Smart Meetings | Page 84 of 603 | Corporate Event Planning: Business Events, Meetings, Conferences

Creating a safe, inclusive space can be a tall order, but it doesn’t mean it is impossible. This year, Smart Meetings looked at the importance of representation in all forms within the meeting space and how important it is to the industry’s continued development and growth.

Why is DEI Critical to the Hospitality Industry?

This year the Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA) released a downloadable toolkit titled “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, a Guide for Event Service Professionals.” The aim of the guide is to offer foundational practices to help industry create a space of inclusiveness for all stakeholders.

The hope of the toolkit is to give organizations and their staff the tools to learn about the impact of DEI through education, inclusive marketing and supplier diversity.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Are Good for Your Meetings (and Business)

To get the inside scope on why it is important for businesses to value DEI Smart Meetings chatted with Elevated Diversity Founder Rhonda Moret, MPI Southern California (MPISCC) Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Khris Baizen, and MPISCC Director of Education, Event Logistics Jennifer Minzey.

The three highlighted the importance of appealing to attendees’ clients and Gen Z, getting leadership involved in DEI, and being an ally to the disabled community.

The Diversity Among Us

The Events Industry Council (EIC) released the results of its 2022 Equity Benchmarking study that revealed dissatisfaction within women and minority groups. The study showed a clear call for better representation within the hospitality industry and that DEI efforts are not being utilized within key areas of the industry.

The survey calls for the industry to be “co-creators of transformative DEI change” and to be an ally and confront unconscious bias and oppression based on race, religion, gender, religion, sexual orientation and ability.

Marriott Shared Upcoming DEI and Technology Advances with Association Planners

At Marriott International’s Exchange Association Masters customer event, Marriott spoke about the future of the company. The company pledged to fill its board with diverse, talented international business leaders that are focused on environmental, social and governance principles.

Marriott’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for the U.S. and Canada Julius Robinson stated that they are seeking board members with different backgrounds to make the board better.

Hispanic Heritage Month: Celebrating DEI in the Industry

The MRN Agency uses its data-driven marketing and event production company to help foster diversity both inside their company and within live experiences.

The MRN Agency gears its marketing campaigns to represent the backgrounds and identities of their clients, as well as crafting interactive, personalized, and memorable experiences.

Helpful tips from ASAE on engaging and stimulating planners

Planners are always on the hunt for new ways to create engaging and connecting experiences. To explore this further, Smart Meetings sat down with Michelle Mason, president and CEO of ASAE, to learn how meeting professionals can bring members together in more meaningful ways and what the next generation of convention attendees want in their experience.

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Facilitator of Change

Association meetings often function as a place of dialogue and discourse. Unbound by restrictions of government agencies, associations can make long-term impactful changes in areas like healthcare and the financial fields.

“I think we are the trusted source. We are the trusted advisor,” says Mason. “We have an opportunity…We need to tell our story about how we make advances.”

Read More: ASAE Annual 23 Focused on Purpose

Disruption = Opportunity

Covid-19 may have been a disruptor for meeting planners, but ASAE decided to use those disruptions to reimagine the way meetings could be done.

“It presented an opportunity for us to create new experiences. to the best of our ability once we started to get that muscle memory back in an in-person meeting,” says Mason.

Why Coming Together is Important

Hybrid and virtual meetings never have quite the same feel or impact of attending an in-person, hands-on session.

“It really centers back to the value of the relationship and meaningful connections. There’s a lot of energy around that, and the quality of the attendees there for a reason. They’re there for a purpose, not just the content. It is the community,” says Mason.

But it’s always important to keep the focus and purpose of these gatherings clear. “Don’t just convene for convening’s sake,” says Mason. “But help me to understand: the why. Why should I be there?”

Bringing in the Next Generation

In hopes of encouraging the next generation of association members to join the industry, ASAE is working to strategize the development and growth of future meeting professionals.

For this reason, ASAE has created a strategy called Destination 2026, which consists of four pillars: member value, workforce development, elevation of associations and culture and infrastructure.

“We want to be very intentional in helping our members understand how to position our sector, working in partnership for it to be a career choice. We are looking at a variety of options, partnering with universities, conducting research, meeting this next generation where they are and having a strategy around that,” says Mason.

Mason used AI as example of this. “AI does not have wisdom. We as humans have wisdom. We will always be relevant. It’s just a matter of how we use that tool to complement our work.”

