< Previouscruise,” Roberts says. “The overall ser- vice from the beginning of the process to the end was excellent. For any busi- ness to truly understand what customer service looks like, they should send their employees on a Royal Caribbean cruise so they can see for themselves firsthand. The Broadway-style shows were top- notch, and the quality of the restaurants and night clubs was amazing. The VOOM internet service onboard was excep- tional. I’ve heard horror stories online about how bad Wi-Fi is on ships, but not on Anthem of the Seas — it was reliable and strong throughout the entire cruise.” Roberts says the pandemic meant some agents did not join the incentive, either due to not being vaccinated or over concerns about COVID, but in the end, no attendees contracted COVID while on the cruise. “The restric- tions placed on the cruise industry are greater than if we were going to a land- based resort,” Roberts says. “We com- municated regularly with our group, reminding them of getting their COVID test completed within 48 hours of departure, having their documentation with them, and making sure they had it available for boarding. Our group was well prepared and adapted very well to the protocols and restrictions.” Exceptional Service Bloss is working with a U.S. finan- cial institution on a Mediterranean cruise set for the third quarter of next year. The long lead time is necessary because the company wants a full-ship charter — most ships sail year-round and itineraries are on sale to the pub- lic as much as two years in advance. “When deciding on which cruise line and which ship to present to a client, there are many components that have to be considered,” Bloss says. “What level of product is the client looking for: mass market, premium, luxury, ocean or river? Other factors that play a part are time of year and destination — who is available, when and where?” She continues, “Worldwide Cruise Associates has been in the MICE busi- ness for over 30 years, and cruises are the only product we handle, so we have a wealth of knowledge and personal experience as we inspect ships con- stantly throughout the year. In this par- ticular case, we had two options for our client, one we had recently cruised on and the other being Seabourn, which we had not cruised on recently. So, we flew down to the Caribbean to see for ourselves how Seabourn Odyssey looks as it returns to service after the shut- down, and also to see what changes have been made to the vessel.” Seabourn won the presentation. “Being a small ship carrying 458 passen- gers, with a high ratio of crew to guests, the service is exceptional and very per- sonalized,” Bloss says. “Full ship char- ters offer the utmost in exclusivity and customization, allowing our clients to fully witness their dreams come to frui- tion.” Branding is another advantage when chartering a vessel, and Bloss says this client counts on branding their incentive trips and Seabourn offered many options. “The client also has some meeting content and the theater is just the right size to accommodate this, and alternative dining was also a factor in choosing this vessel. The client wanted small, intimate dining options for their VIPs and top producers, and Seabourn Odyssey provides eight different din- ing experiences.” Seabourn now has five ultra-luxury ships in operation, including Seabourn Quest in Barcelona, Spain, Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Encore in the Mediterranean, Seabourn Odyssey in Alaska and Seabourn Sojourn from Athens, Greece. “Our team members ... are excited to welcome guests back on board and very much looking forward to delivering special ‘Seabourn Moments’ when they sail with us,” says Josh Lei- bowitz, president of Seabourn, in a recent news release. “It’s not too late to book a summer getaway, and these voy- ages will offer a fantastic experience as the ship sails from one historic desti- nation to the next, with much to offer onboard and ashore along the way.” Bloss says the cruise line offers a host of outstanding amenities. “The all-inclusiveness of Seabourn is one of the big reasons this ship fit our clients’ needs better than others. Not only are you purchasing accommodations, but all meals are included, including spe- cialty restaurants with no upcharge, all beverages are included and there is a nice selection of high-end wines. Also included is entertainment — live shows, bands — the DJ is right there, so no need to arrange for transfers to take your client to an event somewhere. And on every Seabourn cruise there is a Caviar in the Surf event, which usually takes place on a nice private beach and features endless caviar and champagne, plus the use of water toys. This is Sea- bourn’s signature event, and it really is an amazing ‘wow’ for your client.” She concludes, “My advice to a plan- ner is, even if your client hasn’t requested a cruise, throw one in as an option. Cruis- ing is back and is coming back strong. All the business that we had lifted and shifted from 2020 and most of 2021 is now possible to deliver, and [we can] get back to do what we all do best.” C&IT Courtesy of Seabourn Seabourn, which now has five of its ships operating in ports worldwide, offers activities and amenities sure to create a memorable experience for attendees. 