Smart Meetings | Page 75 of 603 | Corporate Event Planning: Business Events, Meetings, Conferences

Acquisition accelerates growth of lifestyle market

Thursday, Hilton announced it had agreed to purchase the Graduate Hotel brand for $210 million. The deal gives Hilton rights to 35 properties in college towns across the U.S. These properties will operate under long-term Hilton franchise agreements, but will Nashville-based AJ Capital Partners will continue to serve as owner. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2024.

In addition to operating the hotels under franchise agreements, Hilton will lead the brand’s future growth. Hilton President and CEO Chris Nassetta stated that he sees a potential for 400-500 hotels worldwide for the Graduate brand. Graduate Hotels has set a new precedent for the lifestyle brand, bringing unique hotels to major college towns from Athens, Georgia, near the University of Georgia to Palo Alto, California, near Stanford University. Each hotel has its own distinct character, emulating the individuality of each surrounding city and its celebrated college.

“Adding Graduate Hotels to our portfolio of award-winning brands accelerates our expansion in the lifestyle space by pairing an existing much-loved brand with the power of Hilton’s strong commercial engine to drive growth,” says Nassetta.

Ben Weprin, also the founder of Nashville-based real estate company AJ Capital Partners, founded Graduate Hotels in 2014. “We’re proud to embark on this new chapter for Graduate Hotels with Hilton,” Weprin states, calling it the “ideal partner” to take the helm for the brand’s future growth. “Our shared values and close collaboration will ensure a smooth transition while keeping the Graduate Hotels’ unique brand identity intact.”

Once available for booking over Hilton channels later this year, Graduate Hotels will be incorporated into the Hilton Honors program, allowing members to participate in the esteemed guest loyalty programs, part of over 7,500 hotels worldwide.

The move to purchase Graduate Hotels accompanies numerous other growth-oriented moves for Hilton, including the recently announced partnerships with Small Luxury Hotels of the World and AutoCamp. The purchase of Graduate Hotels demonstrates Hilton’s continued focus on expanding its reach in the lifestyle space and capitalizing on the hospitality industry’s fastest-growing, most promising markets.

Visit California demonstrated the power of the ultimate playground

Play isn’t just for kids anymore. In fact, according to the National Institute for Play (NIFP) based in Carmel Valley, California, feeling playful is seriously important for a healthy life. Incorporating play in an event also makes business sense. “Play is an antidote to stress and a foundation for wellness,” according to NIFP researchers, who have partnered with Visit California to share their findings. Playful experiences improve brains, help people stay open to new approaches, work better with others and build emotional resilience that wards off stress.

At Outlook Forum 2024 at Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa in Greater Palm Springs this week, Visit California made a compelling case to the more than 800 destination professionals attending that sourcing a destination known for being fun is an easy way to put people in a more creative state of mind. In addition to bringing Positive Psychology of Play speaker Jeff Harry to help attendees reach a non-judgmental play state, event organizers offered a rainbow of options for playing and networking. From pickleball and golf to painting and tasting, attendees explored their definition of enjoyment. It turns out empowering people with agency is key to turning on the playfulness faucet. “No matter what your definition of play is, if it’s drinking Temecula wine on the patio, bowling or pulling the perfect espresso shot, we make it possible for you to experience that.”

When people choose their activity by following their personal passion, they naturally enjoy it more. “The characteristics of play have to do with motivation and mental attitude, not with the behavior itself,” explained Peter Gray, the author of Free to Learn.

Find Your Play Personality

hotel pool The definition of play is not universal according to NIFP researchers. “As we mature, we develop a style or mode in which we are most comfortable being playful,” said Dr. Stuart Brown, NIFP founder. He identified eight primary play personalities and Visit California shared the Play Style Test to help people determine their preferred path to a state of mind experienced with absorbed in an activity that suspends time. As a bonus, the results come with suggestions for where in the state you might want to visit or bring a group to capitalize on those tendencies.

The pursuit of play is a lifelong endeavor. “When you were first born and your parent held you and you looked into each other’s eyes, it’s one of the only times your brainwaves matched identically with another human being. You feel seen and heard and loved and appreciated,” explained play expert and speaker Jeff Harry. He classified the rest of our lives as a search for that level of attunement in friendships, work and even travel.

That search for harmony or a flow state where we are the most productive is often reached through play, Harry said. Innovation comes from being so caught up in the challenge and adventure of a task that you are not afraid to risk and fail and that is when real creativity happens, he added.

Harry shared that everyone has their own play values. Examples are collaboration, creativity or movement. “Once you rediscover your play values, you can call on them to help you heal the world by bringing joy,” he said.

Outlook Forum organizers took those findings to heart when designing the agenda. “Everyone’s definition of fun may be different so finding a place with an abundance of opportunities to enjoy indoor and outdoor activities, beautiful weather and an attitude of embracing life allows everyone to find something that works for them,” said Angie Pappas, Visit California associate vice president of external affairs. “Play is in our DNA in California. We are the Ultimate Playground,” she added.

The Joy of Getting Business Done

golf course In addition to the health and creative benefits of sourcing locations known as fun places to go, bottom-line metrics can be improved as well. As the bleisure trend becomes the new normal, hosting in places people want to go and take their families can increase attendance numbers. Pappas pointed to a return to full staffing levels at many DMOs post-Covid as one of the reasons for the annual event’s largest crowd ever. Many were first-timers and everyone wanted to network. “We are not rebuilding anymore,” Pappas said. “We have recovered and are growing from here.”

