< Previousspherical digital display exhibits the top sports scores from around the world and suspended sports equipment, a collection of trophies, classic sports accessories, and a collage of historical images of local sports heroes and events decorates the space.” Stunning artwork, glowing floor lanterns, and the fragrance of Yuzu and White Tea, invite guests into the 26,000-sf Spa and Fitness Center and full-service salon, offering both relax- ation and rejuvenation. Fifteen unique restaurant and lounge venues feature fine dining and fast casual cuisine, as well as bars offer- ing a selection of imported and local craft beers, and premium spirits. Spe- cial tasting menus and events showcase the chefs’ culinary wizardry in such offerings as Surf & Turf for Two and Fratelli Rush Hour four-course meal. SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO HOLLYWOOD (FL) Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood has undergone a $1.5 billion resort-wide expansion and now offers 120,000 sf of meeting and convention space. The resort’s meeting space includes a 38,000-sf exhibition hall large enough to host trade shows, conventions and large corporate groups. Adjacent to the pre- function space that features vaulted ceilings, chandeliered ballrooms and marbled atriums, the setting offers the perfect location for every event, from productive business meetings to social affairs. With 46 unique spaces, the flexible meeting space can be reconfigured to accommodate groups as large as 5,000 or smaller, more intimate groups of 15. Additional event space is available at DAER South Florida, the resort’s nightclub/ dayclub complex. DAER is a 44,000- sf, customizable space that includes an indoor nightclub; a day club with resort-style pool oasis and bungalows and a rooftop bar. The 13.5-acre pool lagoon offers activities such as kayaking, paddle- boarding and more — perfect for team- building activities or for those attend- ees looking to just cool off. Attendees can also blow off some steam at Hard Rock Live, the resort’s concert venue that offers unobstructed sightlines from every seat in the house. With Hard Rock Live and a comedy club with weekly programming, attend- ees will find plenty to do. True to the brand, live music can be found at the resort’s signature bars, ranging from jazz sounds to upbeat rock cover bands and everything in between. The resort’s casino features 150,000 sf of gaming space with 195 tables, including a variety of games, such as blackjack and mini-baccarat. The casino also offers 3,100 of the most popular slots, as well as video poker, video roulette, electronic rou- lette and electronic craps. A premier destination for players around the world, the resort is home to a 45-table Poker Room with an eight-table, semi- private area. The Poker Room is open 24/7 with first-rate amenities, includ- ing more than 50, 65-inch HD televi- sions to catch all of the sports action, a private cage with five windows for accessibility and delicious food selec- tions for players on the go. CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT Caesars Entertainment offers more than 1.9 million sf of meeting space and nearly 40,000 hotel rooms across 33 properties in 12 states. That vari- ety allows the company to cater to every taste. In Las Vegas, the venues include the iconic Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, The LINQ Las Vegas Hotel + Experience, Flamingo Las Vegas, Bally’s Las Vegas, Harrah’s Las Vegas Hotel and Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. Caesars Palace offers 300,000 sf of meeting space, which includes the 51,000-sf pillar-less Octavius and Forum ballrooms, each of which can handle as many as 5,555 guests and can be reconfigured into up to 25 separate breakout rooms. The Augustus Ball- room, at 36,260 sf, offers countless configuration possibilities, while the 28,592-sf Palace Ballroom features an expansive pre-function area, service hallways on three sides and direct access to freight elevators. The 4,100- seat Colosseum — with one of the world’s largest LED screens — and the 4.5-acre Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis are two of the popular special venues attendees will enjoy that can bring a twist to any meeting or event. The LINQ Las Vegas Hotel + Experience, geared toward small to medium-sized groups, offers 31,034 sf of high-tech meeting space that can be configured for 10 to 1,000 attendees. The LINQ Promenade and The High Roller are available to help create truly memorable experiences. Harrah’s Las Vegas offers a 25,000- sf conference level and unique ven- ues such as Harrah’s Showroom, the world-famous Improv Comedy Club and Carnaval Court. Looking for more space? The hotel is directly connected to the CAESARS FORUM conven- tion center, which offers more than 300,000 sf flexible space, the two larg- est pillar-less ballrooms in the world, each at 110,000 sf, and a 100,000-sf outdoor plaza. | AC&F | themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2022 The Oculus at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood’s Guitar Hotel. The resort offers 150,000 sf of gaming space with 195 tables, including a variety of games, such as blackjack and mini-baccarat. 