< PreviousGimpel likes to walk organizations through exercises where they really define a clear purpose for the event. “It’s a bit shocking how many events just happen by tradition, and they’ve lost sight of why the event happens — if they ever knew,” Gimpel says. “A lot of organizations get hung up on generic rationales to do a conference, like bringing together members or because it produces revenue. It’s not that you can’t generate revenue from an event, but if that’s the driving goal, the chances are not great that attendees are going to feel wowed. Good events that really resonate with attendees typically connect to a sense of mission.” MUST HAVES There are key components that are truly ‘must haves’ within any agenda. Pasulka says the key components to any agenda must include the following: • Relevance and matching the agenda topics to attendees. If suc- cessful events are about creating engagement and interaction, then the job of the agenda is laying the foundation for that engagement. And that’s accomplished with relevant, thought-provoking top- ics and presenters that align with attendees’ interests and goals. • Clear attendance options, whether it is an online event, an in-person event or a hybrid event. The pro- spective attendees need to know in advance what to expect from each experience, ensuring they can make the best decision for themselves. • Detailed information on the con- tent that will be covered. Not only does the event content need to be relevant, but attendees also need to know exactly what to expect. • Outline timing of sessions, what each session will cover and the format of each session. According to Odendaal, panel discus- sions that dive into hot or even contro- versial topics are key, and an excellent moderator for the panel is a must. “Also, as we return to in-person events, meeting planners need to refocus on elevating the networking experience. The majority of event attendees prefer to do their learn- ing and workshop-style events online,” Odendaal says. “There is a renewed focus on meeting people at in-person events, creating a stronger emotional connec- tion to your work, and those in their field. Ensure your event has the opportunity for smaller breakout discussions, and consider having round tables of 10 with a facilitator at each to engage in conver- sations around the event theme.” Odendaal says the No. 1 mistake that she sees meeting planners make is “over programming” the event. Many event planners will try to jam in so much content and so many speakers that they end up overwhelming their attendees. Odendaal suggests trying to strike a balance between content and space in the agenda for outdoor activities and networking events, where attendees can build organic connec- tions. “Networking breaks should be a minimum of 30 minutes and lunch a minimum of one hour,” Odendaal says. “Also, try to not have more than six hours worth of content in one day.” Another common mistake event planners make is putting hard-to- understand topics before lunch or before the end of the day. Tiffany Allen, principal, AEA Consulting Firm, says difficult topics should be covered in the mornings after the opening session. “And when creating an agenda, you must know your audience. One way to do this is to collect demographic data as part of the registration process,” Allen says. “Depending on the event, you probably will not have a group of homogenous attendees. It is OK to have breakout sessions so you can tailor spe- cific sessions for the audience.” Modifying the agenda components, regardless of how historic and long- standing they may be, may also enhance the overall feel of the meeting or confer- ence. As Gimpel suggests, many confer- ences have some sort of famous keynote speaker. “Maybe we don’t need that. Maybe an event always has some sort of awards component, yet, maybe people are really tired of that. It’s so normal to have some sort of exhibit hall or vendor area that we might not think that there’s a better way to connect those who want to do business with those attending the event,” Gimpel says. “We might always have a session during lunch, but maybe people want to get out of the convention center and check out the city during that time. We might always do concur- rent workshops in a half dozen rooms at the same time, but maybe that format doesn’t resonate with attendees. Many conferences include poster sessions, but these are often acknowledged by attendees and presenters alike as being themeetingmagazines.com 20 DECEMBER 2021 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Tiffany Allen Principal, AEA Consulting Firm When creating an agenda, you must know your audience. One way to do this is to collect demographic data as part of the registration process. COURTESY OF SASHA PASULKA Experts suggest planners should remember