Pappas also pointed to the “novelty effect,” scientific research that has shown that information presented in new experiences and surroundings is remembered more vividly than the same information in the office. That sense of discovery is also one of the reasons travel is considered playful. “Play is productive because it helps you get back to business with a fresh mindset,” she said.

A Marriott, PCMA, CEMA study in 2023 identified the Power of Play as one of the six “truths” in their “Guiding Principles in Experience Design” study. “The process of playing with something, breaking it apart and putting it back together creates opportunities for ideation and collaboration,” the report concluded. It suggested testing developments in AI as new avenues for facilitating connection. “Play-first spaces” help audiences better understand new ideas and synthesize learnings.

Poppy Awards Honor Outstanding Destinations

Best Content Marketing — Business
Belmont ParkBest Content Marketing — Destination (tie)
San Francisco Travel
Visit Greater Palm Springs

Best Strategic Partnership — Business
San Francisco Giants

Best Strategic Partnership — Destination
Visit Ventura

Best Public Relations Campaign — Business
LEGOLAND California Resort

Best Public Relations Campaign — Destination
Visit Newport Beach

Best Influencer Campaign — Business
Mendocino Railway | Skunk Train

Best Influencer Campaign — Destination
Visit Long Beach

Best Crisis Recovery
See Monterey

All Dreams Welcome
Visit Sacramento

Best Group Meetings Marketing
See Monterey

Destination Stewardship and Sustainable Travel Award — Business
Rush Creek Lodge & Spa at Yosemite

Destination Stewardship and Sustainable Travel Award — Destination
Mono County Tourism

Best Paid Brand Campaign, Under $1 Million — Business
Palisades Tahoe

Best Paid Brand Campaign, Under $1 Million — Destination
Visit Lake Tahoe

Best Paid Brand Campaign, $1 Million & Up — Business
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (Zoo)

Best Paid Brand Campaign, $1 Million & Up — Destination
San Diego Tourism Authority

Cherry Tsui and Allison Wells

The InterContinental Bellevue at the Avenue expands its F&B team with experienced culinary professionals.

Tsui fills the role of director of food and beverage, bringing over two decades of experience in luxury hospitality. She is a French and European-trained culinary expert, and earned her hospitality degree in Switzerland. Throughout her career, she has worked alongside renowned chefs and at esteemed luxury brands.

Wells serves as senior catering sales manager, bringing extensive experience in catering, conference services and wedding planning. She holds a bachelor of science in hospitality and tourism management with an emphasis in event planning. Throughout her career, she has developed a passion for personalization, menu curation and top-notch customer service.

Nicholas Dukes and Zachary Abeyta

Pechanga Resort Casino brings on two new beverage professionals to its F&B team.

Dukes is an expert in craft beer, wine and spirits and will serve as mixologist. When he began working as a beverage professional, he developed a fascination with the origins of beverages and their role in the development of civilizations around the world. He worked as a bar manager for several years before joining the food and beverage department at another Southern California casino where he learned from experienced spirits and wine experts and earned his Cicerone certificate.

Abeyta takes on the role of enterprise sommelier. He has held roles as sommelier and director of wines at a number of prestigious Los Angeles restaurants, eventually opening his own restaurant with a friend and serving as its sommelier in addition to restauranteur. He will draw on his extensive experience to further the award-winning wine list at the resort casino’s Great Oak Steakhouse.

Jo Fischer

Jo Fischer, The ART Hotel Denver, Curio Collection by Hilton

The ART Hotel Denver, Curio Collection by Hilton, appoints Fischer as chef de cuisine of FIRE Restaurant & Lounge. Fischer brings decades of experience to this new role, and in addition to cooking, impressive skills in event planning and mentorship. He will draw on this experience to bring a new perspective to the restaurant’s menu development.

Sahid Khan

Sahid Khan, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino

Khan serves as the new executive pastry chef at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino. He began his career as a commis chef in a bakery and confectionary. In 2019, he took on the role of head pastry chef at Park Hyatt Doha. In this new role, Khan will oversee and manage all aspects of the pastry department on the property, conceptualizing and developing innovative pastry menus and ensuring their highest quality.

Davide Pauduano

Davide Pauduano, The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas

Pauduano is appointed as director of food and beverage at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas. He brings over 18 years of experience in luxury hospitality across Europe, the Middle East and North America. Most recently, he served as director of food and beverage at Lido House Hotel in Newport Beach, where he led a team of over 80 associates, overseeing the entire F&B division and kitchen.

John Marchetti

John Marchetti, Sheraton Phoenix Downtown

Marchetti returns to Sheraton Phoenix Downtown as executive chef, earlier working at the property as part of the opening team. He will collaborate with Chef Angela Dykstra, who oversees daily operations and menu development at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Carcara, as well as curated catering offerings for onsite meetings. Marchetti will also oversee &More by Sheraton and the rooftop Breeze Bar.

Joseph Richter

InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf appoints Richter as director of catering and event services. He brings over 20 years of experience in catering sales strategy and event design, which he will draw on in his new role overseeing catering and group event strategies. Most recently, he led catering sales and conference services at the Four Seasons Hotel, Washington D.C., for over a decade.

