As we head full speed into fall and begin to gear up for winter, it’s likely that we feel some nostalgia for the warm months past. But there’s no need to say goodbye! Meet at these bright new and renovated resorts in San Diego, Oahu and Barbados that enjoy sunshine and the ocean breeze nearly every day of the year.
Mid-Century Modern, Illuminated
Point Loma Ballroom at Kona Kai San Diego
For a meeting brimming with vintage Southern California Charm, look no further than Noble House Hotels & Resorts-managed property, Kona Kai San Diego. The resort draws inspiration from its island location to host tranquil yet highly motivating meetings and events. Recently, the resort unveiled a comprehensive renovation to its Point Loma Ballroom.
On-property programming, numerous dining outlets, a full-service luxury spa and 170 dreamy guest rooms and suites make this resort an island oasis for bleisure visitors. The 9,198 sq. ft. Point Loma Ballroom is the resort’s largest. It offers spanning views of the Point Loma Hillside and the Kona Kai Marina. The redesign brings the resort’s mid-century style to life alongside modernized luxuries. Linen-textured wallpaper frames a color palette of crisp neutrals and coastal tones—the space is primed and ready to be customized to your vision. Eco-conscious wood paneling lines the ceiling and enhances the space’s audio capabilities. Chandeliers and sconces with brass finishes reflect soft lighting, which can be enhanced with color-changing LED tape that lines the ceilings. Or, if you prefer, floor-to-ceiling windows invite invigorating natural light.
This ballroom is only one part of the resort’s over 60,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event space. Each space is fully equipped with modern, state-of-the-art technology. Kona Kai also recently introduced an expansive array of restorative group offerings for outstanding meetings. Weave wellness into your Kona Kai event with massages, energizing aromatherapy diffusers, stretching breaks, guided meditations and more.
Sunset from the Coast
Aerial Image of Turtle Bay Resort
In sun-soaked Oahu, Turtle Bay Resort has just completed the last stage of a major multi-million-dollar renovation. They reopened to the public in July 2021 and continued to renovate by section.
The final phase included a renovation of the Nalu Spa. Other renovations include new lobby windows offering a panoramic view of the beaches, ocean and sky in every direction. The resort also offers a new lobby bar, Off the Lip—it’s the perfect place to relax and watch the sunset.
New restaurants include Alaia, which uses fresh produce from their on-property Kuilima Farm. Kuilima Farm is open to the public and supplies other local restaurants as well. The resort has also fully updated the Ocean Club Lounge. Guests can enjoy daily breakfast, lunch and nightly libations with light fare. Here, too, guests can take in breathtaking sunset views alongside upgraded amenities and a designated concierge.
Their terraced pool deck now features an adults-only pool, a kids’ pool with two waterslides, a redesigned family-friendly pool and family pool cabanas. Every single guest room features ocean views.
25,000 sq. ft. of outdoor and indoor meeting and event space is made up of rooms of varying sizes with flexible configurations, high ceilings and ample natural light.
The Hawksbill Conference Room at O2 Beach Club and Spa
O2 Beach Club & Spa stands on the serene south coast of Barbados. The recently renovated Hawksbill Conference Room can be arranged as a boardroom, conference room, theater, classroom or trade show exhibition. Enjoy stunning ocean views through wide windows or take in some fresh air on the accessible deck. The resort incorporated a Meet & Play concept into the renovation to help counteract burnout. When you hold your meeting in the 1,500 square-foot Hawksbill Conference Room, your participants can visit to the re-fueling station for water and coffee, or a corner packed with brain stimulator games and tools for mental rejuvenation.
An onsite team event coordinators help you curate and personalize your meetings, incentive travel, executive wellness retreats and more. You’ll have your pick of pre-set packages that include coffee breaks, food and beverage options or activities that you can tailor to your group’s needs.
In your leisure time, enjoy their swim-up pool bar, rooftop terrace, 24-hour gym or a whirlpool tub in your guest room.
Spooky experiences and haunted hotels for a Halloween meeting like no other
Spooky season is here! You know what that means—the holidays are rushing in, kicked-off with one of the most fun-filled of them all: Halloween. Whether you’re a horror junkie, or you prefer the more light-hearted joy of pumpkin patches and hayrides, there’s no shortage of ways for you to get the most out of this exciting time of year.
Read on for a comprehensive list of hotels putting on Halloween-themed activities that everyone can enjoy, as well as hotels with chilling histories that claim to host some ghostly guests who never left. If you have a Halloween-themed meeting coming up, look no further than these hotels that put forward the very best of the season.
Spooky Experiences
Lake Nona Graveyard Smash, Orlando, Florida
Graveyard Smash at Lake Nona
This Halloween, the neighborhood of Lake Nona will transform into a spooky fantasy world. From 5pm to 10pm on Oct. 28, The Spooknona event will feature a Graveyard Smash party with an expansive pumpkin patch, trick-or-treat stations, inflatables and DJ performances.
Free and open to the public, The Graveyard Smash is only a short walk from Lake Nona Wave Hotel. This incredible wellness resort is infused with ultramodern, technology driven experiences through the boardroom, entertainment sectors, guest rooms and beyond. With over 17,000 sq. ft. of inspiring meeting venues, it’s a prime destination for an invigorating and exciting Halloween meeting.
This Halloween season, professional witch and owner of Witchy Wisdoms, Shawn Engel, will guide groups in assembling their own spell sachets and manifesting intentions. A “Spell School” can be booked at leisure, on-demand, for groups to learn how to craft and cast spells. On Oct. 30 through 31 from 5pm to 7pm, partake in a boozy witch’s brew and more spell sachet lessons.