that the event and event ROI don’t exist in a vacuum; the purpose of the event is to help more people engage with a company or organization. rather fruitless and painful, so maybe it should give way to something else.” Gimpel adds, “Conferences that wow attendees don’t necessarily stick to the same template that every other confer- ence uses. To this end, don’t feel bound by only doing hour-long sessions. Don’t feel like every session has to put people in theater-style seating while watching someone present a slideshow. There are tons of these ingrained aspects of con- ferences that just don’t wow attendees, but they perpetuate year after year.” As a general guiding principle, Gimpel would suggest always putting people first. That might mean not doing long sessions where people are just sit- ting for an hour. It might mean looking for venues with natural light instead of those that feel like being in a beige bun- ker. It might mean prohibiting speak- ers from using PowerPoint and having to think of other ways to communicate with their audience. It also means thinking about how to really include participants so they feel valued and engaged, and not lonely and ignored. “That’s true with something like a workshop, but it’s also true when it comes to people walking in and regis- tering as well as what happens during an evening networking session,” Gimpel says. “People go to conferences largely to connect with other people who have the same passions and interests. When we forget this, and just focus on logistics or revenue, or continuing education cred- its or making sure all of our sponsors get to speak on a panel, then we dilute the energy and enthusiasm to the point where there’s just no wow factor at all.” Gimpel adds that it’s one thing to create an agenda, but it’s another thing to create a good event. In other words, if you have boring speakers, it doesn’t really matter if they speak in the morn- ing or the afternoon, nor does it matter if they speak for 30 minutes or 60 minutes. Similarly, most events include some sort of networking session such as a recep- tion, but those are often dull, fruitless or attendees fall into cliques. It doesn’t matter so much if we hold the recep- tion the first evening or over brunch the next day, as opposed to really thinking through what’s going to happen at that reception and how it’s going to wow attendees. “This means that just rejigger- ing the agenda isn’t necessarily a silver bullet,” Gimpel says. “You may be better off changing how you choose speakers or training those speakers so that they really do wow attendees. Or you may bring in a facilitator to design and run a networking event. Putting something on the agenda is fine, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be a great session.” And although speakers with senior titles at top organizations often help “sell” the conference, it’s the intrigu- ing storytellers that make the meeting or conference truly stand out. Consider diversifying your content with well- known speakers as well as hidden gems. “Do a call out to your community for speakers and ask them to submit a topic for discussion or keynote presentation,” Odendaal says. “For these newer speak- ers, consider having a dedicated hour or stage for their talks. This technique can also be used at internal con- ferences to elevate the voices of high potential leaders in your organization.” COMMUNICATION IS KEY When having an event, you want the agenda posted numerous places. The agenda should be posted on the event web- site — if one exists — and should be printed for meeting attendees; and the emcee should talk through the agenda during opening remarks. “Again, the agenda sets the pace of the meeting and keeps it organized,” Allen says. Since everyone digests content dif- ferently, Odendaal recommends having the agenda available digitally through email and through the conference app — if one is created — as well as hav- ing physical copies on hand and large signage posted at the event. “In recent years, we added the conference agenda to the back of the attendees’ lanyards so they knew exactly where to be at any given time,” Odendaal says. As indicated, some of the best ways to communicate your agenda to attendees is on an event’s webpage, in the event invitation, directly through emails, through the event app and on social promotions. In other words, the agenda should be made available to every attendee in the channel that is most convenient for them, so it can be used as intended: as a roadmap for the event itself. “Clear, unequivocal communication remains an important tool — perhaps now more than ever. Event planners need the right event technology platform that allows them to disseminate the agenda through the desired channels quickly and uni- formly,” Pasulka says. A centralized platform