< Previousan increased demand for smaller cities like Baton Rouge. Groups are seeking out smaller and unique destinations, and we feel really good about Baton Rouge being able to meet that hyped- up demand. We want planners to know that the city continues to offer unique experiences and there is much to see and do.” He says the city is also see- ing high demand for boutique hotels, and Baton Rouge is able to respond to that need as well. “We have a couple of boutique properties in the city, notably Hotel Indigo Baton Rouge Downtown and Watermark Baton Rouge.” In the realm of yet more good news, Arrigo says meeting cancellations have greatly diminished. “We have not seen cancellations for 2022 group business like we saw in 2020 and in early 2021.” But with demand strong, he adds, “that means hotel rates will likely remain high.” Arrigo encourages planners to take advantage of all that the city offers by incorporating downtime into meet- ing schedules so attendees have time to explore. He notes that the city is also a great choice for attendees who want to bring family with them as a way of adding on family vacation time before or after meetings. Baton Rouge has a couple of new hotels that might be of interest to plan- ners working on board meetings or small conferences. Tru by Hilton opened in early fall, and all 90 guest rooms have work areas, and there’s complimen- tary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property. Element Baton Rouge South opened recently across from Baton Rouge General Medical Center with 123 rooms and suites, a meeting room and complimentary parking. ST. TAMMANY PARISH/ NORTHSHORE Looking into 2022, Donna O’Daniels, president and CEO of St. Tammany Par- ish Tourist and Convention Commis- sion, is very optimistic. “St. Tammany Parish as a destination and community fared much better than most in 2020, and in 2021 recovery was strong,” she says. And business, she adds, is back. “We’ve already begun to experience firsthand interest in meetings moving away from virtual to in-person. While virtual meetings served us well during the onset of the pandemic, I believe the business community thrives on interpersonal connection. That’s hard to achieve through a computer screen. Renewed confidence in leisure travel, which we’re already seeing, is paving the way for confidence in meetings and business travel.” Safety, of course, remains critical to cor- porate groups wanting to meet in person, and O’Daniels notes that her area can meet the needs of planners. “By the very nature of corporate planning, we can ensure that safety precautions are taken and proto- cols are enacted to keep meetings safe for attendees,” she says. Some aspects of the pandemic, however, will likely continue to impact meetings. “I believe many in-person meetings will continue to offer a virtual component for at least the early part of 2022,” O’Daniels says. Like others, O’Daniels is seeing advantages to being a smaller destina- tion — especially one within a short dis- tance of a hugely popular meetings city such as New Orleans. “The Louisiana Northshore offers an advantage for cor- porate planners looking to host a small to mid-sized meeting; the level of ser- vice from our sales team ... is unparal- leled, and our destination offers world- class amenities while maintaining that small-town charm.” She points to the many unique opportunities the North- shore offers for off-site experiences, including tastings at Abita Brewery, tours of Honey Island Swamp, seafood boils and jazz brunches. And, she adds, “We’re located only 40 minutes from the French Quarter and less than an hour from the Mississippi Gulf Coast.” Angele du Passage, CMP, partner/ owner at Cypress Planning Group LLC, works with many corporate groups planning events in the Northshore area. She says the region has a whole host of positives for planners and their groups. “Northshore offers competitive pricing for state and regional corpora- tions. [And] it offers a feeling of a small Courtesy of Paul Arrigo Baton Rouge has seen leisure business return strongly, and expects corporate meetings and events, left, to rebound similarly. 