san francisco

San Francisco’s soaring rental costs and surging job market have pushed the city to a new level. According to a Bloomberg report, San Francisco now has the most expensive hotel rates in the world. The average price for a night jumped from last year by 88 percent to $397—the largest increase among 100 of the world’s top financial centers.

The report suggests that a shortage in hotel construction, along with an influx of tech companies, have been driving factors behind rising hotel rates. In the past four years, the city’s population jumped by 5.9 percent; the average statewide population gain stands at 4.2 percent.

As a result, developers are focused on creating more office and residential space. San Francisco is predicted to overtake Manhattan as the costliest office rental market by the end of the year. Demand for apartment rentals is also at an all-time high, with prices averaging at $2,280.

The low inventory of new hotels, has allowed operators to post higher rates. The city’s room count grew by only 0.3 percent in the first five months of this year, compared to a 3 percent increase in New York. High staffing costs are also associated with operating San Francisco hotels.

According the data, San Francisco pulls ahead of Geneva, where rooms cost about $292 a night. The third costliest city is Milan, at $271. Chicago and Miami tied as the second priciest U.S. cities, with going rates at $240. New York, on the other hand, reported the largest decrease among U.S. cities. Room rates in New York dropped by 13 percent to an average of $202.

European cities also report big declines. Paris hotel rates dropped by 37 percent to $146 a night, and Budapest prices fell by more than half to $85. But the cheapest city to rent a hotel remains Hanoi, Vietnam, where rooms average $62 per night.

cost saving tips for airline travelersNot so long ago, it was unthinkable for airlines to charge money for checked-in luggage, in-flight meals and dozens of other components of the flight experience. These days, however, it seems that airlines are charging fees for virtually everything and are raising rates on a regular basis.

Travelers can be overwhelmed by the expenses, but by paying close attention to the situation and making advance preparations, they can tailor flight experiences to fit their needs and avoid unnecessary expenditures.

Here are some of basic cost-saving tips for airline travelers:

–If you need to change a flight reservation, try to do it within 24 hours of the purchase, since by law you are then entitled to a full refund. It’s difficult to obtain full refunds after that time frame, but try to present your case to an airline representative. Airlines charge up to $200 to change a domestic ticket and more for international flights.

–Try to pack light to avoid baggage fees. Most U.S. airlines charge $25 for the first checked bag and $50 to $100 for additional bags. Make good use of your carry-on bag, which most airlines allow free of charge, although some budget airlines now charge a fee.

–You might plan on paying extra money for a better seat, but keep in mind that prices vary widely for this service. Passengers normally pay $25 to $50, but the fee on long-distance international flights can exceed $300.

–Bring food from home or purchase it at the airport. Some airlines don’t offer food for purchase, those that do have limited choices, and prices are generally excessive.

–Since large carry-on bags have become the norm, it’s often advisable to get toward the front of the line of your boarding group. That way, you probably won’t need to worry about finding cabin space for your bag or have to store it far from where you’re sitting.

–Airlines often charge hefty prices for viewing movies. So, bring your own entertainment, whether it’s printed literature, or games, movies and music on your cellphone or tablet. If you’re bringing an electronic device, check to find out if you plane has in-seat outlets; if it doesn’t, make sure the device is fully charged before boarding.

–To save money on Wi-Fi, purchase a one-day pass through Gogo rather than pay as much as $30 to your carrier.

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Auto ShowsThis year there are nine major international auto shows, where the latest and often ultra high-end cars are on display. Americans are probably most familiar with the North American International Auto Show (Detroit), Chicago Auto Show and New York International Auto Show, all of which took place earlier this year.

These shows are hugely popular; the January show in Detroit, for example, drew a record 800,000 people, who admired self-driving prototypes, premium electric vehicles and various other concept and production cars. The shows attract enthusiasts interested in luxury and performance automobiles as well as consumers who want to see the cars of the future and shop for the cars of the present.

Cars aimed at specific markets

Brussels, Geneva and Frankfurt/Paris (which alternates) represent European auto shows; Shanghai/Beijing (which alternates) and Tokyo represent Asian shows. The “baby” of the bunch just took place in Buenos Aires, where the Seventh International Automobile Show was held at La Rural Exposition and Convention Center from June 19 to 28.

