Smart Meetings | Page 89 of 603 | Corporate Event Planning: Business Events, Meetings, Conferences

More Meeting Space Than Ever Before

Across Mexico, three luxurious hotels offer an extensive selection of renovated, expanded meeting space and stylish, restful suites. In Monterrey, you’ll find the newest hotel by Brisas Hotel Group, who has revolutionized the concept of business hotels in Mexico. If you’re headed to the popular destination of Cabo, know that you’ll have access to the most meeting space in the region. For a seaside meeting, look no further than Playa del Carmen.

Master of Meetings

New and Renovated pool deck at Galeria Plaza Monterrey — Galería Plaza Monterrey

Brisas Hotel Group recently celebrated the opening of its newest, most luxurious property, Galería Plaza Monterrey. It invested around $42 million USD to build the property within 12 months. It stands in the financial area of downtown Monterrey, the industrial capital of Mexico. The luxury hotel spans nine floors and houses 206 guest rooms including lofts and master suites. Its privileged location makes it a prime destination for business trips, events and conventions. The hotel itself offers four meeting rooms which each can host up to 15 guests. Their outdoor terrace is also available as an event space.

The property combines elegant sophistication and refined minimalism with the latest hotel technology. It offers guests a complete range of services, including a state-of-the-art gym, yoga area, outdoor pool and spa cabin. It also is home to an extraordinary cuisine program that offers regional dishes and a restaurant with views of the iconic Cerro de la Silla.

Events Galore

An evening event outdoors at Corazon Cabo Resort and Spa — Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa

Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort, has introduced seven new contemporary event spaces to offer a total of nearly 57,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, making it the resort with the most meeting space in the region. The resort already offered 7,483 sq. ft. of flexible indoor space and 26,860 sq. ft. of outdoor space. The additions include over 10,000 sq. ft. of indoor space made up of six meeting rooms and 35,000 more sq. ft. of outdoor space. The 7,400-square-foot rooftop venue is the highest in Cabo.

The resort continues to renovate, and soon plans to unveil its upscaled Wet Bar, Wet Bar Pool and Sundeck. Their beach club and signature restaurant, Aleta, is also undergoing renovations scheduled to be completed by summer 2024. Chef Eric de Maeyer is hard at work developing innovative menus and new culinary programming. The resort is home to eight restaurants and bars along with 310 guest rooms and suites which overlook the Sea of Cortez.

Paradise Is In The Name

New and renovated suite at Paradisus La Perla — Paradisus La Perla

The adults-only, all-inclusive beach resort in Playa del Carmen, Paradisus La Perla, has unveiled 49 newly renovated suites in The Reserve as well as redesigned bars and restaurants, including the South Avenue bar, Twelvet, Nespresso Corner and Blue Agave Restaurant. The redesigned suites embrace a fresh, local style and include new amenities by Biology and local Mexican products.

In addition to an extensive fitness and wellness program, including everything from state-of-the-art equipment to private classes with personal trainers, the resort offers a range of enriching activities like Latin dance classes and handicraft classes. The resort stands in a key location for water sports and often hosts live bands and pool parties. The resort offers over 39,362 sq. ft. of event space made up of 26 meeting rooms.

Fundraising on the Fairways

Some might say that golf is more than a game; it’s a lifestyle. People make a career out of their love of golf. Many travel the world to play at different courses. Some simply sneak in a round whenever they get the chance—whether it’s to unwind and focus on hitting their shot, to spend time with friends and family or to support their community by giving back and participating in a charitable tournament.

Since golf is enjoyed outdoors and requires pleasant weather and conditions to play, it makes for a great way to host a charity event or support a local cause.

Read More: Over-the-Top Team Building

Fundraising on the Fairway

part of the golf course at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and spa, with trees in the background and one tree branch in the top foreground — The Golf Course at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa

When it comes to fundraising for a cause, golf tournaments are a fantastic way for charities to raise money for an organization. We’ve observed that golfers thoroughly enjoy playing in a competitive, yet fun, event that also gives back. Throughout a tournament, the host can add on course games or contests to make it more challenging and feel special, such as competitions like “Closest to the pin,” “Longest Drive” or “Straightest Drive.”

When a particular golf club or organization partners with a charity to raise money, golfers tend to be more inclined to play in the event, participate in special games, purchase mulligans and make donations. Golfers feel as though if they play in a tournament that gives back through a charitable component, then it’s a way to support their community while doing something they love and enjoy.

The most common types of nonprofits or charities that are supported through golf tournaments and events tend to be military organizations, cancer foundations, school booster clubs—think baseball and football teams—food banks and animal rescue leagues.

Tips for a Successful Tournament

In terms of generating excitement, participation and awareness around a golf tournament, I strongly recommend utilizing social media. This channel has been an effective way for the Hill Country Golf Club to spread the word around our events this year, since there are so many new golfers looking for local events to play in that also support the community.

Another important element of executing a successful golf tournament is to make the prizes bigger than ever before. Golfers are competitive by nature, therefore, the better the prizes are, the stronger the turnout will be. The players tend to be more compelled to participate if they know they have a greater chance of winning something that’s worthwhile. Some recent prizes we’ve offered include golf clubs, golf shoes and golf bags.

