and experience vibrant performing arts and entertainment throughout the city – all within walking distance from the Convention Center.

Don’t forget – rather than handing planners off to other organizations once the meeting is booked – San Jose does it all, from housing, convention center and facility event services to customized food and beverage menus, permits, marketing support and special events.

We invite you to visit www.sanjose.org for more information to book your next meeting in San Jose!

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San Jose’s Convention Package by the numbers:

– 550,000 sq. ft. total combined meeting and events space in Team San Jose managed venues
 – 367,526 sq. ft. total convention center space
 – 214,760 sq. ft. total exhibit space in convention center
 – Room for 1,000 10’ x 10’ booths
– Free, fast Wi-Fi from the airport, within downtown and throughout the convention center
 – The convention center is 3.9 miles to Mineta San Jose International Airport
 – 4,000 committable city-wide hotel rooms on peak
 – Up to 43 meeting rooms with capacities from 50 to 3,900 in theater style seating

georgia-capitolGeorgia State Capitol, Atlanta

Convention and visitors bureau CEOs in Georgia and North Carolina are speaking out against discriminatory religious liberty legislation that they believe could harm tourism and potentially drive away conventions in their respective states.

In breaking news Monday, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal (R) vetoed a controversial bill that many claim discriminates against gay and transgender people. William Pate, president and CEO of Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) applauds the decision.

“Today, Governor Deal ensured Atlanta’s position as a top meetings and conventions destination by his swift action in vetoing HB 757. By his decision, the governor has shown his continued support for one of the largest industries and employers in the state of Georgia,” Pate says.

Earlier, Pate expressed his disappointment that Georgia’s state legislature had passed HB 757, noting that it would “have a substantial impact on our convention business and serve as an unnecessary distraction as we compete to host the largest sporting events in the country.”

He emphasizes that Atlanta is a welcoming city. “As the one of the largest industries in Georgia, Atlanta’s hospitality community is committed to welcoming and respecting the rights of all visitors to our city and state,” Pate says.

Details of the Georgia Bill That Provoked Outrage

Anti-gay religious freedom measures are being considered in nearly a dozen states after the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage last June. In Georgia, the move by the Republican-controlled state legislature was suggested in order to protect the rights of religious organizations such as churches, private schools and adoption agencies to refuse to provide services that clash with their faith. Under the ruling, pastors could have legally refused to perform same-sex weddings, religious organizations could have refused to provide charitable services to individuals who identify as LGBT and faith-based organizations could have legally cited religious beliefs as a legitimate reason for hiring or firing workers.

Critics of the bill included corporations such as Marriott, AT&T, Bank of America, Google and Time Warner (which is based in Georgia), as well as a list of high-profile actors, including Anne Hathaway and Julianne Moore. The Weinstein Company and 21st Century Fox vocally criticized the measure, and Disney pledged that if Gov. Deal did not veto the controversial bill, it would pull production from the state.

Georgia offers attractive tax credits to studios that film there, and the movie industry contributes significantly to the state’s economy. According to CNN, the Weinstein Company threatened to move production of a biopic about Richard Pryor starring Oprah Winfrey, Eddie Murphy, Kate Hudson and Tracy Morgan from the state if the legislation was not vetoed.

In addition to Hollywood, the state’s major sports franchises opposed the bill, and the National Football League (NFL) had hinted that it might jeopardize Atlanta’s chance to host future Super Bowl games.

At a news conference, Gov. Deal said, “I do not think we have to discriminate against anyone to protect the faith-based community in Georgia, which I and my family have been a part of for generations.”

Gay rights organizations, such as the advocacy group Human Rights Campaign (HRC), were quick to praise his action in vetoing the bill. “Today, Governor Deal heard the voices of Georgians, civil rights organizations, as well as the many leaders in the entertainment industry and private sector who condemned this attack on the fundamental rights of LGBT people, and he has set an example for other elected officials to follow,” HRC President Chad Griffin said in a statement.