30Take center stage on your next event and escape the everyday in a truly extraordinary getaway with limitless possibilities. Contact our Sales Team today to learn more and book your group. 800.937.0156 | HardRockHolly.com | #GuitarHotel DISCOVER YOUR RHYTHM. ©2022. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1-888-ADMIT.IT. FINE-TUNE YOUR NEXT MEETING.PLANNERTIPS themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2022 A LASTING IMPRESSION Great Entertainment Makes Memorable Experiences F rom musicians to magicians, the type of chosen entertainment for an association meeting or event can leave a memorable impression on attendees. That’s why, with a solid level of due diligence com- bined with a keen understanding of today’s entertainment trends, planners can develop an entertainment lineup that truly wows. According to Amy Grace Collins, event planner and owner of Amy Grace Events, the meetings and events indus- try is focused on experiential-driven events. To keep event attendees fully immersed, planners should be seek- ing the best entertainment, not only in the standard personal entertainment, such as performers and comedians, but with food-forward events. “People want aspects of their conferences and corporate meetings to be noteworthy,” Collins says. “It can many times drive attendees to sign up and commit based on the fun they are about to have.” Karma O’Neill, owner and event planner at KO Events, says attendees have many events to choose from as we move out of pandemic isolation and restrictions. She finds it more important than ever to offer guests a unique expe- rience and a reason to attend. “Whether it be a live band, magician/mentalist, interactive DJ or a fun game, events are turning from screen time to a way to get people to attend, meet others and encourage friends and co-workers to attend along with them,” O’Neill says. Cindy Y. Lo, CEO of RED VEL- VET, has always educated her clients that, with a strategic plan and with enough advance notice, they can use their choice of entertainment as a way to teach attendees what it is about the organization, product or service that leaves lasting impressions. “Don’t just view entertainment as a filler,” Lo says. What I’m personally seeing attend- ees ask for are ways for to be enter- tained. Long gone are the days where you can have a well-spoken master of ceremonies on stage to keep the audi- ence engaged. Sometimes, you have to budget for a bit more to either bring a named talent or someone that they have never had the pleasure of hearing By Maura Keller Nostalgia can play a huge role in keeping attendees entertained at an event. Remember Scooby-Doo and his mystery-solving pals, Shaggy, Velma, Fred and Daphne? COURTESY OF LORI DOLAN 32from outside of social media or on TV. Attendees still want the ‘never-can-buy’ moment — what that means is, you’re giving them something they can’t easily buy through a third-party company or find via Google.” ENTERTAINMENT THAT ENGAGES According to Megan Bendtzen, consultant, speaker and fun specialist at TheDoctorofFun.com, now that we are finally able to gather again, confer- ences are coming back in full force, and people are excited to come together. To capture the energy and make a last- ing impact on people, spend some time finding the right fit, someone that can evoke feeling in the entertainment, or it will be just another forgotten meeting. “When you think about the best con- ference or event you’ve ever attended, you probably don’t remember it for the color of the linens, the food, the give- aways or probably not even much of what was taught,” Bendtzen says. “As Maya Angelou said, ‘People will for- get what you said and forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.’” She adds, “Whether an attendee by choice or by force, most hope for more than just education. Maybe they’re looking for motivation or inspiration, perhaps they need a recharge or they’re looking to connect with others. But at the root of it all, they’re looking to have some fun.” Secretly, every attendee hopes the event can double as a mini vacation. And why not? As Bendtzen points out, it is proven that when people are having fun, they are more engaged, they have more energy, they are more produc- tive, retention goes up and stress goes down. Everything they’re hoping to get out of it is much easier to achieve. And remember, today’s meeting and event attendees don’t want to sit for hours as speaker after