< PreviousA s the strongest niche market to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, the short-term rental (STR) industry continues its upward expansion. In 2018, the STR industry hit almost $170 billion. By the end of Q4 2021, STRs offered 30% more in annual ROI than their long-term lease counterparts. No longer just a family option, business travelers are now showing market-changing affin- ity for STRs in their return to meetings and conferences activ- ity. For corporate professionals and teams looking for incentive housing for small groups, STRs are a smarter alternative to tradi- tional stays, offering a safeguard against hotel closures spurred by COVID outbreaks, and creating a contained, shared space for a culture-building stay. As the meetings and confer- ences industry hazards a full return, short-term rental book- ings will be the COVID-era change that’s here to stay. The State of Meetings and Conferences While most cross-integrated sectors implemented recov- ery strategies for the year, the business events and meetings industry experienced surprising growth. The combined scarcity of events and demand from professionals have kept the prospect of in-person events, meetings and conferences far from obsolete. The corporate world continues to deliver information from a distance with virtual hybrid meetings and conferences, but in- person gatherings offer essential value in building and rebuild- ing company culture. In this next phase of recovery, that in- person interface will prove necessary for organic development, team building, and the strengthening of intra-office morale. STRs: A Better Way to Stay STRs have seen robust growth under the banner of a risk-free travel experience. Health concerns associated with COVID forced travelers to reconsider hotel options. That ongoing concern will expand into 2022, privileging STRs further over their traditional-stay counterparts. STRs offer a local immersive experience that hotels, by their design, prevent visitors from realizing. With larger homes, smaller business teams can work and live together as a unit in a setting conducive to team building, brainstorming and the sharing of a meaningful experience. For event planners, the infrastructure needed for alternative forms of accommoda- tion was already built and wait- ing for this market development. Working in tandem with the new preference for immersive stays, meetings and conferences orga- nizers can streamline demand for STR accommodations, mak- ing it easy for their attendees to choose from a range of options. Corporate planners that are able to extend the STR offering will have an upper-hand in extend- ing and improving the in-person experience of meetings and conferences, triggering quick, robust recovery and innovative growth across the sector. The Future of STRs The boom of the STR market has paved the way for new and established investors to realize significant returns at low risks within their post-pandemic portfolios — anyone with an address has the opportunity to consider the lucrative path of hosting short-term guests. As a conduit for intrastate travel, STRs have offered win- win results at the local and rural levels. Neighborhood busi- nesses on the brink of collapse have enjoyed renewed growth thanks to STR market expansion. Now, travelers are under- standing that STRs are more than just a place to spend a cou- ple of days. Choice properties are turning into mini-module incubators where internal company innovation is hatched. Hosts were initially blindsided with STR demand coupled with a lack of available properties due to restrictions caused by mandatory lockdowns. Short-term tenants couldn’t leave, PERSPECTIVE // Pixabay.com Corporate Planners: The Next STR Growth Drivers BY EMIR DUKIC Short-term rentals can offer an alternative to hotels for smaller corporate groups. 10 February/March 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comand incoming tenants weren’t allowed to enter. It was this dilemma that created a new job position — the modern-day property manager. And now with bleeding edge technology that has proven reliable, property owners can control assets and client service demands remotely. Remote property management equips STR hosts with unique abilities to cater to professional clientele. Working in tandem with meetings and conferences professionals, hosts in the surrounding area can optimize their STR offerings for their incoming business guests. By offering work-from-home ame- nities, high internet speeds, remote access control and hands- free security checks, hosts can begin to extend all the comforts of an in-hotel stay, with the added benefit of a more local and personal experience. Corporate planners can work with local hosts to similarly streamline the booking experience, listing their properties on the event’s webpage, or making it easy for guests to get in touch with the owners of popular properties. The Role of STRs in Corporate Rural Expansion Seeking a balance between safe remote operations and the necessary collaborative element of an office, many companies and business leaders sought office space in rural or secondary markets. Allowing employees a space with more favorable liv- ing conditions, simpler commutes and generally more space, the rural expansion of the corporate world has been a land- mark development during the pandemic. As the expansion continues, the availability of short-term stays in those rural areas will support and spur similar rural development. Market spaces that were once deemed less accessible are now the ‘perfect getaway’ for safe conferences and meetings activity. Investors