Furthermore, you want to make sure that the golfers feel special when they are participating in an event. It’s also important to show the golfers or participants how their money is being put to good use. For example, if the tournament beneficiary is a scholarship fundraiser, then consider having the recipients thank the golfers for their contributions at the end of the tournament. The personal recognition and show of appreciation often results in a larger charitable pot.

Making the Tournament More Fun

part of the golf course at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa with sunlight shining through the leaves of a tree — The golf course at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa

Golf tournaments are moving toward a fully digital check-in process, relying more on the innovative technology that’s available. They are selling raffle tickets and mulligans during a virtual registration. This speeds up the registration process, allowing golfers to go straight to their golf carts rather than waiting in line to register.

The more golfers you have attend your event, normally, the more money you are able to raise. Once your event starts to grow, always make sure to give back to your participants, whether with goodie bags or other tokens of appreciation. Little mementos or ways of showing you appreciate their time and participation will encourage them to play in your events year after year.

Tournaments are moving away from the traditional goodie bags that were once handed out at the end of the competition. Instead, they are incorporating a layer of personalization, where all of the giveaway items are displayed on a table. The golfers are then invited to select which items they would like to take home. This process is more interactive and customized for the golfers, plus it creates less waste as there are fewer items left behind in golf carts.

Another fun and fresh element to incorporate into an event is a Drone Drop. Golfers or participants enter the contest by choosing a golf ball with a unique number. The drone will then drop a selection of numbered balls onto the golf course. The person whose numbered ball makes it into the hole, or closest to it, wins.

Prime Time for Tournaments in Texas

Here in San Antonio, our tournament season sees 50% in the springtime, between March and May, and 50% in the fall, from September through November. Typically, I think of the top months for golf is when kids are in school. This time of year offers the most temperate weather; it’s not too hot or too cold to be out on the course.

Our tournaments usually take place in the morning with the players teeing off at 8 or 9 a.m. in a shotgun format: everyone tees off at the same time, at different holes.

A golf tournament for 144 players usually takes five hours to play, about 45 minutes longer than a normal round, since there are so many golfers on the course.

When planning an event or tournament, it’s recommended to find a golf club with more than one course. Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa is unique in that we have 27 holes, which allows us to host events that can accommodate up to 216 players. Facilities that have 36 holes can host tournaments with up to 288 golfers.

Regardless of where a golf tournament is held, we hope everyone has a good game, and we are always here to help plan any tournament or charitable event!

—

Ashley Skidmore is the director of golf at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa. She manages all golf operations at the Hill Country Golf Club at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, which proudly features 27 holes and spans more than 200 lush acres across the spectacular Hill Country scenery.

Previously, she worked as a golf professional at various clubs including The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs and Teravista Golf Club in Round Rock, Texas. Ashley is PGA and LPGA certified.

Experts offer tips and ideas for meeting professionals

As the year slowly comes to a close, many financial and insurance meeting planners may be thinking about what they should be keeping on their radar. Smart Meetings sat down with experts Cathy Diem, director of sales for financial and insurance accounts at Hilton Worldwide, Katrina Kent, CMP, CMM vice president of Meetings Management and Event Strategy (MMES) team at Liberty Mutual Insurance and Jennifer C. Squeglia, CMP, Independent Contractor at RLC Events, to get the inside scoop.

View Webinar on Demand: The Professional’s Guide to 2024 Financial and Insurance Meetings

Download Research: 2023 FICP Industry and Perception Study

Moving Into 2024

Out of all the trends that have risen in 2023, our experts pointed to a few that will definitely be making their way into 2024.

“There’s definitely more emphasis on wellness, sustainability and inclusivity,” said Jennifer Squeglia, “I think there’s great energy in our industry right now. It’s busy and I think people are roaring back. As crazy as it can be, I think it’s wonderful to know that we’re here and that all our attendees are appreciating being in person more than ever before.”

Did 2023 reignite the Golden Age of Travel? Cathy Diem believes so. She also credited the Las Vegas IMEX event for invigorating the industry, “It’s great to be able to feed off that energy of the crowds at these events, and to grow and strengthen the partnerships now that we’re back.”

Katrina Kent offered a more introspective take on the past year, stating, “I think we’re all still figuring it out when it comes to on-site events versus off-site events and the big come back from the pandemic. The question is what happens next?”

Katrina Kent CMP CMM

“I think we’re all still figuring it out when it comes to on-site events versus off-site events and the big come back from the pandemic. The question is what happens next?”

– Katrina Kent, CMP, CMM, vice president of Meetings Management and Event Strategy at Liberty Mutual Insurance

Read More: Unlocking the Secrets of a Corporate Planner

Developing Team Time and Culture

As many offices still utilize a hybrid working arrangement, inter-office interactions among colleagues can be few and far between.

“It’s hard to build a culture when you’ve got people working in their living rooms or their home offices,” Squeglia continued, citing her reason for why she’s seeing more business meetings among companies. “I do think I’m seeing an increase in bringing people together, not just for content, but team building and networking.”