can also streamline the process for updating the agenda if late changes become a necessity. If such modifi- cations are left to manual processes, attendees might be stuck with outdated information, which leads to confusion and, ultimately, a less-effective event. Another big mistake Pasulka sees event planners make with regard to agendas is developing agendas that are aligned with their priorities, rather than the aims and objectives of the attendees. This is understandable; after all, events are a business development tool, and if they’re not delivering busi- ness results for your organization, then they’re not providing value. “But the best way to get results is to offer value to the attendees, and that starts with an agenda that is well-tailored to their specific needs and interests,” Pasulka says. “When event planners adopt this perspective, they can expect their event ROI to increase” Finally, remember that the event and event ROI don’t exist in a vacuum; the purpose is to help more people engage with a company or organization. “The ability to design, create and execute virtual, in-person and hybrid event pro- grams that create memorable experi- ences and engage attendees drives busi- ness value,” Pasulka says. “So, setting an agenda and planning out the details in order to wow your audience can pay off big time in the long run.” I & FMM INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | DECEMBER 2021themeetingmagazines.com 21 Sasha Pasulka Vice President of Marketing Splash The best way to get results is to offer value to the attendees, and that starts with an agenda that is well-tailored to their specific needs and interests.themeetingmagazines.com 22 DECEMBER 2021 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT DESTINATIONREPORT & RENO New Venues, Longtime Favorites Keep Planners Coming Back LAS VEGAS The Las Vegas Convention Center’s new West Hall expansion is one of the many new venues the city hopes will attract events business.F or Karla Singson, a former meeting planner at Snap Events, Las Vegas has a brand all its own. Well loved by meeting planners, producers and attendees, Las Vegas is truly a tourist- and meetings- friendly destination that offers a variety of options for lodging, entertainment and event venues, as well as different choices and different price points for each. And as Las Vegas continues to reopen after COVID-19 pan- demic restrictions, insurance and financial meet- ing planners are once again setting their sights on this memorable city as their next meeting and event destination. THE LATEST & GREATEST From the unique cultural vibes gracing the hotspots of Las Vegas to its award-winning gam- ing and entertainment options, to its awe-inspiring cuisine, Las Vegas is the ideal location for financial and insurance groups of all sizes. For Singson, the biggest thing about Las Vegas that stands out in the minds of meetings and events attendees is the ability of the city to encourage you to “live larger.” “Las Vegas makes anybody feel like they’re a ‘some- body,’” Singson says. “There’s luxury, fun, great food, and a wide variety of experiences for every- one here, plus, in my experience, the customer service is superior.” Deven Crane, director of travel services and meeting planner at Incentive Solu- tions, agrees that the level of options that Las Vegas offers — both from the meeting planner and attendee perspectives — simply can’t be beat. “Las Vegas is the city that never sleeps. There are usually lots of options from high-class hotels to budget-friendly ones that all share the same ‘space’ — the Strip,” Crane says. “If planners want to offer food, golf, skiing and helicopters or even firing assault rifles at targets in the desert — it is all available to offer their clients. The hotels and other vendors are professionals who do this day in and day out, so there is that experience level that planners can count on. And the food is usu- ally above average to excellent.” Crane has had the opportunity to organize a couple of national sales meetings for clients in Las Vegas, and they operated very well. One was on the Strip and one was off, and while both were suc- cessful, both had challenges. “The meeting done off of the Strip was a smaller group, fitting nicely into a boutique hotel. While there were options at the hotel to take part in, they were also partly iso- lated from the Strip, thus attendance at the meet- ings generally was 100%,” Crane says. “The meet- ing on the Strip was larger and offered unlimited function space. Sometimes, people would fail to meet the meeting agenda as offered due to lots of other things to focus their attention toward. How- ever, Las Vegas does offer all of this for a reason, and options are what people like. Some gamble, some go to shows, some shop and others hang out at the