The James’ Stay Spooked package is a spine-chilling team bonding activity for all ages. In a suite transformed into a horror movie-setting, groups can view their choice of true crime documentaries on a floor-to-ceiling projector. Additionally included in the suite is a true crime mystery solving box, a pumpkin decorating kit, red wine, chocolates, tarot cards and more.
The property offers 5,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space throughout theater-, boardroom- and gala-style rooms. Planners can also book suites as meeting or event spaces.
The Drake Oak Brook, Oak Brook, Illinois
Reese’s Martini at The Drake Oakbrook
In a beautiful Illinois village is an English-style estate reminiscent of the iconic Clue mansion, The Drake Oak Brook.
Head to their 10-acre gardens fully decked in Halloween decor. There, enjoy a tea served from a witch’s cauldron at the Hocus Pocus High Tea experience. Don’t pass up the opportunity to taste Chef Ezequiel Dominguez’s best sweet and savory treats and over-the-top candy-inspired cocktails.
At their Candy + Cocktail Pairing and Fall Menu experience, groups can enjoy boozy candy-pairings such as a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Martini with Reese’s-infused vodka or a Sour Patch IPA. Their special apple-themed menu includes an Apple-Cranberry Moscow Mule inspired by the Cranberry Canada Dry Ginger Ale.
The Drake is the site of the largest garden venue in the region, at 10 acres. It features a veranda, several patios, a gazebo and dual waterfalls. Their outdoor event space comes in at over 34,000 sq. ft. in all. They also offer 12,000 sq. ft. of unique indoor event space, including the Sinatra Room, a posh speakeasy-style space featuring its own bar, and the 1,402 sq. ft. Flower Room, a glass terrace decorated with 18,000 lbs. of colorful handblown flowers that cascade across the ceiling.
Historic Haunted Hotels
TW: ghost stories and mentions of death, homicide and suicide.
The Seelbach Hilton, Louisville, Kentucky
The Oakroom at The Seelbach Hilton
You might recognize the Grand Ballroom at The Seelbach Hilton as the setting for Daisy and Tom Buchanan’s wedding in the 2013 blockbuster film, The Great Gatsby. This hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, however, is the setting for much more than Hollywood films. It’s also home to a few ghostly residents.
Most famous is the Lady in Blue. Accompanied by the smell of lilac perfume is a spirit wearing a blue chiffon dress. In life, she was known as Patricia Wilson. In July of 1936, she and her ex-husband agreed to meet at the hotel to reconcile their marriage, but he was killed in a car accident on his way there. Wilson, in her grief, threw herself down the hotel’s number three elevator shaft.
Now, guests report seeing a woman with long dark hair wearing a blue chiffon dress who walks into elevators and disappears. Some guests also recall feeling a presence in the elevators and some even have felt their shoulders touched. You can watch a video of the hotel’s historian, Larry Johnson, telling her story here.
The Seelbach has all the meeting space you need, with 32,000 sq. ft. of meeting space made up of numerous elegant meeting rooms, along with 308 guest rooms.
The Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, North Carolina
The Omni Grove Park Inn
Just minutes from downtown Asheville is a historic, 513-room resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Omni Grove Park Inn.
This resort is home to a much-loved gentle spirit, The Pink Lady. During the 1920s, an unknown woman mysteriously passed away at the resort. In the modern day, guests report simply seeing a pink mist; others witness a full apparition of a young woman wearing a pink gown. She is said to open and close windows, flush the toilet and play with the televisions.
31 classic meeting rooms numbering in total at 86,852 sq. ft. include two ballrooms, pre-function areas and outdoor terraces, patios and balconies. The meeting facilities all include technological services by Pinnacle Live, as well as catering, planning and floral design teams.
The Sagamore, Lake George, New York
The Sagamore
Amidst the tranquil beauty of Lake George and the Adirondack Mountains, The Sagamore Resort in Boston Landing, New York, offers a diverse range of classic, elegant accommodations. Throughout its 140-year history, the hotel has continued to host some guests who never left.
One of the most famous is a little boy who was killed by a car while chasing golf balls. Dressed in 1950s-style clothing, he is known to play pranks on golfers, stealing and hiding their golf balls during their games.
The second floor is home to a hotel maid from the 1930s-40s. After being fired for having an affair with a married guest, she returned to the guest’s room to tell him the news. There, she ran into his wife, who smothered her with a pillow. She is said to wait in the room for her lover’s return and wander up and down the second-floor hallway.
After a stay at the resort, two separate women called asking if the hotel was haunted. One witnessed a child run through her bedroom into the bathroom. Another woke up to find a man standing against a wall in her room. She wasn’t afraid though—she expressed that he had a surprisingly comfortable presence.
The resort offers 32,000 sq. ft. of indoor venue space and 20,000 sq. ft. of outdoor event space.
The Elms Hotel & Spa, Excelsior Springs, Missouri
The Elms Hotel & Spa
The Elms Hotel & Spa, in Excelsior Springs, Missouri is known for its lavish 25,000 sq. ft. spa and lovely grounds. It’s been frequented by celebrities and politicians. It is also known to be frequented by some paranormal guests.
The hotel faced two fires throughout its history, first in 1898 and 1910. No known fatalities occurred, however, rumors circulated that the fires had paranormal causes. Guests have reported seeing a female spirit running through the halls, searching for her child. Others encountered the spirit of a gambler relaxing by the lap pool. And the housekeeping staff has its own spiritual advisor, complete with a 1920’s-style housekeeping uniform. The property holds paranormal tours year-round and employs an onsite historian.
The hotel offers 11,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space from grand ballrooms to breakout rooms. In addition, it offers 16 acres of pristine resort grounds and patio space.
Hotel del Coronado, San Diego, California
Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton
Established in 1888, Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton, has spent the last century and a half curating its atmosphere to be one of sun, sea and timeless hospitality. It is also known for its resident spirit, who in life, went by the name of Kate Morgan.