Erik Sandven

Erik Sandven, Alisal Ranch

Alisal Ranch welcomes Sandven as executive chef. He holds over a decade of experience, working in and leading southern California kitchens at hotels and resorts. He will now oversee the resort’s culinary program across its numerous onsite dining destinations, including The Ranch Room and Creekside, The Ranch Course Grill & Golf Lounge, The Grill at Alisal River and Chuckwagon Grill.

Remi Van Peteghem

Remi Van Petegham, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Van Peteghem joins Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi as director of culinary. He brings three decades of culinary expertise, serving at numerous Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. He most recently served as culinary director and assistant vice president for food and beverage for Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore. Van Petegham has held multiple executive chef roles at esteemed hotel restaurants in locations from Paris to New York.

Randy Morales

Randy Morales, Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC)

Moraeles takes on the role of general manager of food and beverage operations at Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC), appointed by Sodexo Live!, its hospitality partner. He will bring over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry and a passion for service excellence to his new role designing a memorable dining and beverage service that captures Miami’s spirit. He joined Sodexo Live! in 2022 as a beverage consultant for the opening of the Rum Room at MBCC.

Take a further trip for more reward in spring 2024

With travel continuing to open up and return to natural form after years of Covid, the world is once again an oyster for meeting professionals looking for an international incentive trip or executive retreat that will be memorable and expand geographical and cultural horizons of attendees. With “experiences” continuing to be the key word of the meetings and events industry, Smart Meetings has compiled a list of exotic and international destinations that are ideal for incentives and executive retreats that will deliver all that is advertised and more for “spring break” 2024!

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

A well-known tourist destination, incentive travelers may be surprised with some of the lesser-known elements and attractions of Puerto Vallarta. The Malecon Boardwalk is more than a haven for partying spring-breakers—it is a cultural and artistic collaborative venue for locals and visitors alike. Sculptures and restaurants by acclaimed local artists and culinary masters are ubiquitous and present Mexican culture at its best along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. What is more Spring than the vibrant color and life that Puerto Vallarta has to offer?

Puerto Vallarta folklore dancers dancing traditional Mexican cultural dance

Algarve, Portugal

This European destination provides the best of both worlds—all-inclusive resorts with luxury amenities, yet the Western side of the province on the Atlantic Ocean with less tourism and much more Portuguese culture and lifestyle. The beaches such as Praia do Amado, Carrapateira and Praia da Arrifana are referred to as having “butterscotch sand” and border the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejanto e Costa Vicentina (Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park).

Anchorage, Alaska

Head up north—way north—to Alaska’s largest and one of its most visited cities. For wildlife lovers, there is nothing that beats the seaplanes taking off from the base of Lake Hood and flying over national parks like Far North Bicentennial Park or Kincaid Park. Explore the Chugach Mountains with its various trails that traverse glaciers, rivers, outdoor gathering areas and areas of known wildlife sightings. For urban living enthusiasts, Anchorage is home to more public art and residents involved in the food, music and general culture scene than any other city in the state. Visit one of the many galleries, restaurants and showrooms in Anchorage to learn about life on the edge of the Arctic Circle.

Anchorage, Alaska

Nanjing, China

The beautiful, cultural, adventurous and historical city of Nanjing, China is quite often overlooked for Beijing yet has as much excitement and charm as its famous counterpart with more affordable travel costs. Purple Mountain is a stunning location in East Nanjing, given its name for the purple and golden clouds that are the backdrop to the landscape and for Plum Blossom Hill at the base of the mountain. With over 30,000 plum trees blossoming in the spring, it is no wonder that the Nanjing International Plum Blossom Festival draws so many springtime visitors.

Nanjing, China

Cartagena, Colombia

After being featured as a cast trip for the Bravo television hit series Real Housewives of New York City, Cartagena has been receiving more tourism than ever and living up to the hype. The amalgam of vibrant cultures from South America, the Caribbean Islands and historical European influences create a one-of-a-kind destination in Colombia. With easy access to shopping, dining, entertainment and historic venues overlooking the city and the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena offers accessible luxury and memorable experiences.

Cartagena, Colombia

Read More: Vamos a Los Tropicos!

New Orleans’ recycling initiative makes huge impact in its second year

Roughly one million people visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras annually. While this is an estimate to be proud of, there was once another number organizers used—and were proud of—to track the visitation of the event: amounts of waste produced.

“There was a time 20 years ago where the success of Mardi Gras was measured in how much trash was created,” says Walt Ledger III, CEO of New Orleans & Company. “The leaders would come on TV at the end of the day and say, ‘We collected 20,000 tons of garbage this year, what an amazing Mardi Gras it was.’ That was a long time ago and a different mindset, but I think now it’s really good to see our leaders talking about how much we were able to divert from landfills as a measure of success.”

Now in its second year, New Orleans’ recycling initiative, Recycle Dat, turned in numbers that can definitely be deemed a successful landfill diversion. The program is a partnership among 25 organizations, including New Orleans & Company, the city of New Orleans, Grounds Krewe and Can Manufacturers Institute.

Compared to last year, this year saw a significant increase in total waste diverted, 4,288 pounds of glass (compared to last year’s 1,500), 4,302 pounds of aluminum (last year: 1,475) and 12,697 pounds of Mardi Gras throws (last year: 11,535). This second run was the first time the program collected plastic bottles, recycling 236 pounds.