speaker comes forward and presents to them. “They have spent the last two years in front of their screens being talked to, not getting to do the mix and mingle,” O’Neill says. “Attendees want human contact and to be entertained — whether it be with the food, music or other entertainment.” Indeed, today’s attendees want to be a part of the event. Interactive activities such as cooking classes, team building, opportunities to learn a new dance, or learn about innovative new ways to build business by actively being involved, are the best ways to get attendees motivated to come out of their houses and from in front of their screens. “Decide on your event and what you want attendees to get out of the experience. Is there a theme? An opportunity to draw new people to the event?” O’Neill says. “Think outside the box. When the pandemic hit, we were forced to move everything online or cancel completely. For some, this was business breaking, others thrived. Look for ways to attract people to your event.” Collins adds that attendees want something different; they want to be wowed. That’s why she recommends planners consider food experiential entertainment. “Fusion food is where it’s at. Interactive food stations, chef tables,” Collins says. “It can double not only as the meal provided, but as a source of entertainment and a total wow factor.” Another way to getting audience engagement and participation is with a customized game show. “People want interaction and hands-on experiences. The same goes for the entertainment. If they’re going to spend the money on travel and meals and registration fees, give them something they can’t expe- rience from their laptop. Planners can easily implement a game show using a free template found online, creating one 33 MAY 2022 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES Nothing beats the simplicity of a band when it comes to entertaining meeting attendees. While entertainment can take on almost any form — from bands to comedians to magicians to scavenger hunts — the best advice is to be sure to tailor it to your audience for maximum enjoyment. G ON eriences COURTESY OF KARMA O’NEILLof their own or bringing in a profes- sional to host it,” Bendtzen says. Game shows can even be used to deliver breakout-session topics in a more engaging way. Bendtzen says planners can amplify this concept another notch by using a fun theme to create an ongoing “game” that car- ries throughout the event, such as solving a mystery, participating in a scavenger hunt, or keeping the game show idea going in a different capac- ity. This takes attendee engagement to a whole new level that lasts the length of the event, not just during the enter- tainment portion. People also like a “pick-their-own- adventure” event. Looking to feel “nor- mal” again? They can attend the pre- pandemic way — i.e. a mosh pit, close networking events, etc. Looking for the “new normal?” Create small vignettes or spaces between assigned seating, sani- tization stations and masking options. If possible, try and accommodate both types of people at the same event, those who are drawn to COVID-safe activities with social distancing and those who are not. Create zones of comfort styles, which establishes the feeling of inclusivity while accommodating attendees’ needs. According to Lori Dolan, event spe- cialist at Events From Lori, you have to match the right type of entertainment to the group and pay attention to time- lines. You certainly don’t want a more- intensive scavenger hunt at the end of a long day of seminars. “But, you might want a great singing group to entertain you over dinner. And that’s why it is vital to have many conversations and details in writing for a very successful event,” Dolan says. Now that we are getting back to really solid in-person events, Dolan has been approached for entertainment that is not tech related. Let’s face it, while it is great you can work remotely, we are all a little burned out with online meetings and not interacting in a tra- ditional office setting. “Event planners often come to me looking for events and entertainment that offer plenty of real face time. Honestly, some of the attend- ees are actually meeting each other in person for the first time at my events,” Dolan says. “That’s really a lot of fun, and it adds an even better depth to the interactive nature of my entertainment.” In the end, people want to feel good when it comes to enter- tainment — whether it’s singing at the top of their lungs or fully getting their hands immersed in preparing food alongside a world-class chef. “Make it an event they must docu- ment on social media. They want to showcase their fun to family and friends and do that in a way that’s instantaneous,” Collins says. “Help them spread the word organically that you’ve planned an event not to miss.” THINGS TO AVOID One mistake