< PreviousS teeped in American history, Pennsylvania is home to a diverse city and country landscape — all of which offer unique options for meet- ings and events in the “Keystone State.” From rural charm to urban flair, there are ample ways to incorporate Pennsylvania into your next meeting or event. Fun Times in Philadelphia Philadelphia has recently been highlighted by TIME magazine, naming the city as one of the World’s Greatest Places in 2021; Condé Nast Traveler named Philadelphia as one of only eight destinations around the globe to their 2021 Gold List, and National Geographic Traveler listed Philadelphia as one of only two U.S. cities on its Best Trips List in 2020. “In addition to being an attrac- tive destination for meeting attendees, our highly accessible location between New York and Washington, D.C. makes us an appealing option for meeting owners and planners,” says Kavin Schieferdecker, senior vice president, convention division at the Philadelphia Conven- tion & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB). Philadelphia is convenient for those arriving by train or car, and provides many options for those flying in, with the Phila- delphia International Airport serving as the major Northeast hub for American Airlines. As the fourth most-walkable large city in the nation, planners and attendees alike will find it a breeze to walk from their hotel to the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) or off-site venue, then continue to one of the city’s acclaimed museums, attractions, res- taurants or historic sites — all without the need for a cab or a ride share. “For planners specifically, the PHLCVB’s three business development divisions — PHL Diversity, PHL Life Sciences and PHL Sports — connect meeting professionals and event strategists with local thought leaders and industry experts who can assist with resources from our local com- munity,” Schieferdecker says. “Philadelphia also offers an expansive set of unique meeting venues that can suit a meeting or event of any style or size, including settings set along one of our two waterfronts, inside one of our new hotels, or within the Historic District — such as the National Constitution Center, which presents unobstructed sightlines of Independence Hall.” Philadelphia is also making strides in the fight against COVID-19, thanks to medical innovation and collaboration by the region’s leading life sciences insti- tutions, and with more than 80% of adult residents having received at least one The ‘Keystone State’ Offers Rural Charm and Urban Flair DESTINATION // BY MAURA KELLER 30 October/November 2021 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comPictured: the Philadelphia skyline, in background. From left: the Benjamin Franklin statue at The Franklin Institute, craps tables at Mount Airy Casino Resort and the Liberty Bell. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | October/November 2021 31shot of the vaccine. As Schieferdecker points out, Philadelphia’s hotel commu- nity — which includes more than 11,000 rooms within walking distance to the PCC — has welcomed several new prop- erties in recent months, each with new meeting and event spaces to consider. The recently opened W Philadel- phia and Element Philadelphia provide a combined 700 rooms and 45,000 sf of event space in downtown Philadelphia. Also new and targeting smaller, more exclusive groups are the Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia, near Ritten- house Square, and the Canopy by Hil- ton Philadelphia Center City. The two largest hotels, the Philadelphia Mar- riott Downtown, with 1,400 rooms, and Sheraton Philadelphia Down- town, with 755 rooms, both completed renovations during the pandemic and have never looked better. “Beyond our downtown, new event spaces con- tinue to open in Philadelphia’s distinct neighborhoods, including Billy Penn Studios — an industrial complex near the Fishtown neighborhood — that has been renovated to include three 2,000- sf spaces perfect for off-site receptions or hybrid conferences,” Schieferdecker says. Of course, no attendee experience in Philadelphia is com- plete without a visit to Read- ing Terminal Market, recently named the Best Public Market in the nation by USA Today’s 10 Best. There are more than 80 local merchants inside serving a variety of cuisines, all adjacent to the PCC and many hotels. The historic market can also be rented out for private events up to 4,500 people, with after-hours food service available from some of the most popular vendors. In America’s most his- toric square mile, attendees can take a stroll down the nation’s oldest continu- ously inhabited residential street, Elf- reth’s Alley, then explore Independence National Historical Park