Smart Meetings

MARCH 18, 2024

Using the power of events to connect the wider farming community Since purchasing Indoor Ag-Con in 2018, CEO Brian Sullivan and his team’s goal has been to push for more education about emerging technologies and budding trends around controlled environment agriculture (CEA). CEA demonstration “What the event is involved with is a lot of growing technology,” Sullivan says.

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Smart Meetings

MARCH 15, 2024

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

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Smart Meetings

MARCH 15, 2024

Visit California demonstrated the power of the ultimate playground Play isn’t just for kids anymore. In fact, according to the National Institute for Play (NIFP) based in Carmel Valley, California, feeling playful is seriously important for a healthy life. Incorporating play in an event also makes business sense. “Play is an antidote to stress and a foundation for wellness,” according to NIFP researchers, who have partnered with Visit California to share their findings.

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Smart Meetings

MARCH 15, 2024

Cherry Tsui and Allison Wells Cherry Tsui (left) and Allison Wells (right), InterContinental Bellevue at the Avenue The InterContinental Bellevue at the Avenue expands its F&B team with experienced culinary professionals. Tsui fills the role of director of food and beverage, bringing over two decades of experience in luxury hospitality. She is a French and European-trained culinary expert, and earned her hospitality degree in Switzerland.

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Hospitality Certification Consulting Management 246

Smart Meetings

MARCH 11, 2024

What to expect at Business Events Industry Week 2024 The meetings and events industry calendar is a crowded place, filled with must-attend association conferences, regional gatherings and our own projects, especially in the summer and fall. One that has been distinguishing itself since it started four years ago is Business Events Industry Week ( BEIW ).

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Smart Meetings

MARCH 6, 2024

Incorporating wellness into events authentically, rather than as a mere marketing strategy, requires thoughtful planning and a genuine commitment to the health and well-being of participants. This approach, when executed with sincerity, enriches the event experience, fosters a positive atmosphere and promotes lasting impacts on attendees’ lifestyles.

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Smart Meetings

MARCH 6, 2024

Hold a Meeting in Destinations Known for Warmth As spring draws near, many are eager to get outside and enjoy the increasingly sunny days. What better place to do so than in a destination known for both sunny weather and a bright, joyful local culture. Whether you find yourself heading off to Orange County, Sedona, or Frisco, rest assured that each destination enjoys over 200 days of sunshine per year on average.

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Smart Meetings

MARCH 4, 2024

How to effectively bringing health and happenings together Everyone seems to be looking for health and wellness tips to improve event attendee experiences. Whether it’s non-alcoholic beverage offerings or wellness activities such as electrolyte IVs, the demand is surging for event programming that promotes a healthy lifestyle and supports a vast array of drinking choices.

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Smart Meetings

MARCH 4, 2024

A community of female leaders built on welcoming others emphasizes the power of belonging The announcement of the 2024 Smart Women in Meetings Award winners that went out Friday swelled the ranks of leaders honored to more than 1,000 strong. The seeds of that powerful community were planted nine years ago in a ballroom at The Ritz-Carlton, Denver. Smart Meetings founder Marin Bright built her career in hospitality, first in luxury hotels at Mandarin Oriental and then in the meetings and events B

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Smart Meetings

MARCH 1, 2024

Austin Gardner Gardner is vice president of business development for Staypineapple Hotels Inc. , based in Bellevue, Washington. Gardner has more than 13 years working in hospitality sales and marketing—specifically with independent hotels—most recently as regional vice president of sales for Oxford Collection Hotels. Daniel Scott Scott is Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort ’s managing director.

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Smart Meetings

FEBRUARY 23, 2024

First phase restorations and new all-suite towers The East Coast influence is strong at the properties below, from floral interior design to the activities and culinary experiences offered. These recent additions are something you may want to take a look at. La Concha Key West La Concha Key West guest room Following its addition to the Marriott Bonvoy family, La Concha Key West has recently completed the first phase of its restoration process, involving a revamp of its 160 guest rooms and 14 sui

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Smart Meetings

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

A 2024 meetings outlook from Marriott International’s Julius Robinson Julius Robinson Editor’s Note : Julius Robinson, Marriott International’s chief sales and marketing officer for the United States and Canada, provides the top meetings and events trends and priorities that will shape the hospitality industry in 2024 as seen as several Marriott properties across the United States and Canada.

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Smart Meetings

JANUARY 30, 2024

The city’s main hubs for meetings and conventions, the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, has acquired several certifications showcasing the city’s commitment to eco-friendly, sustainable practices, including the Santa Clara County Green Business and California Green Business Innovator certifications. San Jose’s venues and communal spaces have been making grand efforts to create a more green and sustainable city for locals and visitors alike.