50 December 2021-January 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com NewOrleans.com | @VisitNewOrleans © 2021 New Orleans & Company All Rights Reserved. These are not the meeting spaces you’re used to. From historic rooms and courtyards, to breathtaking architec- ture with a view, New Orleans spaces are built to host. We treat thousands of attendees with the same attention and hospitality given to a single, lifelong friend. We have accesss to the best locations to inspire meaningful interactions that continue long after you’ve left town. And we can do all of it within walking distance of world-class hotels. Call the New Orleans & Company Convention Sales Team at 877.393.5836 or visit NewOrleans.com PLAN YOUR MEETING WITH NEW ORLEANS New Orleans is and has been the perfect destination for Jefferson Financial Inc’s. ... Investment Conference for nearly five decades. BRIEN LUNDIN Owner/CEO Jefferson Financial Inc.NewOrleans.com | @VisitNewOrleans © 2021 New Orleans & Company All Rights Reserved. These are not the meeting spaces you’re used to. From historic rooms and courtyards, to breathtaking architec- ture with a view, New Orleans spaces are built to host. We treat thousands of attendees with the same attention and hospitality given to a single, lifelong friend. We have accesss to the best locations to inspire meaningful interactions that continue long after you’ve left town. And we can do all of it within walking distance of world-class hotels. Call the New Orleans & Company Convention Sales Team at 877.393.5836 or visit NewOrleans.com PLAN YOUR MEETING WITH NEW ORLEANSSouthern area with Southern charm, but also has lodging, restaurants, entertainment, golf and other activities needed to host a successful conference, retreat or meeting.” Additionally, she says, the area has fewer “distractions.” Much like O’Daniels, she thinks the area is well-equipped to keep meeting attendees safe. “Since COVID-19, many planners are looking for ideas and ven- ues that offer more outdoor activities. St. Tammany/Northshore offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as golf, nature walks, bike riding, canoeing and others.” She has nothing but high praise for the Tourist and Convention Commission, and encourages planners to take advan- tages of the resources it offers. “Work- ing with the CVB can be a valuable resource for planners as they plan and budget for their upcoming meeting. The CVB has a wealth of information, and can give planners and groups guidance on current guidelines and protocols to ensure they have everything needed to host a safe and successful conference.” As a local DMC headquartered in New Orleans, Cypress Planning Group also benefits from working with the commission. “As we support clients with their meetings and events, we always reach out to specialists in an area to help find the best hotels, ven- ues and restaurants,” du Passage says. “The St. Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention Commission is that team I call when looking on the Northshore. They’re extremely knowledgeable on the destination and understand the unique aspects that make the Louisiana Northshore a special place. If I need help with great hotels, fun activities and deli- cious restaurants, they’re my first call.” CGB Enterprises Inc. has been holding meetings at Southern Hotel in Covington, Louisiana since the his- toric property reopened in 2014, prov- ing that sometimes a company doesn’t have to look farther than its own back- yard for the perfect meeting destination. Most meetings include from three to 30 attendees. “The location of the Southern Hotel works well for our company as it’s located approximately 5 miles from our corporate office,” says Kelly Buchanan, director, marketing and communications for the company. “It’s situated in the heart of downtown Covington, which is a quaint area that has walking access to restaurants and entertainment. The hotel is filled with charm and Southern character, with different meeting room sizes and well-appointed hotel rooms.” Buchanan notes all of the group’s meals and events for the most recent meeting were handled directly through the hotel. “We did not go off property,” she says. In terms of meeting and function options and staff to assist, Buchanan says the boutique South- ern Hotel offers it all. “The Southern Hotel provides different sized meet- ing rooms that can accommodate breakout sessions or smaller meetings. The staff is available during events to assist with any needs that may come up. The grounds around the hotel are well kept and ideal for attendee breaks or walk- ing to a nearby restaurant. There’s also a beautiful bar located outside the lobby of the hotel and an open patio/garden located right off of the lobby as well.” Staff is a standout, she adds, “The director of sales and market- ing at the Southern is very involved in the planning of meetings and ensures that everything is taken care of, with great attention to detail and utmost hospitality,” Buchanan says. “The hotel handles all of the catering of the meetings and offers several selections to choose from.” If there’s been a downside, it’s that the hotel didn’t have a restaurant on the property. “Lack of an on-site restaurant did hinder last-minute food and beverage requests,” Buchanan notes. “However, [the staff] is