When she checked into the hotel on Thanksgiving Day, 1892, she told hotel employees she was waiting for a man to meet her. She looked sickly and sad. Five days after she checked in, hotel staff discovered her body in an exterior stairwell. It appeared that she had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Newspapers referred to her as “the beautiful stranger.” Later investigations revealed that she was in a strained marriage and speculated that she had checked in to the hotel to meet a lover.
The third-floor guest room where she stayed over her five days at the hotel is the most requested room at the property. It has been the site of numerous strange occurrences: flickering lights, inexplicable scents, sounds, temperature changes and footsteps, as well as items moving on their own and a television that clicks on and off. Other guests and employees have reported spotting a woman dressed in black. She has even been captured in photographs. In the resort’s gift shop, giftware mysteriously flies off shelves, but never breaks and almost always lands upright.
The hotel offers a nightly guided one-hour Haunted Happenings tour, and it offers 96,000 sq. ft. of event space and 65 event venues.
The Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
The Omni Mount Washington Resort
In 1902, New Hampshire Native Joseph Stickney opened the most luxurious hotel of the day, a grand Spanish Renaissance masterpiece, which is now The Omni Mount Washington Resort.
Beyond its breathtaking scenery, popular winter sports and year-round activities, the resort is also known as the home of its own resident ghost, called The Princess. She is believed to be the spirit of Joseph Stickney’s wife, Carolyn Foster Stickney. Her husband built an indoor pool and private dining room specially for her; it is now known as the “Princess Room.” In the hallways, guests and staff report seeing an elegant woman in Victorian dress. She is said to lightly tap on doors when nobody is outside. In room 314, guests have reported seeing her sitting on the edge of the four-poster bed, where she herself used to sleep.
The resort offers a total of 42,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, made up of 22 unique meeting rooms and event spaces. With the 2020 addition of the Rosebrook Lodge, it’s the perfect location for a thrilling Halloween meeting.
Healthy Meeting Resources Help Planners Start Meaningful Discussions
Looking for an easy way to keep everyone healthy when putting together an agenda? In advance of IMEX America 2023 coming to Las Vegas, Caesars Entertainment, the largest gaming company in the world, launched its Wellness Menu during a one-day Wellness Day that included tai chi classes in Valley of Fire State Park led by Pink Jeep Tours. Time at Qua Spa at Caesars Palace, light bites at Guy Savoy Restaurant and dinner at Eiffel Tower Restaurant in Paris Las Vegas highlighted the brand’s focus on tasty, well-prepared food and relaxing, healthy experiences.
The “menu” goes beyond health-conscious group meal options, such as kombucha flavors, quinoa salads and tofu poke stations. Classes on everything from sound vibration to nutrition for mental health and laughter is medicine comedy shows can be “ordered” up to draw on vetted local talent. Also available for the asking is aura and chakra reading along with organized walks/runs and guided outdoor hikes.
Other wellness services on offer include popular favorites such as petting zoos, puppy lounges and goat yoga. Why stop there? Paint therapy, IV treatments and scentscaping/ gifting from Scentex are fresh ways to show attendees you are thinking about all of their needs. Body & Brain Wellness can help guests connect their body and brain by harnessing their own energy using East Asian exercises.
“Caesars has long offered innovative wellness options for employees and accommodated clients; it was time to make the services easier to access by packaging it all up in a ‘menu’ that could start a discussion,” said Reina Herschdorfer, director of marketing, national meetings and events with Caesars Entertainment.
The products and services will initially be available at the brand’s Las Vegas properties and then will be rolled out to Atlantic City and Reno/Tahoe in future phases.
A History of Meeting Well
The current focus on healthy meeting spaces is not the first time brands have gone beyond accommodating “dates and rates” to differentiate their spaces.
In 2014, Westin, then part of Starwood, introduced its “six pillars of health.” This included sleeping well, eating well, moving well, feeling well, working well and playing well.
The same year, MGM Resorts and Dr. Depak Chopra’s Delos brand partnered to break ground on Stay Well Meetings space at MGM Grand that included enhanced air purification, improved cleaning, circadian lighting and ergonomic furnishings.
Pink Jeep Tours
InterContinental Hotels Group had already pioneered EVEN hotels (now numbering 24 across the country from Times Square New York City to Eugene, Oregon) and Hyatt’s Thrive program, which includes sustainability leadership along with healthy activations, were already in place.
In 2020, Hilton debuted, Tempo by Hilton, a lifestyle brand boasting guided meditation, pumped-up gyms and healthy food and beverage options. The brand described the properties as being curated to serve a growing segment of “modern achievers.”
All of these offerings targeted a wellness industry that was estimated by Statista.com to be worth $476.1 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to $1.2 trillion by 2030.
The new Caesars product offers turnkey solutions specifically for meeting professionals. The brand will highlight the offerings with a two-day event on Global Wellness Day June 13-15, 2024 that will feature wellness speakers, hiking and meditation in Red Rock National Park, yoga on the High Roller and rafting on Colorado River.
Meeting venues from the mountains to the rainforest
Every once in awhile, it doesn’t hurt to slow things down. For meeting planners seeking to create a particular vibe, aesthetic or just wanting to get away from the big cities, it may be worth it to explore the wide range of off-the-grid destinations available to planners.
To the Mountains
The Williams Inn, located in Williamstown, MA is an upscale, contemporary hotel inspired by nearby farmhouses. The Williams Inn offers more than 3,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, and 64 guest rooms. The hotel also provides full-service catering. Planners can utilize the ballroom, which features floor-to-ceiling windows offering a slew of natural light that makes the space perfect for receptions. If guests miss the fast-paced city life, they can take a long scenic drive to Boston or New York City for a day trip.