Planners should also be aware of the needs of attendees while preparing their future events, “Attendees have become more protective of their time and have high expectations for that time when they commit to being away from home,” Diem said. “They want interaction, not lectures, they want more white space. They want to feel as though they have a role in choosing their own meetings journey. They’re less of a captive audience and more of a savvy travel consumer.”

“I think there’s great energy in our industry right now. It’s busy and I think people are roaring back. As crazy as it can be, I think it’s wonderful to know that we’re here and that all our attendees are appreciating being in person more than ever before.”

– Jennifer C. Squeglia, CMP, Independent Contractor at RLC Events

On-Site v. Off-Site

To host your event on or off-site? That is the question planners could be asking themselves. Ultimately it depends on where you want to put your money. On the one hand, Squeglia stated that F&B would be less expensive for the on-site choice. However, AV has gone up in price since the pandemic. Hotels that have features like that built-in may be a more cost-effective method.

According to the data gathered a part of the 2023 FICP Industry and Perception Study, 47.1% of meeting professionals are planning 26 or more in-person events and 34.3% of hospitality partners are expecting that many events.

For 2024, the data shows that the majority of events planners are aiming to host 6-25 in-person events.

Lead Times and Developing Partnerships

More data from the study showed a continuation of shorter lead times. 21.6% are actively planning with less than 6 months out, 52.9% with 6-12 months out, 15.7% with 13-18 months out and 9.8% more than 18 months out.

“This entire year and last year there’s so much in flux on the insurance side, it’s really a dynamic time. We have to get really creative and we’re depending on our partnerships. The value of the partnership, between the hospitality side and the planning side, makes all the difference in these situations,” Kent said. “We’re trying to fill those holes and get good deals at the same time. Having data to make those decisions in our back pocket at all times has been really helpful.”

Standing Behind Sustainability

The focus on sustainability starts at the RFP level. “Climate change is something that’s affecting all of us, it’s affecting our programs. It’s affecting the dollars and cents that go into things. There are a whole host of considerations when we’re choosing the destination and the venue but we really have to prepare for everything in new ways because it all intersects together and climate and sustainability are really at the heart of that,” Kent said.

Diem agreed and said she has seen more sustainability concerns at the RFP level. “I’ve got one company that’s about to launch a survey to all previously contracted venues with simple ESG questions as they start to identify venues that’ll help them in the future.”

“It’s great to be able to feed off that energy of the crowds at these events, and to grow and strengthen the partnerships now that we’re back.”

– Cathy Diem, director of sales for financial and insurance accounts at Hilton Worldwide.

Lower Budgets, Higher Costs

Further data from the FICP study showed a jump in limited budgets at 69.4% with an increase in budgets sitting at 10.2%. Meanwhile, hospitality partners are enacting increasing costs across the board from staffing, room rates, F&B, AV costs and ancillary charges.

In working with venues to find possible areas of cost saving, planners can look at creating a menu of the day or sharing menus and AV with other groups that are also hosting at your venue. It may also be beneficial to share budget ranges with your hospitality partner up-front.

Meeting planners may also want to consider alternative cities that may offer better financial options.

Exchange Over Entertainment

Finally, the FICP study showed a 47.1% increase in networking and relationship building, 41.2% growth in collaboration and culture building, 19.6% growth in innovation and 15.7% increase in education and training but with a decrease in pure hospitality or entertainment at 23.5%.

“If [attendees are] going to be investing their time and their energy to be there together, there’s an expectation that they want to be connected to something. It needs to mean more than it used to,” Kent said.

One of the announcements at IMEX that may have flown under the radar but could help streamline business travel in the future was Southwest Airlines’ Business Assist Portal. Dave Harvey, vice president and chief sales officer for the airline, explained that the new product makes booking and/or changing names for group flights—something that could have taken weeks of manual confirmations, approvals and information gathering in the past—a self-service task with the potential to be condensed into a few minutes.

The new portal allows for easy research, real-time quotes, automated proposals and tracking in one place. Individual travelers can still earn and manage loyalty points. The interface even includes what Harvey calls a Domino’s Pizza tracker component so the administrator knows exactly where they are in the flow of ticketing leading up to the conference.

“People’s schedules are just more unpredictable now than they ever were and there was a need for even more flexibility,” Harvey acknowledged. To accommodate that reality, the company has decided that travel funds never expire, same-day changes are allowed and ticket funds can be transferred. In the wake of pushback after Delta Airlines initiated “modifications” to its loyalty program, Southwest announced it would make it easier for customers to earn tier status and use points in Southwest Rapid Rewards program. “We looked at travel patterns of leisure and business customers and we want to lean in and be customer-friendly with flexible policies, no bag fees, no change fees and added flexible elements,” said Harvey.

Read More: Mysterious Airport Codes

Business Assist in Action

We clicked the Register Today button on the sage-green page and signed up as a corporate travel manager to test and although we don’t have a SWABIZ account, it seemed pretty straightforward. It is designed for meetings with more than 25 travelers and integrates with GDS and API/Direct Connect booking channels in addition to SWABIZ.