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Smart Meetings

DECEMBER 19, 2023

SITE CEO Annette Gregg analyzes incentive travel for 2023 and predicts trends for 2024 Annette Gregg, CEO of Society of Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) , was the speaker at this December’s Smart Meetings’ Smart Chat Live! webinar, “Incentive Meeting Trends from SITE 2023,” focusing on incentive travel in 2023 and predictions for 2024.

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Smart Meetings

DECEMBER 15, 2023

Connection and Lifelong Learning at CalSAE Seasonal Spectacular 2023 The SAFE Credit Union Convention Center The California Society of Association Executives annual event, CalSAE Seasonal Spectacular 2023, saw Sacramento’s SAFE Credit Union Convention Center transformed into a holiday wonderland, with attendees from across the Golden State, and even representatives from its neighbors to the north and the east, Oregon and Nevada.

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Smart Meetings

DECEMBER 15, 2023

In this edition of Smart Moves, get to know the six recent notable appointments making up the professional event management team at The Westin Grand Cayman Islands Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa. John Dillis John Dillis Heading the team is Dillis as director of event management. He earlier served as the property’s director of events from 2018 to 2021.

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Smart Meetings

DECEMBER 15, 2023

From finances to DEI and team building, 2023 was a year for support and education All of us at Smart Meetings and all of our contributors want to see each other thrive, which is why we frequently post strategy stories as a resource for all of us to learn from each other. The following stories provide career tips in very different ways, yet the common goal is educating, sharing experiences and building a network of support for all participants in the Smart Meetings community.

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Smart Meetings

DECEMBER 11, 2023

Food is what connects people. It brings people together without needing any introductions or explanations. It is what sits people from different backgrounds down at the same table and share a sensory moment that creates a memorable experience. For a meaningful event, consider quality, sustainability and inclusivity when choosing the culinary options.

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Smart Meetings

DECEMBER 5, 2023

Event safety is a touchstone of a successful event. How can your attendees properly network and collaborate if no one feels safe? Over the year, Smart Meetings has covered several ways meeting professionals can ensure attendees feel safe in every aspect of their event. In the Cloud We Trust Preventing date leaks doesn’t need to be complicated. For those wanting a successful event, maintaining security and protection of your attendees’ information is a must.

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Smart Meetings

DECEMBER 5, 2023

We’re seeking your insight! We are asking the Smart Meetings Community to share your perspective on how you are—or are not—currently using generative AI and why. You will be entered to win a $100 gift certificate and notified when the results are published. You might even be interviewed and featured in Smart Meetings magazine. The deadline for responses to be entered in the drawing is December 8, 2024.

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Smart Meetings

NOVEMBER 28, 2023

Over our 23 years in the professional event production industry, we’ve identified several key elements that often prevent our clients’ events from achieving outstanding success. Rather than being disheartened by these challenges, we’ve chosen to initiate a dialogue and educate our clients. Our goal is to help you excel in your event planning endeavors.

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Smart Meetings

NOVEMBER 2, 2023

Walking tours provide distinct experiential learning that you can’t get any other way As incentive travel continues to be a critical tool for retaining and motivating talent, planners are looking for ways to make excursions more meaningful and memorable. One of the simplest ways to do so is by employing a local organized walking tour. Smart Meetings spoke with representatives from three leading walking tour companies about how tours can help to truly transform a meeting experience.

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Smart Meetings

NOVEMBER 2, 2023

Burst With Color: Bright Event Furniture Ideas Learn more One of the biggest trends in fashion and design has been “dopamine dressing.” Designers and social media influencers have used this hot concept to incorporate bright colors into clothing styles and rooms. You may be asking the question, “What is dopamine dressing?” Dopamine dressing brings psychology and design together.

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Events Fashion Trends Social Media 246

Smart Meetings

NOVEMBER 3, 2023

Dina Belon Dina Belon, Staypineapple Hotels, Inc. Belon takes on the role of president of Staypineapple Hotels, Inc. She will lead the company’s Executive Leadership Team and Business Development departments in expansion efforts through third-party licensing of the brand and property management. To do so, she will draw from over 25 years of experience in hospitality and a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.

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Smart Meetings

NOVEMBER 3, 2023

Welcome to Greater Ontario, California (GOCAL), your gateway to the vibrant wonders of Southern California. From scenic mountain views to unmatched venue options, GOCAL is the perfect meeting hub to host your next gathering, big or small. Here are five compelling reasons to consider this beautiful region for your next event. Convenient Accessibility: One of the most significant advantages of choosing GOCAL for your meeting is its exceptional accessibility.

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Smart Meetings

OCTOBER 12, 2023

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.