sites, such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center. “Other can’t miss experiences include The Franklin Institute, Barnes Foundation and Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens — a mosaic masterpiece along South Street that is one of our city’s most photographed attractions. Unwind in the evenings at one of our many pop- up parks and beer gardens, such as the riverfront oasis Spruce Street Harbor Park,” Schieferdecker says. There are also many new updates in Philadel- phia that planners can look for in months to come. The Philadelphia Marriott Down- town is nearing completion of a full renovation of the arrival and lobby experience, as well as all 1,408 guest rooms and suites. One of the neatest aspects of this renovation is the addition of Liberty Lanes — a bowling alley and pub concept that will be available for group buy-outs. In the spring of 2022, look for the opening of the Lilah events venue in the heart of Philadelphia’s hip Fishtown neighborhood — only a short car or train ride from downtown and home to some of the city’s most popular bars, restaurants and boutique shops. The Lilah event space is from restau- rant group CookNSolo, the team behind restaurants such as Zahav and Israeli grill Laser Wolf, which was recently named one of the Best New Restau- rants in the World from Condé Nast Traveler. Up to 250 guests will be able to enjoy customizable tasting menus that feature CookNSolo’s acclaimed Israeli-inspired dishes. Only in Pittsburgh Pittsburgh is a major meet- ing destination boasting ver- satile, unique venues, afford- able and world-class accom- modations, an award-winning food scene and so much more. “Meeting planners and attend- ees alike will be wowed by the ‘Only in Pittsburgh’ spaces and experiences waiting for them,” says Jerad Bachar, president and CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. Tops on the list is the Platinum LEED-certified David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC), which offers more than 1.5 million sf of meet- ing and exhibition space. From flexible floor plans, column-free exhibit space, high ceilings, natural lighting and more, the DLCC offers new, cutting-edge developments that will best serve meet- ing planners and attendees now and long into the future. “It’s also impor- tant to note that Pittsburgh’s 90 unique neighborhoods are full of welcoming, friendly people,” Bachar says. “Pitts- burghers seek ways to show visitors just how special our city is. Our residents The iconic ‘Rocky’ statue in Philadelphia pays homage to the fictional boxing character from the movie series. 32 October/November 2021 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Our highly accessible location between New York and Washington, D.C. makes us an appealing option for meeting owners and planners. KAVIN SCHIEFERDECKER Senior Vice President, Convention Division Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau MEET THE MOMENT IN PHILADELPHIA We are committed to the return to face-to-face meetings and events and in Philadelphia, where 80% of our population is vaccinated – we are well positioned to host your next meeting here. Top Reasons to Meet in Philadelphia: • 5 new hotels plus 2 of our largest hotels are recently renovated, providing many options for your group • The 4th most walkable large city in the nation; navigating Philadelphia on foot is a breeze • A great value — on average hotel room costs are 20–30% less than New York, Boston, or Washington D.C. Start Planning Today discoverPHL.com/meetMEET THE MOMENT IN PHILADELPHIA We are committed to the return to face-to-face meetings and events and in Philadelphia, where 80% of our population is vaccinated – we are well positioned to host your next meeting here. Top Reasons to Meet in Philadelphia: • 5 new hotels plus 2 of our largest hotels are recently renovated, providing many options for your group • The 4th most walkable large city in the nation; navigating Philadelphia on foot is a breeze • A great value — on average hotel room costs are 20–30% less than New York, Boston, or Washington D.C. Start Planning Today discoverPHL.com/meetare proud of Pittsburgh’s rich history. And they also know that Pittsburgh has a bright future, as the city is a hub for technology, manufactur- ing, health care and educa- tion, providing a plethora of networking opportuni- ties and growth.” Indeed, Pittsburgh is at the forefront of what is next, brimming with innovators and thought leaders working together to solve the world’s problems. Big tech companies, such as Google, Facebook, Apple and more, already call Pittsburgh ‘home.’ Thanks to Pittsburgh’s more than 30 universities and colleges, the region is ready to grow the next generation of innovators. As for what’s new or coming soon, The Industrialist Hotel, Pittsburgh, Autograph Collection, opened in the spring of 2021. The 124-room property is housed in the 18-story Arrott Building on Wood Street in Downtown. Located just steps away from Market Square, The Industrialist boasts a vibrant lobby lounge, as well as The Rebel Room, a bar-centric restaurant influenced by the Downtown neighborhood. Again under construction after a 15-month pause dur- ing the pandemic, The Landing Hotel is a luxurious property that will connect directly to Rivers Casino Pittsburgh on the North Shore. “Also, within the last year, the National Aviary, the nation’s only indoor bird zoo, unveiled The Gar- den Room, a stunning, cozy space with large, bird-friendly glass windows, two stone fireplaces and a grand lobby area,” Bachar says. “Meeting planners will enjoy the functionality of the space, as the windows allow for open-air access to the garden, or they can remain closed for comfort in the winter. The Garden Room can easily accommodate up to 200 guests and includes industry-leading accessible features, including a family restroom with an adult changing table.” The DLCC also recently opened The North Terrace, a $3 million reno- vated outdoor feature located on the building’s fourth level. The sleek, mod- ern space can host up to 300 people depending on the event setup. Among its breathtaking features are teak seat- ing fixtures, innovative uplighting and plants native to Western Pennsylvania. “What sets Pittsburgh apart from other destinations truly are the unique expe- riences and attractions you can see and do only in Pittsburgh,” Bachar says. There’s The Andy Warhol Museum, which tells the story of the pop artist born in Pittsburgh, with seven floors of gallery and exhibition space, and the Mattress Factory, which showcases contemporary art and installations cre- ated by artists in residence. Just steps away from the DLCC is Pitts- burgh’s walkable Cultural District, home to many of the city’s world-class arts and cultural venues, such as the beautifully restored Bene- dum Center for the Perform- ing Arts, the August Wilson African American Cultural Center and its exhibition galleries and theaters, and the intimate Byham Theater. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking, biking or walk- ing Pittsburgh’s 24 miles of riverfront trails. Get a fantas- tic view of Pittsburgh from the famous three rivers — the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio rivers — aboard one of the Gateway Clipper Fleet’s riverboat cruises, or simply relax in one of Pittsburgh’s 165 parks. No trip to Pittsburgh is complete without a photo at the top of Mount Washington following a ride on the historic Monongahela and Duquesne Inclines to the top. Constantly embracing advance- ments, Pittsburgh International Air- port’s Terminal Modernization Pro- gram is underway, and will be the first in the United States designed and con- structed for a post-pandemic world. Key design details for the 700,000-sf terminal, including large outdoor ter- races and touchless processes, will allow for increased social distancing. And a commitment to sustainability will be evident throughout the facility. The $1.4 billion project will certainly create a more efficient, enjoyable expe- rience for travelers. And slated to open in spring 2022, Astrobotic’s Moonshot Museum will undoubtedly be a popular local, regional, national and global attraction. As Bachar explains, the museum will feature a “clean room” window, which will allow visitors to watch real lunar landers and rovers being built and prepped for travel to the moon. “Additionally, talks are underway to develop a Space Corridor between the Photo by Dustin McGrew An aerial view of Pittsburgh, which boasts versatile, unique venues and plenty of outdoor activities. 34 October/November 2021 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Pittsburgh has a bright future, as the city is a hub for technology, manufacturing, health care and education, providing a plethora of networking opportunities. JERAD BACHAR President and CEO, VisitPITTSBURGHmuseum’s location on the North Side and the Carnegie Science Center on the North Shore, further ensuring that Pittsburgh will continue to play a significant role in the space sector, and providing visitors with a day’s-worth of activities,” Bachar says. Visiting Valley Forge While Pennsylvania is teeming with large cities that offer ample meeting and event experiences, the state also boasts smaller, more intimate locales that will surprise and delight. For instance, the Valley Forge and Montgomery County, PA area offer an attractive location for both planners and attendees. “As plan- ners start their search, they’ll