FANTASTIC FOR FOODIES These Destinations Offer Delicious Dishes A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION NOVEMBER 2021 VOL. 14 NO. 6 $13.00 A NEW PATH FORWARD FOR CVB S ATTRACTING NEW ATTENDEES ARIZONA FLORIDA LAS VEGAS & RENOYou master a million details and make it look easy. Our hats are o to you. We know you create a back-up plan for the back-up plan and a checklist for every occasion. You have countless tricks up your sleeve when the moment calls for a little magic, and we love supporting you while you do what you do best. Now more than ever, your group is looking to you to provide safe and memorable meetings. When you’re ready, Hilton properties around the globe look forward to the chance to partner with you. Thanks to you, our light shines brighter. DEAR EVENT PROFESSIONALSDEPARTMENTS DESTINATIONS FEATURES 34 18 42 28 24 12 VIEWPOINT 8 How to Attract and Retain Tomorrow’s Top Performers It Will Take More Than a Good Salary and Benefits BY SCOTT STEINBERG 10 Not Business as Usual The Future of Events is Smaller, Hybrid and Tech-Driven BY ERIC HOLMEN 12 A New Path Forward CVBs Created New Protocols to Adjust to the Pandemic BY MAURA KELLER 28 Arizona A Variety of Venues to Meet Any Need BY MAURA KELLER 18 Fantastic for Foodies These Destinations Offer Delicious Dishes BY NANCY MUELLER 34 Florida Meetings on the Rise in the Sunshine State BY CHRISTINE LOOMIS 24 A Numbers Game Successful Conventions Must Keep Attracting New Attendees BY PATRICK SIMMS 42 Las Vegas & Reno Nevada is on the Rebound BY DAVID SWANSON 4 Publisher’s Message 6 News & Notes 50 Career Track ISSN 21628831 | USPS 003500 | A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION | NOVEMBER 2021 | VOLUME 14 | NUMBER 6 ON THE COVER: Patrons enjoy a meal at a New Orleans restaurant. Photo by Chris Granger Courtesy of New Orleans & Company NOVEMBER 2021 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES 3 ISSUECONTENTSA COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Harvey Grotsky harvey.grotsky @ themeetingmagazines.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kristin Bjornsen kristin.bjornsen @ themeetingmagazines.com MANAGING EDITOR Henry Fitzgerald henry.fitzgerald @ themeetingmagazines.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Rachel Galvin rachel.galvin @ themeetingmagazines.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Sophia Bennett Sara Churchville Cynthia Dial Maura Keller Christine Loomis Nancy Mueller Patrick Simms David Swanson PRESIDENT & CEO Harvey Grotsky VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS David Middlebrook david.middlebrook @ themeetingmagazines.com ADVERTISING SALES OFFICES 2700 N. 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Provide old and new addresses including zip code. Enclose address label from most recent issue and please allow five weeks for the change to become effective. Printed in U.S.A. ©2021 Harvey Grotsky Publisher A DESTINATION THEY’LLOR. VISITSAVANNAH.COM/EXPANSION growing to 200,000 square feet of exhibit space in one of america’s favorite cities, you’ll want to reserve your dates soon. the new, expanded savannah convention center. EXPANSION OPENING 2023 linkedin.com/company/ ACFacilities @ACFacilities @ACFacilities facebook.com/ ACFacilities linkedin.com/company/ ACFacilities @ACFacilities @ACFacilities facebook.com/ ACFacilities FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESNOVEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER’SMESSAGE 4 Bright Prospects for the Year Ahead N ow that the pandemic restrictions are being lifted in most destinations, the frenzied rush that punctuates the end of a year is upon us. Most of us are getting back to the task of creating new plans and forging ahead with bookings that have been delayed, and in some cases, previously canceled. Now is also the time to evaluate the impact of the last year and focus on our efforts and future goals. And, as we do every year, now is the time to watch the trends in the meetings business for clues as to what lies ahead. We should be using these trends to find better ways to improve our planning pro- cess and to look for important factors that will affect our industry. While no one can deny big uncertainties, such as unemploy- ment and the federal deficit, the outlook for 2022 remains strong. As the economy moves ahead briskly, the future is look- ing up for the meetings and incentive travel industry as well. Further proof of an uptick in our business was clearly seen at IMEX America recently held in Las Vegas. With PCMA Convene scheduled for Janu- ary also in Las Vegas, I feel confident that attendees will find an upbeat atmosphere. If you haven’t registered, now is the time to do so. Overall, planners agree that the number of meetings and conventions are increasing, as hotel operators also confirm bookings are rising. In some cases, budgets have decreased slightly, while others are keeping pace with the increase in meeting activity. If