and hosts in those areas are already seeing higher-than-average returns on homes with lower purchase prices but high traveler demand. And as an asset solution, STR companies and host conglomerates have continued to improve their property management and stay offerings, optimizing for guest efficiency and quality assur- ance. Some hosts and host companies are offering grocery delivery and on-demand cleaning services. These revenue streams and stay options have emerged in markets that didn’t exist two years ago, making it easier for planners to follow the trend toward secondary markets and take advan- tage of beautiful, underused spaces for meetings. The Mutual Evolution of Meetings & STRs A golden opportunity exists for corporate planners to facilitate the STR experience for business teams search- ing for safe and engaging accommodations that will offer a rewarding team experience. Alternative accommodation space providers, along with corporate planners and busi- ness events professionals, can partner to create win-win relationships in rural areas that offer the peace of mind around health and safety that metropolitan hubs still strug- gle to guarantee. The pandemic, having proved the importance of mutually beneficial business practices within communities small and large, will be remembered as a key watershed industry period in which event planning sustainability entered new realms. Corporate planners have a new focus on circular econ- omy initiatives, and the idea of supporting nearby vendors and fostering positive economic outcomes on a local scale remains a focus in 2022. STRs have become the perfect path to local collaboration, allowing business travel to have the greatest impact on the immediate local economy in which the meetings and conferences are taking place. As the in-person component of these experiences comes back online, the economic impact will only be amplified. Vir- tual conference experiences have worked, and will continue to be an option, but the incentives of the in-person experience are already causing a rebound in business travel. As the rollout of the vaccine continues to make in-person meetings safer, the rise of STRs around corporate and conference events will be a win-win for hosts and planners alike. The meetings and corporate events planning sector is primed to be an STR spotlight. Corporate sectors have yet to realize the existing channels and pathways waiting to be seized. Of the many developments that have come from the pandemic, the symbiosis of the corporate world with the short-term stay strategy could be one of the most influential factors in the market going forward, for planners, investors, hosts and business owners alike. C&IT EMIR DUKIC Emir Dukic is the CEO of Rabbu, a frontier flexible rental asset management company that helps real estate investors see the potential for short-term rental income. With proprietary technology, Rabbu automates all aspects of asset management and helps property managers supercharge their operations, eradicate contact and manage their assets across major rental platforms. For more information, visit Rabbu.com. “ As the in-person component of these EXPERIENCES comes back online, the economic IMPACT will only be amplified. ” TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | February/March 2022 11Photo Credit Meetings Magic! DISNEY // 50 Years of 12 February/March 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.coms haking off the shackles of a pandemic that sent business and corporate travel reeling, planners looking for rainbows will find one road to industry recovery paved in pixie dust. Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is marking its 50th anniversary with “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.” The 18-month event kicked off October 1, offering boundless opportu- nities for meetings professionals looking to create unforgettable conventions, business meetings or incentive programs. For a celebration so special, Disney is poised with a slate of new attractions, nighttime spec- tacles and other magical experiences. Best of all, The World’s Most Magical Celebration at Walt Disney World Resort gic! Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with an 18-month event that kicked off October 1. Inset, The iconic Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse characters stand in front of Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Park. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | February/March 2022 13the team at Disney Meetings & Events (DisneyMeetingsandEvents.com) stands ready to help planners tap it all and connect attendees to organizations and each other. And Disney can make that happen, whether the group is meeting in-person, virtually or as part of a hybrid event. Corporate travel planners strike gold choosing Walt Disney World, which offers affordability, a diverse portfolio of resort and convention hotels, world- class theme park events and magical, in-park settings ready made for group functions. Incentive planners rave about the allure of the destination and how it motivates performance. Disney Meetings & Events offers another Disney Difference — a single point of contact for everything a meet- ing calls for, from venue space and resort rooms, event transportation and cater- ing, to entertainment and networking events. The Disney team can even help with event-exclusive merchandise. “We’re encouraged by the broad interest we’re seeing across the board with associations, corporate groups and incentives,” says Maryann Smith, vice president of sales, services and events at Disney Destinations. “Planners