IN THIS ISSUE MEETINGS AT SEA GAMING RESORTS THEME PARK MEETINGS ARIZONA A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021 VOL. 39 NO. 4 $15.00 Hotel Brands Adapt New Cleanliness, Technology Standards Caesars Entertainment Inc. has implemented a host of cleanliness measures to ensure attendee health and safety. AFTER THE CRISISMEET THE MOMENT PHILADELPHIA The MOMENT is NOW! Host your next meeting or event in Philadelphia at one of our unique venues ready to serve groups from 50 to 3,000. Top Reasons to Meet in Philadelphia • 5 New hotels and 2 renovated hotels provide many options for your group • 4th most walkable large city in the nation, navigating Philadelphia on foot is a breeze • Great Value — on average hotel room costs are 20–30% less than New York, Boston, and Washington D.C. Start Planning Today discoverPHL.com/meet Condé Nast Traveler gold list 2021 “ There’s really something special about Philadelphia.” — Betsy Blumenthal, Conde Nast TravlerVOLUME 39 NO. 4 // AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021 16 24 32 38 42 48 52 IN THIS ISSUE features 56 4 Publisher’s Message 6 News & Notes 7 Tips & Trends 10 Perspective The Top 10 Mistakes Sales Managers Make (and How to Avoid Them) BY DR. CHRISTOPHER CRONER 12 Perspective Technologically Chic: A New Look for Luxury in Post-Pandemic Corporate Travel BY ZAIN JAFFER 14 Perspective The Return of In-Person Events: Building Trust with Three Stages of Safety BY ERIC HOLMEN 63 Greens of Distinction 66 People on the Move destinations departments Hybrid Help Planning These Meetings Involves More Than Having Attendees Log on and Stare at a Screen BY MAURA KELLER Tech Talk After COVID-19, Meetings Technology Becomes More Important BY KEITH LORIA Arizona Awe-Inspiring Scenery, Outdoor Activities Attract Attendees BY DAVID SWANSON TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | August/September 2021 3 After the Crisis Hotel Brands Adapt New Cleanliness, Technology Standards BY MAURA KELLER The Thing About Theme Parks An Abundance of Family Friendly Fun BY NANCY MUELLER Gaming Galore Gaming Resorts Remain an Attractive Option for Planners BY NANCY MUELLER The Sea Beckons Cruise Lines Are Seeing MICE Bookings Resume BY CHRISTINE LOOMIS 48 32 16 38 Keynote Connection More Than Ever, Finding the Right Speaker is Paramount BY MAURA KELLER ISSN 0739-1587 // USPS 716-450Moving Forward With Hope and Caution There is no doubt there is an overall improvement in meeting plan- ning activity, especially focusing on Q4 and beyond. We can all agree nothing has brought about more innovation and caution than the re- sponse to COVID-19, and now the Delta variant. Recovery timelines vary by destinations due to uneven vaccination trends, reported virus cases and, in some cases, travel restrictions. While it is still early to predict, group bookings demand is recovering with bookings being made closer to the event. We all hope the worst is over. We’re looking back at the early pandemic days of uncertainty as we move for- ward, and are hoping things are get- ting back to normal sooner rather than later. I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling that numerous meeting pro- fessionals are falling short of getting back to normal, and now seem to be in a state of flux. As meeting professionals gradu- ally move forward planning in-person meetings and events, aside from choosing a safe and workable destina- tion, food and beverage surfaces as one of the most important compo- nents contributing to a successful event. Balancing health and safety protocols is of utmost importance. Pre-packaged or individually por- tioned food service will probably remain the norm in the future, or at least until concerns about safety and health are overcome. Be sure to check out the insightful articles in this issue to help make your planning efficient and effective. PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE // A 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 Derek Reveron 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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Printed in U.S.A. © 2021 4 August/September 2021 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Harvey Grotsky Publisher FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA linkedin.com/company/ CorpIncTravel @CorpIncTravel @CorpIncTravel facebook.com/ CorpIncTravelwhen our oceans thrive WE ALL BENEFIT MeetingsAtAtlantis.com | BlueProjectAtlantis.org Book your event at Atlantis and a donation in your organization’s name will be made to the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization, dedicated to sustaining and protecting marine life, coral reefs and the surrounding oceans. you can make a difference WHEN YOU HOLD YOUR EVENT AT ATLANTIS Mention Corporate & Incentive TravelNEWS + NOTES // 6 August/September 2021 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com OPENINGS Distrito T-Mobile Entertainment Complex Officially Opens SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO — Dur- ing an immersive event for VIP guests, the multisensory complex DISTRITO T-Mobile recently celebrated its official opening with new tech-first concepts unveiled, which promises to innovate the entertainment industry in Puerto Rico and beyond. While DISTRITO T-Mobile had seen a staggered open- ing for various offerings within, the complex is now open in its entirety with 12 gastronomic concepts and five additional standout experiences in entertainment and lodging available for the enjoyment of Puerto Ricans