🚨ROUTE NETWORK UPDATE ALERT!🚨

Today, we’re announcing some exciting updates to our flight route network. Click on the four pictures below to learn what they are! Book ’em before they’re gone: https://t.co/VIOWoprG2G pic.twitter.com/Ks1WkGcbrm

— Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) October 26, 2023

The product soft-launched at the beginning of October but was fully functional by the time the announcement was made at IMEX and that was no coincidence. Southwest first attended the massive meetings industry convention in 2022 and was a bit overwhelmed by the interest in advances to the legacy manual process. “We got run over like a dump truck in a good way,” Harvey said. “Coming off of Vegas, last October, we put the pedal to the metal.” The goal was to introduce a digital hospitality and group platform based on the building blocks tested for the transient traveler by IMEX 23.

Harvey said Southwest is not done. In the first half of next year, more functionality will be added in the areas of digital payment and unlimited name changes. The company is also working on improvements for booking charters, and airplane buyouts. “We’re looking for ways to expand services for meetings groups by IMEX 24,” he said. “We want to be good partners.”

Greater Than 2019 Lift

After working for two years to restore the network of flights after the pandemic, Southwest is now adding routes above and beyond what they served pre-pandemic. A total of 30 new routes were announced last week focused on a point-to-point network, which results in more direct flights and fewer layovers. That includes new regular flights at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) in California and Nashville International Airport (BNA), plus more flights to Cancun Airport (CUN). Orlando International Airport (MCO) is transforming into an international gateway to the Caribbean. Nonstop service between Colorado Springs Airport (COS) and the East Coast has been boosted as has Hawaii service. “A lot of these destinations are popular for incentives so we are being very meeting friendly,” Harvey said.

No Repeat of Christmas 2022

Harvey is adamant that the company will perform better than it did last Christmas when the airline canceled more than half of its trips on Dec. 26 due to a winter storm. “That has been our number one focus,” he said. “That’s not who we are.”

The company has since invested more than a billion dollars in operational resiliency and reliability with completion factors over the summer looking strong. Some of those dollars went to de-icing trucks, engine covers and personnel. Southwest hired over 18,000 people last year and over 15,000 this year. “We are staffed like we’ve never been before for the winter season and we are prepared,” he said.

Where healthcare professionals share design and architecture ideas

1998 was the first year Jenabeth Ferguson, symposium director for Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo (HFSE), became aware of the expo, formerly Symposium on Healthcare Design. “I was early in my career producing events, so I wasn’t always focused on the purpose of each event, but the Symposium was different,” she says. “As the daughter of an engineer, I certainly could appreciate the impact of design on the experiences in spaces.”

A Growing Endeavor

people talking on show floor Now in its 36th year, HFSE experienced record double-digit attendance growth, garnering more than 100 healthcare exhibitors in Charlotte Convention Center’s expo hall in North Carolina, showcasing their products to decision-makers in healthcare facilities, architecture and design firms. “I think it is safe to say that events are really coming back in the post-pandemic world,” Ferguson says.

HFSE has since introduced new programs, such as the Emerging Leaders Scholarship Program, into the symposium. The scholarship program gave recognition to individuals with less than 10 non-consecutive years of experience in healthcare design and construction, including research and/or education.

Ferguson says it’s something her team has wanted to do for years, as it’s important to bring in new and emerging talent. “We have an incredible advisory board that has been identifying emerging leaders and inviting them as their guests to attend the annual Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo,” she says. “The attendees welcomed these emerging leaders and in fact endorsed many of the leaders to apply.”

Along with new programs at HFSE, there are other long-standing ones that have become a favorite among attendees, such as the raffle and charity HFSE holds every year, where attendees can donate and win prizes.

“What started as a small endeavor has grown to a highlight of the annual event with diverse organizations across the country benefitting from the HFSE community’s generosity,” Ferguson says. “Every year, we have a group of volunteers that source the raffle prizes and take pride in bringing new items. The raffle is by far one of the most popular parts of HFSE and we always love supporting a local charity or, in this year’s case, one connected to our keynote speaker [Ryan Straschnitzki, founder of Straz Strong Foundation].”

Something for Everyone

Ferguson says what attendees love most about HFSE is its variety of offerings. “There is truly something for everyone, whether it’s an inspiring keynote, like this year’s presentation by Ryan Straschnitzki, or the latest innovations for healthcare design, like a smart solution locker from this year’s Symposium Distinction Award winner, Zippsafe, or a facility tour of a local hospital in Charlotte, Atrium Health Union West Campus.” The last of which is fitting, as HFSE looks for host cities with a strong healthcare and design presence.

“I learn something new every year, especially from our conference program,” Ferguson says. The program tries to offer a broad spectrum of sessions that go beyond discussions about design challenges to larger issues facing healthcare organizations.

“This year we offered a special session where attendees had the opportunity to take part in three 20-minute roundtable discussions led by facilitators from leading healthcare systems and design firms. It was a big draw and attendees really enjoyed it,” she says. “It just reinforced to me that we need to do more events that allow attendees to interact with each other and be part of the conversation.”