Mason continues, “We are thinking about the increased need to focus on soft skills—essential skill development—which is critical, particularly when we’re looking at this next generation.”

Adjusting Training Tactics

Attention spans, in general, may have become the length of a TikTok video, but this also means associations are moving to meet the challenge.

“The topic that we are really trying to wrap our arms around here at ASAE, because we’re on this journey like every association, is accessibility and neurodiversity.” Mason continues, “We are not experts in that space, so we are partnering with other organizations in order to provide our meeting planning members with tools and resources to be to be able to address that emerging opportunity.”

What the Audience Needs

To create the best experience for your attendees, Mason suggests the traditional route of surveying. ASAE has also used text polling. “You take the temperature of your membership; you just want to sample,” Mason says “It doesn’t have to be a very long survey process. Sometimes having real-time information to make decisions is very important as well.”

Opening the Door to Inclusion

To better serve their members, ASAE hired a new director of conscious inclusion, who will focus on DEI and accessibility in hopes of working with partner organizations that will help develop tools and resources which aim to align with ASAE’s strategic planning process.

Meeting Professionals and AI

Is AI coming for our jobs? Probably not, but, Mason suggests, it can be a complimentary tool.

“I think AI will complement the job of the meeting professional,” says Mason, “AI will provide access to information faster, to make decisions to complement some work. But as I mentioned earlier, it’s just a toolthere needs to be the human component to translate.”

Grand Openings Across the US Mark Hospitality History

Three new and renovated properties offer experiences that combine their own distinct blend of charm and luxury. Historic spaces, revitalized to illuminate their esteemed pasts, make for meeting destinations certain to stand out as the best of the best.

Wellness Through the Ages

An outdoor pool at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort — Murrieta Hot Springs Resort

One of Southern California’s most cherished off-the-beaten-path jewels is its mineral springs. Come February 2024, the historic site of Murrieta Hot Springs Resort will reopen to offer a previously inaccessible experience to visitors. Reservations are already being accepted.

The site stands in Murrieta, California, between Los Angeles and San Diego. When it first opened in 1902, it made a reputation for itself as one of the country’s leading wellness destinations. The property passed through a few different hands throughout the 20^th century. Its current owner, Olympus Real Estate Group, which also owns The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, has led its most recent renovation to revitalize and uphold the property’s esteemed reputation, anchored in 100% adaptive reuse.

Across the 46-acre property, there are 174 guest rooms and over 50 geothermal pools, water features and cold plunges. The Historic Bathhouse is the heart of the resort’s wellness experience. It features a steam room, warm pools and adjacent cold plunge, a terra thermal mud loft and a panoramic sauna featuring views of the surrounding area. The resort also offers a world-class fitness center with classes and further wellness experiences like aqua sound baths. Across the property, there is a total of 23,536 sq. ft. of meeting and event space.

Read More: How Travel Changes Us

From Midcentury Motel to Luxury Destination

The rooftop space at Hotel Lucine — Hotel Lucine

Hotel Lucine officially opened its doors this past November following a renovation of the building that once housed the 1960s motor court, Treasure Isle Motel. It is the oldest remaining of a generation of midcentury beachfront motels in Galveston, standing on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. The family-owned and -operated property boasts world-class culinary and cocktail talent.

The design incorporates original aspects of the low-slung, two-story building’s mid-century design into a modern oasis. The building is laid out around a classic U-shaped courtyard decorated with colorful tiles, which carry on to decorate the pool building and onsite restaurants The Fancy and The Den.

Its beachfront rooftop bar, The Lanai, serves as a multipurpose dining and event space perfect for executive meetings, cocktail events and private dining. Both restaurants, the rooftop bar and the pool and patio space can be utilized for meetings and events.

Landmark Luxury

Exterior image of Printmaker's Inn for New and Renovated — Printmaker’s Inn

Savannah, Georgia, is home to the newly opened Printmaker’s Inn, made up of two adjacent historic mansions offering eight suites where guests can enjoy museum-quality Colonial and Victorian details and period antique furnishings.

The Hills-Galloway House, built for Lt. Jonathan Hills and his wife Dorothy Hale in 1693, originally stood on the Connecticut River in East Hartford, Connecticut. In 1742, it underwent a significant expansion and remained that way for nearly 280 years before being threatened with demolition. Printmaker’s Inn owner Peter Galloway purchased the house in 2018. He saw it carefully moved to its current location in Savannah, and once there, restored and upgraded with modern amenities like luxury baths and electric vehicle charging stations.