be sur- prised with the offerings of the area,” says Scott Higgins, director of sales, Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board. “There are over 80 world-class hotels within this region, and numer- ous full-service conference hotels to support meeting needs. While we know it’s important to have a solid hotel option, we also understand that planners need supporting amenities to pull off a complete event. They’ll find this with our numerous restaurant offerings, of which many offer private dining for both large and small groups. The destination is also easy to travel to, which will limit time out of the office for incoming attendees.” From the attendee’s perspective, it’s recommended they bring an extra piece of luggage, Higgins says. Valley Forge & Montgomery County, PA offers some of the best shopping and dining in the coun- try, with the King of Prussia Mall and more than 1,600 restaurants from which to choose. “Our restaurants have a wide spread of offers from counter service to some of the best steakhouses around. Should anyone come early or stay late, they’ll be able to sneak in a round of golf at one of our 50 courses,” Higgins says. The past year has been challeng- ing, however, as many of Valley Forge’s properties took the pandemic down time to complete renovations. The Alloy King of Prussia – a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, completed a $19 million transformation and rebranded from the Doubletree Valley Forge. Crowne Plaza Philadelphia – King of Prussia wrapped up its property renovation by completing updates to its meetings and events spaces. And the Holiday Inn Lansdale – Hatfield and Sheraton Val- ley Forge Hotel are currently undergo- ing major renovations that, when fin- ished, will only enhance the already- fantastic experience they offer. “It’s certainly recommended that planners include a trip to the Valley Forge National Historical Park in their agenda,” Higgins says. The site of the 1777- 1778 winter encampment of the Continental Army under General George Washington, its natural beauty has inspired many teams as they explore it for their own leadership devel- opment. Looking ahead, TopGolf has announced plans to develop one of their next locations within King of Prussia. Once completed, this will add to an already-robust offering of attrac- tions and things to do within Valley Forge & Montgomery County, PA. Delicious & Entertaining Offering everything from thrill- ing coaster rides and chocolate-filled adventures to premier dining and luxu- rious spa treatments, Hershey, Pennsyl- vania maintains the charm of America’s sweetest small town while serving as a convenient, full-service meetings and convention destination. Hershey Lodge, one of the larg- est convention resorts in Pennsylva- nia, provides visitors with 665 well- appointed guest rooms and more than 100,000 sf of flexible meeting space. Groups of 10 to 4,000 can be accommo- dated throughout 35 function rooms. The Hotel Hershey, a four-star, four- diamond historic property overlooking the town of Hershey, offers 276 deluxe guest rooms, including 48 in the Wood- side Cottages — the most premium accommodations — and 25,000 sf of meeting space. Groups of 10 to 450 can be accommodated throughout 21 func- tion rooms, all featuring natural light. Hershey Country Club is also part of Hershey Resorts, and offers more than 10,000 sf of meeting space, including the all-season Picard Grand Pavilion. The pavilion provides a scenic view of the East and West golf courses and is The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board touts its smaller, more intimate locales as alternatives to the big cities. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | October/November 2021 35 While we know it’s important to have a solid hotel option, we also understand that planners need supporting amenities to pull off a complete event. SCOTT HIGGINS Director of Sales Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Boarda unique setting for banquet events or a centralized location for tournament activities. As Michael Reynoldson, managing director, resorts sales & rev- enue management at Hershey Resorts explains, Hershey is located within a three-hour drive from five of the major metropolitan cities in the Northeast, and Harrisburg International Airport and Amtrak stations are also just 20 minutes from there. “Our location is ideal for groups traveling through- out the Northeast corridor. We pride ourselves in offering outstanding ser- vice and catering options, making the Hershey Resorts properties a location groups will want to revisit year after year,” Reynoldson says. Hershey Resorts also offers one- of-a-kind team-building activities, such as the “Chocolate Challenge,” where