As winter approaches, guests can expect snow to cover the ground—which means downhill skiing at Jiminy Peak in Hancock and Berkshire East in Charlemont, along with skating and sledding! For those looking for a gentle trek through the snow, grab some snowshoes and go out for a relaxing stroll!
There are plenty of indoor activities available too, including at The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA). MASS MoCA features a wide variety of exhibits from music, sculpture, dance, film and so much more.
On November 2nd, MASS MoCA will be hosting a Dia de Muertas Day (Day of the Dead) event with hot chocolate, dance, music, and spirit drawings from artist-in-residence Alison Pebworth.
Quaint in Maine
Lockwood Hotel, in Waterville, Maine,is the first boutique in hotel in Waterville in decades. Lockwood Hotel has 985 sq. ft. of meeting space, 2 meeting rooms and 53 guest rooms. The hotel offers a 24-hour fitness room, hi-speed Wi-Fi and on-site parking.
Waterville has a lot of interesting activities available in the nearby area, including the Waterville Opera House. Programming includes touring musicians, comedians, educational school shows and youth theatre camps. On Nov. 17, it will show Elf the Musical and from December 8 – 10, The Nutcracker.
Another creative community not far away is Colby Arts, which provides artistic programming and space for creative development. Colby Arts is also offering a string of events throughout the rest of the year, including Music in the Museum, Capoeira, Cinema in Conversation and Practicing Decolonization in the Museum.
Courtesy of Lockwood Hotel
At the Edge of the Rainforest
Botánika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton is situated amid the backdrop of Costa Rica’s unspoiled rainforest. The hotel has 3,046 sq. ft. of meeting space, five meeting rooms and 193 guest rooms. The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), and the hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle service.
Courtesy of Botánika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton
Because of the proximity to the rainforest, guests can take part in eco-adventures. For teambuilding activities, groups can explore the rainforest’s rich ecosystem of animals, plants, and insects. For a more adventurous experience, guests can fly above the treetops at a whopping 145 feet off the ground at speeds up to 50 mph!
If ground activities are preferrable, groups can go on a Monkey Tour and try and spot the Spider Monkey, the Mantled Howler Monkey, the White Throated Capuchin Monkey and the Central American Squirrel Monkey.
Groups can also get out on the calm waters of Golfo Dulce on a boat and try to see a humpback whale, sharks or dolphins!
Vi Nguyen, CMP, entered the industry with an unyielding drive from the very start. She grew up involved in student body government and event committees all through middle school and high school. When she began attending college at San Jose State University, she was quick to join their Hospitality Management Program.
When she graduated, she embarked on a one-year Manager in Training program with Dolce Hayes Mansion. There, she rotated through all their departments with a special focus on F&B, front office and events and sales. After completing the program, the hotel fast-tracked her to the position of conference service manager.
She held this role for seven years before switching to sales, and she sees the foundational experience that she built in this original role as instrumental to her sales success. After four years in group sales, she moved quickly through elevating roles: first as director of business travel, then assistant director of sales, then director of sales and finally as director of sales and marketing, her current role at dual-branded AC Hotel Palo Alto and Hotel Citrine, managed by California-based Evolution Hospitality.
Having grown up in San Jose, California, and now living in Newark, California, she draws on her experience as a local to perform exceptionally in this role. “I love the Bay Area,” she says. “It has always been home for me.”
Preparing for the Exam
Nguyen was exposed to the CMP designation early on. Her first hotel was IACC certified, and many of their clients had the designation. Her first manager was also a CMP. She shared the benefits of the designation with Nguyen and, Nguyen says, sold her on the CMP Community and Conclave.
From there, Nguyen was quick to pursue the educational path for herself. The support and guidance from great mentors sustained her evolution, she reports. In addition to the incredible team behind her, she says, “Building a strong foundation amongst different disciplines has helped me succeed. I am not shy about asking questions and reaching out to my network for best practices.”
She states that it’s important to identify your learning style and then identify the best available resources for that learning style. “I can recall a conversation much better than I can recall what I read,” she explains. Because conversation is so advantageous to her learning, working and discussing the course content with a study group was the best way she could have prepared.
As she prepared to take the exam, she joined a CMP prep course and, with the students alongside her, formed a study group on the first day of class.
Not only did the study group prove a valuable learning experience; it also formed a tight-knit community. “The most rewarding element of the entire CMP process was that I formed lifelong friends and a hospitality support group who can relate to me through it all.”
When it comes time to take the exam, Nguyen says, “Don’t let the process intimidate you. Trust that your experience will be the foundation and that the EIC will provide tools. There will be an entire team of people rooting for your success.”
Where She Is Now
“The CMP designation opened the door to a huge network of professionals committed to the industry,” says Nguyen. “Clients and employers recognize the commitment and dedication put forth for obtaining and retaining the designation.”
All in all, to Nguyen, this industry is about “connecting people to share ideas and foster innovation.”
She remembers organizing an EAO FAM tour for about 30 executive administrators. She and her team led them on a three-day tour of Silicon Valley showcasing their hotel, along with off-site events and F&B experiences in the area. “Everyone was so engaged in supporting each other, and the connections made were very genuine.”
True to the central goal of connection and innovation is Nguyen’s favorite quote: Kindness matters. “The industry is very demanding,” she says. “If we can remember that we are all human and doing our best and treat each other with kindness and respect, we can get through anything.”
Her experience of the EAO FAM tour served as an example of “Kindness Matters” in action. The supportive engagement and genuine connection between the participants made for an event that consistently stands out to Nguyen as a phenomenal success.
Her organization and preparation for events support this success. She and her team use group resumes, BEOs and Outlook appointments. They stay aligned in real-time by using TEAMS chat. During an event, she makes an active effort to stay hydrated—”Ice cold water keeps me going throughout the day…and, of course, the energy and excitement of the team and guests.”