pool. There’s something for everyone.” Meeting planners can make their jobs easier when planning events in Las Vegas by hiring con- cierge services, talking to hotel concierge officers, and pre-booking accommodations and activities online. “Of course, the best is still getting local input from a friend or a colleague,” Singson says. Crane adds that it’s important to remember that there is a definite price difference between properties. What matters most to the attendees is location, food and beverage, and entertain- ment, so take all this into consideration before booking a venue. “Some groups want to only be on the Strip, thus you wouldn’t book Green Val- ley Ranch for them. Food and beverage can be pricey, so make sure to note that when budget- ing,” Crane says. “Las Vegas offers some of the most expensive and finest hotels anywhere, so I’d suggest offering a variety of options to deci- sion makers as a way to manage costs based on priorities.” Crane also advises planners to divide the time evenly between meetings and free time. People want to be able to explore their surround- ings without time pressure. Group all of the meetings in the morning or on one day, which will offer the attendees the option to explore Las Vegas. “Also, take advantage of the unusual activ- ities that Las Vegas presents, including day trips, INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | DECEMBER 2021themeetingmagazines.com 23 BY MAURA KELLER Tropicana Las Vegas – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Resort, has undergone an expansion that includes an all- new conference facility with a 25,000-sf ballroom.culinary, helicopters, shopping — the list goes on and on. Most importantly, have fun,” Crane says. ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DISCOVER Charlotte Smith, U.S. account director at Your Event Solutions (YES), says Las Vegas is great for large events in that you can find the meeting space and large room blocks within one facility. Transporta- tion is easy, and the entire city is focused around events, so there are a multitude of options and suppliers for all budgets. “Other city-center options sometimes require you to split large groups between hotels or limit meeting space, which makes for logistical challenges,” Smith says. “Las Vegas is an exception. There are also plenty of dining options and entertainment within close proximity outside of the hotels if you have evening programs as part of the event.” And like other travel destinations, Las Vegas venues continue to focus on reopening existing venues, shows and experiences throughout their resorts in the coming months, and welcoming back events, meetings and conventions. Indeed, Las Vegas is working hard to “woo” potential visitors back to enjoy all the city has to offer. To help alleviate any health concerns on the part of meeting planners or attendees, extensive safety protocols have been developed through- out all hotels and venues in the area. Although the pandemic has certainly impacted the travel industry, certain enti- ties in Las Vegas continue their devel- opment plans. The re-conceptualized casino resort, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton, has made its long-anticipated arrival. The property can host events of all sizes, with 110,000 sf of re-inspired indoor and outdoor meet- ings and convention space. In addition to its state-of-the-art, 60,000-sf Mohegan Sun Casino, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas also offers multiple entertainment venues, including The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, 24 Oxford and The Event Lawn. The hotel also features more than 1,500 all-new “chambers” and suites, an exclusive day spa, outdoor pools, 12 world-class dining venues — many with indoor/outdoor spaces — and daytime and nighttime live entertainment venues. Another new venue, Resorts World Las Vegas, is a $4.3 billion, integrated resort experience. It brings three of Hil- ton’s premium brands, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts, and Conrad Hotels & Resorts, to Las Vegas, making Las Vegas the only city in the U.S. to have all three of Hilton’s luxury brands. The 3,500-room resort includes a gaming floor, state-of-the-art theater, grand ballroom, nightclubs, a wellness spa and fitness center, diverse culinary experiences, seven outdoor pools and more top-notch facilities. Of course, no visit to Las Vegas would be complete without stepping foot in Caesars Palace Las Vegas, which boasts the 50,000-sf Que Baths & Spa, as well as the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis, which includes seven different pool experi- ences, cabanas and ideal sunbathing spots. When it’s time for gathering for the scheduled meeting or event, Caesar’s Palace fea- tures 300,000 sf of meeting space. The 51,000-sf, pillar-less