so helpful and ensured we were taken care of.” That said, Buchanan notes, “We look forward to the new on- site restaurant coming this fall.” In terms of health and safety, Buchanan says the hotel stepped up with the right processes and protocols. “The hotel employees all wore masks and there was hand sanitizer through- out the hotel. Additionally, there were protocols in place for cleaning the rooms to make them more sanitary in terms of COVID-19 precautions.” With bookings up, the Southern Hotel, like many others, does not offer any incentives, discounts or bonuses for booking, and Buchanan doesn’t know about cancellation policies given that CGB Enterprises hasn’t had to cancel recent meetings. She does note, how- ever, that there was nothing in their contract with regard to cancelling due to Angele du Passage, CMP, partner/ owner at Cypress Planning Group LLC, left, loves the St. Tammany Parish/Northshore area’s charm. 52 December 2021-January 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com We’ve already begun to experience firsthand interest in meetings moving away from virtual to in- person. DONNA O’DANIELS President and CEO St. Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention CommissionCOVID. On the plus side, Southern Hotel does offer CGB a corporate discount. To planners considering Southern Hotel, she says, “Call early to check for availability of meeting space and to be sure it can accommodate the size and A/V needs of your group. In the past, meeting space would book up early.” Bottom line for Buchanan and her group is that the hotel is highly desirable. “Past attendees continue to want to attend meetings and stay at the Southern Hotel, due to the charming atmosphere it provides and the prime location in downtown Covington.” Along the Northshore, multiple dining and entertainment venues have opened in recent months, including Tchefuncte River Charters, with its licensed barge seating up to 12 with a bar and sound system, and etouf- fée restaurant in Covington. Pat’s Rest Awhile opened on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain early last year, the latest from local chef Pat Gallagher. A new Springhill Suites by Marriott opened last spring with 88 suites and executive meeting space for 12, and the Hamp- ton Inn Covington and Hampton Inn Slidell recently completed renovations. SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER Stacy Brown, LCTP, president of the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, is as optimistic as her fellow Louisiana CVB colleagues. “Convention and meeting bookings are on the rise; we continue to move closer to pre-COVID numbers in the meetings area, and our leisure and sports markets have already exceeded 2019 numbers.” She says the bureau is also already seeing groups ready to resume meet- ing face-to-face, and that they’re book- ing future dates in a variety of venues and hotels. Brown thinks adherence to health and safety protocols is encour- aging planners and groups to book future meetings. “By keeping protocols in place for attendees regarding safe social distancing and cleanliness, plan- ners can book with peace of mind.” Whatever type of meeting is planned, whatever the off-site requirements are, Brown says the Shreveport-Bossier area is well positioned to meet planners’ needs. “Shreveport-Bossier provides a variety of options for planners to choose from in a location that is easily acces- sible by ground or air,” she says, “from unique off-site reception locations to all the modern amenities needed for hybrid conferences, outdoor options and more.” To planners considering Shreve- port-Bossier as a meeting destination, she says, “Your attendees will feel the warm embrace of our special brand of Southern hospitality and enjoy spec- tacular local cuisine and luxuriously comfortable accommodations.” Plan- ners may be interested in the new or expanded space for off-site functions in the area. Shreveport Aquarium now features new indoor/outdoor event space, while the East Bank District, with multiple businesses and enter- tainment venues, continues to expand with various private spaces for events and functions. Additionally, Eldorado Casino Shreveport recently rebranded to Bally’s Shreveport Casino & Hotel, and The Remington Suite Hotel & Spa, located near the Shreveport Conven- tion Center, upgraded its highly desir- able rooftop area. The bottom line is that Louisiana is ready to welcome back planners and groups of all sizes. Whether you choose to meet in New Orleans, with its deeply rooted culture of food, music and cel- ebrations, or you opt for Baton Rouge, and all a capital city offers, or towns along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain or Shreveport-Bossier, on the far west- ern side of the state near Texas, Louisi- ana has everything you need. C&IT Visit Baton Rouge Baton Rouge, with its abundance of boutique hotels, is hoping to benefit from an overall higher demand for smaller destinations. Louisiana offers unforgettable experiences for attendees that few other areas can offer, such as swamp tours and unique cuisine. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | December 2021-January 2022 53South Walton encompasses a 26-mile stretch located along the Gulf of Mexico in Northwest Florida. FLORIDA Offering Some of the Best Outdoor Spaces to Host Events BY KEITH LORIA DESTINATION // 54 December 2021-January 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comW hile the COVID- 19 pandemic was responsible for the cancellation of many meet- ings, when corporations were ready to hold events again, many chose venues that could accommodate attendees outdoors. After all, an outdoor venue provides plenty of fresh air, offers spectacular views and gives attendees more sense of being safe from their COVID concerns, as it’s been shown that transmission is greatly reduced in open-air venues. The outdoors allows groups to gather once again, whether to connect, celebrate or simply enjoy an incentive trip without the worry. Additionally, hosting meetings outdoors provides for a more immersive destination experience and a more relaxing, and ultimately, productive atmosphere, as opposed to the more traditional, and sometimes uninspiring, indoor meet- ings. From the planners’ side, hosting a meeting outdoors gives attendees a true taste of the destination. Plus, they can get creative during the planning pro- cess because outdoor space tends to be much more flexible. And planners have found that there’s nowhere quite like Florida for finding unique and accom- modating outdoor spaces. Nadene Grossman Orr, CEO & director of events for We’ve Got the Keys, recently hosted a dinner recep- tion on the lawn at the historic Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West for 80 attendees for a corporate client commemorating its 15th anniver- sary in business. A themed menu was complemented by a live cigar roller, local rum tasting and live-action des- sert station. “[Attendees] also enjoyed a photo-op welcome and tours of this historic museum during their cocktail hour,” she says. “Top local musicians were also brought in to entertain guests as they enjoyed our beautiful tropical décor and dancing under the stately old trees — all aglow with festival lighting.” Orr notes it’s been imperative for her company to offer clients outdoor options in this post-COVID environ- ment. “We love to get creative with our programs and find new ways to accom- plish the clients’ goals for networking, team building and meetings,” she says. “We have seen our clients choosing to move their events out of the tradi- tional meeting rooms and ballrooms to take advantage of more unique and inspiring open-air options, particu- larly those we have available to offer here in Key West.” Orr says the Kimpton Key West col- lection of five boutique hotels are ideal for incentive clients because they offer bespoke accommodations and gor- geous gardens. “The various accommo- dations options also allow for buyouts where guests can stay together at one of Ponte Vedra Inn & Club offers 25,000 sf of meetings and events space, most with ocean views that embrace the natural environment. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | December 2021-January 2022 55the smaller, more intimate, properties and gather on-site for socials, serving as a convenient home base to venture off-site for team building, watersports and private functions,” she says. “And then there’s the natural beauty that sur- rounds us, including our renown Key West sunsets, which provide the per- fect backdrop for any evening recep- tion. You can’t paint a more memorable experience than that.” Sylvie Boulanger, event manager for Event Travel Management, lists her top picks with “awesome” outdoor space for corporate and incentives in Flor- ida’s Palm Beach County are on a yacht, and at the National Croquet Center, which is great for dinner and/or team build- ing. Just recently, she held an event where the top earners of a com- pany were treated to an elaborate eve- ning on a deluxe yacht that sailed down the Intracoastal Waterway. “We had 120 attendees, and they all enjoyed the cruise with food, drinks, music, danc- ing under the stars and cigar rollers,” she says. “They were able to view the beautiful homes that flank the Intra- coastal. This is a very unique experi- ence for anyone that does not live in Florida, and it was a huge success.” What’s Available Caribe Royale Orlando’s Grand