She and her team celebrate their accomplishments post-event with celebration toasts and treats with their colleagues and clients. Afterward, it’s time for quality self-care and downtime to recharge.
Then, it’s time for the next event. Nguyen is an active and dedicated member of the industry, not only with her CMP designation but also as a member of Silicon Valley Business Travel Association (SVBTA) and Meeting Professionals International (MPI). She is proud to be a CMP, saying, “The CMP designation is a badge of honor showcasing dedication to the industry.”
San Diego Convention Center appoints Turner as general manager. He previously served as vice president of venue management and entertainment operations for Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas. He has over three decades of experience in venue management at performing arts centers, arenas and stadiums. In this new role, he will all event management, venue operations, public safety and guest service at the 2.6 million-square-foot waterfront property.
Jitter Garcia
Jitter Garcia
Entire Productions welcomes Garcia as their new vice president of operations. Garcia will work to further elevate the company’s reputation as a leader in the experiential event and entertainment industry. Over the past decade, she has established an illustrious career through a lasting tenure at TelevisaUnivision. She possesses fine-tuned expertise in strategic event planning, experiential marketing, brand activation and working with the media, lifestyle and entertainment sectors.
Yuni Hunter
Yuni Hunter
Hunter joins AC Hotel Irvine as general manager. She will draw on her 16 years of experience in senior hospitality management roles to oversee and manage all of the hotel’s daily operations. Throughout her career, she has overseen numerous hotel openings, renovations and reactivations, including those that occurred throughout the particularly challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic. She has held previous general manager roles at Springhill Suites Huntington Beach by Marriott, Interstate Hotels, AC Marriott Beverly Hills and more.
Laura McIver
Laura McIver
McIver takes on the role of general manager at Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection. She will oversee all resort operations, including culinary, experiential, meetings and events and resort teams and uphold the resort’s outstanding reputation as an esteemed Napa Valley property. Throughout her 15 years of experience in general manager roles, she has served Miraval Resorts in Arizona, Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica and most recently Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, a Relais and Châteaux in Rancho Santa Fe, California.
Kimberly Forte and Lauren Rawlins
Kimberly Forte (left) and Lauren Rawlins (right)
Forte enters the role of director of group sales at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. She first joined the resort in 2019 as a senior sales executive and earlier served as a sales executive at Marriott International, Western Mountain Pacific. She has worked with Marriott for over a decade. In this new role, Forte will oversee the resort’s portfolio of corporate groups and aim to maximize sales and hotel revenue by developing and maintaining client business relationships and representing the hotel at customer events, trade shows and more.
At her side will be Rawlins as director of leisure sales. She, too, joined the resort as a senior sales executive, in 2021. She brings over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry as well as a special connection to the location, having grown up in Oahu. Throughout her career, she has worked at various properties in Koloa and Honolulu and served as director of sales & marketing at Hyatt Centric Waikiki. In this role, she will focus on overseeing and maintaining relationships with key travel agents and partners by providing indispensable industry leadership.
Daniel Haughan
Daniel Haughan
Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island, the first beachfront property in the Margaritaville portfolio, has named Haughan general manager. He most recently worked with Summit Hospitality Group in Nashville, Tennessee. Earlier in his career, he served in general manager roles at Canopy by Hilton in San Antonio and Homewood Suites in Moab, Utah.
Haleigh Hildebrand and Ashley McNeil
Ashley McNeil (left) and Haleigh Hildebrand (right)
American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) expands their leadership team first with the promotion of McNeil to the role of vice president, federal affairs. She previously served as AHLA’s senior director of federal affairs. In her new role, she will oversee AHLA’s efforts to maintain and build its strong connections to federal policymakers on behalf of hoteliers across the country.
Alongside McNeil, Hildebrand is promoted to vice president, campaigns & political strategy. Prior to this promotion, she was AHLA’s senior director of government & political affairs. As vice president, campaigns & political strategy, Hildebrand will guide AHLA in building grassroots and grasstops programs aimed to support a healthy, growing hotel industry.
Graeme Freeman
Graeme Freeman
Freeman joined JOALI BEING during its pre-opening stages as part of the team to commence a new era of wellbeing in the Maldivian tourism industry. Now, he has assumed the role of general manager. Throughout his career, he has worked in managerial roles at properties the Maldives, Thailand and more. He possesses expertise in bringing operational goals to fruition, team member professional development and guest engagement and satisfaction.
Sofia Vandaele
Sofia Vandaele
Vandaele takes on the role of regional director of operations, luxury and lifestyle at InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel. She will work to helm the brand’s strategic direction and promote brand awareness of both this property and InterContinental Times Square. In addition to holding over 25 years of experience, she serves on numerous boards, including IHG Americas DE&I, Hotel Association of NYC and New York, Tourism & Conventions.
César Moreno
César Moreno
Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya appoints Moreno as general manager. He will manage every aspect of the resort, from its 214 guestrooms and suites to its Naum Wellness & Spa, four distinct restaurants and event space. Moreno has held general manager roles with Hyatt for over 20 years. Most recently, he served as general manager at Hyatt Regency Andares Guadalajara, successfully overseeing the hotel’s 2016 launch.
Across the hospitality industry, meetings and large-scale events play a significant role in the success of hotels, restaurants, clubs—really any venue. Although many things have changed over the past few years with many people shifting to remote or virtual events and more reliance on technology, one thing remained unchanged: people are social beings and nothing can replace the face-to-face experience of attending an event in person.
As we move further away from the pandemic and return to a more normal state where large gatherings are a regular part of life, there are some new practices that we, as hospitality professionals, have incorporated while still holding on to many tried and true traditions that lend themselves to a memorable experience for both event hosts and their guests.