North Carolina Battles Over Bathrooms

Meanwhile last week, North Carolina enacted a law reversing civil rights protections for gay and transgender people that had been passed last month in Charlotte and was scheduled to go into effect April 1.

The new law requires transgender people to use the bathrooms that correspond with their genders on their birth certificates, and prevents North Carolina cities and counties from establishing ordinances that extend protections covering sexual orientation and gender identity to restaurants, hotels and stores. The law was introduced by the state legislature, quickly debated and passed, and then signed into law by Gov. Pat McCrory (R) in less than 12 hours.

Businesses such as Biogen and Dow Chemical, which employ a lot of workers in North Carolina, have criticized the law. The National Basketball Association (NBA) has threatened to move next year’s All-Star game out of the state and the American Civil Liberties Union and gay rights groups plan to file suit.

Tom Murray, CEO of Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), is also expressing concern. “Tourism and hospitality serves as the region’s fourth largest industry, generating more than $6.3 billion annually that greatly contributes to Charlotte’s quality of life. Because of the importance of the industry as an economic engine, we encourage further discussion on the issue to ensure the path forward represents the diverse voices of our region,” he says.

“We would encourage state and local leaders to further work together to ensure any law passed allows visitors to feel welcome in Charlotte and North Carolina as a whole,” he said.

Details of Charlotte’s Ordinance

Although the city of Charlotte had a law protecting residents from discrimination based on race, age, religion and gender, the city council voted to expand those protections to apply to sexual orientation and gender identity on Feb. 22. The expanded ordinance would allow individuals who identify as transgender to use the bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity. Opponents argued this would make bathrooms unsafe for women and children.

The North Carolina state legislature jumped into action, introducing and then passing a law that nullifies Charlotte’s ordinance, as well as existing LGBT nondiscrimination ordinances in other North Carolina jurisdictions, and prohibits local jurisdictions from crafting their own nondiscrimination measures in the future.

After signing the bill last week, Gov. McCroy described the passage as bipartisan. The bill passed the Republican-controlled General Assembly 82-26 in the House and 32-0 in the Senate. The Associated Press reports, however, that all the Senate Democrats left the floor during the debate in protest, allowing Republicans to give the legislation unanimous approval.

westin-costa-navarino-starwood-mergerThe Westin Costa Navarino, a Starwood property

A high-stakes bidding war to acquire Starwood Hotels Worldwide continued on Saturday as a consortium led by Beijing-based Anbang Insurance Group increased its bid to $14 billion, again topping an offer made by Marriott International.

Starwood said that Anbang’s offer is likely to be a “superior proposal” to Marriott’s bid of $13.6 billion. Marriott issued a statement that reaffirmed its commitment to acquire Starwood.

“[Marriott] is confident that the previously announced, amended merger agreement is the best course for both companies,” the statement said. It went on to say that the deal would offer stockholders significant equity upside and greater-long term value driven by a larger global footprint and a wider choice of brands for consumers.

The statement also warned that Starwood stockholders should seriously consider whether the Anbang-led consortium will be able to close its offer, particularly due to “the uncertainty of the consortium’s financing and the timing of any required regulatory approvals.”

For one thing, an article in Caixin, a China-based financial magazine, said that China’s insurance regulator plans to reject Anbang’s plans to buy Starwood and Strategic Hotels [which it tentatively purchased this month] because it would break a rule stipulating that Chinese insurers cannot invest more than 15 percent of their assets abroad.

On the other hand, some industry insiders have questioned whether it will make financial sense for Marriott to make any higher offers for Starwood.

Starwood accepted a $12.2 billion acquisition offer from Marriott in November, but then opted for a $13.2 billion bid by Anbang on March 17. Marriott then sweetened its offer to $13.6 billion, which Starwood accepted. Anbang was allowed to continue negotiating with Starwood through April 8, however.