18 June/July 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice. For complete details on our safety protocols on board, visit healthyatsea.com. * Visit celebrity.com for full terms and conditions. Always Included Pricing Packages apply to inside, ocean view, veranda, Concierge Class, or AquaClass® stateroom (“Eligible Bookings”). All guests in an Eligible Booking who choose the “Always Included” pricing package will receive a Classic Beverage Package, Gratuities (“Tips”) Included, and an unlimited Surf Internet package. All guests with an Eligible Booking in The Retreat will receive the Indulge Package at no additional charge including Premium Beverage Package, Tips Included, OBC and an unlimited Stream Internet package, for all guests in the stateroom. OBC amount varies by length of sailing. ©2022 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador. CALL | VISIT CELEBRITYCORPORATEKIT COM OR CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL PARTNER Looking for new ways to motivate and incentivize your team? Celebrity Cruises creates extraordinary events tailored to your group’s specific needs. Our stunning ships offer all the amenities of the world’s most prestigious hotels and resorts, while traveling to the world’s most popular destinations. To maximize event effectiveness, you can choose from a variety of turnkey spaces, from intimate board rooms to our grand theaters with high-impact audiovisual systems. Your team members will also enjoy luxury accommodations along with the finest dining at sea, featuring menus craed by our Michelin-starred chef, and original entertainment. Plus, for additional convenience, drinks, Wi-Fi, and tips are Always Included SM for every guest. * Make your next corporate gathering an experience that helps your team collaborate to accomplish your company’s goals while leaving them more excited and inspired than ever. CORPORATE AWARD TRIPS REIMAGINED 05_13_MICE_PRC_8 3/8 x 11 1/8_Corporate & Incentive Travel-v2.indd 15/13/22 6:48 PMImagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice. For complete details on our safety protocols on board, visit healthyatsea.com. * Visit celebrity.com for full terms and conditions. Always Included Pricing Packages apply to inside, ocean view, veranda, Concierge Class, or AquaClass® stateroom (“Eligible Bookings”). All guests in an Eligible Booking who choose the “Always Included” pricing package will receive a Classic Beverage Package, Gratuities (“Tips”) Included, and an unlimited Surf Internet package. All guests with an Eligible Booking in The Retreat will receive the Indulge Package at no additional charge including Premium Beverage Package, Tips Included, OBC and an unlimited Stream Internet package, for all guests in the stateroom. OBC amount varies by length of sailing. ©2022 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador. CALL | VISIT CELEBRITYCORPORATEKIT COM OR CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL PARTNER Looking for new ways to motivate and incentivize your team? Celebrity Cruises creates extraordinary events tailored to your group’s specific needs. Our stunning ships offer all the amenities of the world’s most prestigious hotels and resorts, while traveling to the world’s most popular destinations. To maximize event effectiveness, you can choose from a variety of turnkey spaces, from intimate board rooms to our grand theaters with high-impact audiovisual systems. Your team members will also enjoy luxury accommodations along with the finest dining at sea, featuring menus craed by our Michelin-starred chef, and original entertainment. Plus, for additional convenience, drinks, Wi-Fi, and tips are Always Included SM for every guest. * Make your next corporate gathering an experience that helps your team collaborate to accomplish your company’s goals while leaving them more excited and inspired than ever. CORPORATE AWARD TRIPS REIMAGINEDWarm Weather, Striking Landscapes and Abundant Outdoor Spaces Desert Allure BY DAN JOHNSON T he magic of the South- west’s desert cities, with their warm weather and strikingly beautiful land- scapes, provides a spe- cial allure for meetings and events