PUERTO RICO POST-COVID PHARMA MEETINGS RESILIENCE OF CRUISE LINES GAMING RESORTS UPDATE ORLANDO 50 Years of Meetings Magic! The World’s Most Magical Celebration at Walt Disney World Resort A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022 VOL. 40 NO. 1 $15.00We care about event professionals and the environment. Hilton shares your commitment to making the world a better, more sustainable place. Our Meet with Purpose program oers opportunities to execute more impactful meetings and is driven by a focus on environmental responsibility. A key component is LightStay, which provides metrics for events to ensure you meet your environmental and social impact goals. Available at every Hilton location, LightStay measures a hotel’s impact and tracks the hotel’s environmental progress. Ask your Sales Manager about the Impact Calculator and ensure meetings are sustainable and measurable in the ways that matter most to you. Learn more at meetwithpurpose.com . You have everyone else’s back. Hilton has yours. Your time is a precious resource and so is the planet.VOLUME 40 NO. 1 // FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022 12 20 24 46 52 58 28 32 38 IN THIS ISSUE features 4 Publisher’s Message 6 News & Notes 8 Perspective Why Vaccine Mandates Are Non-Negotiable for Work and Group Travel Event Planning BY SHAUN PRIME 10 Perspective Corporate Planners: The Next STR Growth Drivers BY EMIR DUKIC 66 People on the Move destinations departments Sea Watch Cruise Lines Show Resolve as They Sail Into 2022 BY NANCY MUELLER A Full House Gaming Resorts Continue to Attract Attendees BY KEITH LORIA Play On Use Gamification to Increase Engagement at Your Next Event BY SOPHIA BENNETT TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | February/March 2022 3 A New Prescription Medical/Pharma Meetings Evolve to Meet Demand BY MAURA KELLER Orlando A Sun-Kissed Oasis That Meets Every Need BY DAVID SWANSON Spotlight: Travis Mills Purple Heart Recipient and Quadruple Amputee Inspires Others BY ANDREA DOYLE Puerto Rico Attractive Island Offers Plenty of Tradition and Culture BY NANCY MUELLER 50 Years of Meetings Magic The World’s Most Magical Celebration at Walt Disney World Resort New Orleans New and Improved Venues Ready for Events BY DAVID SWANSON 52 20 12 32 ISSN 0739-1587 // USPS 716-450Corporate & Incentive Travel (USPS 716-450) is published bimonthly by Coastal Communications Corporation, 2700 North Military Trail — Suite 120, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6394; 561- 989-0600. Single copies $15.00 U.S.A. only. Yearly subscription price is $135.00 in the U.S.A.; Canada and foreign is $175.00. Back copies $17.00 U.S.A. only. Distributed without charge to qualified personnel. Periodicals Postage Paid at Boca Raton, FL, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Corporate & Incentive Travel, 2700 North Military Trail — Suite 120, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6394. Nothing contained in this publication shall constitute an endorsement by Coastal Communications Corporation (Corporate & Incentive Travel), and the publication disclaims any liability with respect to the use of or reliance on any such information. The information contained in this publication is in no way to be construed as a recommendation by C&IT of any industry standard, or as a recommendation of any kind to be adopted, by or to be binding upon, any corporate/ incentive travel planner or agent. Reproduction of any portion of this publication by any means is strictly forbidden. Editorial contributions must be accompanied by return postage and will be handled with reasonable care. However, the publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited photographs or manuscripts. Subscribers: Send subscription inquiries and address changes to: Circulation Department, Corporate & Incentive Travel, 2700 North Military Trail — Suite 120, Boca Raton, FL 33431- 6394. Provide old and new addresses including zip codes. Enclose address label from most recent issue and please allow five weeks for the change to become effective. Printed in U.S.A. © 2022 Let’s Look Ahead This year is the 50th anniversary of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), and, in Florida, Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating its 50th anniversary — our cover story this issue. As these two venerable entities look back in celebration and ahead to a prosperous future, it is a good time to assess the meetings business and some of the trends meeting planners are facing. Two factors are creating a great deal of uncertainty: The impact of the pandem- ic and concerns for any possible future virus, and the impact of technology. The latter factor is truly stunning, because meeting planning has been traditionally a labor-intensive area. Most planners are already — while others are becoming — extremely com- petent in adapting to the many changes rapidly confronting them. If you look back, you should take pride in what you have accomplished, but, as a meeting plan- ner, unless you gain knowledge from analyzing changes that have taken place in our industry, you can fall behind. It’s time to frame a strategy for continued growth in these rapidly changing times. Nostalgia may be harmful because it can blind you and prevent you from making difficult choices you will have to make in the future. To effectively manage change, meeting plan- ners must be able to control the technical aspects of meeting planning, including attendee health and safety, information process- ing communications and attendee security. While I don’t have a crystal ball, I do have access to more than 40,000 meeting planner subscribers, many of whom were interviewed and are wondering what’s next, what this year is going to bring, and what they should be doing about it. It is our goal with every issue to help you find the answers you need to successfully plan your events. PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE // A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Harvey Grotsky harvey.grotsky @ themeetingmagazines.