If a final deal is reached with Anbang, Starwood would need to pay a $450 million breakup fee to Marriott and as much as $18 million in costs related to financing the proposed deal.

Starwood has nearly 1,300 properties in some 100 countries and 11 brands, including Sheraton and Westin and St Regis.

Further Reading
Marriott Acquires Starwood—Again
China Firm Acquires Starwood
Marriott Purchases Starwood for $12.2 Billion

top-attractions

Rendering of the new Aquarium of the Pacific wing

Attractions make excellent venues for receptions and special events. For that very reason, it’s important for planners to stay on top of their options. There’s nothing like taking your group to new and improved attractions, from building excitement before events to creating lasting memories, which will keep attendees coming back to your convention.

Here are few projects in the works that attendees will love:

Aquarium of the Pacific

One of the premier learning aquariums on the West Coast is about to get bigger and better. Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, will be adding a new wing in the shape of a blue whale.

The project, which is slated to be complete in 2018, calls for an immersive theater, special exhibition and art gallery spaces, and animal exhibits. The 300-seat Honda Pacific Visions Theater will include a 32-foot-tall, 130-foot long, 180-degree arc digital projection wall and a 30-foot-diameter floor projection disc to create a virtual ocean setting.

Here’s a description of the new theater, according to the aquarium website: The theater will bring to life epic ocean stories, allowing audiences to discover new species, witness the processes and phenomena of Earth’s ecosystems, and grapple with the many challenges facing the natural world. Each seat will be wired for interactivity, providing visitors opportunities to explore a range of possible trajectories for our planet and underscoring how human action can lead to a more sustainable future. All stories will be developed by the Aquarium in partnership with leading scientists, filmmakers, storytellers, and digital artists.

Walt Disney World Resort

Orlando’s popular theme park is expected to open a new “Frozen” ride at Epcot in May. The  Maelstrom ride located in the Norway pavilion of the World Showcase will be transitioned into “Frozen Ever After.” This new attraction is based on Disney’s popular animated film. The ride will take guests to Arendelle during the kingdom’s Winter Festival, featuring favorite characters and music from the film, all with cutting-edge technology.

Hershey Lodge

Scheduled to open Memorial Day in Pennsylvania, Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge will be an added bonus to this major meeting property. The $13 million project includes two indoor pools, a fitness center, game room, food and beverage offerings including a full bar and wait staff, event space, whirlpool and bathrooms. The capacity of the complex is 781 people. There are 665 guest rooms and more than 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Universal Orlando Resort

Coming this summer, Universal Orlando Resort will open a highly anticipated new attraction on its Islands of Adventure. “Skull Island: Reign of Kong” will honor one of the most monumental figures in movie history, King Kong. Guests will board large vehicles and explore ancient temple structures while encountering hostile natives and fending off unspeakable terrors. Now that’s a wow factor.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Central California’s meeting gem hopes to add a 26,000-square-foot Center for Ocean Education and Leadership. Plans call for development of the state-of-the-art center to begin in the fall and be completed by 2018. Cutting-edge technology will be incorporated into the four-story building, which will include learning labs, wet labs with marine life and collaborative learning spaces. Designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, it will feature solar panels, a living roof and water conservation features.

“We’re thrilled to be moving forward with a project that will have such a significant long-term impact on science education in California,” said Julie Packard, executive director. “Completion of the Center for Ocean Education and Leadership will take our commitment to advancing ecosystem-based learning to a new level of excellence. This work is so important as threats to the ocean grow more urgent each day. We’re at a pivotal time for the planet. We need to reach more children, teens and teachers, but right now, demand for our education programs far exceeds our capacity to serve.”

final-four-venuesNRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

March Madness is my favorite time of year. If you live on the West Coast, NCAA Division I men’s basketball games begin as early as 9 a.m. and then run throughout the entire first weekend of play.