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Smart Meetings

OCTOBER 5, 2023

On this special episode of What One Thing? Smart Meetings Vice President, JT Long, sits down with IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer to get a sneak peak in what is in store for attendees in Las Vegas on Oct. 17-19. Don’t Miss a Podcast Drop. Listen to Smart Meetigns on Spotify today! Listen on Brought to you by: Listen to more What One Thing? podcasts on smartmeetings.com here.

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Smart Meetings

OCTOBER 6, 2023

Take a moment to improve your mental health and your meetings will reap the rewards Meeting professionals are some of the busiest people out there. For many, being busy means being stressed. A little stress is fine. We’re all bound to feel overwhelmed from time to time. But when we find that we’re feeling stressed more often than not, we could face serious effects on our physical and mental health, our work and our quality of life.

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Smart Meetings

OCTOBER 6, 2023

Jon Gersonde Jon Gersonde Turtle Bay Resort welcomes Gersonde as vice president and managing director. He brings over 30 years of experience in hospitality, having most recently served as general manager at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay on Kauai. He will oversee all daily operations on the 1,300-acre oceanfront resort and work to ensure an outstanding guest experience.

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Hospitality Retail Promotion Management 246

Smart Meetings

SEPTEMBER 19, 2023

Veteran IMEX America attendees may notice something different as they approach Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Las Vegas in October. “We tried to walk in people’s shoes and imagine what we wanted them to experience when they enter,” said Oliver “ Oli” Bailey, show experience/senior operations manager with IMEX Group. “We choreographed the welcome experience with photo opportunities and lots of immersive experience.

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Smart Meetings

SEPTEMBER 19, 2023

How to apply behavioral triggers to conference programs to increase engagement If the golden ring everyone is reaching for on the merry-go-round of events is “engagement,” then we had better get real about what causes people to pay attention and interact with the content we work so hard to present at conferences and meetings. A new study titled, “ Guiding Principles in Experience Design ,” by Marriott International in partnership with PCMA and CEMA that will be presented at IMEX foun

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Smart Meetings

SEPTEMBER 20, 2023

A dynamic debut, re-conceptualized meeting space and an art-forward transformation Host your next event in a brand-new event space in St. Paul, Minnesota. Or, meet in the glory of the Colorado Rockies. If you’re headed to Massachusetts, take in the vibrant artistic community of North Adams. Invigorating new spaces and re-designs provide the spaces for the autumn meeting of your dreams.

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Smart Meetings

SEPTEMBER 20, 2023

Following a devastating earthquake in Morocco, Marrakesh remains a strong meetings destination On September 8, 2023, Morocco experienced an earthquake of 6.8 magnitude. It’s epicenter in was the Al Haouz province in the High Atlas Mountain Range, about 45 miles southwest of major tourist destination Marrakesh. Areas as far as Casablanca felt vibrations.

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Government Banking Destination Management Booking 246

Smart Meetings

SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

On this episode of What One Thing? Smart Meetings Vice President and Content Director JT Long sits down with Regional Vice President of Sales and Distribution for the Caribbean and Latin America at Marriott International Louise Bang to discuss her love of travel and its ability to be a force for good and how communicating in multiple languages allowed her to have empathy for others.

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Travel Travel Communications Communications 246

Smart Meetings

SEPTEMBER 19, 2023

Immersive experiences are easy production hacks In an age where we’re competing with nearly-addictive , user-generated social media content and experiences like Oppenheimer in IMAX 70mm, many of us are kept up at night wondering how we’re going to earn the audience’s attendance, and keep their attention, at our next event. In fact, from recent Encore customer research, we’ve learned that an overwhelming 97% of event professionals are excited about technology that creates “wow” moment

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Audience Fashion Production Social Media 246

Smart Meetings

SEPTEMBER 11, 2023

The need for change in travel and tourism The hospitality industry is continuing its efforts towards improving sustainability, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) with cross-sector discussions and in-person activities. The Power of Partnership Stewardship Summit (POPS) is taking place in Richmond, Virginia, on Oct. 15th through the 18th is a collaboration between Tourism Cares, Cultural Heritage Alliance, Inc., The Travel Foundation and the U.S.

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Tourism Tourism Registration Culture 257

Smart Meetings

SEPTEMBER 6, 2023

Newly renovated hotels embrace their buildings’ histories and local cultures Three southern U.S. hotels located in historic buildings and locations unveil new meeting rooms and renovations. Each hotel adds its own distinct flavor to a vibrant local scene and celebrates its unique location through thoughtful design. Cast Iron and Curated Art The Bankers Alley Hotel, Nashville, Tapestry Collection by Hilton Hilton announces the opening of The Bankers Alley Hotel Nashville, Tapestry Collectio

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