Top Tips for Large-Scale Event Planning
Anyone who has ever planned or led an event knows it can be a substantial undertaking. However, the end result is usually worth each and every detail that went into the coordination. To help offset some of the planning, it’s important to work closely with event experts and the venue to streamline the experience. Hotels and venues typically have unique offerings and features that help ensure attendees have a wonderful time, plus these event teams are experts in the space and will make sure nothing is overlooked and everything is taken care of.
For instance, our Executive Chef at Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront creates a “Menu of the Day” experience for groups. This feature includes a rotating, well-balanced offering with quality provisions that are locally sourced and reflect our vibrant and unique culinary scene here in Jacksonville. Meeting planners can save both time and budget by leveraging the hotel’s suggested menu rather than outsourcing food and beverage.
Embracing Technology while Reflecting on Best Practices
Technology is a tool that creates great efficiencies and has become crucial to help streamline the planning and execution of meetings and events. Many organizations now use collaborative diagram systems that allow event professionals to work together in real-time to create illustrations and renderings for the meeting space. This ensures that the client and venue are on the same page when all of the preparations are underway.
Another critical component of any successful function is looking to past experiences for key learnings. When planning a meeting or event, it’s important to share history from prior experiences—I recommend conducting a survey of previous event attendees to get their honest feedback about the elements they liked and those that they didn’t. Furthermore, attention to detail is critical during the planning process, so it’s always best to err on the side of oversharing the vision and expectations, so that the execution team can ensure that a venue is prepared to take care of the attendees’ every need.
Connections are the Focus
We are now seeing an increased focus on meetings that center on networking, fostering connections, and incorporating additional social gatherings. While this was something that was popular even before the pandemic, the meeting agendas and programming are not as dense as before and are now offering more relaxed experiences that feature additional touchpoints to interact with other attendees. For instance, we’ve observed an increase in requests for outdoor or mixed-use space, as well as on-site food and beverage offerings that will ultimately bring people together.
Additionally, in recent years, many consumers have become more socially conscious and are interested in giving back to communities, while also voting with their dollars to support brands that give back. To incorporate these ideologies into the event programming, clients should feel empowered to ask their venue and vendors about ways they might be able to support the local community; whether that’s by sourcing event materials and provisions from businesses nearby, or inviting members of the community to the event. The local CVB or visitors’ bureaus can often support the request by meeting the group on site, offer ways to support local businesses or suggest ways to make diversity, equity and inclusion part of the experience.
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Kate De Master
Kate De Master is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Hyatt Regency Jacksonville.
With more than 20 years of experience planning unforgettable meeting experiences, De Master has worked at several Hyatt properties throughout the country including Hyatt Regency Columbus, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor and Hyatt Regency Jersey City.
Hotels in Denver, Irvine and Little Elm offer luxurious peace after days of play
These new and renovated properties embrace sustainability and celebrate their natural surroundings. Whether you find yourself in Denver, Colorado, Irvine, California or Little Elm, Texas, you’re certain to have your pick of a variety of outdoor adventures; and you can rest easy knowing your meeting needs and relaxation space have everything you’ll ever need.
Green Dream
The Living Green Wall at Westin Denver Downtown
Emerging from a multi-million-dollar, property-wide renovation, Westin Denver Downtown debuts 432 redesigned rooms and suites, expanded meeting space, a green living wall, a new grand staircase and more.
When guests enter the hotel, they are immediately greeted by an expansive green living wall. It embodies the property’s commitment to sustainability—and it’s not just for show. The green life on the wall enhances the hotel’s air quality, reducing CO2 and PM2.5 by 21%. As guests continue past the wall, they come across a new grand staircase that leads directly to meeting floors (and while you’re at it, it’s a great photo-op!).
Upon continuing into the guest rooms, visitors will find sleek, modern amenities tied together with a neutral blue color scheme. While relaxing on the Westin Heavenly 2.0 bed, they can enjoy either mountain or city views through sliding glass doors. If a visit to the fitness studio or heated rooftop pool isn’t in the cards, guests can participate in an extensive gear-lending program, or a weekly team-member guided run.
This renovation has added 3,000 additional sq. ft. of lobby-level meeting space to the property’s existing 39,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. Meeting rooms feature wall-to-wall windows and light shades of color for a bright meeting experience.
In the heart of sunny downtown Irvine,Hyatt Regency Irvine recently celebrated its soft opening after a $50 million redesign. Irvine’s largest full-service hotel is conveniently located right by South Coast Plaza and Irvine Spectrum Center. Also close by are Orange County beaches, parks and theme parks, as well as the John Wayne Airport.
516 contemporary guest rooms offer a luxurious stay after a long day of meetings across the property’s 56,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space.
This renovation brings an additional 14,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, adding to the 14,600 sq. ft. ballroom—the largest in the city—as well as a 10,000 sq. ft. event lawn. Other spaces include 18 breakout rooms, a conference theater with tiered seating for 100 guests and a high-tech interactive wall and a 6,000 sq. ft. pavilion. Their state-of-the-art tech includes an advanced rigging system that allows AV to come off the floor and make more space for your event. A massive truss supports visual art integrations.
The hotel intentionally avoids traffic overlap with meeting attendees and leisure guests with a separated pool, marketplace and other communal leisure areas, so privacy for your event is certain.
At The Elm, A Ramada by Wyndham, guests can take in all the beauty and fun of the lakefront district of Little Elm, Texas. After passing through a decadent lobby, guests can rest in spacious guest rooms. Everything a guest could want is available, including a pool, gym, numerous dining options and even a library.
The hotel is right by Little Elm Park on Lake Lewisville. It’s the perfect location for swimming, exploring nature trails, paddleboarding, beach volleyball and a host of other activities. Cottonwood Creek Marina offers boats, jet skis and wakeboards for rent. Also nearby is Fortunata Winery, National Videogame Museum, Museum of the American Railroad and Hydrous Wake Park.