Games and other festivities are being hosted at top event venues and downtown spaces, so even if you’re not a basketball fan, it’s worth noting these arenas and their nearby amenities. The upcoming Sweet Sixteen and Final Four are up next and we thought you’d enjoy a few facts about where the games will be taking place

March Madness Sweet Sixteen

KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky is host of the South Regional semifinal and final games. Miami vs. Villanova and Kansas vs. Maryland are on tap, with winners moving on to the regional final. Louisville’s arena opened in 2010, so it ranks as the newest of the Sweet Sixteen hosts. Fans have a blast attending games and events here because the arena is located downtown. It seats 20,000 for basketball and concerts. There’s 32,000 sq. ft. of event space, including three rooms with views of the Ohio River. KFC Yum! Center is adjacent to 85-acre Waterfront Park. By the way, this venue is very accustomed to hosting basketball games since it’s home to the University of Louisville men’s and women’s teams.

“The NCAA tournament brings plenty of excitement and economic activity to Louisville when it is hosted here,” says Karen Williams, Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau president and CEO.  “Last year, we saw 1,700 fans at the Visitors Center alone, double the traffic of a typical March weekend.  Our attractions, hotels and downtown restaurants benefit from this event and its primary location at the Yum Center.”

Honda Center in Anaheim, California, is host of the West Regional semifinals and final. Duke and Oregon meet in one semifinal, with Oklahoma and Texas A&M squaring off in the other tilt. Honda Center is home to the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League. It seats 18,336 for basketball and close to 19,000 for concerts. Since opening in 1993 as Anaheim Arena, it has hosted more than 3,500 events and an estimated 35 million guests. This is the seventh time the NCAA West Regional has been played at the venue.

United Center in Chicago is host of the Midwest Regional, featuring games between Iowa State and Virginia, and Gonzaga and Syracuse, with the winners squaring off in the regional final. United Center is home to the NBA’s Bulls and the NHL’s Blackhawks, which partnered up to build the arena that opened in 1994. The largest U.S. arena in size, it can seat 20,917 for basketball and accommodate up to 23,500 for concerts. It’s located in the Near West Side neighborhood.

Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia is host of the East Regional games, matching up Indiana vs. North Carolina and Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin. It’s also home to major professional sports teams, including the NBA’s 76ers and the NHL’s Flyers. Philadelphia boasts a unique sports district that fans enjoy. Nearby are Citizens Bank Park, where the MLB Phillies play, and Lincoln Financial Field, where the NFL Eagles play. Wells Fargo Center opened in 1996 and seats 19,500.

March Madness Final Four

The Final Four will be played April 2 and April 4 at NRG Stadium in Houston. Home to the NFL’s Texans, the stadium seats 75,000 for football, but will be reconfigured for the Final Four. Houston also hosted the Final Four in 2011.

The fan experiences will take place downtown at George R. Brown Convention Center and the adjacent 12-acre park. Most hotels are located in this area, so those lucky enough to get Final Four tickets will likely use the city’s state-of-the-art light-rail system to move from downtown to the stadium complex.

Not only is it prestigious for a city to host the Final Four, but tens of thousands of visitors are responsible for an estimated direct spend of about $150 million, according to Visit Houston.

“As Houston gears up to host the NCAA Final Four, we’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of fans to our city,” says Mike Waterman, president of Visit Houston. “The Final Four is a great American event that excites college basketball fans around the country. That means a huge spotlight on Houston as the host city, which in turn leads to strong media exposure and an economic impact of roughly $150 million. We’re pumped and we want everyone to come ready to play.”

the Florida Keys

White sand shores along the Florida Keys’ coral cay archipelago are what dream vacations are made of. The 125-mile-long island chain extends south of Miami in a gentle arc capped off by Key West, a popular cruise ship stop with air connectivity via Key West International Airport (EYW). But the Keys islands also make an ideal setting for mid-size meetings and corporate retreats with a dash of fun in the sun. Have your next meeting in paradise with these eight island resorts and tropical meeting facilities.