to avoid making is booking entertainment that doesn’t fit the theme, or that takes away from attendees interacting. O’Neill recently attended a dinner that didn’t allow for meet-and-greet time, and during dinner they had loud music playing so the attendees could not even have conversations at their tables. “Many guests left early, before the program was over. With events being absent for the past two years, we need to have that human interaction brought back in — time to reacquaint ourselves with each other and start rebuilding rela- tionships,” O’Neill says. “Offer music, entertainment and activities, but also offer opportunities to meet the other attendees, make connections.” And remember that “newest isn’t always best.” As Collins explains, many attendees want something comfortable. Nostalgia can totally play a heavy hand with what guests what to see. “[Acts such as] ’90s boy bands or ’60s rock are always group favorites. Keep it simple. Epic can still be simple. Epic and complex rarely work together in harmony,” Collins says. Lo also stresses the importance of not under-budgeting the entertainment line item or postponing it to the very last stage of planning. “This is so important to plan concurrently so that you can even dictate your stage design and flow of the conference on integrating strate- gically placed entertainment,” Lo says. “And don’t forget, entertainment does not mean it has be a live entertainer. themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2022 Megan Bendtzen, consultant, speaker and fun specialist, says attendees might forget what they learned, but they will never forget how an event or its entertainment made them feel. Lori Dolan Event Specialist Events From Lori Honestly, some of the attendees are meeting each other in person for the first time at my events. That’s really a lot of fun. COURTESY OF MEGAN BENDTZEN 34It can also come in the form of clever activations. As an example, at one con- ference, RED VELVET actually taught real-life skills during the conference breakouts, such as how to change a flat tire. Now, keep in mind this tied back to the overall conference theme because the client wanted practical, useful advice throughout the conference, so we decided that, during every break, not only was there general networking, including food and beverage available, but also a station where someone could choose to learn a new life hack, espe- cially if they didn’t know it before.” Bendtzen also says it’s important to not decide on the entertainment based on price. “The most expensive doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best and vice versa,” she says. “Hire your enter- tainment based on who can best fulfill your needs and help you fulfill your desired outcome.” So how can you determine this? • Talk directly to the entertainer. You can tell a lot about what to expect based on how the conversation goes. A good entertainer cares about their audience and wants to knock it out of the park just as much as you want them to. They should ask about your needs, what you’re hoping to accomplish, who the audience consists of — not just talk about how great their act is. • You don’t always have to use an agency. It might be easier, one-stop shopping, but just because someone refers an agency doesn’t always mean they’re the best choice, and chances are you are overpaying by a significant margin. Not all agencies operate in this way, so do your due diligence. • If you are not the creative type, don’t be afraid to hire an agency or third-party entertainment specialist — also known as an entertainment broker. And openly share your budget, because they can tell you who they have rela- tionships with and who’s reliable and on theme with your event or conference. “Yes, you’re paying for an additional service, but it’s so worth it if they are reputable specialist because they will advance your entertainment and make sure your entertainers show up and do the job you expect them to do,” Lo says. “Remember, a lot of entertainers may not be doing their entertainment piece full-time, which means if you are not over-communicating the schedule, load-in logistics, etc., you may find yourself putting out a last-minute fire. Don’t risk the success of your event without surrounding yourself with pro- fessionals who do the on-site entertain- ment every week.” Do your research and visit entertainers’ websites. Really look through the photos and vid- eos, and if they ask you to con- tact them about references, do it. “And attend as many MICE and entertainment-buying confer- ences and conventions as you can,” Dolan says. And while customiza- tion and personalization of entertainment might cost a little more, it can make a huge impact. “If they under- stand what you do, your cus- tomers, your competitors, your challenges and are able to somehow incorporate your