Octavius and Forum Ballrooms can each accommodate as many as 5,555 attendees, and can be reconfigured into as many as 25 separate breakout rooms. Caesars Palace’s Stadia bar offers a next- level sports viewing experience with lavish amenities, and meeting attendees can catch the big game in style with Sta- dia’s rentable spaces to create an intimate viewing experience for small groups. A longtime favorite in Las Vegas is the Tropicana Las Vegas – a Double- Tree by Hilton Hotel & Resort, which underwent an expansion that includes an all-new conference facility that can be divided into as many as 38 break- out rooms; a 25,000-sf ballroom; and a 24,000-sf pavilion perfect for large gen- eral sessions and exhibits. The Tropicana has introduced its newest meeting space, the Trinidad Pavilion & Meeting Rooms, which can accommodate a maximum of 2,700 attendees in a theater-style set up, and up to 1,400 attendees for a class- room-style set up. After a recent 30,000- sf expansion, the Trinidad Pavilion and Meeting Rooms offer 55,000-sf of space ideal for hosting general sessions, large- scale food and beverage functions, vari- ous attractions and sporting events, and connects to Tropicana’s existing pavil- ion. What’s more, Tropicana’s Havana Room, an elegant space that boasts a magnificent crystal chandelier, is sur- rounded by more than 40 custom-built banquette-seating areas and multiple full-service bars. Also, the Havana Room can accommodate up to 300 attendees seated, and 800 reception style. Another new venue ideal for group gatherings is downtown Las Vegas’ new- est casino, Circa Resort & Casino, which offers its 777-room hotel tower and rooftop lounge, Legacy Club. Standing at an impressive 458 feet tall, the hotel themeetingmagazines.com 24 DECEMBER 2021 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MGM RESORTS IS WHERE INSPIRATION TAKES CENTER STAGE YOU HAD TO BE HERE. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOUR EVENT WITH MGM RESORTS, VISIT MGMRESORTS.COM Karla Singson Formerly of Snap Events Las Vegas makes anybody feel like they’re a ‘somebody.’ There’s luxury, fun, great food, and a wide variety of experiences for everyone here. ARIA Resort & Casino offers 500,000 sf of versatile, fully equipped meeting facilities featuring ballrooms from 17,500 to 51,000 sf.MGM RESORTS IS WHERE INSPIRATION TAKES CENTER STAGE YOU HAD TO BE HERE. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOUR EVENT WITH MGM RESORTS, VISIT MGMRESORTS.COMalso boasts a 365-day/year pool expe- rience; a two-story casino and several original food and beverage concepts. To take in the sights of Las Vegas, the majority of the rooms and suites at the M Resort Spa Casino offer views through floor-to-ceiling windows, and most of the resort’s restaurants feature outdoor dining on terraces that over- look the 100,000-sf pool and events piazza. As far as meeting space goes, M Resort features more than 92,000 sf of flexible space, including the 25,000-sf M Pavilion and LUX special event ven- ues, as well as a 17,400-sf ballroom, mul- tiple reception areas and a convenient business center. And at Wynn Las Vegas and Encore, planners can configure the 560,000 sf of flexible space to meet their specific layout needs. This space includes 57 scaled meeting rooms, a 20,000-sf out- door pavilion with an adjacent 20,000- sf lawn and four expansive, pillar-less ballrooms. Recently named the largest five-star resort in the world, Wynn Las Vegas also offers the opportunity of hosting events poolside with its 45,000- sf outdoor pool deck. Hotels and resorts aside, T-Mobile Arena will play host to more than 100 events a year. In addition, meeting planners can explore the availability of hosting gatherings in T-Mobile Arena’s luxury suites and specially designed areas for groups, including Toshiba Plaza, an adjacent 2-acre outdoor entertainment space, which features performance stages, a variety of video screens, and other interactive content and display areas. REVISIT RENO Looking for a similar vibe as Las Vegas, but on a slightly smaller scale? Reno may be the perfect fit. Located near Lake Tahoe and its plethora of moun- tains, Reno, nicknamed the “Biggest Lit- tle City in the World,” also once held the title of the gaming capital of the world until Las Vegas entered the picture. Today, Reno is an ideal location for those seeking similar entertainment experiences and venues as Las Vegas, but in a smaller locale. And, the meetings and events venues Reno offers are award-winning options that have visitors’ health and well-being top of mind. For instance, Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, located within minutes of the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, has developed GSR Clean, a program that enhances the resort’s rigorous sanitation