Tarin Horan, CMP, knew that meeting planning was the industry for her when she began interning with sports teams. She originally earned a bachelor’s degree in history with a political science minor, intending to go to law school. Afterwards, she began working in sports, as a customer service and community relations manager with DC United. In this role, she planned their season ticket holder events. “I was hooked,” she says.

After working at two startups, she joined Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) as an event coordinator. After two years of hard work, she was promoted to director of programs and events and led the events team. Now, she serves as NVTC’s vice president of events and sponsorships.

Her career path boils down to one of her favorite quotes: Steve Jobs said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Horan says, “I love what I do. I love working with our members and designing great event experiences with fantastic speakers and content.”

Preparing for the Exam

She remembers, “When I first started out, I was a sponge trying to learn as much as possible.” She attended several events, webinars and conferences. There, she learned of the CMP designation. “The CMPs were people to look up to, the best of the best. As I grew as an event professional, I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it—that I had the knowledge to be a CMP.”

She studied for the exam on her own but urges future candidates to look to the valuable learning and collaboration opportunities of study groups. As she prepared for the exam herself, she turned to vendors for many of her questions. “For example, the AV team I worked with was generous with their time and answered all of my questions about AV terms I didn’t know,” she says. “I learned a lot, and it was great for relationship building on both sides.” Horan’s reliance on her professional network as a way to prepare for the CMP exam is a shining example of creative ways to learn, and to develop meaningful professional relationships along the way.

As future CMPs study for the exam, Horan says, “Don’t get overwhelmed with the amount of information. Take it one section at a time, master it, then move on to the next.” It’s hard work, but being thorough in your preparation, taking your studying step-by-step and keeping a level head is the key to success.

Where She Is Now

As a successful CMP, Horan turns to another favorite quote, this time attributed to Walt Disney: “If you can visualize it, if you can dream it, there’s a way to do it.” Horan turns to this quote when she works to bring her meeting visions to life. “One year, I had the idea to theme our gala as country chic. I worked with our graphic designer and AV partner to bring the theme to life,” she says. “We had string lights in the ballroom, a wine barrel for a podium, wagon wheel and fence decor with a metal ridged backdrop. When you entered the room, you were transported to an event in the country.”

None of these events can come together without constant communication. “We are a small but mighty team,” Horan says. She explains that they hold a pre-con meeting to assign everyone their duties, and her team checks in regularly throughout the event. Horan shared a third favorite quote—Henry Ford said, “Don’t find fault. Find a remedy.” She encourages her team to be solution oriented. “Things are going to go wrong no matter how hard we plan to prevent them.” In the face of things going wrong, she wants her team to think on their feet and be strong problem-solvers.

Over her 20 years at NVTC, her team has produced a long list of memorable events. “We have had incredible speakers from U.S. senators to Virginia governors to supreme court justices to CEOs of big tech companies,” she explains. “My members may tell you about the time we had a living statue painted gold, or about the time we used video mapping at the start of the program.”

Horan says that she can also attribute her success to her company environment. “My CEO constantly challenges me to look at things differently, to be a continuous learner and to try new things,” she says. Just last year, she oversaw the marketing and events team. In this role, she worked hard to improve the email marketing strategy; as a result of her and her team’s efforts, their events began selling out. Horan’s commitment to her team and her drive to learn continue to propel her even further in her career, and she certainly upholds the reputation of the CMP designation as a badge of honor.

Looking Forward

The industry sees many new tools coming coming in, which is endlessly exciting to Horan. “There are so many new technologies that are being developed right now that will help in all aspects of events, from the user experience at the event, to marketing and registration,” she says. “It is only going to get better and easier.”

She feels thrilled to see the continuing growth of resources available for CMP candidates. There are more study groups, more prep courses and, overall, more help and support for people currently preparing for the exam.

“The wealth of knowledge I learned while studying for the CMP has helped me immensely over the years. I have taken that knowledge and used it to improve our events, budgeting and marketing.” Horan shows just how wide of a scope in professional knowledge the CMP designation can offer those who hold it and those who are earning it.

She says, “The industry certainly looks to the CMP as the gold standard for meeting professionals, and more and more companies are looking for the CMP certification when hiring for their event positions.”

Getting everyone gracefully from point A to meeting B is one of the challenges event professionals wrestle with every day, even if those points are simply from airport to venue and back again. After the final session closes, the struggle shifts to the attendee looking for a little bleisure action in nearby destinations. Cities across the country are unveiling public transit upgrades that may take the pain out of pursuing post-event pleasure.

A Capital Connection

train station platform — Dulles Silver Line

When Metrorail Silver Line opened in November 2022, connecting Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to downtown DC, it was the realization of a 50-year dream for Metro, the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority, regional business leaders and Virginia elected officials.

The 11.5-mile extension serves as a Metrorail link between downtown D.C. and Loudoun County via the airport and the business hub of Tysons. Dulles Metro station has been used by 1 million passengers since the celebrated opening and more than 3 million people have passed through the Silver Line extension’s six new stations since it opened.