that is even more enticing this year as the COVID-19 pandemic recedes. “Desert locations are ideal for meet- ings and events because they provide a very unique type of experience,” says Marian Vrabel, director of sales for The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain in Marana, Arizona. “Many event attend- ees are used to city or beach loca- tions, and are usually mesmerized by the Rocky Mountain landscapes, cacti framing the horizon, blue skies and stunning sunsets. Additionally, desert locations offer very stable weather con- ditions, with very little or no chance of rain, which offers planners the ability to enjoy outdoor events and activities that may be risky in other locations.” Laura Schield, chief operating offi- cer at Bank Director in Brentwood, Tennessee, says her company holds its annual event in late January or early February, making Phoenix an ideal location. “When so many places across the country are cold and/or covered with snow, our attendees love the fresh air and the outdoor spaces,” she says. “And what is not to love?” David Sobek, director of sales at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, notes that the SOUTHWEST // 20 June/July 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comdesirable weather facilitates a plethora of options for planners. “Weather is a major attraction, allowing for unique outdoor events from both a culinary and meeting perspective,” he says. “It also provides the opportunity for a vari- ety of outdoor activities, such as golf, tennis, pickleball, desert tours — hik- ing or by vehicle — and hot-air balloon- ing. Of course, spending a relaxing day at the pool enjoying one of nearly 300 days of sunshine is popular, as well.” Karolyn Kiburz, CMP, president of Meetings & Concierges Source LLC in Scottsdale, says the company plans 90% of its events in Arizona. “There’s so much to do and see,” she says. “Attend- ees are not only interested in the actual meeting, but in the destination. We have so much to offer in the state, which I think is a big draw to meeting attendees. They often tag on a pre- or post-trip to enjoy all that Arizona has to offer.” Many Southwest prop- erties have been eagerly awaiting a chance to show pre-existing and exciting new features for meeting groups. Here’s a look at some of the main attractions at stellar Arizona and New Mexico properties. Phoenix, Arizona Phoenix offers a renowned collec- tion of resorts that cater to corporate and incentive groups. “Most properties have lush lawns and/or themed outdoor ven- ues that help drive a unique experience,” says Deborah Lahti, director of hotel and resort sales for Visit Phoenix. “The prop- erties also offer a variety of amenities to attendees, from sparkling pools and lazy rivers to horseback riding.” JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa features 950 guest rooms, including 81 suites, along with 241,106 sf of indoor and outdoor event space. “Expansive meeting spaces provide for creativity and flexibility, complemented by equally as many outdoor event spaces to immerse in the beauty of the Arizona skies and Sonoran Desert land- scape,” says James Anderson, director of sales and marketing for the property. April was a big month for the resort, which completed a $60 million guest- room transformation and opened Tia Carmen, a contemporary Southwest- ern restaurant by celebrity chef Angelo Sosa that will celebrate the stories of farmers, the community and the land. After holding its annual 1,200-per- son event at the resort, Bank Director plans to hold it there through 2028. “The space is perfect for what we need,” Schield says. “It’s expansive, all under one roof and has spaces in many differ- ent sizes. The rooms are outstanding — and will be fully renovated by the time we return in 2023. But above all is the team at Desert Ridge. At Bank Director, we provide a very high level of service, but we are a small team, so we look at their experienced and service-focused team as an extension of our own team.” Schield was particularly impressed with the resort’s JW Griffin Club. “It’s much more than an executive lounge; it’s a place to meet with food and drink throughout the day. From made-to-order omelets to concierge- level service, from know-your-name and favorite-drink-type hospitality to comfy indoor and outdoor seating options, there is no other adults-only club lounge like this in the brand.” She highly recommends the resort to other planners. “For a meeting plan- ner, it’s the whole package, Schield says. “It has marvelous amenities, including a spa, cabanas, pool, golf, biking, a vari- ety of restaurants and so much more. There are indoor and outdoor spaces for meetings and activities, luxury- level