protocols, and implements social dis- tance considerations and hundreds of additional practices to minimize risk for guests and team members. Grand Sierra is an all-encompassing venue boasting more than 200,000 sf of meeting and convention space, including 45 meeting rooms in the resort’s convention center that can accommodate groups ranging from 10 to 4,000 attendees. Reno’s Peppermill Resort Spa Casino is teeming with Tuscan-style luxury — including its hand-painted Italian art throughout the 600 Tuscan Tower suites — and offers more than 106,000 sf of meeting space. The resort’s Tuscany Ball- room features Northern Nevada’s larg- est clear-span meeting space at 62,000 sf. In addition, Peppermill features the fourth-floor Capri Ballroom; the newly renovated Sorrento, Naples and Capri Ballrooms; the intimate, White Orchid Private Dining Room, and the 17th-floor, two-story executive boardroom. Nearby, the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa in Reno is another perfect option for corporate meetings, trade shows, con- ventions, as well as smaller affairs. The Atlantis resort includes two ballrooms — the Grand Ballroom and Paradise Ballroom — 22 meeting rooms, a high- tech executive boardroom and a fully functional business center. The resort’s more than 50,000 sf of flexible meet- ing space includes the aforementioned ballrooms, as well as the Promenade pre-function space, and multiple break- out rooms that can accommodate as many as 1,500 attendees. What’s more, Atlantis is Reno’s only resort connected to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, via a glass-enclosed Sky Bridge, adding an additional 600,000 sf of available space for meetings and conventions. And while Reno is famous for its world-class hotels, resorts and casinos, the area also offers a wealth of unique activities and entertainment options for attendees. From skiing in nearby Tahoe to exploring the many outdoor hiking and nature activities, to visiting the various museums dotting the area — visitors to the Reno area will find a multitude of opportunities for fun and relaxation. I & FMM themeetingmagazines.com 26 DECEMBER 2021 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Deven Crane Director of Travel Services Incentive Solutions Some gamble, some go to shows, some shop, and others hang out at the pool. There’s something for everyone. Peppermill Resort Spa Casino offers more than 106,000 sf of meeting space. Its casino is also the recipient of a wide variety of distinguished casino awards, including Best Casino and Best Place to Gamble in Reno.BUSINESS 3.0 WHILE RESORTS WORLD LAS VEGAS IS NEW, OUR APPROACH TO MEETINGS BOASTS DECADES OF EXPERIENCE. A high-tech suite of spaces and tools designed with a new perspective on meetings. Exclusively developed by Resorts World Las Vegas, this truly innovative paradigm sets the stage for seamless work sessions and unprecedented productivity. To learn more about Business 3.0, and how it can help your company to succeed, please contact a member of our Group Sales team today. Please call (702) 802-6460 or visit us online at rwlasvegas.com to Book Your Next Meeting at RESORTS WORLD LAS VEGAS AT RESORTS WORLD LAS VEGAS LAS VEGAS’ NEWEST HOTEL & CASINO DON’T JUST MEET. EXCEED. NEXT GEN MEETS DESTINATIONREPORT themeetingmagazines.com 28 DECEMBER 2021 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT FLORIDA A Destination Always Open for Business BY DAVID SWANSON The 1,000-room Loews Royal Pacific Resort, pictured, is directly connected to the meeting facilities at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, which creates the Loews Meeting Complex at Universal Orlando. The complex offers 247,000 sf of combined meetings and events space. UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT ©2021F or more than a year now, the message from the state of Florida to meeting planners, attendees and vaca- tioners alike has been loud and clear: We’re open for business. Any pandemic-related rules that were in place to mandate social distancing, limit capacity or restrict non-essential travel were ended in early fall 2020, when Gov. Ron DeSantis put into effect “phase three” of the Plan for Florida’s Recovery. However, Florida stayed in the spotlight as the state expe- rienced some of the nation’s highest rates for COVID-19 for much of the pandemic. But the state is singing a different tune now. Florida finishes off 2021 with one of the lowest rates, on a per-capita basis, and Miami-Dade County boasts one of the highest vaccination rates of any major metropolitan area. Brandon Green, co-organizer of the Bitcoin 2021 Confer- ence held in Miami in early summer, says the state and city were willing to work with the 12,000-attendee conference to ensure the event could happen, despite the