Thanks to an increase in non-stop flights, including new routes to Germany, Canada, London and Reykjaik, by new and incumbent airlines, Dulles is the fastest-growing U.S. airport for international flight activity this year. It has increased 31% compared to last year.

Next up is a planned addition of a LEED Silver-certified, $560 million 14-gate concourse for domestic and international flights that begins construction next month and is scheduled for completion in 2026.

A More Accessible Florida

In September, Brightline’s newest route between Miami and Orlando opened with a grand opening at its Orlando stop that included more than 500 elected officials, business leaders and community partners.

Visit Orlando Chief Sales Officer Mike Waterman called the new transportation option a game-changer. “We know whether you’re coming in early or staying late, you might want to go down to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach or Miami. This leaves out of brand-new Terminal C and goes direct with only four stops and no traffic. Even the standard service is comparable to first-class comfort on an airplane,” he said.

Read More: Central Florida: Sun Cental

The eco-friendly, intercity rail launched in 2018 with service between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. The Boca Raton and Aventura stations opened last year.

The Miami to Orlando route covers 235 miles and takes between three and 3.5 hours to reach the Brightline Orlando Station inside Orlando International Airport (MCO) adjacent to the new Terminal C. Economy fares for the trip begin at $79 with premium tickets going for $149. Train frequency doubled just weeks into operations, going from 16 round trips daily to 30 with hourly departures.

Plans to expand to the Treasure Coast are in the RFP stage.

A Western Link

three businesspeople in talking in train

Getting from the City of Angels to the Entertainment Capital of the World could soon be easier as well. As part of a plan to add service to congested corridors that are too close to fly and too long to drive, Brightline, the same company linking popular Florida hot spots, is creating a streamlined route between Southern California and Nevada. The company plans on taking operations to the West Coast with Brightline West, connecting travelers via high-speed fully electric trains between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Billed as the first true high-speed passenger rail system in the nation, this 218-mile, all-electric high-speed rail service will include a flagship station in Las Vegas, with additional stations in Apple Valley, Hesperia and Rancho Cucamonga. At speeds of more than 186 miles per hour, trains will take passengers from Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga in just 2 hours and 10 minutes, twice as fast as the normal drive time. The Rancho Cucamonga Station will connect to Southern California’s regional Metrolink service, allowing for seamless connectivity into downtown Los Angeles and beyond.

The project is scheduled to break ground by the end of 2023.

Alex Hernandez

Alex Hernandez, Hotel Bennett

Hernandez joins Hotel Bennett as director of food and beverage. He will plan, develop and execute all food and beverage operations across the property. Throughout his 20-year career, he has held numerous leadership roles at hotels and restaurants. During his time at Bottega Restaurant, in Napa, he helped them earn the prestigious Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator. He is also a certified sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers.

Eric Marting

Eric Marting, Fairmont San Francisco

Fairmont San Francisco appoints Eric Marting as executive chef. He will lead the hotel’s culinary team to create genuine and authentic dining experiences. Marting has worked in the culinary field for over 15 years, most recently as executive sous chef at Fairmont San Francisco’s sister hotel, Fairmont Austin. He was a participant in the coveted Mentor BKB program at Per Se in New York under Chefs Thomas Keller and Corey Chow.

Nikki Takamatsu

Nikki Takamatsu, The LineUp at Wai Kai

Takamatsu is appointed executive chef for The LookOut Food & Drink at The LineUp at Wai Kai in West Oahu. Since joining this role, Takamatsu has re-vamped the restaurant’s menu and extended their dining hours. He will continue to lead the kitchen staff and introduce new culinary techniques and menus to stay ahead of industry trends. He most recently worked as sous chef at The LookOut.

David Snyder

David Snyder, Fontainebleau Development

Fontainebleau Development names Snyder senior vice president of culinary. He will ensure consistent quality and creativity across the company’s entire dining portfolio. Snyder has worked in the hospitality, food and beverage industries for 30 years and is an award-winning chef. He has held several leading roles at Las Vegas Strip resorts and restaurants and is recognized for his participation on Food Network’s “Follow That Food” series.

Esther Ha and Steven Dougherty

Headshots of Esther Ha (left) and Steven Dougherty (right) — Esther Ha (left) and Steven Dougherty (right), The Cabot Collection

Distinguished chef Ha joins The Cabot Collection, developer and operator of golf resort communities, as executive chef. Ha has worked in internationally acclaimed restaurants around the world, including Café Boulud in New York City and Restaurant Den in Tokyo. She most recently worked as executive chef at two-Michelin-starred Momofuku Ko in New York City. In her new role, Ha will create and lead food and beverage dining concepts and oversee menus at all Cabot properties.

The Cabot Collection also appoints Dougherty as director of food & beverage. He has over 10 years of hospitality experience. Most recently, he served at Room 11 Hospitality Group as corporate general manager and wine director for Box House Events and MADRE, which earned a Michelin Plate Award just a year after opening.

Ryan Cruz

Ryan Cruz, Hotel Wailea

Hotel Wailea appoints Cruz as executive chef, promoting him from his former role as the hotel’s Chef de Cuisine. He will oversee all culinary operations at the signature Restaurant at Hotel Wailea, The Birdcage Bar and Hotel Wailea’s poolside cabanas. Cruz grew up cooking with his father and grandmother and, after graduating from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, spent over a decade honing his skills in fine dining establishments around the world.