The adjacent Nichols House is a pinnacle of Italianate Victorian architecture in Savannah. It was originally built for William Nichols in 1884. Once, legendary singer Nat King Cole even owned the house. Both buildings feature incredible woodwork, a central fireplace and an oversized brick hearth. The Hills-Galloway House offers exclusive access to the Attic Lounge, complete with lush leather Chesterfield sofas, a library and period artwork.

The property stands in Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District and is available to host a wide range of special events from celebratory gatherings to corporate retreats.

Food is what connects people. It brings people together without needing any introductions or explanations. It is what sits people from different backgrounds down at the same table and share a sensory moment that creates a memorable experience. For a meaningful event, consider quality, sustainability and inclusivity when choosing the culinary options. Smart Meetings has rounded up the top food and beverage stories from 2023 that discuss these topics and more.

Making a Tasteful Impression Through a Food and Beverage Program That’s a Cut Above

For attendees who have been to many events, many venues and had a wide variety of experiences, it can be hard to remember details. What sets an event apart? The food. Not only the quality of the food, but where the food is sourced, sustainability, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options, and expressing personality and local culture through cuisine. Smart Meetings offers tips on how food and beverage can be the element of an event that creates a lasting impression in the memories of attendees.

All Appetites Aboard!

The cruise industry has shed itself of the stereotype of having sub-par food served via never-ending buffet lines. Cruise ships today are serving 5-star restaurant quality food and cocktails from top-tier mixologists. Culinary legends such as Jacques Pepin, Adam Sachs and Daniel Boulud have become culinary directors and culinary ambassadors for cruise lines. In addition to enjoying the fare, guests can enjoy lectures from food experts, witness cooking demonstrations and receive lessons from the best.

Always Innovating: Mature Masters Meet Modern Challenges

Martha Stewart is an internationally celebrated icon who has inspired the culinary and hospitality industries with her talent, wit and perseverance in the face of adversity. In her “golden years,” Martha and others featured in this article discuss how they continue to thrive, create new projects and pursue new ventures. Read more about the contributor’s journeys, the refusal to let age be an adversary and how the mature years may just be the best yet.

Ravish: Veganlicious

Accommodating the dietary requests of attendees creates an atmosphere of attentive hospitality and inclusion for everyone. Those who identify as vegans have many different reasons to live that lifestyle and it is important to plan a menu that has options. Smart Meetings listed some domestic and international culinary venues that serve high-end cuisine sans animal products.

Food Rescue and Donating to Those in Need: The Law is On Your Side

While many event professionals, catering services and event venues are interested in donating the leftovers from an event to charitable causes, the health risks of transporting and delivering food causes them to hesitate. However, in January, 2023, President Biden signed the Food Donation Improvement Act to protect the meetings/events industry from any liability should they choose to donate food to those in need. Read more about the mutually beneficial relationship between the hospitality industry and organizations working to fight hunger.

Sustainable tourism is vital. We want destinations that will be beautiful and attractive today—and also in 100 years. That’s the principle that guided Tourisme Montréal’s proactive sustainability strategy, one that helped it maintain its first place in North America on the 2023 Global Destination Sustainability Index. It’s a strategy toward what we term a harmonious destination—a city where the coexistence of residents and tourists is gloriously, harmoniously integrated.

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Making events more sustainable

Business Events Montréal has got the professional experts as well as the tools you need to help you organize a sustainable event in Montréal easily and with singular aplomb. One great place to start is with these incredible sustainable venues, sure to make your Montréal event shine. But regardless of where you’re planning your next event, here are four simple ways that you can ensure it’s more ecologically sustainable:

Make travel carbon neutral. Most airlines now offer the opportunity to offset carbon emissions while booking the ticket, plus organizations such as Montréal’s own Carbone boréal can also help.

Make environmentally sensitive menu choices. Food production is responsible for up to a third of greenhouse gas emissions around the world. Find some tips here, but in short, serve less meat and dairy, and more locally grown veggies.

Partner with ecologically sensitive venues. Many event venues have attained modern environmental standards. Montréal’s own convention centre, Palais des congrès, is one of the first in the Americas to have a carbon-neutral building. Look for venues with stringent commitments to sustainability.

Educate your attendees on how they can individually make differences. Send a gentle reminder to attendees about the ways that they can limit their ecological footprint. Suggestions might include using public transit, bringing personal water bottles, reusing hotel towels, and more.