The ‘Why’ of Recycle Dat!

woman sitting down under tent

“While the work our sanitation workers was doing was phenomenal,” Ledger says, referring to the city’s sanitation workers, who were tasked with Mardi Gras cleanup before the creation of Recycle Dat. “We needed to be more thoughtful and intentional about how we tried to limit garbage making its way to landfills, how we recycle and how we engage appropriately to make sure this event can keep moving forward and be sustainable. Partnering with the city last year for [Recycle Dat] did some really remarkable things.”

Ledger says sometimes you’re so close to something that you don’t always pick up on ways it can be improved, “but I think this is a good example of the city and all of those krewes and organizations saying we’ve got to do better.” The “krewes” to which Ledger refers are the organizations that throw parades that move through the city streets. According to Ledger, there are 34 different krewes that each have a parade during Mardi Gras.

He added that one krewe announced that next year they’ll only be tossing out sustainable throws. “They’re no longer going to allow their members to throw certain things they find to be unsustainable or could be potentially harmful to the environment,” he says. “I think you’re going to continue to see more and more of the groups stepping up, self-regulating and making decisions that are more environmentally friendly.”

One other item Ledger says organizations have changed their tune on is moving from plastic Mardi Gras cups to stainless steel cups, as they’re long-lasting and can be used for longer periods of time. “I think you’re going to continue to see krewes making decisions that are a little different, that lead to a more positive outcome,” he says.

Volunteerism to a Paid Model

While last year was a volunteer program, this year Recycle Dat shifted toward a paid model for its participants. “I definitely think that it’s good to employ people to engage in this, volunteers can only get you so far,” Ledger says. “If you really want to be impactful, you’ve got to move to a professional setting and employ people. We’re all really happy that we took that step this year. I think it’s the right one and it puts the right focus and imperative behind it.”

While moving to a more professional model played a large part of the initiative’s increasing success, Ledger says he thinks another part of it can be credited to people simply being aware of the program and opening their eyes to the fact that less garbage is just better. “We can still have an amazing time and an amazing event, but there’s no reason that we can’t also be intentional about how we limit what we’re [sending] into landfills,” he says.

Visitor Participation

During the event, Mardi Gras organizers also encouraged visitors to recycle. “In some ways, visitors are more inclined to [recycle] than others, at least initially. That’s why we have to continue to educate. They may be coming from places that have a little bit more of a focus on it, so they’re focused on it.” As an example, Ledger recalled the 250 guests from the United Kingdom that come for Mardi Gras.

“Interestingly, they actually volunteered last year to participate when they were here as guests, because they saw that there was a need and a movement to do better,” he says. “They wanted to be a part of it. I was touched by that when they shared that with me, and they came back this year.”

Ledger says when those U.K. visitors came back this year, they commented on how the organization took things to a different level compared to 2023 and how great it was to see the community continue its commitment to getting its sustainability efforts right. “That leads me to believe we’re on the right track. It’s good to get that outside validation.”

Looking for Style? Look No Further!

Three new and renovated properties transform the hospitality game with jaw-dropping debuts. Art is at the center of each property; and attendees will find themselves in awe when they step into creative spaces unlike any they have seen before. These hotels all master one thing in particular: character. If you’re looking for a meeting venue that you’ll never want to leave, read on.

World of Wonder

The opening of Hotel Bardo Savannah transforms a 19^th century Southern Gothic structure into an urban resort and private club with a “riot clash” aesthetic. The two-acre resort features an eclectic design throughout, with extensive art pieces, numerous tiny gardens along the pathway to the resort pool and more surprises. The concept was developed by New York City-based real estate development and hospitality firm LEFT LANE, which specializes in transforming historic properties.

The property’s onsite restaurant, Saint Bibiana, serves coastal Italian fare. Bar Bibi, the pool bar, maintains the theme with smaller coastal Italian bites and a refreshing cocktail menu. The property also debuts a holistic gym and wellness spa concept with Saltgrass, offering an extensive menu of restorative wellness experiences and a broad athletics program.

All 149 guest rooms emulate the hotel’s design aesthetic. Whether in a ground floor poolside room with a private garden, an upstairs suite with a Juliet balcony or a suite with a dedicated chef’s kitchen, guests are in for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Every event space offers its own character: The Carriage House, with a private event lawn, pays homage to the property’s former life as an 1800s mansion; spaces of diverse sizes are spread throughout the property, from private dining rooms to high-design spaces. Event space surpasses 15,000+ sq. ft., not including the option for tented events outdoors.

Read More: The True Nature of Georgia

Scholars and Philosophers

The Study at Johns Hopkins New and Renovated — Guest room at The Study at Johns Hopkins

Study Hotels expands its portfolio with the opening of The Study at Johns Hopkins. It stands at the main gate of Johns Hopkins University campus, at the heart of the historic Charles Village neighborhood in North Baltimore.

The new property is an adaptive reuse—the building’s 100-year-old historic façade was restored and is celebrated in the community. Inside, guests will find a space that emulates an academic spirit and the university’s personality as they immediately encounter a collection of a life-size montage of historical artifacts painted by artist Christie DeNizio. 115 guest rooms and suites provide abundant natural light and warm furnishings plus the brand’s characteristic leather reading chair, as well as writing desks and large, operable windows.

The onsite restaurant Dear Charles, too, provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere that seeks to inspire a sense of history and belonging, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner to both walk-ins and reservations.