and attendees are eager to travel again and to engage with one another.” And what better time for planning a meeting or convention and returning to travel than with Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th anniversary celebration in full swing? Here’s a snapshot of all that’s new and coming to “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” All That Glitters Shining at the center of it all, Cin- derella Castle in Magic Kingdom Park welcomes guests with gleaming gold bunting, sparkling golden embellish- ments, a 50th anniversary crest and other enhancements inspired by the art of Disney legend Mary Blair. Expanded EPCOT France Pavilion Serves up New Attraction, Restaurant The recently opened “Remy’s Rata- touille Adventure” invites guests into the flavorful world of Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award-winning film “Rata- touille.” In this family-friendly attrac- tion, guests feel as if they have shrunk to the size of Chef Remy and are scurrying through Gusteau’s famous restaurant. Also new to the expanded France pavilion is a delicious restaurant, La Crêperie de Paris, offering both table- and quick-service options. The attrac- tion, restaurant and pavilion expansion are all part of the historic transforma- tion of EPCOT currently underway, bringing a breadth of new experiences to the park as a celebration of curiosity, discovery and the magic of possibility. EPCOT Nighttime Spectacular “Harmonious” Reimagines Disney Music “Harmonious,” one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney theme park, bursts on, around and above World Showcase Lagoon. “Harmonious” features new interpre- tations of classic Disney songs in more than a dozen languages, performed by a diverse group of 240 artists from around the world. EPCOT guests will marvel at this grand, powerful tribute to the unify- ing power of story and song, embracing new technical magic that incorporates pyrotechnics, choreographed moving fountains, lighting, massive LED panels and media in new ways. Groups can take advantage of numerous private viewing locations to host unforgettable dessert parties with a fireworks backdrop. “Disney Enchantment” Lights up Nights at Magic Kingdom Park Joining “Harmonious” is another new nighttime spectacular, “Disney Enchantment” at Magic Kingdom Park. This evening extravaganza takes guests on a journey filled with adventure, wonder and empowerment. Inspiring When you partner with Disney for your meeting or event, you get access to best-in-class planners, industry-leading technology, world-class culinary experts and unforgettable entertainment. But, most importantly, you’ll get Disney’s legendary creativity, storytelling and attention to detail. When you use our imagination, you will transform your meeting into something incredible only found at Disney. Use Our Imagination. Visit us at disneymeetingsandevents.com Maryann Smith, vice president of sales, services and events at Disney Destinations. The resort is touting its benefits as a meetings destination. 14 February/March 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comWhen you partner with Disney for your meeting or event, you get access to best-in-class planners, industry-leading technology, world-class culinary experts and unforgettable entertainment. But, most importantly, you’ll get Disney’s legendary creativity, storytelling and attention to detail. When you use our imagination, you will transform your meeting into something incredible only found at Disney. Use Our Imagination. Visit us at disneymeetingsandevents.comeveryone to believe in magic, “Disney Enchantment” features stunning fire- works, powerful music, enhanced light- ing and, for the first time, immersive projection effects that extend from Cin- derella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A. Beacons of Magic Shine at Walt Disney World Theme Parks During the 50th anniversary celebra- tion, icons at Walt Disney World theme parks transform at night into magnifi- cent Beacons of Magic, coming to life with their own EARidescent glow.* • Cinderella Castle illuminates Magic Kingdom Park with a dazzling radiance and pixie-dust sparkle. • At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, a warm light emanates from the Tree of Life as fireflies gather to usher in the magic of nature. • The Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is awash in a brilliance evoking the golden age of imagination and adventure. • And at EPCOT, new lights shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth, connecting to one another like stars in a nighttime sky and creating a mesmerizing symbol of optimism. *Beacons of Magic available nightly at select theme parks. See DisneyWorld.com/50 for details. “Disney KiteTails” Takes Flight at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park New daytime entertainment is stirring at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, as “Disney KiteTails” comes alive several times daily at the Discovery River Theater. Performers fly windcatchers and kites of all shapes and sizes, while out on the water elaborate three-dimensional kites — some stretch- ing to 30 feet — depict Disney animal friends, including Simba, Zazu, Baloo and King Louie. These colorful cre- ations dance through the sky to the beat of favorite Disney songs in an uplifting, vibrant experience for the whole family. “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind” Debuts in 2022 One of the most highly anticipated new experiences at Walt Disney World Resort will debut in 2022 as part of the 50th anniversary celebration. As part of the historic