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kristin Bjornsen kristin.bjornsen @ themeetingmagazines.com MANAGING EDITOR Henry Fitzgerald henry.fitzgerald @ themeetingmagazines.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Rachel Galvin rachel.galvin @ themeetingmagazines.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Sophia Bennett Sara Churchville Cynthia Dial Maura Keller Christine Loomis Nancy Mueller Patrick Simms David Swanson PRESIDENT & CEO Harvey Grotsky VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS David Middlebrook david.middlebrook @ themeetingmagazines.com ADVERTISING SALES OFFICES 2700 N. Military Trail, Suite 120 Boca Raton, FL 33431-6394 561-989-0600 Fax: 561-989-9509 advertising@themeetingmagazines.com IL | IN | WI REGIONAL MANAGER Bob Mitchell 630-541-3388 • Mobile: 630-235-0126 bob.mitchell@themeetingmagazines.com DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS Michael Caffin 914-629-5860 michael.caffin@themeetingmagazines.com 4 February/March 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Harvey Grotsky Publisher FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA linkedin.com/company/ CorpIncTravel @CorpIncTravel @CorpIncTravel facebook.com/ CorpIncTravelGRAND ENOUGH FOR YOUR BEST PEOPLE AND THEIR BIGGEST IDEAS.NEWS + NOTES // 6 February/March 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com OPENINGS Signia By Hilton’s First California Hotel Set to Open SAN JOSE, CA — Hilton recently announced that Signia by Hilton’s first California hotel, and second in the brand portfolio, the 805-room Sig- nia by Hilton San Jose, will debut this spring. The hotel is currently accepting reservations for April 25 and beyond. Cradled by the redwood-covered San- ta Cruz Mountains, Signia by Hilton San Jose will offer guests an unforget- table visit, blending modern grandeur and sophisticated style in the heart of one of California’s sunniest cities. As part of Signia by Hilton, the hotel will offer extraordinary meetings and events capabilities, world-class design, state-of-the-art technology, premium wellness offerings and signature culi- nary experiences, creating a desirable location to meet, explore and connect, perfect for sophisticated leisure, busi- ness and group travelers. The hotel offers 65,000 sf of meetings space, in- cluding the area’s largest ballroom. INDUSTRY Three New Affiliates Join the Hosts Global Alliance LAS VEGAS, NV — Hosts Global has announced the addition of new affiliates in Boston, Nashville and Saint Lucia. The alliance welcomes Portfire Events, in Bos- ton, Agenda USA Nashville and Barefoot Holidays in Saint Lucia. These destinations will have attendees im- mersing themselves in culture and history, line danc- ing to the sights and sounds of where country music was born, and feeling the warm sun and breeze from the tradewinds as they stare out at the turquoise blue waters. Each location offers activities and amenities uniquely available in the destination. CONSTRUCTION Omni PGA Frisco Resort Celebrates Topping Out FRISCO, TX — The highly anticipated Omni PGA Frisco Resort recently celebrated its topping out with an official ceremony that marked a major milestone for the coun- try’s largest resort currently in development. Slated to open spring 2023, the resort will boast 127,000 sf of in- door and outdoor meetings and events space, 510 luxury guest rooms and Texas ranch homes, a dynamic mix of entertainment, dining and retail, and two championship golf courses, representing a $520 million investment into the City of Frisco. The resort will also offer 12 dining out- lets, three pools and much more. CRUISES CDC Downgrades Travel Alert for Cruise Ships WASHINGTON, DC — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has downgraded its travel alert for cruise ships from Level 4 to Level 3. The Level 3 designation means the CDC is no longer advising travel- ers, even those who are vaccinated, to avoid going on a cruise. The deci- sion was made following a decrease in COVID-19 positivity rates in the United States. The CDC still advises unvaccinated people to avoid going on a cruise. A Level 4 designation in- dicates the agency thinks the risk of contracting COVID-19 is Very High, Level 3 is High, Level 2 is Moderate, and Level 1 is Low. The agency rec- ommends that vessels operating in U.S. waters voluntarily participate in its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships. The program gives a red, or- ange, yellow or green status to vessels based on data reported by the ships and public-health authorities, such as the number of COVID-19 cases on- board and which public-health mea- sures are being followed. Photo by Steve Dunlop