service, spacious meeting rooms and gorgeous guest rooms, with many different types. But above all, it has a proactive and service-focused team. Set on stunning 440 acres in Litch- field Park, adjacent to Phoenix, The Wigwam is known for its wellness offerings for the mind, body and soul — including mid-day massages, yoga breaks, team building, wellness activi- ties and customizable wellness menus — during meetings and events. “There continues to be a large demand for well- ness for the business traveler,” says Katy Powers, managing director and general manager of the property. “We’ve seen great success in offering the customiz- able wellness menus for meeting groups on the property as the way we work continues to shift, and employers begin to realize the importance of putting a ure Photo by Brenda Kelley The “Apache Mountain Spirit Dancer” welcomes visitors to the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | June/July 2022 21 There are indoor and outdoor spaces for meetings and activities, luxury- level service, spacious meeting rooms and gorgeous guest rooms. LAURA SCHIELD Chief Operating Officer Bank Directorfocus on both the mental and physical wellness of their employees.” The Wigwam offers 331 casitas and suites as well as 100,000 sf of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space, including 25 meeting rooms and 10 event gardens and lawns. Groups can also enjoy three pools, 54 holes of championship golf and the LeMonds Aveda Salon-Spa, featur- ing hair, skin care and body treatments that incorporate natural ingredients from pure plant and flower extracts. Scottsdale, Arizona Located 12 miles northeast of Phoe- nix, Scottsdale is a very desirable meet- ings destination in its own right. “Scotts- dale offers corporate groups advantages that few other destinations can match — fresh air, sunny skies and the luxury of space,” says Rachel Sacco, president and CEO of Experience Scottsdale. “From campus-style resorts to lush outdoor meeting spaces, Scottsdale is the ideal choice for groups ready to convene.” She adds, “The city has all the services and amenities meeting groups expect: top-tier accommodations for groups of all sizes and budgets, state-of-the-art meeting facilities and hassle-free trans- portation both in the air and on the ground. These conveniences are cou- pled with world-class golf, an acclaimed resort and day spa, and award-winning dining and nightlife to keep attendees engaged and entertained.” Lindsay Gold, CMP, director of meetings and events for Associated Builders & Contractors in Washington, D.C., has hosted meetings at two Scottsdale properties — The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa — during the past three years. “Scottsdale is a great location because it has several amazing properties in a small area,” she says. “In addition, our attendees come from all over the country, and so the easy lift and great weather help to make it a popular destination for our last meeting of the year. Attendees like to take advantage of the amenities on-site and those within a reasonable drive from the area. Many of them arrived early for our November 2020 program to take day trips to Sedona, see the Grand Canyon or enjoy the championship-caliber golf courses both on-site and in the area. Any time that I can book a location where attendees want to extend their time in is a win.” One of the city’s top luxury properties, Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Curio Collec- tion by Hilton, sits on 1,300 acres of the Sonoran Desert. “Meeting planners search- ing for unique destinations choose Boulders Resort, where guests can feel safe in a peaceful, natural environ- ment,” says Harold Fehr, the property’s director of catering and conference ser- vices. “Our unique layout offers an area focused on meetings. Then, when guests leave the meetings, they have a sense of vacation and/or retreat.” The property features pickleball tournaments, two world-class golf courses, and a 33,000-sf spa that offers customized treatments and notable culinary selections. “Our talented culi- nary team creates healthy menu options where meeting guests can indulge in healthy, fresh meals prepared with just- picked plantings from our expansive, certified organic garden while chefs conduct organic cooking demonstra- tions and interactive classes in the gar- den’s outdoor chef’s kitchen,” Fehr says. Boulders Resort has 219 guest rooms and 50,000 sf of meeting space, including the 5,600-sf Latilla Ballroom. “Mid- to small-size groups can be self- contained and feel like the ‘big fish’ here, as opposed to larger convention hotels,” Fehr says. “Smaller, more bou- tique events are our forte, in which we can customize events on every level. For