For more specific resources and guidance, consult our Guide to Best Practices for Sustainable Business Events! Business Events Montréal is here to help create a more sustainable events industry here and everywhere.

Sustainability as a strategy

Tourisme Montréal’s ambitious, overarching Sustainable Destination Policy concerns, of course, the environment, but it also addresses social impact. Its objective is to create a regenerative, community-minded tourism movement that results in a harmonious destination that strikes the right balance between sound management of tourist activities and respect for the quality of life in Montréal’s residential neighbourhoods.

The policy aims to:

Help business cultures in the tourism sector adapt;
Promote harmonious cohabitation of the local population and tourists;
Make the destination resilient economically, socially, culturally and environmentally; and
Reduce the environmental footprint of tourism development.

Two concrete examples

The strategy has comprehensive ambitions, one example of which is our carbon offsetting tool. It was created by Tourisme Montréal in collaboration with Aéroports de Montréal (ADM) and Carbone boréal so that visitors can calculate the emissions linked to various types of transport, tourist attractions, hotel stays and more. With the data it provides, visitors can easily offset the greenhouse gas emissions of their trip.

Read More: Toronto: Sustainability in The 6ix

For a last example that illustrates the role everyone has to play in this strategy, there’s our visitor’s pledge. This verbal contract, extended to everyone who calls Montréal home, be it for a day or a lifetime, asks us all to buy-in to a bright tomorrow by leaving only footprints, exploring sustainably, supporting local industry, celebrating difference and sharing the love with the Montréal community. Because we’re all in this together.

Medical professional offers advice on how to manage the rise of Covid-19 variants

Meetings are back to in-person, but the possibility of contracting Covid-19 still looms with high-profile individuals like First Lady Jill Biden having recently tested positive for the disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Covid data tracker, between Aug. 4 and Sept. 2, Covid-related hospitalization rose to 8.7%, resulting in 18,871 total hospitalizations.

On Aug. 23, the CDC released a summary of what was known about the latest variant of BA.2.86. In their current risk assessment, the CDC stated that “BA.2.86 may be more capable of causing infection in people who have previously had Covid-19 or who have received Covid-19 vaccines.”

The ever-evolving variants of Covid-19 make it difficult to determine how contagious the virus can be. Smart Meetings spoke with Donal Bisanzio, DVM, Ph.D., senior epidemiologist of RTI International, to get a sense of what action meeting planners and attendees might want to take in light of the newest variant.

Smart Meetings: How concerned should we be about the newest COVID variant BA.2.86?

Donal Bisanzio: It is too soon to know if we should be concerned about the circulation of BA.2.86. We need more time to have a clear understanding of the risk of severe illness from the new variant. However, even at this early stage, investigations performed to assess the risk of severe illness from BA.2.86 have suggested that there is no evidence that this variant has a higher risk of severe illness compared to previous variants. Nevertheless, people should adopt protective behaviors in public spaces with high crowding, such as public transportation, flights and large gatherings of people.

SM: How much different is this wave than other variants?

DB: Investigations performed by the CDC and research groups have highlighted the presence of several mutations. The number of mutations is comparable to those seen before in the Omicron and Delta variants. However, it is too early to say that these mutations will provide a transmission advantage, such as high immune escape, and increase the severity of the BA.2.86 variant.

SM: For individuals planning events, should we be telling our attendees to wear masks in transit and at the event?

DB: I would suggest promoting personal protective behavior by wearing masks, washing hands and using alcohol-based hand sanitizer (70% Alcohol). You should also suggest that people belonging to those groups at high risk of severe illness should get vaccinated with the new updated vaccine.

SM: What can event planners do to help to boost the immunity of the individuals who come to events now?

DB: The only way to boost the immune system is by getting vaccinated. The CDC has suggested getting a booster of the new updated vaccine. Although many internet sources (e.g., blogs, social media) list many non-medical methods to boost the immune system, none of these methods have been scientifically proven to boost the immune system and protect against SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 infection. Those at high risk of severe illness should get a dose of the new Covid-19 vaccine.

SM: Are there any precautions event planners should be taking to keep event attendees safe and informed?

DB: Planners should ask attendees to wear masks and use hand sanitizer. If possible, the planners should improve the ventilation of the event venue. It has been shown that good ventilation reduces the risk of virus spreading among people. Planners should also provide masks and hand sanitizer to the attendees at the event entrance and promote personal protective behavior by hanging signs asking attendees to use masks and hand sanitizer.