and visitors. In late winter 2020, DIS- TRITO T-Mobile began a phased pre- opening process, inaugurating various concepts prior to the grand opening, such as gastronomical offerings, enter- tainment venues and lodging. Visitors can enjoy the plethora of artistic ele- ments, such as murals and installations custom created for the space by local talent. The official opening ceremony took place in Popular Plaza, the heart of the project. APPOINTMENTS Michael Heckman Appointed CEO of Houston First Corporation HOUSTON, TX — Houston First Corporation, the official destination marketing organization for Houston, has announced that Michael Heckman is now CEO. For the last 12 months Heckman has served as the acting president & CEO. He was charged with overseeing full operations of the corporation, guid- ing Houston First through its pandemic response and into its next growth phase. “It is a tremendous honor to serve as the CEO of Hous- ton First Corporation,” Heckman says. “Destina- tion Marketing Organiza- tions play a critical role in place-mak- ing for their communities. My priority will continue to be to articulate a clear vision for the company and empower the leadership team to ex- ecute a nimble and respon- sive strategy that enhances Houston’s brand and pro- vides value that transcends the visitor market to all ar- eas of the economy. As we move forward, one of the foundational elements of Houston First’s strategy will be to align the public and private sec- tors, industry and community around a common goal of positioning Hous- ton as a global powerhouse.” OPENINGS Virgin Hotels New Orleans Now Open in the Warehouse District NEW ORLEANS, LA — Virgin Hotels New Orleans has opened its doors. Lo- cated in the city’s artsy Warehouse Dis- trict, the new hotel delivers thought- ful, yet playful, references to the city. The hotel features multiple dining and drinking outlets, including the 13th-floor bar, Dreamboat, a cocktail lounge; The Pool Club, a rooftop pool, restaurant and bar; Commons Club, the brand’s flagship restaurant, bar and lounge; and Funny Library Coffee Shop; plus various meeting and event spaces. Ranging from 294 sf to 1,097 sf, the hotel has 238 Chambers, Grand Chamber Suites, a Penthouse Suite and Richard’s Penthouse Flat, a 1,097- sf stunner with floor-to-ceiling win- dows overlooking downtown of New Orleans. Local art, historical detailing and art deco-inspired elements woven throughout evoke a sense of old-world meets modern luxury. HeckmanI n the events industry, rolling with the punches is second nature. Planners and production teams are often faced with uncontrollable variances to our show’s ebbs and flows, which occur naturally when designing something so human. However, this juggling ability hasn’t been tested quite like it is now. On the one hand, business as we knew it screeched to a halt; but on the other, there is an elevated responsibility to innovate and reinvent ways to connect with our audiences. Regardless of industry or service niche, events leaders have had to evolve and conquer a new digital learning curve in short order, with the biggest uncertainty — how to pull it all together in a way that’s meaningful and impactful for our organizations. While in-person events are more of a spectacle through size and production, there isn’t an existing platform that will directly translate virtually. However, a digital event can be an opportunity to sharpen your messaging and deliver a more intimate and customized experience. Here are several keys to shaping a more effective digital experience: RECOGNIZING YOUR AUDIENCE When working from home, audience members are constantly fighting through noise. It’s unlikely that your original scheduled programming will land as planned. It’s important for organizers to find the sweet spot between what the organization wants to accomplish and what the audience wants to learn. One aspect unique to digital is reach. More companies are positioning their previously exclusive face-to-face-only events as come one, come all. While this brings together more attendees than before, it doesn’t necessarily lead to a high form of engagement. With in-person networking, surprise and delight moments, and entertainment reduced on the digital platform, pertinent content now is the primary draw. STAYING TRUE TO YOUR BRAND The ballroom experience is a personification of your company’s brand, which tends to mean your best foot forward. However, digital events don’t submerge the senses like physical events do, and won’t scale to a small laptop screen. While the live brand experience is about how much you can pack into a small space, the digital experience is one much more restrained. Digital event content requires more selectivity. Discovering your brand’s tone in a digital format is recognizing how to communicate your message clearly while staying true to your identity and values. This means paying closer attention to event branding aspects, such as voice, tone, imagery and user experience, and making sure they are consistent with your company’s central digital strategy. DESIGNING FOR DIGITAL With digital events, your attendees have a much narrower view of details such as typography, artwork, background and style. With this new focus, it’s important to be even more selective visually and use your space to enhance a particular message. Clarity is key here since there are a finite amount of customizable spaces. Event registration landing pages, slide decks, video/media and virtual platform menu hubs are the primary elements