Caribe Convention Center offers 220,000 sf of meeting space indoors, but event organizers can also think beyond the boardroom and instead opt for one of several non-traditional out- door event spaces, including its 6,900- sf Boca Pier/Pavilion, cabana-studded pool decks surrounded by lush tropi- cal landscaping, and a AAA Four Dia- mond Venetian Chop House, featuring a fireside terrace for intimate al fresco business gatherings. “Outdoor events both accommodate a larger group of people while also easily providing a comfortable and safe distance between attendees,” says Gladi Colón, complex director of events & catering for Caribe Royale Orlando. “Outdoor events also lend themselves to more casual interac- tions and, depending on local and state guidelines, can have a longer timeline than indoor events.” In addition, a lush outdoor environ- ment sets a natural stage for corporate events and outdoor meetings, where less is more when it comes to drap- ing and décor. And if not tented, the sky is literally the limit when it comes to entertainment. “It’s tremendously beneficial to have a variety of outdoor spaces that complement our vision for our resort,” Colón says. “After a $125 million transformation, Caribe Royale Orlando is set to unveil an entirely revamped look and experience early [this] year.” Meeting professionals and groups mindfully select Ponte Vedra Resorts for its open, campus-style, layout, ver- satility and exceptional activities, all just steps away from a 1.5-mile stretch of the breathtaking Atlantic Ocean near Jacksonville. Craig Schoninger, direc- tor of sales and marketing at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, notes the resort creates a memorable experience in a beautiful setting for companies tak- ing their first step back to in-person meetings. “The location also offers an inherent sense of ease because we are equipped and experienced to meet multiple levels of health and safety measures that a company may require,” he says. “Of the many meeting facili- ties that the storied Ponte Vedra Inn & Club offers, the Lagoon Room, the Ponte Vedra Ballroom and the Stockton all have majestic floor-to- ceiling French doors that open to an outdoor space ideal for a welcome recep- tion, cocktail hours or networking events.” TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach boasts an expansive 11,000-sf lawn with stunning views of the 18th hole of THE PLAY- ERS Stadium Course and of its Mediterranean revival-style club- house. “This beautiful green space offers the ‘wow’ factor for planners looking to amaze their attendees,” says Kym Jones, director of group sales. “Our largest indoor ballroom features a 1,300-sf outdoor terrace, which offers a bird’s-eye view of the TPC lawn. Our expansive lower veranda, adjoining our event lawn, is also used for private events. We’re fortunate that we can host outdoor events with intimate groups as Above, Caribe Royale Orlando offers outdoor spaces such as its 6,900-sf Boca Pier/ Pavilion; right, Loews Miami Beach Hotel features 20,000 sf of outdoor space. 56 December 2021-January 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Ready to elevate your experience in 2022 Discover a dierent level of luxury during your next gathering at the all-new Caribe Royale Orlando. Emerging from a $127 million renovation project that’s touched immersive atmospheres and innovative experiences, this Floridian-inspired destination brings productivity, play and imagination together like never before. BE INSPIRED WITH A $127 MILLION Reimagination • 220,000+ sq. ft. of meeting & event space, including the new 50,000 sq. ft. Palms Ballroom • New networking spaces, including an on-property Starbucks® & Rum Bar by Bacardi® • 1,315 newly reimagined one-bedroom suites & two-bedroom villas • Team of creative meeting professionals bringing your vision to life CARIBEROYALEMEETINGS.COM 407 2388000Ready to elevate your experience in 2022 Discover a dierent level of luxury during your next gathering at the all-new Caribe Royale Orlando. Emerging from a $127 million renovation project that’s touched immersive atmospheres and innovative experiences, this Floridian-inspired destination brings productivity, play and imagination together like never before. BE INSPIRED WITH A $127 MILLION Reimagination • 220,000+ sq. ft. of meeting & event space, including the new 50,000 sq. ft. Palms Ballroom • New networking spaces, including an on-property Starbucks® & Rum Bar by Bacardi® • 1,315 newly reimagined one-bedroom suites & two-bedroom villas • Team of creative meeting professionals bringing your vision to life CARIBEROYALEMEETINGS.COM 407 2388000few as 10 people to over 1,000 people.” Loews Miami Beach Hotel features 20,000 sf of outdoor space