1. Ocean Reef Club features 36 holes of golf, meeting space, more than a dozen restaurants, a 175-slip marina and private airport. There is 30,000 sq. ft. of indoor function space in addition to a new 5,688-square-foot ballroom, five meeting rooms and a covered patio in the new Carysfort Hall.

2. Key Largo’s Playa Largo Resort opens next month with 167 luxury guest rooms, 10 private bungalows and a private beach house. The 14.5-acre property will feature more than 39,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor meeting space. Other amenities include a resort pool, private cabanas, spa and fitness facilities.

3. Pelican Cove Resort boasts 63 newly renovated guest rooms and suites in Islamorada. The property’s meeting room is perfect for small groups with conference-style seating for 12 people. The resort also offers a variety of corporate team-building activities.

4. Amara Cay Resort is another renovated gem on Islamorada that offers 110 guest rooms and a private beach. It has a meeting room that can accommodate up to 50 people and a boardroom that can hold up to 14 people. Resort activities include beachfront tented dinners, fishing trip picnics and barbecues.

5. Located in the city of Marathon, Faro Blanco Resort and Yacht Club has 125 upscale rooms and suites, a full-service 74-slip marina and a yacht club. It also features a fitness center and a waterfront restaurant and outdoor bar. The resort has three meeting rooms totaling 1,800 sq. ft. and 9,500 sq. ft. of outdoor lawn space.

6. The Florida Keys Country Club is also in Marathon and is a premier golf and tennis facility in a country club setting spread across more than 139 acres. It has some of the largest meeting space in the Middle Keys with more than 25,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event space.

7. The Courtyard Marathon Florida Keys is a newly opened hotel with 95 contemporary guest rooms and 1,100 sq. ft. of meeting space. Hotel amenities include infinity and spa pools, a fitness center and two dining options.

8. In Key West, The Marker Waterfront Resort is located on 2 acres of tropical gardens. It has 96 guest rooms and 1,400 sq. ft. of meeting space. The resort also offers three swimming pools, a dining venue and oceanfront views.

marriott-acquires-starwoodAloft Bursa, a Starwood property

In its second reversal in five days, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has agreed to a $13.6 billion acquisition bid from Marriott International, but the deal is far from being finalized.

On Thursday, Starwood accepted a $13.2 billion all-cash offer from a consortium led by Anbang, a China insurance firm. That quashed a $12.2 billion deal ($11.9 billion in stocks and $300 million in cash) that Starwood had made with Marriott in November. Now Anbang has until April 8 to top Marriott’s new offer.

Marriott’s new offer raised the cash portion to $21 per share from $2, valuing its new stock-and-cash offer at $79.53. The company offered $72.08 per share in November. Also, Starwood stockholders are expected to receive Interval Leisure Stock valued at $5.83 per share. So, the amount would raise to $85.36 per share, or around $14.41 billion.

Anbang’s offer also would have increased—to about $14.15 billion—because Starwood shareholders would have received an additional $5.67 per share for a spinoff of a vacation business.

If Marriott ultimately purchases Starwood, it would become the world’s largest hotel company. Marriott International has more than 4,400 properties in 87 countries, and brands such as Ritz-Carlton, Marriott and Residence Inn. Starwood’s portfolio consists of nearly 1,300 properties in approximately 100 countries, and 11 distinct brands, including St. Regis, Sheraton and Westin.

“The company [Marriott] will have a broader global footprint and the most powerful frequent traveler programs in the industry, strengthening Marriott’s ability to serve guests wherever they travel,” said Arne Sorensen, president and CEO of Marriott International, in a statement. “We are also bringing together two of the most talented and experienced teams in the industry, strengthening Marriott’s ability to serve guests wherever they travel.”

Further Reading
Marriott Purchases Starwood for $12.2 Billion
China Firm Offers $13.2 Billion for Starwood
China Firm Acquires Starwood