transformation of EPCOT, “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind,” will be the park’s first “other- world” showcase pavilion. The family- friendly adventure features a new story- telling coaster that rotates 360 degrees to focus guests on the action, including the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster. Guests will learn more about the treasures Xandar has to share — until the moment when the Guardians of the Galaxy arrive, and an intergalactic chase through space and time begins! Golden “Disney Fab 50 Character Collection” Sculptures Appear Across Theme Parks New “Disney Fab 50 Character Col- lection” golden sculptures are spread across the four Walt Disney World theme parks in honor of the 50th anni- versary. Fifty characters are featured in total, including Miguel and Dante from Disney and Pixar’s “Coco” at EPCOT; BB-8 and R2-D2 from “Star Wars” at Dis- ney’s Hollywood Studios; Simba, Timon and Pumba from “The Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park; and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Disney is offering a slate of new attractions, nighttime spectacles and other experiences for attendees to enjoy during events. 16 February/March 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com— dedicated to Walt Disney World cast members — at Magic Kingdom Park. Celebratory Food and Drinks Look to the Past for New Inspiration During its 50th anniversary cele- bration, Walt Disney World once again demonstrates how food and drinks can be key ingredients for a fun day at The Most Magical Place on Earth. New menu items for the celebration offer nods to the resort’s past, while pushing culinary adventures to exciting new places. These include theme park clas- sics and some of Walt Disney’s favor- ite items, along with novel dishes and sips full of color, whimsy and a touch of EARidescent shimmer. “Drawn to Life” Presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney “Drawn to Life,” the new family- friendly show that debuted at Disney Springs on November 18, is an original creative collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Stu- dios and Walt Disney Imagineering. All- new during The World’s Most Magical Celebration, “Drawn to Life” is a live acrobatic journey telling the story of Julie, a determined girl who discovers an unexpected gift left by her Disney animator father: an unfinished anima- tion. As she dives into the inner world of animation guided by a surprising pen- cil, Julie embarks on an inspiring quest filled with her childhood Disney mem- ories, brought to life through Cirque du Soleil’s innovative design and dazzling performances. For more information, visit cirquedusoleil.com/drawntolife. F lexibility. Customization. Immersive enhancements. Gamification. Magical venues with endless possibili- ties. Creative experiences from the experts at creative. Disney Meetings & Events checks all the boxes for meetings professionals planning that special group experience at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Imagine having all the creative talent, ideas and resources at Disney in your corner as you plan your event. No matter the meeting objective, client needs are met by the plan- ning professionals at Disney Meetings & Events. Among many new and reimagined product offerings: • Décor — To cel- ebrate The World’s Most Magical Cel- ebration, Disney Meet- ings & Events designed four vignettes reflecting the four Walt Disney World theme parks, each with its own detailed décor captured in a ballroom setting. All elements from floral to menus, to lighting, can be cus- tomized to fit the creative vision for event planners. • National Geo Live, Disney Institute — Source content that is inspiring, educational and exciting from these nationally known brands for your next meeting (in-per- son, hybrid or virtual). It’s among many digital experi- ence tactics and professional development options available to meeting planners. This suite includes full ser- vice, in-house capabilities designed to bring hybrid, in-person or virtual events to attendees. • Disney@Home — Let Disney’s visual storytellers, artists and designers make “house calls” with custom care packages for meeting clients. Each uniquely designed box brings the power of Dis- ney@Home to create magical memories that will last a lifetime. • Gamification — For a limited time — to March 31 — the first 50 clients who book with Disney Meetings & Events get free access to Kahoot! Event Gold, an exciting tool for virtual or in-person events that enhances audience engage- ment in meetings, presentations and training sessions with gamified content. It also assists remote/virtual par- ticipants to feel more engaged with colleagues who might be meeting in-person at Disney. For details on these and other exciting programs for meeting planners during The World’s Most Magi- cal Celebration at Walt Disney World Resort, visit DisneyMeetingsandEvents.com. C&IT Reimagined Offerings from Disney Meetings & Events TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | February/March 2022 17Space 220 Restaurant at EPCOT: The “Height of Dining” In an expansion of the Mission: SPACE pavilion at EPCOT, the new Space 220 Restaurant is a culinary expe- rience offering the celestial panorama of a space station, including daytime and nighttime views of Earth from 220 miles above the planet’s surface. Guests board a space elevator for a simulated journey to the Centauri Space Station, where they experience the “height of dining.” Once they arrive, guests enjoy meals and drinks while taking in views that are truly out of this world. Original