The Argentine show presented passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Big carmaker Renault debuted its Duster Oroch, a medium-sized, double-cab pickup. Renault hopes the Oroch, which offers the space and comfort of a compact and SUV, will be attractive to buyers in the Latin American region. Mercedes-Benz plans to produce midsize van Vito–already available in the United States–in its plant near Buenos Aires; in addition to selling the vans in Argentina it will export them to other Latin American countries.

Boost for the Argentine economy

This is good news for Argentina, which produced 617,329 vehicles in 2014–a drop of 22 percent from the previous year. Auto makers in the country reported a 17 percent slide in vehicle exports, which was primarily attributed to little growth in Brazil, Argentina’s main trading partner. Argentina tightened controls on imports and restricted the amount of dollars available to companies after it defaulted on its debt in July 2014. As a result, carmakers complained they did not have enough hard currency to meet production and sales targets.

Carmaker investment in the auto sector, therefore, is welcome and important. Mercedes-Benz pumped in $220 million into its Argentine plant between 2013 and 2015 to improve capacity and handle the Vito’s launch. Joachim Maier, who oversees Mercedes-Benz van production in Argentina, was quoted as saying the company “will be investing further in this location and will be extending our portfolio of products for the Argentine clients.”

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Disneyland® Resort in California features over 185,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and access to Disney creative expertise and one-of-a-kind venues. It has three amazing hotels, two Theme Parks and Downtown Disney® District, and all of it is within walking distance.

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Carlos GardellSince Carlos Gardel’s death in a plane crash 80 years ago, his legend has only grown. The king of tango, beloved in Argentina–where he was raised–and throughout Latin America and other parts of the globe, was a famed singer and songwriter and international movie star when his life ended at age 45.

At the time, televisions were rare and radio ruled the airwaves, and the record and film industries were becoming huge. Gardel’s signature songs, such as El Día Que Me Quieras (The Day That You Love Me) and Mi Buenos Aires Querido (My Beloved Buenos Aires), and nuanced phrasings were heard all over the world; movie-goers saw his suave good looks onscreen from New York to Paris.

Carlos Gardel’s Influence

Gardel died on June 24, 1935, in Medellin, Colombia, while on a concert tour of Latin America, According to reports, millions went into mourning upon hearing of his death, with masses of people coming out to pay respects as his body was flown from Colombia through New York City and Rio de Janeiro; for two days he lay in state in Montevideo, Uruguay, drawing thousands.

His influence today can be found in both contemporary folk and rock music, and in enduring style and savoir faire. Carlos Gardel is still a draw for visitors to Buenos Aires, where he is buried and which boasts the Carlos Gardel Museum among many other Gardel-themed streets, bars and restaurants, and entertainment options. Meeting groups in Argentina will enjoy getting to know more about him.

Anniversary Events

For example, last week in honor of the anniversary of his death, there was a conference at the Carlos Gardel Museum, a grave site commemoration and an ongoing special exhibit, all in Buenos Aires. The exhibit at the National History Museum features murals, never-before-released letters and other personal items as well as photos from the National Archives.

Argentinean public television showed a series of his movies, and the regional parliament is organizing a series of special events.

Other countries took note of the anniversary: In Montevideo, Uruguay, a statue of Gardel sitting on a bench, by sculptor Alberto Morales Saravia, was unveiled on main thoroughfare 18 de Julio. In Maracaibo, Venezuela, opera tenor Jorge Quintero dedicated a concert to Gardel.

In Bogota, Colombia, the celebrations included the premiere of the musical La novia de Gardel (Gardel’s Girlfriend), and Gardel was also the focus of the International Tango Festival in Medellin.

marriage equality

American and United Airlines released statements this morning after the U.S. Supreme Court extended full marriage rights to same-sex couples regardless of their state of residence. The airlines backed the decision and reaffirmed their support of the LGBT community.

Earlier this year, American joined a coalition of U.S. corporations that filed a brief to the Supreme Court supporting marriage equality. The airline also signed a public statement led by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) to prompt businesses to uphold diversity.

American Airlines is recognized by HRC’s corporate equality index, which rates companies based on their inclusion of LGBT employees. The airline started American’s Pride Employee Business Resource Group to advocate for the airline’s employees, including LGBT workers. American Airlines has since received a perfect score on the index, which began ranking businesses in 2002.