All of these activities and more make for an enticing meeting destination. The Elm’s 500 sq. ft. of event space and accommodations for up to 40 conference or banquet guests are perfect for a small to mid-size meeting and executive retreat.
Behavioral health activities make your meetings THE place to be
Meeting professionals and the attendees at their events have a high level of responsibility. Naturally, their demanding positions can cause stress. By making efforts to pay attention to their mental health and manage it through activities that relieve stress, these professionals can be more resilient and successful despite the pressure they face in their careers.
Attention to wellness continues to rise. With it comes more attention to mental health and strategies to improve it. It’s common to hear people discussing burnout and overwhelm as common and fixable human experiences. Nearly anywhere you host your meeting, there are bound to be numerous activities that help your attendees take steps to improve their mental and behavioral health—and these activities go above and beyond.
How Behavioral Health Fits into Meetings
How do we handle stress? Are we able to roll with sudden changes and stay positive? Having good behavioral health helps people perform better in their work and successfully handle any ups and downs.
Smart Meetings spoke with event psychology advisor, Victoria Matey, co-founder of Matey Events, to learn more about how we can improve our mental and behavioral health and what team building and wellness activities can do for meetings. She says, “Behavioral health is all about how our emotions, thoughts, habits and behavior affect our well-being. When our behavioral health is good, we feel calm and happy. When its not so good, we feel stressed, sad and anxious and it makes us less productive.”
She explained that the three most important elements contributing to good mental and behavioral health are all personal habits. Make sure you are taking care of your body, developing and maintaining quality relationships with people in your life and implementing strategies that make your workload more manageable.
Beyond the personal habits necessary for good mental and behavioral health, certain activities can have major positive benefits. One activity won’t change a person’s life, but it can make one day better, or even inspire changes down the line. Some hotels and organizations offer unique activities that aim to do just this.
Meeting Activities Designed for Positive Mental Health
Goat Yoga at Crystal Springs Resort
Guests at Crystal Springs Resort have the opportunity to participate in a one-hour yoga class suited for experience level. Yoga itself is a fantastic way to nurture your body and calm your mind. It is known to improve cardiac and respiratory health, increase flexibility, build strength and reduce stress.
Goat Yoga at Crystal Springs Resort
Here’s the catch: in this yoga class, participants are joined by friendly goats! These goats bring an extra level of joy and fun to an already highly therapeutic exercise. After the yoga class, participants enjoy a 30-minute meet-and-greet with the goats they just exercised with. Spending time with animals also reduces stress and can even alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Goats are friendly, joyful animals who love to playfully interact with humans. Goat yoga has become a popular activity in recent years as people recognize the combined benefits of yoga and animal interaction. For only $49 per person, goat yoga at Crystal Springs Resort is certain to leave your attendees smiling, happy and connected.
Forest bathing emerged in Japan in the 1980s as shinrin-yoku, meaning “taking in the forest atmosphere.” It offers an eco-antidote to people who feel overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle of their daily lives as they take some time to practice mindfulness and appreciate nature. Research supports the idea that spending time in nature improves both physiological and mental health.
Forest Bathing at Crystal Springs Resort
At Crystal Springs Resort, guests can participate in a forest bathing session. An expert will lead participants on a guided walk through the forest and encourage them to focus on expanding their sensory awareness with sight, sound, scent and breath exercises. The walk concludes with a ten-minute guided meditation focused on connecting to the earth. This activity helps guests to slow down by deepening their connection to nature and their own senses. Afterwards, they return to their meeting feeling refreshed and calm.
In addition to Forest Bathing and Goat Yoga, Crystal Springs Resort offers many other incredible experiences, including guided hikes, botanical foraging, a sound bowl experience and bee box building.
The resort is just an hour outside of New York City, nestled along the edge of the Appalachian Mountains. With its two award-winning spas and host of rejuvenating activities, it is known for being a leading wellness destination. Across two hotel buildings, there is over 100,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor venue space.
Meditative Sound Baths at The Opus Westchester
Meditative Sound Bath
A “sound bath” is a meditative experience where participants are immersed in ambient sound. It allows people the opportunity to tune into one sense—hearing. A selected collection of sounds produced by gongs, chimes, percussion, rattles and more create a resonance that washes over listeners to help improve focus and creativity and allow the mind to relax. The part of our brain that processes sound also processes emotions, so certain sounds can be tailored to help people feel happier and more at ease.
The Opus Westchester offers meditative sound baths for groups, before or after a meeting or during breaks. This unique activity will help participants to unwind and feel more in tune with their minds and bodies, so they return to their meetings feeling uplifted.
The word “Opus” refers to both a musical composition and a large-scale artwork. True to its namesake, creativity, art and music are woven throughout all dimensions of the hotel. Located in the heart of Westchester, New York, the hotel offers ten different meeting spaces across 10,000 sq. ft., including multiple breakout rooms as well as large ballrooms.
Mixology Mixer
Mixology Mixer is a woman-owned company that offers unique hands-on mixology and cooking experiences for both in-person and virtual groups. At in-person events, they incorporate a specialty cocktail or spirit-tasting bar alongside mixology classes and culinary workshops. These activities are guided by professional mixologists, skilled in spirit and wine tasting, flair bartending and mixology.
Mixology Mixer Cocktail Package
Mixology Mixer has mastered the translation of their activities to virtual events. They will ship all the essential items—spirits, mixers, garnishes, recipe cards and a five-piece bar tool set—directly to each participant to make the experience as interactive as possible. The same professional mixologists guide participants digitally through mixing and sipping three unique craft cocktails.
Their mixology workshops are a delightful, unique interactive activity. By embarking on the memorable experience of crafting cocktails and sharing stories, your team is certain to have fun, foster connections and nurture strong camaraderie.