SM: What can we do to stay healthy?

DB: People at risk of severe symptoms should get a booster of the new updated vaccination. Wearing masks and using good hygiene habits (hand sanitizer and hand washing) are well-known methods to help reduce the Covid-19 infection risk.

Marsha Flanagan, M. Ed., CEM

Marsha Flanagan, IAEE

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) announces Flanagan will serve as its new president and CEO. She has served in key leadership roles across prominent industry organizations, and will now bring her strong focus on leading innovative strategies and developing intentional and thoughtful collaborations to IAEE as it works to serve the global exhibitions and events industry.

Emily Frost

Emily Frost, Lake George Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau

Frost joins Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau (LGRCVB) as senior sales and services manager. She earlier served as membership manager for the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce. She will manage a team that promotes sales and services for planners booking meetings and events in Warren County and work to prospect and generate new business relationships to achieve booked business and overnight room goals.

Armando Campos

Armando Campos, Montage Laguna Beach

Montage Laguna Beach appoints Campos as Hotel Manager. He comes from his role as senior vice president of hotel operations at Fontainebleau Miami Beach and has held senior management roles at numerous acclaimed properties. He played a notable role in leading Pendry San Diego throughout its opening year. Now, he will lead Montage Laguna Beach’s daily operations and oversee rooms, food and beverage, the spa, security and more.

Wendy Worley

Wendy Worley, The ART Hotel Denver

The ART Hotel Denver, Curio Collection by Hilton, welcomes Worley as director of sales and marketing. She brings over two decades of hospitality experience, which she will draw from to lead the property’s sales and marketing teams, drive sales and maximize opportunities for leisure, business and group travelers at this hotel that seamlessly intertwines art and culture.

Ami DeWille

Ami DeWille, One10

DeWille is the vice president of integrated marketing at One10 LLC. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated success in both B2B and B2C marketing and has spearheaded integrated marketing campaigns that have secured demand generation, industry accolades and increased company sales. She will bring a new wave of innovative marketing strategies, campaigns and results to One10 in her new role.

Milan Drager

Milan Drager, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa announces the appointment of Drager as general manager. He brings over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry and has worked at Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond properties. Most recently, he served as general manager at MacArthur Place in Sonoma, and will now work to lead all daily operations at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa and ensure a high-quality experience.

Paul Beirnes

Paul Beirnes, Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau

Beirnes joins Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau (AICVB) as vice president. Born and raised in Florida, and with extensive experience in the tourism industry, as well as strong marketing and leadership skills, Beirnes is well equipped to maintain and increase the organization’s and destination’s success as he oversees all aspects of tourism marketing, program development and more.

Jackie Boughton

Jackie Boughton, Barbican

London’s Barbican Centre appoints Jackie Boughton as director of commercial. She has served as head of business events at the venue for nearly a decade, and last year served also as acting director of commercial. She has optimized Barbican’s commercial growth and been an integral part of its senior management team. Boughton will now permanently oversee key elements of Barbican’s commercial offering.

Charles Anthony Johnson

Charles Anthony Johnson, Sea Breeze Beach House

Sea Breeze Beach House welcomes Johnson as general manager. He will lead his team to create and deliver exceptional hospitality in all areas at the property, drawing from his established skillset in operational management and strategic planning accompanied by a passion for great hospitality. Most recently, he served as group general manager at the Turks & Caicos Collection where he oversaw five resorts.

Norbert Meyer and Victor Joyeux

The Aman Group appoints new industry leaders to its team, firstly with Meyer as resort manager at Anam Cam Ranh. Meyer brings over two decades of experience in hospitality, and throughout this time, has worked at several leading international hospitality brands across Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and China.

Joyeux also joins the team as executive assistant manager at Anam Mui Ne. He previously served as acting resort manager and director of food and beverage at Premier Residences Phu Quoc. Across his 17 years in the industry, he has served in F&B and guest relations positions across Danang, Myanmar, Thailand, Switzerland and the Maldives.

Articles, surveys and webinars, oh my!

In 2023, Smart Meetings released a stream of multimedia resources for planners to learn about sustainability in the world of events. This year, sustainability was just as much about education and how-to’s as it was about why it’s important to be sustainable.