“This is a historic moment for our country and for many of American’s employees,” said Doug Parker, CEO and chairman of American Airlines,  in a statement. “Today’s decision reaffirms the commitment of companies like American that recognize equality is good for business and society as a whole.”

United Airlines showed support for the ruling in favor of same-sex marriage. It released a statement this morning: “Today’s historic ruling is a long-awaited victory for all those who chose to take a stand for marriage equality, and we applaud the Supreme Court for affording same-sex couples the respect and dignity they deserve under the law. At United, we foster an inclusive culture where employees are accepted, valued and treated fairly, and we remain committed to proudly serving the diverse customers who fly with us.”

The airline was also part of the amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to uphold marriage equality. United Airlines offers several workplace programs that promote diversity and inclusion of LGBT employees. Its business resource group, Equal, is expanding to several of United’s hub cities. United also partners with leading LGBT groups, including National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Equality Illinois, and International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association.

The Supreme Court ruling—a 5 to 4 vote—came after decades of litigation and activism. In the last decade, the nation’s public opinion has greatly shifted on marriage equality. A Gallup poll taken last month indicates 60 percent of Americans believe gay marriage should be valid, while 37 percent disagree.

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greater miami convention and visitors bureauSmart Meetings Content Manager Holly Woolard is exploring Miami this week as part of an international fam trip being hosted by Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. The trip includes guest accommodations at 1 Hotel South Beach on famous Collins Avenue and JW Marriott Miami.

The CVB has great things planned for this exclusive media trip, including paddleboarding. Journalists also will experience Jungle Island, Miami’s entertainment destination tucked between South Beach and downtown. Trump National Doral Miami and Miami Design District are among the other stops on the four-day itinerary.

Follow Smart Meetings Content Manager Holly Woolard  adventures in the Miami at @SmartMtgsHolly.

Last Updated June 26, 2015 – 1:08 PM

 

 

 

 

 

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new attractions coming to orlando

Exciting rollercoasters, entertainment venues and a new hotel are among the new attractions coming to Orlando in the next few years. Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, Epcot Theme Park, Busch Gardens Tampa and Walt Disney World Resort are adding brand new rides to their world-class theme parks in 2016. However, the new attractions don’t stop there. Orlando will also welcome new shopping and sports facilities in the next year.

Universal Orlando Resort announced the opening “Skull Island: Reign of Kong” next summer. The new ride, inspired by the 2005 remake of the original 1933 King Kong film, will take adventure-seekers through ancient-looking temple structures while encountering hostile natives and other terrors. In 2017, the resort will also introduce an immersive water park called “Volcano Bay.” Inspired by tropical islands, the new park will be situated south of the Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

Together with Universal Orlando, Lowes Hotels & Resorts is building Loews Sapphire Falls Resort—the fifth onsite hotel. The new property will offer 1,000 Caribbean-themed guest rooms, also expected to open next summer.

Epcot Theme Park will offer a new Frozen ride early next year called “Frozen Ever After” in the Norway pavilion of the World Showcase. Designed after the popular animated Disney film, the ride will take visitors to the Kingdom of Arendelle’s winter festival. Fans will see their favorite characters come to life and hear music from the film, thanks to cutting-edge technology.

SeaWorld Orlando is building a shark-themed rollercoaster called “Mako,” named after one of the fastest-swimming sharks. Opening next summer, the 200-foot-tall ride will be SeaWorld’s tallest, fastest and longest ride, traveling up to 73 miles per hour along 4,760 feet. Termed a “hypercoaster,” it will be the main attraction of the two-acre theme park. After the ride, visitors will have the chance to learn about sharks and impacts to their environment.

Walt Disney World Resort is in the process of a multi-year renovation and rebranding of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs. The new center, expected to be complete next year, will offer more than 150 eateries and stores, including APEX by Sunglass Hut, Art of Shaving, Chapel Hats, Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC, Havainas, Sanuk and Sound Lion.

For sports fans, a multipurpose soccer stadium is expected to open next summer in downtown Orlando, as part of a developing entertainment center. Just a block away from the Amway Center, the new stadium will seat up to 28,000 and serve the Orlando City Lions soccer team.

Super BowlSuper Bowl XLIX, the 2015 Pro Bowl and related events in the Phoenix area this year attracted 121,755 visitors and had a gross economic impact of $719.4 million in the region, according to a recent study.