business in their act, it becomes relatable,” Bendtzen says. “There is a meaningful connection and it feels very special.” You want to create a buzz about your event, so create an opportunity for your attendees to help you do that by sharing photographic moments on social media and your conference platform. “What- ever you decide for your event, put in the effort to make a great choice,” Bendt- zen says “Fun is a serious business. The fallout from a poorly executed meeting is too damaging and costly to take it lightly. On the other hand, the rewards from an engaging, memorable event are enormous, and there are plenty of great entertainers waiting to make your event a hit.” | AC&F | MAY 2022 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES Rather than simply hiring a band, how about a murder-mystery, or another skit or play with a theme tied to your event? The key is to think outside the box. It’ll be worth it if attendees leave with memories that will last forever. Karma O’Neill Owner and Event Planner KO Events Events are turning from screen time ... to get people to attend, meet others and encourage friends and co-workers to attend. COURTESY OF LORI DOLAN 35PUERTO RICO DESTINATIONREPORT themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 202236T hey say the colors of Puerto Rico are perfect for inspiration, combin- ing the green to encour- age balance, blue to improve performance, red to increase energy and orange to promote enthusiasm. This color pal- ette of the island provides the ideal backdrop to connect for a meeting or convention, as attendees can take advantage of stunning natural won- ders, eye-popping architecture and even the blue cobblestone streets of Old San Juan. Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico, notes the value propo- sitions of hosting meetings and con- ventions in Puerto Rico are notable, including the fact that U.S. citizens do not need a passport, the dollar is used, English is widely spoken and there are no cell phone roaming charges, as it’s considered domestic travel by all phone plans. “While the rich culture gives it a worldly allure, there are conveniences of being a U.S. destina- tion, such as common pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS island-wide,” he says. “Not to mention that the same federal laws apply.” Plus, the island’s remarkable ven- ues offer all the modern technology and amenities one needs for a suc- cessful event in today’s climate. “The people of Puerto Rico are famous for their hospitality and ability to make all travelers feel as though the island is their home away from home,” says Tara Leigh Dickie, director of event sales & services at Fairmont El San Juan. “Puerto Ricans want all guests to experience the heart and soul of their island and take pride in every- thing it has to offer.” From its stunning white-sand beaches and blue waters, and famous waterfalls in El Yunque National For- est, to the Caribbean culture full of music and passion, meeting attendees and visitors quickly realize one visit is not enough and will want to return year after year. STRONG HISTORY In 2022, the capital city of San Juan is celebrating its 500th anniver- sary — a historic milestone — with events held at a local level through the summer. “There is an immersive walking tour, giving visitors and resi- dents a chance to travel back to the 16th century and explore one of the oldest cities in America,” Dean says. “This is an incredible moment to spot- light the unique city of Old San Juan — a feast for history buffs and explor- ers alike, with impressive forts, open plazas and hidden patios.” The essence of Puerto Ricans traces back to the ancestors that shaped the island’s story — people of Spanish, Taíno and African heritages. Whether it’s Old San Juan’s walking tour or visiting the southern town of Ponce, or exploring African culture in the northern town of Loíza, there are plenty of ways for groups to learn about the island’s rich history. TOP VENUES No matter what size or type of group is visiting, Puerto Rico boasts an array of venues, properties and activities that can cater to a variety of needs. From something low key 37 MAY 2022 ASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES By Keith Loria An Array of Experiences for Attendees The iconic Caribe Hilton boasts more than 65,000 sf of flexible meeting and event space, four ballrooms, an auditorium and 24 meeting rooms. themeetingmagazines.comto soak up the scenery, to a luxurious 5-star option, to an immersive look at the island’s fascinating history and culture, or an adrenaline-pumping option that explores outdoor adven- ture, Puerto Rico has plenty to offer that caters to the variety of personali- ties in any type of meeting. For large-scale events, the Puerto Rico Convention Center (PRCC) has 600,000 sf of total space, with 15 