We know sustainability is important. We know attendees want the events they take part in to make a positive impact, and that they don’t want to contribute to excess carbon emissions. You don’t need to be convinced that sustainability is important; rather, you want to know what actual steps to take and changes to make to achieve your sustainable event goals. This year has been all about the how.

Read on for a list of the best of Smart Meetings’ sustainability publications from the past year.

You Can Go Net-Zero

You want to pave the way for green meetings. You know it’s more important than ever. But where do you start? This article, which appeared in the January 2023 issue, breaks down the NZCE Roadmap, a comprehensive document offering meeting professionals guidance in their journeys to achieving net-zero carbon emissions in their workplaces and events.

Get down to the basics so you know the terminology of sustainability and have a solid understanding of how you can organize events with lower—and eventually zero—emissions.

Year of the Sustainable RFP

A February survey of 367 meeting professionals revealed how much thought they give to sustainability in their sourcing process. Their responses led to a comprehensive conversation about sustainability from all sides: planners, venues and suppliers.

When planners shared what they look for in a sustainable partner, CVBs answered with how they can assist in this search. This article appeared in the March 2023 issue and includes a comprehensive white paper of the survey that dives deeper.

Better Than Before

As you seek ways to make your meetings more sustainable, consider the idea of regenerative meetings.

In this article from the September/October 2023 issue, learn about what a regenerative meeting really is and the wealth of positive impacts it has in the community that is hosting your meeting. CVB partners are vital players in organizing a regenerative meeting, as they offer valuable insight and key connections as locals who care deeply about their destination.

The Overlooked RFP Asks That Could Save the Planet and How to Master the New Green RFP Webinar

In the September Smart Chat live, “How to Master the New Green RFP,” Smart Meetings hosted Emily Scheiderer, senior director of education, sales and services at Destinations International (DI), Michelle Moore, senior director of meeting sales and services at Experience Kissimmee and Rory G. Archibald, senior business events manager at Visit Scotland, to discuss how planners can create sustainable RFPs from the start, and prioritize sustainability in every step of their sourcing process.

The article reports on the conversation, and you can view the entire webinar on demand on Smart Meetings’ Webinars page.

Sustainability as a Practice

In an exclusive interview with Impact XM’s Vice President of Marketing Heather Griffin, Smart Meetings uncovered the nitty-gritty details of the company’s recently released list of Seven Sustainable Action Areas.

The list is based on the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has condensed them to reveal where the SDGs cross over and how meeting professionals can tackle multiple sustainable goals by taking just one action in their planning.

Scenic Mountain Escapes For Brilliant Minds

Three new and renovated resorts nestled in three breathtaking mountain regions invite visitors to take in the wonders of the natural world. Montana’s Spanish Peaks, Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and Garden of the Gods and New York’s Catskill Mountains draw the adventurer within all of us.

Whether attendees are avid skiers or would prefer to take in bright starry skies from the comfort of the indoors, these resorts offer the ideal space to for an inspiring meeting experience.

The Sky is the Limit

A lodge room at the new and renovated Montage Big Sky — Montage Big Sky

Montage Big Sky is infused with alpine charm, framed by Montana’s Spanish Peaks Mountain Range and only a 45-minute drive from Yellowstone National Park. The resort recently unveiled its newest six-bedroom residence, ideal for a special incentive trip. The Yellowstone Grand Residence, at 8,145 sq. ft., is designed with an open floor plan. It includes an outdoor jacuzzi, a billiards room and a private entrance. The two-story Lone Peak Grand Residence includes private ski-in/ski-out access along with an expansive dining area, a customized ski room and a media room.

A stay at the residences includes a wealth of luxurious amenities, including a personal guest relations ambassador, a consultation with a chef and sommelier, a private dinner for up to 12 guests, a daily après ski snack basket and more.

The resort as a whole offers 12,870 sq. ft. of meeting and event space made up of a dividable grand ballroom, a large boardroom and numerous smaller executive rooms.

Heaven on Earth

A suite at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club overlooking the Colorado Mountains — Garden of the Gods Resort and Club

Garden of the Gods Resort and Club completes a property-wide $40-million renovation. The redesign aims to draw attention to the scenic mountain surroundings and the resort’s namesake natural landmark, the Garden of the Gods public park.