OPENINGS Pendry Hotels & Resorts Announces Grand Opening of Pendry Park City ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Pendry Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Pendry Park City, the brand’s first year-round mountain resort located in the heart of Canyons Village at Park City Mountain. Pendry Park City marks the sixth addition to the Pendry Hotels & Resorts portfolio, and features 153 guest rooms, suites and resi- dences. The resort also features four dining outlets; a roof- top pool; Spa Pendry; the Pinwheel Kids Club and more. ANNIVERSARY Foxwoods Resort Casino Celebrating 30th Anniversary MASHANTUCKET, CT — The largest premiere resort casino in the Northeast — Foxwoods Resort Casino — re- cently kicked off its 30th anniversary with an impressive line-up of announce- ments, including a new partnership, property- expansion plans, and many exciting initia- tives happening on property for guests. Whether joining Fox- woods for a night out with friends, a family getaway, or a romantic weekend, these 30th anniversary announcements will give guests even more reasons to stay as the resort con- tinues to get better every year. The Rainmaker Expo Cen- ter transforms the current Bingo Hall into an impressive 75,000-sf meeting space for events such as trade shows, corporate meetings and functions, and sporting events. MAKE MEETINGS A BREEZE. Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa provides a destination that pairs modern luxury with a breathtaking waterfront location. Over 30,000 square feet of sea-inspired meeting space is available for you to customize and make your own. We also offer our own private yacht, ideal for receptions and post meeting events that are sure to wow attendees. SANIBEL HARBOUR MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA 17260 HARBOUR POINTE DRIVE, FT. MYERS, FL 33908 239.466.4000 SANIBELMARRIOTT.COM TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | February/March 2022 7W hen the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it sent shockwaves through the travel indus- try and called into question if travel as we knew it would ever recover. With vaccination rates climbing globally, many people can’t wait to leave behind the days of isolation and see the world. Coupled with com- panies across the country adopting Work from Anywhere (WFA) incentives and a strong desire to connect, interest in work and travel programs is surging. However, as COVID continues to ebb and flow through- out different countries around the world, resulting in a vari- ety of restrictions and requirements, international work, and travel events and program planners, have been faced with the tough decision of whether or not to impose vaccine man- dates for their program attendees. Countries, cruises and tour companies are increasingly requiring vaccines, but amongst community-based travel programs for remote professionals, adoption has been slow. While the initial hesitancy to adopt such measures may have originally stemmed from a fear of appearing political or alienating groups of potential attendees, there has been an industry shift in favor of adopting vaccine mandates as a means of prioritizing the health and safety of program attendees, simplifying logistics and championing respon- sible travel practices. Increased Demand for Work and Travel Programs While the pandemic has made international travel more difficult in general, it has also created new opportunities for community-based travel for working professionals. During the past year and a half, many people became accustomed to working remotely full-time, and many wish to continue doing so in some capacity. A recent survey conducted by FlexJobs found that an astounding 97% of survey attend- ees desire some kind of remote work, whether that be fully remote or working in a hybrid environment. As travel restric- tions have started to ease around the world, many employees want to get out of their homes and take the freedom that remote work allows on the road. As a result, companies have been facing increasing pres- sure to evolve their remote working policies. Employees want the freedom to be able to work from anywhere, not just their basement or home office — and companies have adapted. Recently, companies such as Google, Unilever, Salesforce, Deloitte, American Express and Spotify have announced policies that allow their employees to work remotely from other parts of the world for one to two months each year. With an increased interest in working from anywhere, many companies are investing in trusted work travel pro- grams, such as Remote Year, to ensure that their employees are logging on from a stable and secure network, and are also supported on their journey — no matter where in the world they are working from. Programs and events designed for working professionals are appealing to employers, as they not only offer benefits such as co-working spaces and high-speed Wi-Fi, but they also prioritize the well-being of attendees and involve immersive travel and work expe- riences that help their employees grow both personally and professionally. The community-based aspect of such programs is also appealing to those who are ready to burst from their COVID bubbles and network while traveling the globe with other professionals. When organizing community travel events and programs for working professionals, safety of