Happy Attendees Make All-Star Meetings
Matey makes the important point that company team building starts with the company culture. “If there’s nothing to build a connection on through a team building activity, it won’t do much for the people involved. But if people feel like they belong, have common goals and a shared identity, then the team building event will strengthen that connection.” She says that the most substantial and beneficial ways of helping your team manage stress require considering what kinds of emotions your team feels and then providing them with tools to help them manage stress in the long run.
And once again, one activity won’t alleviate anyone’s stress for good if they aren’t working to manage their mental health through sustainable, long-term personal habits. However, activities like these can help people set aside time to feel well-rested, happy and connected. These activities will give attendees a chance to re-set their minds and engage with their meetings on another level.
For meeting planners on-the-go, airports are usually the starting point of the journey. Check out the top U.S.–based airports, compiled by Cabin Crew HQ, along with conveniently close by convention centers and hotels!
Travel Easy in Atlanta
Hartfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) offers service to 150 domestic and 70 international destinations, including Europe, Asian, the Caribbean and Africa, as well as South and Central America. ATL generates $34.8 billion dollars in the local economy resulting in 63,000 jobs.
Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMartis in walking distance of the Centennial Olympic Park and the World of Coca-Cola. Attendees have direct access to the convention center from the airport via the rapid rail. It contains 500,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space and 100,000 sq. ft. of contiguous space, as well as 45 breakout rooms.
Atlanta Airport Marriott is right near the Hartfield-Jason Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Guests can use the hotel’s free airport shuttle that runs 24/7. Guests have access to the 24-hour gym, which includes access to Peloton bikes and an indoor/outdoor pool. It also offers up 30,178 sq. ft. of event space, 33 breakout rooms, 34 event rooms and 641 guest rooms.
Onboard for the Windy City
O’Hare International Airport (ORD)offers the highest number of runways compared to other international airports; it also sees about 15 million passengers annually. O’Hare operates 585 flights over the course of a day. It is the hub for both American Airlines and United Airlines and connects to 210 domestic and international destinations.
Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Chicago O’Hare Airport – Rosemont is located 5 minutes away from O’Hare International Airport. The hotel also offers a shuttle for travelers. The hotel contains 13,519 sq. ft. of event space, 12 meeting rooms and 369 guest rooms.
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont offers complimentary Wi-Fi service for event planners. The Bist-Rose, the Lobby Bar and Starbucks are in the main lobby. DESCC has 840,000 sq. ft. of flexible exhibition space, which includes 92,000 sq. ft. for meetings, and 50 meeting rooms.
Dinosaurs in Dallas
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) sees more than 73 million travelers a year and connects to 193 domestic and 67 international non-stop destinations. With a total of 7 runways, DFW generates over $37 billion a year in North Texas. One interesting fact about DFW is that excavations unearthed the bones of a 70-million-year-old Plesiosaur!
Fort Worth Convention Center is 25 minutes from DFW International Airport.The convention center has 253,226 sq. ft. of total exhibit space 58,849 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and 38 breakout rooms. The convention center offers high speed internet, on-site photography, and video conferencing.
Omni Fort Worth Hotel is nestled in the heart of downtown Dallas and mere steps away from the Fort Worth Convention Center. Meeting planners have access to AV equipment, LCD projectors, overhead projectors, and TVs. Omni Fort Worth has 68,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, along with 29 meeting rooms and 616 guest rooms.
Flying into H-Town
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is one the busiest airports in the Texas area for international travel, seeing millions of passengers each year. IAH houses 27 airlines and 187 non-stop destinations. The airport also manages 41,020 sq. ft. of shrubbery and flowers.
Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinentalis conveniently connected to the George Bush Intercontinental Airport via underground tram. The hotel also provides a free shuttle and on-site parking. The hotel offers 31,408 sq. ft. of meeting and event space with 34 event rooms and 39 breakout rooms, as well as 573 guest rooms.
George R. Brown Convention Centeris 20 miles from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). It is also connected to the Hilton Americas-Houston which offers 1,200 guest rooms, as well as Marriott Marquis via a skybridge that has 1,000 guest rooms. The convention center has 1,012,278 sq. ft. of meeting space and 88 meeting rooms.
Gargoyles in Denver
Visitors entering and leaving Denver International Airport (DEN)get a chance to check out their art installations that rotate throughout the year, including gargoyles and a blue mustang. DEN saw over 69 million travelers in 2022. DEN serves 28 international destinations in 14 countries and contains 23 airlines.
Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Centeris about 7 miles away from Denver International Airport. The facility offers 517,987 sq. ft. of event space, 69 event rooms, 78 breakout rooms and 1,501 guest rooms. The location also offers AV equipment and event services equipment and supplies.
The Westin Denver InternationalAirport is connected to DEN via the Jeppesen Terminal. For planners, The Westin has 33,619 sq. ft. of event space, 21 event rooms, 15 breakout rooms and 515 guest rooms. The Westin also offers AV equipment and event lighting and equipment, including an installed stage, spotlights, tables and stack chairs.
Fly to Meet in Charlotte
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)sees about 1,400 arrivals and departures, along with 118,000 people every day. It offers nonstop service to 180 destinations around the world. It is also thesecond biggest hub for American Airlines.
Charlotte Convention Center is about 7 miles from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. It sits across the street from Westin Hotel, which contains 700 guest rooms. The light-rail service also runs through, allowing easy commute for travelers and attendees. The facility contains 270,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 55 meeting rooms.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte is only 10 minutes away from Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The hotel offers 12,528 sq. ft. of event space, 9 meeting rooms and 274 guest rooms. An airport shuttle is available to guests.
Courtesy of Botánika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton
Smart Meetings spoke with event psychology advisor, Victoria Matey, co-founder of 