Lodge rooms and suites all offer views of the Garden of the Gods and the Rocky Mountains, complimented by soft grays, warm taupes, neutral browns, bronze, and light blue and green accents. The resort completely transformed the Grand View Restaurant by incorporating oak wood flooring and natural materials such as stone, leather and copper, alongside twinkling chandeliers, to create a distinct experiential dining experience that invites the outdoors in. While dining at the restaurant, visitors enjoy unobstructed views of the Garden of the Gods park’s incredible rock formations.

The resort offers over 22,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event space. Attendees can also enjoy the 27-hole championship golf course. The resort prides itself especially on its 31,000-square-foot wellness center, STRATA. There, board-certified doctors, nurses and therapists offer wellness experiences and holistic medicine, including everything from sensory floatation experiences to neuromuscular chiropractic care.

Starry Skies and Mountain Nights

a guest room in The Rounds at Scribner's Catskill Lodge — The Rounds at Scribner’s Catskill Lodge

Scribner’s Catskill Lodge unveils The Rounds, a collection of 11 luxurious 12-sided cabins. Each features outdoor cedar soaking tubs, fireplaces, and a central oculus designed for stargazing from the comfort of the indoors. The Catskill Lodge enjoys a prime natural location, surrounded by woodlands and overlooking Hunter Mountain. It opened in 1966 to serve as a comfortable base for those seeking to explore New York’s Catskills or escape to a rejuvenating natural environment.

Brooklyn- and Wyoming-based design firm Post Company designed The Rounds with the long legacy of hut systems as a space of refuge and rest for travelers in mind. The Rounds cabins are designed in two configurations, standard or suite. Each includes a curated collection of contemporary and vintage furniture pieces. The Rounds stand on the Northern boundary of the property and center around a central building, the Apex Lodge, a communal space for gathering, dining and entertainment. All guests staying at The Rounds can access Scribner’s communal spaces, amenities and restaurant.

Groups seeking to partake in the enriching environment offered at Scribner’s Lodge can rest easy knowing the property offers a range of meeting and event spaces, amenities and offerings for corporate and business groups.

As the meetings and events industry is still in reconstruction after Covid, the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), giving back to communities and sustainability has garnered more attention and discussion. The sentiment of supporting each other and doing what we can for a better future has never been so illuminated as we realize our industry works better when we do what we can for others. As 2023 comes to a close, Smart Meetings reflects on some of the year’s most moving stories featuring CSR, DEI and the all-around inspiring acts of humanitarianism in the hospitality industry.

CSR Fights Hunger

September is National Hunger Action Month and Omni Hotels & Resorts decided to launch a CSR program, Say Goodnight to Hunger, in partnership with Feeding America, to bring awareness to food insecurity many Americans struggle with. With implemented business practices such as completed stays by visitors of the hotel equaling a meal for a family in need close to the Omni location, over 20 million meals were donated to Feeding America and providing inventory for food banks.

How the IMEX Crowd Prioritizes Human Beings at Events

The theme for one of the biggest industry events of the year was simple: caring for each other. This means both professionals and attendees are dedicated to compassion and supporting each other and prioritizing humanity above all things business. Smart Meetings noticed the efforts from many great contributors at IMEX 2023 in Las Vegas and rounded up a few outstanding individuals who have been going above and beyond in creative and innovative ways to ensure human connection and satisfaction is at the forefront of all business practices.

Smart Chat: Denise Naguib on Sustainability and CSR

Smart Meetings sat down for a Q and A with Denise Naguib, vice president of sustainability and supplier diversity at Marriott International, to discuss Marriott’s sustainability initiative Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction. She discusses her history of getting involved in environmental programs, the manifestation of 360: Doing Good in Every Direction and the core values of the program.

How to Create a Positive and Mindful Workplace Culture

When employees feel respected, appreciated and believe their work environment is one that breeds positivity and motivating energy, productivity is increased, work moral is up and the rate of turnover is low. Celebrating the success of employees and colleagues can create the foundation for a loyal employee base. Smart Meetings provides tips on how to create that positive environment.

Hospitality and Humanity Meet to Solve Hotel Staffing Crisis

As the Taliban reclaimed control of Afghanistan in August of 2021, more than 1,500 refugees fled to Phoenix, Arizona to seek asylum. This coincided with the height of the staffing crisis faced by the hospitality industry and Sheraton Phoenix Downtown decided to take action. Working with the Arizona Refugee Resettlement Program, the hotel hired refugees and the mutual benefit was incredible. Not only were the new hires dedicated and essential employees, but the value of diversity and human compassion will be lasting legacies from this partnership.