you are looking for something different, you may want to consider some of the “foodie destinations” covered in this issue, and check out popular destinations such as Las Vegas, Arizona and Florida to help attract attendees and satisfy your needs. Stay focused and success will follow!A DESTINATION THEY’LLOR. VISITSAVANNAH.COM/EXPANSION growing to 200,000 square feet of exhibit space in one of america’s favorite cities, you’ll want to reserve your dates soon. the new, expanded savannah convention center. EXPANSION OPENING 2023themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESNOVEMBER 2021 ORLANDO, FL — Ahead of the completion of a $127 mil- lion phased property re-imagination, Caribe Royale Orlando announces it is the recipient of AAA’s highly-coveted Four Dia- mond distinction. This recogni- tion comes at an exciting time for Caribe Royale Orlando as the prop- erty unveils its 1,215 completely redesigned, one-bedroom suites. To capture true Floridian luxury, the new collection of classic-meets- contemporary suites welcome guests with soothing color palettes influenced by the shades of the sea. Earlier this year, Caribe Royale debuted a 50,000-sf ballroom, the Palms Ballroom, to bring the hotel’s meetings and events space to a total of 220,000 sf. SACRAMENTO, CA — Visit California recently unveiled a new meetings and events platform. United with hospitality and tour- ism partners from across the Golden State, the “Meet What’s Possible” program extends an open invitation to meeting plan- ners and convention attendees to consider California’s blend of destination attributes, from state-of-the-art facilities and well-appointed venues, to the iconic attractions and trademark experiences that are uniquely California. To jump-start its land- mark initiative for professional meetings and events, Visit Cali- fornia has assembled a Task Force of destinations to advise on the state’s initiative to promote the state as a premier events destination. Task Force organizations include Long Beach Con- vention & Visitors Bureau, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Monterey Convention & Visitors Bureau, San Diego Tour- ism Authority, San Francisco Travel, Santa Monica Travel & Tour- ism, Visit Anaheim, Visit Greater Palm Springs, Visit Napa Valley and Visit Santa Barbara. Caribe Royale Orlando Recognized With AAA Four Diamond Distinction Visit California Launches ‘Meet What’s Possible’ Program LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL — The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort recently celebrated the grand opening of its newest addition, the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve. This new 14-story hotel is positioned adjacent to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin in the middle of Walt Disney World Resort. It features a captivating design offering 349 spacious and versatile guest rooms — including 151 suites — with incred- ible floor-to-ceiling views of the resort. The resorts feature six pools, three health clubs, nearby golf and complimentary trans- portation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. LOUISVILLE, KY — The events and meetings industry honored both the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) and the Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC) with prestigious awards this year, recognizing both venues as top destinations for con- ventions and meetings. Both venues were recognized as Cen- ters of Excellence by Exhibitor Magazine. “When your industry recognizes your facilities and employees, it demonstrates that your business is on the right track,” says David S. Beck, presi- dent and CEO of Kentucky Venues, which operates KICC and KEC, which serve regional, national and international clients. Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Hotel Celebrates Grand Opening Kentucky Centers Recognized as Top Destinations for Events and Meetings 6 NEWS&NOTES Construction Restarts on Fontainebleau Las Vegas LAS VEGAS, NV — Bringing its long-held dream of introducing its iconic brand to the Las Vegas Strip one step closer to reality, Fontainebleau Development has officially broken ground on construction of Fontainebleau Las Vegas at the in-progress, 25-acre site at 2777 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Set to debut in the fourth quarter of 2023, the 67-story, luxury hotel and casino spans 25 acres on the north end of the Strip — a coveted location that will offer Fontainebleau Las Vegas guests direct access to the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Las Vegas Global Business District. With the building 75% complete, Fontainebleau Development has retained Richardson Construction to finish the project. Construction will add approximately 3,200 jobs to the Las Vegas economy, and the resort will employ approximately 6,000 permanent workers upon completion. Fontainebleau Development and partner Koch Real Estate Investments re-acquired the property in