groups work together to build free-standing structures out of Hershey’s candy products. Unique food and beverage experiences can also be combined with team-building activities, including classes that pair chocolate with wine, spirits and beer. On-site at Hershey Lodge are four full- service restaurants, a coffee shop, lobby bar and cabana snack bar at the indoor pool complex. And Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge’s indoor pool complex features two pools, Twizzler Twist water slides, Reese’s Water Walk, a water play structure and outdoor splash pad. The Spa At The Hotel Hershey is a 40,000-sf, full-service spa that delights guests with its signature chocolate treatments. It also offers traditional and seasonal spa treatments, as well as services that pay homage to Cuba, where Milton S. Hershey owned sugar mills and plantations from 1916 to 1946. “Overnight guests of Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey receive access to 45 holes of golf at Hershey Country Club — the private, 18-hole West and East courses, and nine-hole Spring Creek Golf Course,” Reynoldson says. Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey are part of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark. Overnight guests receive free resort benefits, including the best price on Hersheypark tickets, and complimentary front-gate shuttle service to and from the park. Guests also receive complimentary admission to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story Museum. Hershey Gardens is a 23-acre, walk-through botanical display garden. The Gardens offers 11 themed gardens, including spring tulips, summer roses and a Children’s Garden with chocolate-scented, named and colored flora. The Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory is included in admission, and is home to the year-round indoor, tropical Butterfly Atrium. It features dozens of rare butterflies from South and Central America, Africa and Asia, and is one of only 25 indoor, tropical butterfly atriums in the country. “Meeting space and guest rooms at Hershey Lodge were recently renovated. Revelry Chophouse, Bar & Patio is the newest dining outlet at Hershey Lodge,” Reynoldson says. Revelry offers guests a refreshed dinner menu focused on classic and contemporary chophouse fare with premium cuts, and the largest wine and spirits list available throughout the resort. Photo by J.C.Getz Creative In addition to its Sports Illustrated magazine-recognized, 18-hole golf course, Mount Airy Casino Resort offers gaming and much more. The Hotel Hershey is part of Hershey Resorts, which offers activities from golfing to visiting a butterfly atrium. Hershey Entertainment & Resorts 36 October/November 2021 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comGuest rooms at The Hotel Hershey also were recently renovated. And Chef’s Market at The Hotel Hershey is a new all-day café featuring an array of tasty offerings for breakfast, lunch, din- ner and snack time. It offers specialty coffees, teas and freshly made food to be enjoyed at the café, or on the go. Getting Their Game On Mount Airy Casino Resort, located in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, is an impressive mountain retreat with amenities galore. According to Glenn Cademartori, vice president of market- ing, resort attendees can expect award- winning service and amenities in every corner of Mount Airy Casino Resort’s property. “From banquets to corporate retreats, Mount Airy offers everything guests would expect from a high-end resort, and the staff needed for an unforgettable event,” Cademartori says. The all-encompassing, full-ser- vice resort destination for outdoor and gaming enthusiasts features signature restaurant options; a Sports Illustrated magazine-recognized lakefront 18-hole golf course; a spa, salon and exercise facility; a luxury, indoor/outdoor pool; a covered deck and tented area. The deck at the clubhouse of Mount Airy’s nationally recognized golf course is also perfect for corporate events, din- ners and receptions. “This deck over- looks the picturesque Pocono Moun- tains, and the patio is a great choice for seated groups of up to 100 people. In addition to the outdoor patio at the clubhouse and 25,000 sf of meeting space, Mount Airy also boasts a 15,000-sf tented area that is perfect for a variety of large gatherings, such as trade shows, awards dinners and concerts,” Cademartori says. Located less than 90 minutes from Philadelphia, New York City and northern New Jersey, Mount Airy Casino Resort is easily accessible for all travel- ers. In addition, the resort is continu- ing to think outside the box. Cademar- tori says, “Here, at Mount Airy, we are exploring different ways for our groups to