Walt Disney World Resort Hotels Add New Pixie Dust As Walt Disney World celebrates its 50th anniversary, Walt Disney Imagi- neering is continuing to enhance the storytelling at the meeting destination’s two original Disney Resort hotels, part of the Disney Resorts Collection. The iconic A-frame tower at Disney’s Con- temporary Resort — Disney’s first con- vention resort in Florida — is being completely refurbished, blending a sleek Monorail motif evoking Tomor- rowland with some favorite charac- ters from Pixar Animation Studios’ “Incredibles” films. Guest rooms were recently reimag- ined at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort with a color palette inspired by the Pacific Ocean and its neck- lace of islands. Their fresh new look draws on the details, textures and pat- terns found in Disney’s “Moana,” with characters and references to the film’s rich storytelling. Walt Disney World Transportation Features New Magic Groups traveling across Walt Dis- ney World Resort will find that get- ting around is half the fun. Many of the unique and convenient forms of com- plimentary transportation received special 50th anniversary décor for the celebration. Guests may ride in spar- kling style with new artwork added to select Disney Skyliner cabins, Disney motor coaches and a golden Monorail train. Each Monorail train also fea- tures special nighttime enhancements for the 50th anniversary, with the addi- tion of glowing lights that match each train’s specific color spreading magic everywhere the train runs across Walt Disney World. Mickey, Minnie and Friends Dress for the Occasion Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale — otherwise known as the “EARidescent 8” — dress in spar- kling new looks, custom-made for this special occasion. Highlights of these celebratory designs include beautifully embroidered impressions of Cinderella Castle backed by fireworks, as well as a brocade in multi-toned, EARidescent fabric — all punctuated with pops of gold. Disney characters will also make appearances at Disney Resort hotels, dressed in their EARidescent best. To learn more or to book a meeting, visit DisneyMeetingsandEvents.com, or call 321-939-7129. C&IT See these characters in the “Disney Fab 50 Character Collection” as golden sculptures. Below, new food and drink items were chosen for the celebration. 18 February/March 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com LEGENDARY MEETINGS CUSTOMIZED AND REIMAGINED WITH ISLAND ENCHANTMENT. MAKA ALA LOBBY‘ KAIONA BALLROOM KA WA A, A LU AU‘‘ 18-HOLE CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSE AULANI CONFERENCE CENTER Kaiona Ballroom 4,590 sq ft Ka ala Ballroom 2,885 sq ft Covered Pre-Function 4,715 sq ft Kipuka Lawn 5,195 sq ft Kipuka Courtyard 3,633 sq ft Na auao Room 240 sq ft Total 21,258 sq ft OUTDOOR VENUES Wailana Pool 9,250 sq ft Rainbow Reef Patio 1,766 sq ft Kula Wai 3,000 sq ft Ka Maka Landing 16,000 sq ft Halawai Lawn 12,800 sq ft Aulani Beach 20,000+* sq ft AMA AMA Patio 4,869 sq ft AMA AMA Veranda Alohi Point Total 76,685 sq ft • Additional function space may be available, depending on specific event configuration. ‘ ‘ ‘‘ ‘‘ When you partner with AULANI, A Disney Resort & Spa, our expert planners work with you every step of the way, to make sure your event isn’t just fully customizable, but brings the sights and sounds of the Hawaiian culture to your meeting attendees. Set on the pristine western coastline of O‘ahu, this 21-acre oceanfront resort offers more than 76,000 square feet of stunning outdoor venues and 21,258 square feet of meeting and event space. Add to that the award-winning Laniwai Spa, fine dining and shopping, KA WA‘A, A Lu‘au, Ko Olina Marina, an 18-hole championship golf course, Hawaiian-style excursions specifically designed for groups and the comfort of 832 rooms you’ve got everything you could want to create a magical event with a Hawaiian flair. For more information, call 321-939-4031 or visit disneymeetings.com/Aulani. AULANI, A DISNEY RESORT & SPA HONOLULU WAIKIKI OAHU ‘ NORTH SHOREMAKA ALA LOBBY‘ KAIONA BALLROOM KA WA A, A LU AU‘‘ 18-HOLE CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSE AULANI CONFERENCE CENTER Kaiona Ballroom 4,590 sq ft Ka ala Ballroom 2,885 sq ft Covered Pre-Function 4,715 sq ft Kipuka Lawn 5,195 sq ft Kipuka Courtyard 3,633 sq ft Na auao Room 240 sq ft Total 21,258 sq ft OUTDOOR VENUES Wailana Pool 9,250 sq ft Rainbow Reef Patio 1,766 sq ft Kula Wai 3,000 sq ft Ka Maka Landing 16,000 sq ft Halawai Lawn 12,800 sq ft Aulani Beach 20,000+* sq ft AMA AMA Patio 4,869 sq ft AMA AMA Veranda Alohi Point Total 76,685 sq ft • Additional function space may be available, depending on specific event configuration. ‘ ‘ ‘‘ ‘‘ When you partner with AULANI, A Disney Resort & Spa, our expert planners work with you every step of the way, to make sure your event isn’t just fully customizable, but brings the sights and sounds of the Hawaiian culture to your meeting attendees. Set on the pristine western coastline of O‘ahu, this 21-acre oceanfront resort offers more than 76,000 square feet of stunning outdoor venues and 21,258 square feet of meeting and event space. Add to that the award-winning Laniwai Spa, fine dining and shopping, KA WA‘A, A Lu‘au, Ko Olina Marina, an 18-hole championship golf course, Hawaiian-style excursions specifically designed for groups and the comfort of 832 rooms you’ve got everything you could want to create a magical event with a Hawaiian flair. For more information, call 321-939-4031 or visit disneymeetings.com/Aulani. AULANI, A DISNEY RESORT & SPA HONOLULU WAIKIKI OAHU ‘ NORTH SHORENext >