David Arciniega

David Arciniega, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk

Arciniega joins Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk as Executive Chef. He was born and raised in San Antonio and has been a member of the hotel’s culinary team since 2022, when he joined as executive sous chef. In this role, he will oversee the hotel’s entire culinary program from onsite restaurants to event catering. He holds a Level 1 Sommelier certification. In addition, he has earned numerous awards and public recognition, such as Amaya’s Conina being named one of the 15 Best Restaurants to Eat 2015 by San Antonio Current under his leadership.

Justin Miller

Justin Miller, The Broadmoor

The Broadmoor promotes Miller to the role of executive chef from his earlier position as executive sous chef. He has been part of The Broadmoor’s culinary team for over 25 years, first as an extern from Pennsylvania culinary institute in 1998. He will now oversee the resort’s full culinary operations from its diverse range of restaurants, to its lounges and cafes, to its catering and meetings menus.

Benjamin Martinek

Benjamin Martinek, Pendry Newport Beach

Martinek steps into the role of culinary director of newly opened Pendry Newport Beach and its exclusive private members’ club, The Elwood Club. He will oversee both the hotel’s and the club’s number of distinct dining venues. He has over 13 years of experience in the culinary industry. Most recently, he served as chef de cuisine for Montage Laguna Beach’s fine dining destination, Studio.

Romain Avril

Romain Avril, Rosewood São Paolo

Rosewood São Paolo appoints Avril to the position of executive assistant manager of food & beverage. He will bring his extensive expertise from over 15 years of experience in the food and beverage industry to further establish the hotel’s reputation as a leading dining destination. He has worked in several top culinary destinations from Dubai to Morocco, and most recently, Le Royal Monceau, a Raffles hotel, in Paris.

Boutique hotels in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka

Incentive trends are seeing increasing interest in international destinations, experiential opportunities to discover the country and a focus on wellness. With luxury boutique hotels offering authentic cultural experiences, exciting culinary fare and nature-driven activities, Asia has become a desirable destination for incentive trips and executive retreats.

Smart Meetings has rounded up a few of the most luxurious boutique hotels in Asia where incentive attendees can go off-the-beaten path, enjoy ancient and modern wellness treatments and learn the country’s culture through off-site excursions and local cuisine.

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Award-winning Wara Cheewa Spa is the foundation of the resort’s promise of visitors experiencing a “journey of well-being.” The treatments offered are centered around balance—nutritional, mental, social and physical. In keeping with the Northern Thai traditions, balance is the focus of every aspect offered by the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai.

Take a meditative experience and a connection to nature outside of the resort wellness treatments into the countryside and a “Chaan Baan,” a term used to refer to the outside of a traditional Thai home. In this rustic courtyard, guests will immerse themselves in Thai culture and have an experiential education on planting herbs, harvesting produce and bathing the water buffalo in a ritual performed by multiple generations. Other cultural experiences include watching traditional Thai cooking, walking through the Thai Farmer’s Museum and creating your own pot using Thai clay molding techniques.

The Kayon Jungle Resort, Indonesia

The Kayon Jungle Resort in Cambodia

In a modern interpretation of the architecture that formed Indonesian rice terraces, integral structure in the country’s history and economy, the resort’s three-tiered pool is a reflection of the culture as the layers cascade down the mountainside near Bresla Village. The resort aims to maintain the spirit and culture of South East Asia while integrating tradition into luxury and wellness treatments.

Peace and harmony are the focus of The Kayon Jungle Resort. In a location of trickling water, exotic fragrances and lush scenery, guests can relax in luxury and focus on their wellness. For ultimate relaxation, visit Serayu Spa to receive treatments derived from both ancient Balinese healing traditions administered with local botanicals to high-end modern products. For a more experiential and spiritual form of healing, take advantage of the resort’s Meplesiran Package. Visitors will be taken to the Gunung Kawi and Tirta Empul temples in Tampaksiring for a different type of serenity.

Nay Palad Hideaway, the Philippines

Nay Palad Hideaway in the Philippines

The ecological diversity of Siargao Island gives visitors a multitude of adventures to explore with a different experience of the remote island each day of their “hideaway.” Bordered by white sand beaches, tropical jungle and ancient mangrove forests, visitors can take advantage of the underground caves, deep-sea fishing and the resort’s yoga and meditation classes set in paradise.

Broaden your experience of the Phillipines with both island-hopping and land excursions offered by Nay Palad Hideaway. With total flexibility and freedom, guests can create their own itinerary for both. Guests can island hop to Guyam, one of the more populated islands for drinks and cuisine, or simply bring some goodies and have some privacy on the secluded beaches just a short boat ride away.

Prefer to stay on land? The excursion is equally diverse and beautiful. Whether you prefer to travel by van, Jeepney or rent one of the resort’s bicycles to take off on your own, immerse yourself in the island of Siargao by visiting the local villages and adventuring to beautiful natural sites. The Magpupungko rock pools are naturally formed on the beaches and form one of the most popular tourist spots in Siargao.

Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Sri Lanka

Food at Wild Coast Tented Lodge in Sri Lanka

This luxury “camp” is nestled where the wilderness of Yala National Park meets the Indian Ocean. Winning a UNESCO award for design, the stunning organic tents on the property are described as “anchored airships in the wild” and referred to as “Cocoon Suites.” Equipped with wooden patios, plunge pools or both, these air-conditioned pods are designed with a nod to a vintage-explorer theme.

Celebrating food can be a great way to find peace and wellness at a wilderness resort and Wild Coast Tented Lodge brings traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and food philosophy in several ways to visitors. The Dining Pavilion is the gourmet option, with modern takes on traditional favorites, while guests can eat outside in their wilderness overlooking the rugged cliffs of the beach. Take a trip further into the jungle and set up camp to experience high tea in the wilderness, or better yet learn the philosophy and health benefits of Sri Lankan food with the resort’s cooking classes.

Find something for everyone while absorbing the city’s culture

Anticipating culinary expectations for groups can be stressful for meeting professionals, especially with more awareness of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and religious-based dietary restrictions or preferences. An easy solution? A food hall. Smart Meetings has rounded up food halls across the country that not only provide a wide variety of cuisine for groups to choose from and reconvene in the dining area but are also located in buildings connected to the history and culture of the destination they are set in.

“These businesses offer a variety of cuisines and products, all made with fresh, local ingredients.”

– Lillian Brauner, senior manager of programming and events, Ferry Building, San Francisco, California

Ferry Building, San Francisco

The historic Ferry Building on the water’s edge of the Bay Area’s Embarcadero is one of the most historic and iconic buildings still maintaining its original integrity today. Easily accessible through various forms of public transportation in addition to ferry such as Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), SF Municipal Railway (MUNI) and pedestrian traffic to accommodate groups and bicyclists, the Ferry Building of San Francisco and its marketplace attracts locals and visitors alike to share in the colorful diversity of cultures the Bay Area offers.

Connecting the urban city environment and local ingredients is the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. Operating since 1993 by the nonprofit organization Foodwise, the Farmers Market provides visitors with a taste of a sustainability-focused culinary scene San Francisco has become famous for. Top-tier chefs and the highest respected farmers come together to offer a wide-spread variety of Bay Area fare.

Read More: California: A Shining Diamond

San Francisco Ferry Building Farm Fresh fare

From Here On, Thalia Hall, Chicago

Repurposing Chicago’s Old Post Office, From Here On food hall represents the culinary trends of Chicago’s many neighborhoods. Located in Chicago’s Thalia Hall spanning over 20 acres of the urban landscape, From Here On doesn’t disappoint when it comes to variety and quality. With a focus on local ingredients and culture, visitors can find spots like Hot Chi Chicken. This moderation on the Nashville Hot Chicken concept began in Chicago’s South Side with a motto of “faith, fun and hip hop.”

Travel to another culture within the same building to Tempesta, an old-school family run Italian eatery that represents Chicago down to its very name—Tempesta is Italian for “strong wind gusts” to give a nod to the Windy City. With such different cultures representing the diversity of Chicago under one roof of Thalia Hall, From Here On provides groups with their choice of foods to experience the city.

Tempesta From Here On Food Hall Chicago

Grand Central Market, Los Angeles

Opened in 1917 and initially named the “Wonder Market,” the Grand Central Market continues to be a staple of the Southern California metropolis. With over 40 stalls in its market, the establishment features both businesses that have been in Los Angeles for multiple generations as well as new and modern fare. With the integrity of its historic roots and a vision for the future, Grand Central Market is a gem of the city.

With over 70 years of history in the market, McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams is still on the foodie’s checklist of must-haves in Los Angeles. Locally sourced ingredients and options to build your own ice cream sandwich or sundae, everyone in a visiting group will get a taste of sweet and customized Los Angeles history.

For a more modern approach in the market, head to Broad Street Oyster Co. to try their twists on seafood classics such as fried oysters and clam chowder. Claiming to have “World Famous Lobster Rolls,” enjoy these elevated and modified sandwiches served on a lobster-shaped platter.

lobster rolls on a lobster shaped platter at Grand Central Market, Los Angeles

Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis

International cuisine and local wellness programs are the focus of this Midwest food hall. With food options spanning international cuisine and local indigenous fare, Midtown Global Market displays the diversity of the Midwest. With a focus on educating the public and providing high-quality indigenous and international foods, ingredients and merchandise, visitors can have a global and historic experience all within the food hall.

The Indigenous Food Lab Market is not only a hub for authentic food and beverage options but also offers education on the economic and health issues the indigenous communities in Minneapolis are faced with. The Indigenous Food Lab has merchants like the Spirit Kitchen that provide an indigenous culinary fare of Bison Biria and Sunflower seed cookies with maple syrup. Caffeine-free herbal teas enhance the experience with indigenous ingredients such as passionflower, elderberry, burdock root, chicory root and sumac.

Indigenous Food Lab, Minneapolis Food Hall