your designers have to play with. Modeling these elements according to your existing style guides can help avoid unnecessary complexity and give your audience a sense of brand identity without coming at the cost of user experience. YOUR LASTING IMPRESSION Through this period, audiences are seeing brands through a new lens. Although we are still exploring ways to increase production quality, it’s the information and purpose that attendees are after. Organizers have to work closer with the executive team to figure out which aspects are worth preserving and how they tie into a greater theme. With digital events comes a much more flexible way of staging content. What has originally been confined to a 3-day conference can now be extended, replayed and promoted over a longer period of time. If your primary goal is to promote and encourage innovation, a more parsed out digital event can help you interact with attendees long after the credits have rolled. When face-to-face events return, these same practices will translate to more powerful live experiences and help you create events that are more effective. An Opportunity in Digital: A Guide to Virtual Event Branding COVID-19 Nevada Allows Mask Exception for Events Requiring Vaccines LAS VEGAS, NV — Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak has signed an order creating a mask exception for large indoor events within counties that have “substantial” or “high” COV- ID-19 transmission if all attendees are vaccinated. This gives an op- tion for event organizers to choose between requiring masks indoors for all attendees, regardless of vac- cination status, or ensuring that all attendees are vaccinated, in which case fully vaccinated attendees can remove their masks. This is not a requirement to show proof of vac- cination to attend a large event. It is an optional exception to the general mask requirement if the event opera- tor chooses to require proof of vac- cination for all attendees. U.S. Extends COVID-19 TSA Mask Mandate WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trans- portation Security Administration (TSA) is extending the face mask re- quirement for individuals across all transportation networks throughout the United States, including at air- ports, onboard commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on com- muter bus and rail systems through the end of the year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) allows fully vaccinated travel- ers with an FDA-authorized vaccine to travel safely within the U.S., but the CDC guidelines still require indi- viduals to wear a face mask, socially distance, and wash their hands or use hand sanitizer. TSA encourages all commuters, and airline and bus trav- elers, including people considering international travel, to stay up to date with any changes to these require- ments by checking the TSA and CDC websites prior to taking their trip. By Jonathan Brown VP of Design InVision Communications TIPS + TRENDS TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | August/September 2021 78 August/September 2021 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com RENOVATIONS San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter Completes Renovation SAN ANTONIO, TX — The San An- tonio Marriott Rivercenter, part of Marriott International Inc., is the go-to destination for meetings and events in the heart of San Antonio on the famed San Antonio River Walk. The property recently underwent extensive renova- tions, adding even more value for those looking to plan their next gathering. Meeting and event space was increased by 11,000 sf during the renovation, to a total of 70,136 sf, with a capacity of up to 6,400 attendees. There are now more than 45 fully redesigned event rooms, 10,000 sf of space is now available on the second floor, while three new conference rooms were added on the third floor. The property’s concierge lounge was expanded with the M Club, which overlooks the world-famous Alamo. The foyer was also renovated to allow for plenty of pre-function and breakout space. Memorable events are planned with ease thanks to an on-site team of event planners ready to help with plenty of A/V equipment, decora- tors and more. Guests can also make use of the on-site business center for any administrative needs. COVID-19 Chicago Department of Public Health Announces New Indoor Mask Mandate CHICAGO, IL — The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has announced that it will re-institute a face mask mandate for all indoor public settings as the average number of new daily cases of COVID-19 in Chi- cago surpasses 400. All individuals older than 2, regard- less of their vaccination status, will be required to wear a mask while indoors in public settings. Masks are re- quired in all indoor public settings, including bars and restaurants, gyms, common areas of condos and multi- residential buildings, and private clubs. Masks can be removed at restaurants, bars and other eating/drinking establishments by patrons when they are actively eating. AWARDS Puerto Rico’s Brad Dean Named State Tourism Director of the Year LOS ANGELES, CA — Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico, has been named national State Tour- ism Director of the Year for 2021, marking the first win for Puerto Rico. Dean was announced as the honoree before more than 650 destination marketing profession- als attending the U.S. Travel Association’s annual Educa- tional Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO) con- ference, the premier