be interactive, while being socially distanced in our 20,000-sf meetings and convention center/ballroom. Whether that is through unique setups, getting creative with our outdoor space or uti- lizing our state-of-the-art video wall to make sure that all guests, including those who may be virtual, are included in all aspects of work events.” C&IT TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | October/November 2021 37 THE PERFECT MEETING PLACE Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. CASINO | HOTEL | DINING | ENTERTAINMENT | SPA | GOLF Mount Airy Casino Resort offers a AAA Four-Diamond experience in the pristine scenery of the Pocono Mountains. With 30,000 square feet of meeting space, over 1,000 acres of resort amenities, and the most exciting dining and entertainment in Northeast Pennsylvania, we’ve got everything you need to make your next meeting extraordinAIRY. For more information, visit mountairycasino.com/meetings-weddings or call 570-243-5173. We are exploring different ways for our groups to be interactive, while being socially distanced in our 20,000-sf meetings and convention center/ballroom. GLENN CADEMARTORI Vice President of Marketing Mount Airy Casino ResortA s a meeting destination, Florida avails an impres- sive variety of backdrops. From awesome to inti- mate, with locations rang- ing from sleepy to down- right buzzy, there is truly something for almost every style of gathering and bud- getary consideration. And when it’s time for a breather, meeting planners will find Florida replete with water sports options and theme parks, beach comb- ing and wildlife viewing, and a climate that invites al fresco events year-round. Of course, summer 2021 presented unusual new challenges, as the meet- ings and convention industry got back onto its feet for the first time in more than a year. While one organization after another found reasons to pivot, many also found ways to navigate the uncertain territory created by the pan- demic, often to great success. They also encountered an audience excited by the prospect of gathering again, and Florida rolled out the welcome mat for them. IN-PERSON WAS IMPORTANT For Andy Smith, president and CEO of Halldale Group, a training and simu- lation company operating in the B2B media and events space, “enthusiasm levels were high” for the World Air- line Training Summit (WATS), which took place for the 15th year in Orlando, in June. The annual conference and trade show provides the latest on best practices in training and simula- tion technologies to all safety-critical enterprises. “We have an obligation to serve our community with the lat- est information,” Smith says. “Coming out of COVID-19, airlines are in very new territory with training operations right in the center of the ‘return to ser- vice’ of all airlines. Without the train- ing, retraining and certifying of pilots, cabin crew, maintainers, etc., airlines would be limited in the number of air- craft they can fly.” Prior to the pandemic, WATS took place over three days, with a pre- event day used for workshops and culminating in an event icebreaker. The expo hall would host 130 booths for about 80 exhibitors, including North American, European, Middle Eastern and Asia-Pacific based businesses. In past years the event — often held at the Rosen Shingle Creek — would typically attract upwards of 1,500 attendees from 50 countries. Smith notes that Orlando is the largest center of the aviation high-tech training and simulation industry, and houses several world leading universities in this space. Last year, WATS was run as an online event only, and Smith was challenged to return to an in-person format this year. “After being forced to run virtual conferences and exhibitions in 2020, our sponsors, exhibitors and attendees were not supportive of doing the same in 2021,” says Smith, adding that a hybrid event would be cost-prohibitive. “With travel restrictions still in force, we knew this year’s WATS was going to be very different, and we had to work closely with exhibitors to allow them the maximum time before committing. In our case, that ran down to the wire. When it became obvious that European exhibitors would be barred entry to the U.S., even if vaccinated, we lost about 20% of our floor plan two weeks out.” In the end, WATS 2021 drew 500 total attendees and 30 exhibitors; A Destination With Sun, Sand and Something for Everyone BY DAVID SWANSON DESTINATION // FLORIDA Mickey Mouse is part of the “Disney Fab 50 Character Collection” appearing in all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks. Photo by David Roark / Disney 38 October/November 2021 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comabout 97% of the attendees were U.S.