Its public space, referred to as the “Living Room,” is furnished with eclectic furniture and large bookcases, as well as an active art gallery. 2,500 sq. ft. of private meeting space make for an all-around inspiring and unique experience for groups.

The Finer Things in Life

W Boston New and Renovated — Meeting space at W Boston

W Boston unveils a multi-million-dollar renovation of its 5,000 square foot meeting and event space, with a distinct stylish redesign that emulates the hotel’s celebration of the “rebels” of Boston’s past and the values of originality and individuality. The hotel partnered with Boston-based artist Cedric Douglas, who created a large-scale artwork of outstretched hands touching—the piece serves as a symbol of the connection that will rise from the meetings that take place there. Organic textures, such as wood and granite, create an ambient atmosphere that reflects the property’s brand evolution.

Studio spaces of a range of sizes can accommodate different group sizes and feature floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the city. Technology, such as a wired business center and 80-inch wireless TV studios with built-in ceiling projectors offer a space for innovation to flourish.

The property’s commitment to sustainability inspired a green renovation process and green meeting options. Planners can work with the onsite F&B team to curate their event menus. W Boston offers 235 guest rooms, including two WOW Suites and one “Extreme WOW” Suite.

Women’s History Month is a fitting time to look at the leaders in our midst—regardless of their title—and learn from their heroic approach to hospitality innovation. We asked three women at three powerhouse meetings hotels about their approach to bringing everyone along and were impressed by the passion that unites them. Some have worked in hospitality their entire careers, while others found their own routes to their roles. They are all driving creative, thoughtful change and are role models for event professionals everywhere.

We asked them to share the three words that describe their approach to elevating events, to remember the moment they felt they belonged in the meetings industry, how they make everyone feel welcome and the next goal they are pursuing. Read on to meet these brilliant meeting profs.

Susie Klein

Director of Business Development, Miraval Resorts & Spas (Berkshires, Austin, Arizona, The Red Sea)

Intentional, Transformative, Collaborative

Moment I Found My Home in Hospitality: “I began working in hospitality because I thrived on making meaningful connections. The more I learned about different areas of corporate travel and events, the deeper my love for the industry grew. As my career progressed and I began making connections in the sales world, I realized how significant my client relationships had become. We celebrated milestone moments in life together, became more than associates, found a common bond and invested in our relationships. This bond is something that is unsung in the event world: the ability to take time to build deep connections.”

Welcoming Strategy: “Creating a space that’s warm and inviting is key to making those around me feel valued and welcomed. My kitchen is the heart of my home where I enjoy cooking and spending time with family. My kitchen is the space where I have created unforgettable memories, gatherings, and conversations with my children. Being at an event is no different, where my clients feel their ideas and contributions are heard and take the approach of creating a deeper connection with them. These spaces are places where I can build relationships and make those around me feel welcome in a group setting.”

Next Goal: “As the director of business development at Miraval Resorts & Spas, I will focus on elevating our Wellbeing Retreats and their transformative nature, inclusive offerings and the lasting positive impact they provide for corporate groups. Our retreats allow groups to rediscover themselves, each other, and a sense of wonder and purpose. They are not simply a group retreat, it is a well-being journey. Miraval’s Wellbeing Retreats foster a culture centered on wellbeing and self-care and provide an environment that enhances leadership skills and empowers individuals to thrive personally and professionally.”

Summer Shoemaker

General Manager, San Diego Mission Bay Resort, California

Refined, Cohesive, Efficient

Moment I Found My Home in Hospitality: “I knew this industry was right for me when walking with a client on day one of a large program. Their stress levels were at ease and they cared more about getting to know each other because they knew that even the smallest details were already handled and everything was set for success. The relationships developed within the many layers of a hotel team that make these events happen is also inspiring. To be part of this ‘service symphony’ and watch complicated events come together, teardown, and resetting the next one successfully day after day is a rewarding part of the industry.”

Read More: Empowered Women Take Center Stage

Welcoming Strategy: “The hospitality industry is more than a job or career—it is a lifestyle, a passion and a call to connect with others everyday. Whether guests, employees, vendor partners, or friends; I do my best to show genuine hospitality. This is more than just a welcome message and a handshake, but rather a commitment to create emotional connections, build memories together, find time, show empathy, and lead with my heart first.”

Next Goal: “Carving out quality one-on-one time with my teenage son!”

Alissa O’Briant

Director of Sales & Marketing, Bernardus Lodge & Spa, Carmel Valley, California

Creative, Personalized, Experiential

Moment I Found My Home in Hospitality: “The moment I truly felt I belonged in the meetings and events industry was during a high-pressure corporate conference that needed to be perfect. Working through a myriad of intricate details, collaborating with multiple departments and vendors, and then witnessing the culmination of months of tireless planning I felt an overwhelming sense of fulfillment. Seeing happy attendees engaged, connecting and having fun felt so rewarding I knew I found my niche+—an industry where it wasn’t just about carrying out logistics but more about crafting moments that leave indelible impressions.”

Welcoming Strategy: “I foster inclusion by promoting open communication, listening to different ideas, and celebrating the unique strengths each member of my team brings. Through encouragement, kindness, and a collaborative environment productivity thrives and we also make sure to have a lot of fun along the way. In events, my goal is to create a sense of hospitality that ensures every guest feels special and valued. In life, I make personal connections by being empathetic, understanding, supportive, and finding laughter in as many things as possible.”