February. Upon opening, Fontainebleau Development will be the sole operator of the hotel. Additional design and development partners will be announced soon. Fontainebleau Las Vegas will feature more than 3,700 hotel rooms, more than 550,000 sf of convention space, and a world-class collection of restaurants and shops, pool experiences, vibrant nightlife options, and coveted spa and wellness offerings.NOVEMBER 2021 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES CHARLOTTE, NC — The City of Charlotte and the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) recently celebrated the official opening of the $126.9 million Charlotte Convention Center expansion. Designed in direct response to meet- ing planner needs, the expansion enhances the attendee experience and strengthens Charlotte’s competitiveness in the nearly $300 billion meetings and conventions industry through increased capacity, convenient accessibility and more flexible spaces. The expansion added approximately 50,000 sf of meeting room and pre-function space, taking the venue’s total leasable space to 600,000 sf. The number of meeting rooms increased from 41 to 55, and now includes two highly flexible, 10,000-sf spaces. LAS VEGAS, NV — The Las Vegas tourism community took a signif- icant step forward recently in the development of the Vegas Loop, an express underground transportation solution that will help ease traffic congestion and offer visitors and locals convenient access to world-class resorts and entertainment. The Clark County Commission unanimously approved the special-use permit and franchise agreement for the proposed 29-mile tunnel transportation system. The special-use permit allows The Bor- ing Company to apply for and receive building permits to construct the proposed tunnels. The franchise agreement allows the company to operate the system, collect fares and oversee advertising and partnerships. There are currently 51 planned stations for the Vegas Loop throughout the Las Vegas Strip and Clark County. The system is also anticipated to connect to the City of Las Vegas and McCar- ran International Airport. Passengers can travel directly to their desired location without stopping and the Vegas Loop will be a must-experience attraction for visitors. Charlotte Convention Center Completes $126.9 Million Expansion Project Loop Development Gets Green Light for Expansion 7 LEARN MORE: boisecentre.com Make a Plan. Make it Boise. • Centralized, downtown location • Only seven minutes from Boise airport • Over 25 direct flights to and from Boise • Closely surrounded by more than 100 restaurants • Over 1,300 hotel rooms within walking distance • Close to outdoor recreation, including The Boise Greenbelt Centrally located in the heart of vibrant downtown Boise, the recently expanded Boise Centre has a variety of customizable meeting spaces, modern amenities, exceptional culinary services and a friendly and dedicated staff ready to make your next event an unforgettable experience. Explore Idaho’s premier convention center for yourself.How to Attract and Retain Tomorrow’s Top Performers It Will Take More Than a Good Salary and Benefits BY SCOTT STEINBERG 8 VIEWPOINT themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESNOVEMBER 2021 M illennials and members of Generation Z now make up roughly two-thirds of the American workforce, while an average of 10,000 Baby Boom- ers are retiring every day, according to staffing services firm Randstad. More- over, they’re also far more motivated by opportunities to learn and grow in their career; do social good and give back to their community; and form meaningful relationships and human connections than a paycheck. In addition, as if this sea change didn’t present enough of a conundrum for meetings and events industry leaders, younger audiences have also increasingly begun to favor organizations that prize innovation and creativity. Moreover, they’re becom- ing increasingly drawn to employers that provide ongoing education and mentorship, plus constant upskilling of their workforces in the skills and insights needed to succeed in tomor- row’s workplace. Coupled with a growing shortage in skilled labor despite rising salaries, and the fact data literacy is becoming an increasing concern for organiza- tions, it bears reminding that top-per- forming employees are already now as choosy as actual employers when it comes to hiring. Even the world’s best-known employers are finding themselves com- ing increasingly under the gun to rethink their strategies for recruiting and retain- ing leading talent. Lest you dismiss these as idle concerns in the wake of recent sudden spikes in unemployment due to COVID-19 and growing economic uncertainty, as it turns out, studies show that organizations are the ones suffer- ing in the current supply-and-demand equation. Case in point: If you want to remain competitive, it’s only going to become more crucial going forward to pick the right employees, with research