pandemic. “Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez directly connected with us to make this happen,” Green says. “He asked, ‘How can I help?’” It probably didn’t hurt that Miami is one of the first cities to accept Bitcoin payment for government fees. The recently re- elected mayor has stated that he wants to make the city the most attractive in the nation for those in the crypto and blockchain industries, and he also revealed recently that he is taking part of his 401(k) payment in Bitcoin. But that doesn’t mean that Miami wasn’t a good fit for the conference on its merits. Green says that COVID-19 regulations, coupled with warm weather, abundant outdoor space and sufficiently large venues com- bined to create a fun environment for the Bitcoin conference. “We used Mana Wynwood Convention Center for the con- ference,” Green says. “It was an excellent venue and offered all the space we needed.” Located in the heart of Miami’s Wynwood Art District, 2-1/2 miles north of downtown Miami, the venue is well suited to large-scale productions, offering an 83,000-sf Event Hall and a 38,000-sf Sound Stadium Hall. “It offered a great main stage site and exhibition space, and an awesome outdoor area. Plus, there was an excellent team.” With 12,000 attendees, the conference secured rates with multiple area hotels, but used Kimpton EPIC Hotel as the base location. The 411-room hotel located downtown offers 31,000 sf of meeting space, which allowed conference organizers to throw a VIP party on the terrace. “The Kimpton EPIC staff was excellent and friendly, room rates were good and the venue space was reasonable,” adds Green. Bitcoin 2021 was successful enough that event organizers are set to return to Miami in April, and expect attendance to substantially increase. The four-day Bitcoin 2022 event will be based at the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC), which was substantially overhauled in 2019, debuting a $620 million renovation just prior to COVID-19’s arrival. The expanded facility includes a new 60,000-sf Grand Ballroom, nearly 500,000 sf of exhibition space, an expanded Grand Lobby, up to 84 breakout rooms and 800 roof deck parking spaces. “Mayor Suarez and the Greater Miami Convention & Visi- tors Bureau (GMCVB) are excellent advocates for the city and county,” Green says. “They will open doors for you to be able to throw the best event possible.” WEATHER TOPS THE LIST For Joe Fijol, DMCP, and principal, ETHOS Event Collec- tive, the broad availability of outdoor spaces in Florida was an important factor for a 650-person incentive program he helped organize for Indiana-based CNO Financial Group. As Fijol explains, “COVID has made outdoor spaces part of the consid- eration when planning meetings and events. Florida’s weather not only provided a wide range of outdoor options but, through- out the state, they have proven their ability to meet safely.” International locations were originally under consideration for the recent early fall gathering, but changes to company travel restrictions eliminated the destinations being considered with only 90 days’ notice. Fijol says a hybrid incentive was not con- sidered, as virtual experiences have not been well received by prospective attendees. “Miami not only had availability, but it also offered experiences that were comparable to the interna- tional cities being considered, as well as a range of direct flights,” Fijol says. “Florida is a popular choice for incentives because of its range of experiences, hotel options, accessibility and warm weather. And for this group, it also had the availability needed.” For the incentive trip, CNO Financial chose Loews Miami Beach Hotel, the 790-room classic located in South Beach and just a half- mile from the MBCC. “The Loews Miami Beach could accommodate both the rooms and outdoor event spaces for this group, and they were flexible if changes were needed due to additional company mandates,” Fijol says. “The hotel offers a prime loca- tion on the beach, and is within walking distance to many iconic experiences and places. It also has a wide range of full- service amenities, dining options and flexible event spaces.” Additionally, CNO’s incentive would be the only group at the hotel during their stay. Fijol continues: “Due to uncertainty around COVID, rate and flexibility were important. The Loews and ETHOS Event Collective teams worked together to create contract terms that accommodated those needs while ensuring proper cov- erage for the hotel and staff.” Loews Miami Beach offers 65,000 sf of indoor meeting space, including the 28,000-sf Americana Ballroom, which INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | DECEMBER 2021themeetingmagazines.com 29 The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort’s total meetings space has grown to more than 350,000 sf.Next >