Next Goal: “To seek experiences that challenge me to grow and evolve, whether it’s through travel, education, or finding new hobbies.”

What to expect at Business Events Industry Week 2024

The meetings and events industry calendar is a crowded place, filled with must-attend association conferences, regional gatherings and our own projects, especially in the summer and fall. One that has been distinguishing itself since it started four years ago is Business Events Industry Week (BEIW). This gathering, which started at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Washington, D.C., has grown into a collaborative effort between PCMA, Destinations International, ICCA, International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals. It brings together these silos of membership and mission to build a critical mass to advance the issues they share.

To find out what is on the agenda at this collective, we asked Sherrif Karamat, CAE, president and CEO of PCMA.

Learn More: Lessons from Leaders with Sherrif Karamat

A Cooperative Start

close up shot of man in grey suit — Sherrif Karamat

In the two Covid years after that first small event at Gaylord National, the original founders, PCMA and Destinations International stepped back to consider what they were trying to do. One thing the group did this year is move to Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., April 8-11 to incorporate the spirit of Global Meetings Industry Day in the festivities.

“We are bringing the world to the nation’s capital to focus on education, learning and commitment. It is an opportunity for us to raise our voices and to be heard on the global political stage and the larger media stage,” said Karamat. “We want to show the contribution that business events make to economies around the world.”

Read More: Power Of Purpose 2023 Highlights

In the process of evolving the offerings, what was Destination Showcase became Showcase, a place modeled after the energy of South by Southwest for technology companies, agencies, hotels, airlines, any supplier that works to make events successful can get connected to meeting producers who need their help. This one-day cross-country journey will anchor the week on Wednesday, April 10.

“We’re all in this industry to make it successful; we need each other,” said Karamat.

A Robust Agenda

The week starts with Certified Destination Management Executive certification April 6-9 and Convention Sales & Services Summit, which has expanded to two days. Then Global Leadership Conference, which brings together PCMA Advisory Boards, partners and chapter leaders from around the world.

New to the partnership is ICCA’s The Future of Association Meetings and Societal Transformation, an event which will address the role of associations in societal transformation. The group will meet April 9 at ASAE’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. At the same time, National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals will welcome Sharinda Williams-Simmons, chief creative officer with The PTO Nomad, for a deep dive on workplace culture in a presentation titled “Reclaiming My Time.”

On April 10, the expanded Showcase takes center stage back at Walter E. Washington Convention Center, with new educational offerings on the expo floor. Two theaters will feature strategies for career development, a next generation stage will focus on skills with industry speakers sharing their stories and leadership while campfire areas will cover technology. Look for insights on budgeting, negotiations, what motivates attendees, legislation impacting the industry and how to give people what they want.

Followed by PCMA Foundation Fashion Show, Living In Color to raise money for the foundation while celebrating authenticity, pride, compassion and living life boldly in color.

Also expanded is IAEE’s Women’s Leadership Forum, under the leadership of President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, which will now be two days of strategies to help women succeed in their current positions while motivating them to take their career to the next level.

On April 11, Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID), PCMA Capital Chapter is marking the occasion with a discussion of the strategies required to conquer the challenges that lie ahead. The evening will end with the Visionary Awards, honoring industry leaders for their contributions.

Meetings Industry Power Takeaways

In addition to fun activation experiences to celebrate GMID, Karamat hopes the confluence of industry groups delivers an important message. “Events are a catalyst for economic growth and create jobs,” he said. “And event organizers are not just logistician, they are strategists using their incredible talent to advance their organizations’ objectives” Whether they are in healthcare, finance or any other industry, they set the stage to share knowledge and get business done.

“In a world that needs more caring, event organizers bring people together, solve economic issues and are a platform for social issues from gender equity and inclusivity to accommodating those with unique abilities.” BEIW is taking a demand for equity for all in terms of pay and access to boardrooms to the legislative capital in hopes that the industry can serve to make a better society. “Our world needs the contributions of everybody.”

Keys to Building a Better AI Future

When the meetings industry comes together, of course the topic of AI will be addressed. “AI can have transformative abilities to help organizations or individuals become much more productive, as well as much more strategic by getting meeting organizers out of the hamster wheel of not having enough time,” Said Karamat. PCMA has partnered in the development of Project SPARK, an AI platform designed for meeting professionals with tools to assist in evaluating contracts, creating agendas and summarizing content. “I want to ensure that people understand the liberating impact of AI on their day to day, how we can actually create some white spaces, so that they can be more strategic,” he said.

At the same time, Karamat acknowledged the pitfalls of the technology. “I want us to face it head-on so we can avoid the problems caused by the internet and email by putting in place some guiding principles and rules,” he said.

Sam Newton

Sam Newton, Louisville Tourism

Newton is Louisville Tourism’s first-ever Airport Welcome Center Manager. He will lead Muhammad Ali International Airport’s new welcome center through its opening and oversee the center’s staff in greeting visitors and helping them navigate Louisville. Most recently, he served as senior manager of operations at Frazier History Museum.

Corinna Wenks

Corinna Wenks, Park Hyatt Chicago

Park Hyatt Chicago appoints Wenks as general manager. She served as the property’s director of rooms from 2010-2015 and was awarded “Director of Rooms of the Year.” After filling numerous roles across multiple Hyatt properties, from San Francisco to San Antonio, she is excited to be with Park Hyatt Chicago once again.