annual gathering for destination and tourism leaders, held live in Los Angeles. OPENINGS W Hotels Reveals Highly Anticipated Debut of W Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA, PA — W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott Interna- tional, has opened W Philadelphia. Located in the heart of downtown, the 51-story skyscraper is a celebration of the city’s street art, musical legacy and historic embrace of originality as seen through the provocative lens of the W brand. Embracing the same drive, grit and irreverence that sparked our nation’s revolution, W Philadelphia liberates the city’s traditional rules of luxury through its design, as well as a lineup of local creative partners who authenticate and elevate every stay. W Philadelphia features 295 guest rooms, including 39 suites, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows and breath- taking, panoramic city views. Illumi- nated in the guest rooms are the words of the Declaration of Independence. Dean OPENINGS Bellwether Beach Resort Opens in Florida’s St. Pete Beach ST. PETE BEACH, FL — Bellwether Beach Resort recently opened in St. Pete Beach, Florida, as the destina- tion’s newest independent beachfront hotel and the first in more than 10 years. Housed inside an iconic tower that’s been a fixture on St. Pete Beach since the 1970s, Bellwether debuts as a trendsetter in this award-winning destination with its bold design, un- matched dining experiences and elevated services. Bellwether’s ret- ro-Florida, modern-chic style lures guests into vacation mode from the moment they arrive. Its sprawling lobby, dressed in mid-century fur- nishings, terrazzo tiles and watery tones, gives way to direct views of the Gulf of Mexico, and vintage artwork dons the walls to offer a glimpse back at seaside getaways of the 1960s. OBITUARY James T. Adams, 68, Longtime Industry Veteran James Thomas Adams, of In- dianapolis, Indiana, passed away on August 6. He was 68. Mr. Adams was born in Chicago, Illinois on No- vember 4, 1952, the son of George Wesley and Mary Lou (Thompson) Adams. He graduated from Howe High School and went on to earn his bach- elor’s degree from Hanover College. During his career, Mr. Adams worked as a salesman in the incen- tives industry and owner of Performance Strategies Inc. (PSI) for 29 years. Mr. Adams was a member of SITE and IRF. He had a lifelong passion for traveling and was a huge foodie, visiting more than 100 stops showcased on Guy Fieri’s TV show, “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Mr. Adams was excited to be planning Howe’s 50-year class reunion. Mr. Adams will be lovingly missed by his wife of 45- years, Carol L. (Welsheimer) Adams; daughters, Lindsay Adams (Joshua Survance) and Shelby Adams (Logan Rickman); sister, Sharon Adams of San Diego, CA; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved friends. OPENINGS Four Seasons Hotel And Private Residences New Orleans Now Open NEW ORLEANS, LA — Rising above the mighty Mississippi River in the heart of one of America’s most beloved cities, Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Orleans is now open. Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans is located on the Mis- sissippi waterfront at the foot of Ca- nal Street, just 20 minutes from both of the city’s airports. It is only steps from the historic French Quarter, the Warehouse Arts District, and myriad parks and green spaces; and with di- rect access to the city’s streetcar line, visitors need not waste a moment in a city with so much to offer. For those traveling on business, the ho- tel’s location in the Central Business District and near the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Cen- ter is ideal. Sports and entertainment fans will delight at the hotel’s prox- imity to the world class Superdome and Smoothie King Center. In a city that continues to make its mark as one of America’s most renowned cu- linary destinations, Four Seasons has partnered with acclaimed local chefs to introduce all-new restaurant con- cepts celebrating the South, as well as a spectacular lobby bar — all primed for celebration. With 29,000 sf of stunning event spaces, Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans is already emerg- ing as the city’s preferred address for weddings, society galas and business functions. EXPANSIONS Hilton Expands All- Inclusive Resort Offerings in Mexico MCLEAN, VA — Hilton has wel- comed Hilton Vallarta Riviera All- Inclusive Resort as the latest addition to Hilton’s expanding All-Inclusive portfolio. Situated between the beaches of Bay of Banderas and the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico’s Pacific Coast, the hotel fea- tures 14 restaurants and bars, two infinity pools, and plenty of versa- tile indoor meeting and event space. Offering 444 spacious and modern suites each with sleek bathrooms with walk-in rainfall showers, ho- tel guest rooms are a soothing and comfortable haven to relax after a day exploring the former fishing town or relaxing at the beach. Each room is complemented by private balconies and terraces overlooking the Pacific coastline, a perfect spot for guests to start or wind down the day admiring the sunrise or sunset. For a more re- laxing experience, some suites offer a whirlpool tub. Catering to the needs of today’s business traveler, the resort offers nearly 26,000 sf of total space, featuring 16,200 sf of flexible indoor meeting space. Adams TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | August/September 2021 9Next >