The study, conducted by the L. William Seidman Research Institute in the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, focused on the period leading up to and including the Super Bowl, Jan. 24–Feb. 1. The Pro Bowl on Jan. 25 and the Super Bowl on Feb. 1 were both held at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. Researchers combined these and related events during the nine-day period, considering them as one event.

Team Irvin beat Team Carter, 32-28, in the 2015 Pro Bowl, and the New England Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks, 28-24, in Super Bowl XLIX. Combined with related activities, they had the greatest economic impact of any special event ever held in Arizona. The amount is 30.8 per cent higher than the 500.6 million impact of Super Bowl XLII, which was held at the same site in 2008.

The gross economic impact was determined by finding the amount of money spent by visitors and organizations that came from outside of the state to participate in or create events directly related to the Super Bowl, as well as the indirect and induced impacts of those expenditures. Spending by local businesses and residents was not included.

Among the other findings:

– This year, out-of-town visitors stayed in the Phoenix area for an average of 7.1 nights during the Super Bowl period, compared with 4.1 nights in 2008.

–More than 1 million people visited Verizon Super Bowl Central in downtown Phoenix and 500,000 people enjoyed events in Scottsdale.

–Some 177,000 people attended the NFL Experience at Phoenix Convention Center, breaking the attendance record.

–Valley Metro Light Rail had 389,500 riders during the Super Bowl period and 126,000 riders, double the previous daily high, on January 31.

–Sky Harbor Airport served 175,000 people, a single-day record, on February 2, the day after the Super Bowl.

–Phoenix became the first host community to provide a website and social media in Spanish and to establish cross-border partnerships with Mexico business and tourism organizations.

–Verizon Wireless Super Bowl Central was the first large reduced-waste site at a Super Bowl. The Kick the Waste Initiative resulted in 73 percent of waste being diverted from landfill to recycling.

–The event sponsors—the Super Bowl Host Committee, Arizona Cardinals and NFL—awarded more than $2 million to 27 Arizona nonprofit organizations, benefitting 400,000 kids.

The study was commissioned by the Arizona Commerce Authority, in partnership with the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee.

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wellness retreat

Deep-tissue massages, juice cleanses and seaside resorts all sound well and good. For the rest of us who lack time or money for expensive weeklong retreats, relaxation doesn’t have to come at a price. Mashable suggests eight cost-effective and convenient ways for anyone to experience the benefits of a wellness retreat within their homes. By taking small, regular steps towards building up fitness and health, you can reap the same benefits, without a trip to Bali.

1. Yoga is a popular activity at wellness retreats, and can be done in your own home with a yoga mat and some free online yoga videos. Gentle stretching exercises increase flexibility, respiration, energy levels and stress management.

2. Detox by cutting out alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, sugar and dairy. Substitute excessive consumption with healthier choices. Ban processed foods and follow a clean eating regimen by cooking for yourself. Try meat-free alternatives and locally-sourced produce.

3. Disconnect from your mobile devices. Ban non-work-related use of your laptop, iPad and cell phone. Technology can affect your sleep and increase anxiety.

4. Scent your surroundings with aromatherapy. This holistic practice calls for essential oils that can be added to your bath, used in an oil burner or applied onto skin. Lavender and basil oils have inflammatory, antibacterial and sedative properties that can help reduce joint pain and stress.

5. Find inner peace through meditation. For a few minutes each morning, sit in a quiet space and focus on breathing. Breathe deeply and let your thoughts gently pass by. A consistent meditation practice can significantly decrease anxiety and stress in the brain, according to a 2011 Harvard study.

6. Get out and commune with nature. Visit your local park or forest and take a walk or a bike ride. Studies show spending time in nature can lower cholesterol and blood pressure. It’s a literal breath of fresh air for your mind, body and soul.

7. Try foam rolling. The myofascial stretch-release technique kneads muscle tension by rolling over a sore spot and holding for a minute. A long cylindrical roller can help combat stiffness from sitting at a desk all day.

8. Commit to daily exercise to get your fitness back on track. Start with 30 minutes of cardio-exercise, such as a morning jog or a run on the treadmill. For a more rigorous workout, take up mountain biking or train for a marathon.

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