Brad Poarch

Brad Poarch, Event Production Network

Event Production Network (EPN) welcomes Poarch as its new president. He is the CEO of Oklahoma City-based audio-visual company Cory’s and formerly served as EPN’s vice president. EPN encompasses 28 member locations and creates 30,000 annual experiences championing the latest in AV technology.

Jon Martin

Jon Martin, Sage Lodge

Martin joins Sage Lodge, an outdoors-focused resort in Montana’s Paradise Valley, as general manager. Martin will helm this role as an ambassador for the resort in the Paradise Valley community and to strengthen the property’s reputation as a world-class destination, while overseeing all daily operations, including onsite activities, community partnerships, dining and the spa.

Kalei Bridges

Kalei Bridges, Island of Hawai’i Visitors Bureau

Bridges rejoins the Island of Hawai’i Visitors Bureau as sales manager. She was raised in Hāmākua on the island of Hawai’i, is a haumana of Hālau Manaola, an educator and cultural practitioner of Polynesian music and the arts and has held numerous hospitality sales management positions at both the Island of Hawai’i Visitors Bureau and Hilton Waikoloa Village.

Mary Haban

Mary Haban, Visit Tampa Bay

Haban joins Visit Tampa Bay as vice president of global communications. She will lead the organization’s communications team and work to elevate community relations and executive communications. She is known for her skill in brand elevation and impressive results across diverse industries.

Hillary Francis

Hillary Francis, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort

Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, names Francis as director of sales and marketing. She has been a resident of Hawai’i for the past 14 years and is dedicated to leading the property’s growth and success in a direction that treats the land with care. Most recently, she served as complex director of marketing for the Waldorf Astoria, leading the renovation of Grand Wailea.

Dale Johnson

Dale Johnson, Kimpton Palladian Hotel Seattle

Johnson joins Kimpton Palladian Hotel Seattle as general manager, soon after joining the property earlier this year to oversee F&B operations. He brings decades of hospitality experience, including several years as a general manager. He joined Kimpton in 2021 as general manager at Kimpton Hotel Vintage in Portland where he successfully relaunched the property’s F&B program.

Todd Moritz

Todd Mortiz, Bishop-McCann

Bishop-McCann appoints Moritz as the first-ever vice president of event technology. He brings over 20 years of experience in the event industry across realms, including event technology, multichannel marketing and program management. He looks forward to implementing new solutions from evolving technology to address evolving client and company needs.

Kristi Cotten-Morris

Kristi Cotten-Morris, Grand Hyatt Atlanta Buckhead

Cotton-Morris takes on the role of general manager at Grand Hyatt Atlanta Buckhead. In addition to overseeing all daily operations, she will oversee a multi-phase renovation throughout 2024. She brings a focus on team development and nearly 30 years of hospitality experience.

Event tech native Nick Borelli: AI will remove the drag stuff so you can produce A+ events

Nick Borelli, director of marketing for the ethical facial analytics company Zenus Inc., has good news for meeting professionals. AI is not just one more thing they have to learn to do their jobs. “It is actually a tool that will get some of that ‘drag stuff’ out of the way to focus on the things that you really want to do, the reason you got into the events industry in the first place,” he explained at Smart Meetings Innovation Experience in Irving, Texas, last week.

More good news, while AI will become a core competency for the meeting planner role, it won’t require you to have to learn a new language to use it. “You just have to talk like you normally talk and ask it to do things as you would ask an intern who doesn’t know anything, but is really good at researching,” he said.

two men standing next to each other — Nick Borelli with Smart Meetings TV Correspondent Mike Lyons

Borelli outlined the reality behind the technology currently experiencing a love-hate relationship with the general population and then invited attendees to use it in a real-world scenario to create an event campaign and menu while competing for fun and prizes.

“The difference between AI and most technology like social media is that it doesn’t put distance between people,” he said. The term “artificial intelligence” has been around for decades as a description of a technology that learns. Each time it “crosses a bridge and determines if that way is good, it will remember and do a similar action in the future at a speed of millions of times per second. That is why every time a user interacts with it, it gets better. AI today is the worst it will ever be. Guaranteed. Tomorrow AI will be smarter than today. And smarter than that the next day.”

Learn More: What is AI Good for Anyway Webinar

AI Risk-Benefit Analysis

Unlike tech engineers, meeting professionals tend to be a pretty risk-averse group. However, in this case, sticking with what has worked in the past (an Excel spreadsheet, for example) may be both riskier in terms of meeting event expectations and practicality because AI is being integrated into all the things we use daily. “You buy a toaster, it will have AI; it will just be part of our world,” he said. This is not a fad you can outwait. Even Outlook is going to be 50% AI in the not-too-distant future, so we better get used to using it, he added. “It won’t be an adoption curve or a choice; it’s just going to be a flick of a switch,” he said.

Never fear. That ubiquity won’t be a bad thing. It is just a layer on everything, was how Borelli explained it. That new layer could help elevate the quality of everything. Someone who just graduated from college with no experience in events could use these tools to produce an adequate event in a week’s time just by pushing some buttons. They can source a venue, create a workable agenda, create marketing materials, all the things required. “That is the threat,” he said. “The likelihood for competition that you haven’t even met before is very high because technology will allow anyone to get from zero to B-plus pretty instantaneously.”