indicating that top performers are eight times as productive and 400% more industrious on the job as peers. Noting these points, when looking to attract and retain top talent going forward, you won’t just want to consider how you can provide competitive salaries and favorable benefits packages for them. You’ll also have to think about how you can structure work and responsibilities more effectively, provide more opportu- nities for education and advancement, and offer a more flexible and support- ive environment if you want to attract tomorrow’s top working professionals. As for the actual interviewing pro- cess, a few skills that you can both look DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM9 Hailed as the World’s Leading Business Strategist, award-winning expert witness, strategic consultant and professional speaker, Scott Steinberg is among today’s best-known trends experts and futurists. He is the bestselling author of “Think Like a Futurist; Make Change Work for You: 10 Ways to Future-Proof Yourself, Fearlessly Innovate, and Succeed Despite Uncertainty” and “Fast >> Forward: How to Turbo-Charge Business, Sales, and Career Growth.” He is also the president and CEO of BIZDEV: The International Association for Business Development and Strategic Partnerships, His website is FuturistsSpeakers.com. NOVEMBER 2021 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES for when recruiting to help you identify top performers, and that you’ll want to help cultivate amongst new hires include the following: COMMUNICATIONS The ability to effectively write, speak and listen is an essential talent to possess when it comes to leading, interpreting and giving direction. Like- wise, a sense of emotional intelligence is also vital: Employees need to be able to understand where others are coming from so that they can better empathize and act on this information, especially if you’re looking to put them in manage- ment positions. MULTI-TASKING Today’s working pro is often involved in multiple projects, tasks or initiatives — the ability to adroitly juggle all will be increasingly essential to possess going forward. Tomorrow’s workers must be well-equipped to man- age multiple tasks, and complete work efficiently, correctly and with a mini- mum of stress, despite being pulled in many directions. DYNAMIC DECISION-MAKING Effective problem solving requires the use of both creativity and logic. Workers with solid problem-solving skills won’t just be strategic thinkers that are capable of objectively inter- preting information, they’ll also be capable of keeping a cool head under duress and acting thoughtfully when a solution is needed. ORGANIZATION Possessing the self-disciple to effec- tively gather data, conduct research, and keep tasks both well-managed and on-schedule will be important traits for any leader going forward. Gaining them can help job candidates be better managers and contributors, and more efficient and productive in their roles. Afterward, once you’ve identified prospective hires, to create more com- pelling job offers, it often helps to: • Analyze your ideal hire’s needs and customize benefits to each candidate. • Offer ongoing opportunities for education, certification, and mentorship. • Provide a clear path for advancement and growth in the organization. • Present a flexible menu of perks and spending allowance that employees can apply as desired to support their happiness, productivity and wellness. • Illustrate the many ways in which workers will be exposed to new challenges, roles and experiences. • Explain how contributors will have a direct and visible opportunity to make a positive impact in the organization and their community. • Remain open to flexible working models, schedules and hours. Finally, when working with the best of the best, it’s also important to remem- ber that top performers may come and go as part of the normal employment cycle that occurs when working with such in-demand hires. After all, these leaders are often eager to take on new challenges and roles, and acquire skills in new areas and industries. If a top performer desires to part ways with your business, by all means, make a counteroffer if you’d like to retain them. However, don’t be afraid to let them go if need be. These same workers may very well return to your company at a later date, wiser, more experienced and armed with greater insights that can help you succeed. Essentially, putting a greater focus on the employee, not employer, and finding more ways to work with peak perform- ers — not just have them work for you — is the secret to recruiting and retaining top talent. In effect, the more you put a premium on people and work to create win-win opportunities for everyone, the happier and more successful both you and they will be. | AC&F | It’s also important to remember that top performers may come and go as part of the normal employment cycle that occurs when working with such in- demand hires.Next >