- based. “For well over 90% of the audi- ence, it was their first conference out- ing since March of 2020, and it was very obvious that everyone was reminded of the value of their favorite live event,” Smith says. “Almost half of this year’s del- egates were first-time attendees, which was a huge surprise for us.” Sprawling across a 255-acre property, the 1,501-room Rosen Shingle Creek is one of Orlando’s largest conference facilities, with four column-free ball- features include four pools, a full-service spa and an 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course by the Arnold Palmer Design Company. The hotel is just 10 minutes from the Orlando International Air- port — closer to the terminals than most Orlando confer- ence hotels. “The facili- ties, standards, service, and food and beverage at Rosen Shingle Creek are all of the highest quality,” Smith says. “The fact that, time after time, we return to see so many of the same faces is the clincher. It makes the event not only easy to manage, but the friendships built up with the convention staff, F&B teams, package and bell staff make the event so much more enjoyable. We have been to other venues, and the only thing that is the same each year is the building.” Smith adds, “It was great to be back at Rosen Shingle Creek at our own live event. Anyone in the events industry will understand that feeling. And for our community, which works collaboratively to improve training and safety, there is so much value in the face-to-face networking on- site and around the event. That cannot be replicated in any other format.” TIMING IS EVERYTHING Big Frog, a custom T-shirt printing company based near Tampa, typically uses a nearby resort for its annual meeting. But in May 2021, the company opted to gather in Orlando. And they enjoyed fortuitous timing, according to Tiffany Costello, compli- ance manager and executive assistant to the CEO at Big Frog. “Orlando had lifted the mask mandate the week before our event, so we were very lucky,” says Costello, who added that the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek was chosen for a 75-attendee employee convention for location, affordability and the attention of the staff. “We were so pleasantly surprised by everything the hotel provided.” The 400-room Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek is located within the Walt Disney World Resort, and offers more than 50,000 sf of flexible indoor and outdoor function space, including the Ponce de Leon Ballroom, which can be divided into seven sections. The resort, which opened in 2011, is one of the few properties both managed and owned by Wyndham. A Wyndham- managed time-share is adjacent, and guests of both properties can use the facilities — pools, restaurants and bars — of the other. “The location was near the airport, making travel a breeze for our guests,” adds Costello, who notes that a major asset Orlando has over many other destinations is attractions that encourage a meeting attendee to bring family along. “Theme parks nearby and shuttles to those areas were an added benefit. Many of our guests were able to turn it into a true vacation this year, bringing the kids, staying through the weekend, and enjoying time at the pools and parks.” Another attribute not common among meeting hotels: The Wyndham has 84 family rooms with separate bunk bedrooms for kids. To ensure a successful event during the pandemic summer, Costello noted that the number of attendees was cut in half — the meeting size is usually 150 guests. The date was postponed from February to late May, in hope that more people would feel comfortable attending, and Costello says Big Frog provided guests bracelets to indicate social distancing comfort levels. “Green bracelets meant hugs were accepted, yellow was high-fives OK, and red was stay back,” Costello explains. “We did away with early breakfasts and cut our daily meetings shorter, wrapping up around 5 p.m., with mixers to follow. We made sure the mixers were outdoors and everyone had the ability to distance to their comfort level. Indoor meetings were also spaced out, and we used round tables this year instead of a classroom setup. We incorporated the awards ceremony into our first day’s general session, and we cut our team-building event completely, and replaced it with an amazing musician and a magician.” Costello continues, “I am still being told by our corporate staff, as well as the attendees, how wonderful the staff Caribe Royale Orlando offers 220,000 sf of total meeting and event space. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood offers 120,000 sf of meeting space and a 7,000-sf poolside function area. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | October/November 2021 39Next >