That is why experienced meeting professionals need to use the new tools to buy them the time and resources required to go from B-plus to A-plus. “Those B-plus people that came out of nowhere don’t even know what it looks like to go higher, but you have seen A-plus in your mind. You know what’s possible with more horsepower,” he said.

Learn More: Download the State of Event AI White Paper

Allowing technology to check the boxes on the tactical work affords meeting professionals the time to design events that are inclusive, personalized, non-linear and iteratively better each time because the new treasure trove of data will allow you to learn and improve faster than ever. “Think of data as stories, as listening to what people want,” he explained.

A Better AI Question

Think of using AI not as a thing, but as a question, Borelli suggested. “Always be asking, ‘Is there an AI for that?’” he said. What are the parameters you could input to get an even more creative response? How can you refine the question to get what you really need? Ask it to make the event more sustainable, design a networking event for people who are not outgoing, incorporate a sponsor in a meaningful way or mark up a contract as if it were a lawyer. Ask for suggestions about how to work better with a partner based on their LinkedIn profile. Spell out the end goals with as much detail as possible to refine the response. “You are at the wheel. Ask specifically for what you need and how long and in what format you would like it delivered,” he suggested.

Iterate and once you have the output, don’t just copy and paste. Use it as a starting point to add your special sauce to make it A-plus. You will never again have to go into a meeting with a blank notepad. You will be starting with the obvious solutions and be able to brainstorm better. “This is what generative AI does for us, there’s no more blank pages,” he said.

The Human Advantage

“There are a lot of things AI can’t do,” Borelli confided. Those are the areas where people will want to double down and make a difference. The first is domain expertise. People understand the language and nuances of their communities in ways that make sense beyond any obvious logic. The contextual information about terminology and insider knowledge is something we can use to signal we are human and a part of a tribe.

True creativity, building bridges to something that’s never been before and putting things together to innovate is a uniquely human skill. “All AI knows is what’s there. It doesn’t make creative leaps. We can do that all day long,” said Borelli. Do more of that with the time AI saves doing the expected.

The most important trait humans possess that AI lacks is empathy. “AI has zero empathy, none whatsoever. It’s just data,” he said. People will have a sixth sense when they read something about whether it was authentic. Work from the heart and you will differentiate your event.

AI Productivity Tools to Try

Time to get your hands busy testing the AI waters? Tara Thomas, chief marketeer and co-founder of The Meeting Pool, stopped by for some rapid-fire suggestions about AI productivity tools that could help meeting professionals manage their businesses and lives.

BeeDone

Turns “boring” tasks into little games, offering rewards for actions
Keeps track of habits
Option for Task Roulette

Any.do

Generates tasks by breaking down simple steps from start to finish
Great for family, teams or individuals

Notta.ai

Transcribes while extracting data like currencies, prices, people or places

Fireflies.ai

Transcribes all meetings, tracking conversations in real time
Summarizes meetings, generates text and searches through meeting history for references

Mem

AI notes app that keeps you organized
Search, ask and reuse your thoughts
Use ideation to manage input from tables and small groups

Mailbutler

An extension for Gmail, Apple Mail and Outlook
Extracts contact information of people in your inbox so you don’t have to organize them manually
Analyzes all the emails you get and extracts any detected tasks into the sidebar

Emailtree.ai

Processes the emails you receive and suggests the follow-up action that makes the most sense
Organizes your inbox, follows up on messages and automates replies

SaneBox

Scans your inbox and understands who you usually communicate with
Helps you delete unwanted emails, prioritize important messages and add tags

Adobe Firefly

Creates and edits images from text prompts
New Ask AI Assistant in Adobe Acrobat
Quick answers linked to sources primarily from your document

Runway

Helps generate video with AI, train your own AI models and paint parts of frames using text prompts

Filmora

Lets you remove backgrounds, denoise low-quality clips and improve sound quality
Classic video editing user experience, making it easier to understand and use

Krisp

Audio optimization tool for reducing background noise
Improves voices in podcasts, business meetings or personal recordings

Murf.ai

Offers 120 voices in 20 languages
Turns text into voice
Quick narration options, such as pitch, emphasis and pauses

Slidesgo

Lets you pick the topic, writing tone and general template
AI generates presentation
Add your own content, customize each slide and use AI to write, generate images or a new slide

Decktopus

Enter your presentation summary, the target audience and the objective
Decktopus creates a full presentation with text and slides
Easy to change images or generate your own text

Copy.ai

A writing co-pilot
Prompts generate a list of options
Great for writing tasks that require iteration, like copywriting

Anyword

Helps marketers create content by breaking the generation process down
Add your prompt to generate a few titles
Pick your favorite and see a generated outline

Perplexity

Ask a question in plain language. Perplexity checks sources to give accurate and up-to-date answers
Looks beyond keywords to the question, your past interactions and what you already know to generate responses that are accurate
Can handle different media, such as images, videos and audio

Jasper

Generate text, translate languages, write creative material and find helpful answers to queries

Clockwise

Great for teams, scheduling better time management with focus time and lunch breaks
Shows availability of time slots for each team member
Compatible with Google Suite and Outlook

Reclaimai

Rearranges schedule to keep targets and tasks on track
Protects daily habits to help meet objectives

Tidio by Lyro AI

Scale support capacity without extra hiring
Talks to customers and answers questions in an instant
Feed FAQs, helpdesk info and more to get crawled for answers

Aragon AI

Upload a minimum of 6 pictures
Generate a composite professional headshot