on its two beautiful lawns — the Americana Lawn and St. Moritz Lawn. “Our Americana Lawn also has the Americana Terrace, which provides an elevated space for a more VIP cocktail reception area that overlooks the entire lawn,” says Brad Cirino, director of sales at Loews Miami Beach Hotel. “This lawn also has been upgraded with built in trusses so we can easily pop-up a tent.” There are also several expansive terraces that offer ocean views and are ideal for breakouts and receptions. The Rum Line, which is the outdoor terrace space located at the hotel’s historic St. Moritz Tower, offers plan- ners a Key West-styled location for a creative meeting, break or a more themed evening event. “Additionally, our VIP SOAK Cabana Deck is a dif- ferentiator in terms of outdoor space,” Cirino says. “With eight dual story, fully enclosed cabanas with A/C, bath- rooms, TVs, lounge areas and rooftop sun decks, these can serve as creative options for one-on-one meetings. The entire deck can also be used for a pri- vate outdoor reception featuring dif- ferent stations for a dine-around, or a plated, sit-down meal.” Barb Bowden serves as area manag- ing director of Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando Resort, which includes Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, all of which are part of the Universal Orlando Resort destination. “Our meet- ing clients love to be outside for social events, and ideally in an area close to the meeting space,” she says. “We offer plenty of options, all with a distinct and unique sense of place that attendees enjoy. We remain focused on making our meeting attendees feel safe and comfort- able, and planners tell us outdoor venues certainly help to accomplish this.” Universal Orlando Resort’s Loews Meeting Complex at Universal Orlando can accommodate groups large and small with a total of 2,000 rooms and 247,000 sf of meeting space. The facility connects the meeting space of Loews Sapphire Falls Resort and Loews Royal Pacific Resort, meaning attendees can utilize both hotels’ large ballrooms, outdoor spaces and array of meeting and breakout rooms, while they can also enjoy the comfort and convenience of staying in one or both of the attached hotels. Taken separately, Loews Royal Pacific offers 132,000 total flexible sf of meetings and events space, includ- ing 25,000 sf of total out- door space, the 42,000-sf Pacifica Ballroom and the 36,000-sf Oceana Grand Ball- room. Loews Sapphire Falls offers 115,000 sf of flexible indoor space, including 16,000 sf of total outdoor space, the 41,000-sf Grand Caribbean Ballroom and the 30,000-sf Kingston Hall. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel offers 42,000 total sf of indoor space and 47,000 sf total outdoor meeting space. Other amenities, such as dining and pools, are also top-notch. For dining, Loews Royal Pacific offers Jake’s Ameri- can Bar, a bar/lounge with private dining options available; Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar, another bar/lounge; and Bula Bar & Grille, a pool bar and grill. Its Lagoon-style pool with sandy beach offers a sun-drenched respite. Loews Sapphire Falls offers for din- ing the New Dutch Trading Co., with grab-and-go meals; Amatista Cook- house, offering full-service dining with private dining options available; Drhum Club Kantine, a pool bar and grill; and Strong Water Tavern, a lobby lounge. It offers a resort-style pool with waterfalls and white sandy beaches. Oasis Wynwood in Miami boasts 35,000 sf of outdoor space for a one-of- a-kind experience for large corporate gatherings of up to 2,500 guests. “Event attendees can enjoy dishes from the venue’s six premier dining destinations — each serving food from a colorful, repurposed, shipping container: Ali- doro, Buya Dumplings + Buns, CHIKIN, Los Buenos, Mr. Mandolin and Prince Street Pizza,” says Ashley Zuppas, director of special events for Oasis Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando, part of Universal Orlando Resort’s Loews Meeting Complex, offers 42,000 total sf of indoor space and 47,000 sf of total outdoor meeting space. 58 December 2021-January 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com FOR SAFETY INFORMATION VISIT UOMEETINGSANDEVENTS . COM Meetings & Events Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2021 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. We had 120 attendees, and they all enjoyed the cruise with food, drinks, music, dancing under the stars and cigar rollers. SYLVIE BOULANGER Event Planner Event Travel ManagementFOR SAFETY INFORMATION VISIT UOMEETINGSANDEVENTS . COM Meetings & Events Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2021 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.Next >