attendees is of the utmost concern for planners and organizers, and has been one of the driving forces behind the vaccine mandates being implemented in the industry. PERSPECTIVE // Pixabay.com Why Vaccine Mandates Are Non-Negotiable for Work and Group Travel Event Planning BY SHAUN PRIME 8 February/March 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comEnsuring Participant Safety While it’s important to respect individual decisions and rights, attendee health and safety is paramount when plan- ning any type of event or program. From concerts and con- ferences to immersive community-based work and travel programs, events planners need to have protocols, restric- tions and crisis plans in place. The stakes are even higher when the event brings together people from around the world and involves international travel. Protecting the health and safety of attendees is a key drive for mandates — but the communities of destinations are important to con- sider as well. Travel companies should vie to leave positive footprints on local communities, people and economies. In economically disadvantaged communities that don’t have robust health-care systems or readily available access to the vaccine, travel groups have an ethical obligation to maintain their trust and protect host countries as best as possible. The uncertainty that COVID created has led to signifi- cant mental and emotional stress. Vaccine mandates for work, and travel events and programs, help relieve some of that stress by providing peace of mind for attendees and event planners. Recent research conducted by Gallup found that the majority of U.S. Americans are in favor of vaccine mandates for air travel (61%) and hotel stays (53%). In many cases, these mandates go beyond attendee vac- cination, and require all staff involved in facilitating events and programs also to be vaccinated. This not only promotes staff and attendee safety, but keeps things running smoothly by reducing the risk of staff shortages. Avoiding a Logistics Nightmare On top of attendee, staff and local safety, organizing an experience that involves international travel without a vac- cine requirement in place can prove particularly challeng- ing when it comes to planning and execution. The rules and requirements for countries, regions and cities are constantly changing, and it feels almost impossible to keep up. Most countries now accept proof of internationally approved vac- cines in order to enter the country and undertake day-to-day activities. This means that things should run fairly smoothly if everyone in your program group is fully vaccinated. While it may be possible to travel to a place without being vaccinated, it might not be possible to do much once you get there without regular testing throughout the stay. Sev- eral European countries are currently adopting restrictions that prevent unvaccinated people from entering restaurants, bars or public events. In places where negative tests can still be used as proof of a clean bill of health, needing to get COVID tests every few days can really add up. They range from $10-$100, and validity may only last 24 to 72 hours. In some places, tests are administered by private clinics, mak- ing them potentially difficult to schedule — especially on weekends — and expensive. Having to facilitate regular testing for program attendees can be time consuming, expensive and disrupt the event’s flow. It will also likely require additional planning on the part of events and program organizers, and possibly addi- tional staff to assist non-vaccinated attendees with testing, while other program leaders carry on with the vaccinated attendees. While vaccine mandates may limit who is able to participate in work and travel programs and events, they simplify the logistics of group experiences. While there is always a risk of injury or illness when trav- eling or attending events, increased research has shown an effectiveness of vaccines on reducing the transmission of COVID and reducing the symptoms for those who have been vaccinated, thereby resulting in reduced need for medical assistance. We’ve witnessed firsthand the difficulties pre- sented when staff and program attendees contract COVID. These instances are stressful, taxing on our teams, difficult for our local vendors to manage, and negatively impact the expe- rience of everyone in the program. This is why it’s essential for events organizers to implement vaccine mandates, which can help reduce the impact of the pandemic on their attend- ees’ valuable experiences. C&IT SHAUN PRIME Shaun Prime is the CEO of Remote Year, the leading platform for remote working professionals eager to experience the world with a like-minded community. To date, Remote Year has successfully launched and operated more than 80 programs in 40 cities around the world. Prime has led the company through the COVID-19 pandemic to determine resuming programs in a way that keeps attendees, staff and the host communities safe. As a result, Remote Year implemented a vaccine mandate for all program attendees and staff. Visit remoteyear.com/covid-policy for more information. “ While it may be possible to travel to a place without being VACCINATED , it might not be possible to do much once you get there without REGULAR TESTING throughout the stay. ” TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | February/March 2022 9Next >