meeting rooms and 29 breakout rooms. “It is the largest and most technologically advanced convention center in the region, and also one of the greenest, with a 20,000-panel solar array and numerous other sus- tainable initiatives,” Dean says. “The Puerto Rico Convention Center has an impressive GBAC Star facility rating, and is the only venue to earn this in the Caribbean.” Opened in 2021, Distrito T-Mobile, is a unique 5-acre experiential complex that combines the best in global retail, destination dining, art, entertainment, music, technology and hospitality. The facility also features the Coca-Cola Music Hall, a mixed-use performance venue with space for more than 6,000 people, including a 900-guest VIP sec- tion, two outdoor bars and a stage for performances. “Distrito T-Mobile is a perfect option for off-site events, conventions and performances, offer- ing a multisensory, audiovisual and technologically advanced experi- ence,” Dean says. As it relates to hotels, the Wynd- ham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort has one of the Caribbean’s largest ballrooms, and offers more than 58,000 sf of outdoor event space. The layout combines world-class recre- ation and exceptional meeting facilities across 24 flexible meeting rooms. From major corporate conferences to tropi- cal retreats, Wyndham Grand Rio Mar offers ideal space for meetings of any size. “Over 48,000 sf of indoor event space provides the best backdrop for a productive meeting in paradise, while gorgeous outdoor areas — including beachside — offer bountiful options for team building, group activities and all types of island events,” says Evy Garcia, director of sales and market- ing for Wyndham Grand Rio Mar. “We also offer winning expertise from the on-site destination management com- pany to ensure group gatherings func- tion seamlessly.” The property is nestled on 500 acres along a 2-mile section of golden beach adjacent to the El Yunque National Forest — the only tropical rainforest in the national forest system — and the Mameyes River, so there are plenty of activities for meeting attendees to enjoy during off times. “We also offer guests plenty of dining experiences with our nine restaurants and bars, and a variety of amenities, including a 7,000-sf casino, two world-class golf courses, a spa and fitness center, multi- ple lounges and entertainment venues, a tennis center and three beachfront pools,” Garcia says. For travelers looking to take home an authentic taste of Puerto Rico, the resort has created the popular new Rio Mar Market, a creative “pop-up” hub with local designers, artists, bou- tiques, home décor and more, conveniently located right in the lobby. This collaboration with Pop Projects aims to encourage guests to shop small and support local Puerto Rico businesses. Then there’s the iconic Caribe Hilton, which boasts more than 65,000 sf of flexible space, four ballrooms, an audito- rium and 24 meeting rooms. The hotel is only a half mile from the PRCC, and underwent a $150 million renovation after suffering damage from Hurricane Maria in 2017. San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino recently renovated its 7,000-sf grand ballroom and pre-function space. “Our oceanfront outdoor terrace is perfect to host receptions and events,” says Joaquin Cruz, director of sales and marketing for San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. “We have four beau- tiful breakout rooms with natural light overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. And offer amazing culinary options with the ability to tailor menus based on clients’ and programs’ needs.” The resort also offers a dedicated events management team to partner with planners to cover all details of events to create memorable experi- ences. On property, attendees can get involved in beach volleyball tourna- ments, yoga sessions, salsa lessons and play at the casino. Off property, down- town San Juan is located within 10 min- utes from the hotel, so there are plenty themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2022 Distrito T-Mobile, which opened in 2021, is a unique, 5-acre experiential complex that combines the best in global retail, destination dining, art, entertainment, music, technology and hospitality. Brad Dean CEO Discover Puerto Rico We hear from planners that they are always blown away by the warm hospitality they find here. They arrive as a guest, but leave as family. 38MEET IN PUERTO RICO. The colors of Puerto Rico are ready to inspire you. Green to encourage balance. Blue to improve performance. Orange to promote enthusiasm. Our vivid color palette, along with vibrant immersive experiences, creates the perfect backdrop for your next meeting. You won’t even need a passport to get inspired. Meet in full color in Puerto Rico. Learn more at DiscoverPuertoRico.com/Meetings.Next >