example, taking meetings and breakouts outside is huge now. Groups enjoy getting in touch with our des- ert environment.” Another outstanding property, The Phoenician, is nestled at the back of Camelback Mountain. It provides 645 Courtesy of Visit Tucson Tucson, with more than 550,000 residents, is the second most- populous city in Arizona. Attendees will find plenty to do after a long day. Attendees participate in a dinner in the desert at a Tucson venue, one of many outdoor evening activities available in the Arizona city. Courtesy of Mary Meade 22 June/July 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com FIND OUT MORETucsonOnUs.com See why Tucson’s one-of-a-kind culture creates an experience that extends beyond the ballroom. Book now through 2025 and earn up to $15,000 OFF your Master Account.FIND OUT MORETucsonOnUs.com See why Tucson’s one-of-a-kind culture creates an experience that extends beyond the ballroom. Book now through 2025 and earn up to $15,000 OFF your Master Account.guest rooms and 160,000 sf of meeting space. “The Phoenician is a great place for meetings, both large and small, in that it offers a personalized AAA Five Diamond experience within a luxury resort setting,” Sobek says. “Over- all, customers have responded to the results of the major renovation under- taken from 2016 to 2019 — the largest since the property opened.” Renovations were done on the 18-hole golf course; the only Forbes Five Star spa in Scottsdale, featuring a rooftop pool and a dry bar; the ath- letic club, with a 4,600-sf fitness cen- ter; and public spaces. The Phoenician also features flexible and functional meeting facilities, two ballrooms, multiple breakout room capabilities, 13 unique outdoor locations for group events, and activities such as tennis and pickleball. Three other attractive properties for meetings are in the works. Hilton North Scottsdale at Cavasson, with 237 guest rooms and a 15,000-sf events cen- ter, is schedule to be unveiled late this year. The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, featuring 215 guest rooms and 20,000 sf of event space, is on tap for the win- ter late this year or early next year. Slated to open in February 2024, Cae- sars Republic Scottsdale will offer 265 guest rooms and a 7,000-sf conference center with sliding doors that open up to a 7,000-sf lawn area. Tucson, Arizona Boasting more than 550,000 resi- dents, making it the second most-popu- lated city in Arizona, Tucson is situated 116 miles southeast of Phoenix. “The weather in Tucson is warm and welcom- ing,” says Kay Mayes, executive admin- istrative assistant at Dura-Line, which held its 2022 United States/Canada Sales Summit at Omni Tucson National Resort in early spring. “The sunsets are fabulous, with stars gazing above you, like nowhere else in the country. This is the perfect setting for an outdoor event.” Mary Meade, director of sales for Visit Tucson, also lauds Tucson’s weather. “Our weather and unique landscapes bring the groups here, but the friendly locals bring them back,” she says. “As a college town with 40,000 students attending the Univer- sity of Arizona, the energy is vibrant, young and optimistic. You must experi- ence enjoying a prickly pear margarita, watching one of our next-level sunsets and eating the famous James Beard award-winning Sonoran hot dog — pref- erably doing all three at the same time.” Tucson also offers a great variety of hotels, resorts, destination spas and dude ranches. One of the most spectac- ular properties, Omni Tucson National Resort, will begin undergoing a mul- timillion-dollar renovation next year. “Tucson’s stunning natural beauty is the inspiration behind the upcoming transformation,” says Sandy Shipman, director of sales and marketing for the resort. “Resting at the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, the color palette and landscape of this idyllic locale will inspire the newly designed spaces, which will include the lobby, restaurants and lounge, meeting space, spa, fitness center, and casitas and haci- endas. The relaxed yet inspired ambi- ance of this Southwestern destination will create an ideal backdrop for lei- sure, golf, the spa, dining, wellness, and corporate and groups stays.” Omni Tucson National Resort offers 79 guest rooms and 10,500 sf of meeting space, including many outdoor venues. Papago Ballroom & Terrace features 2,870 sf of space and opens to a stun- ning 2,000-sf terrace, complete with sweeping mountain views. Set deep in the canyon of the Tor- tolita Mountains in Marana, 2 miles northwest of Tucson, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain offers a wide variety of activities, such as hiking trails that start on the property, as well as guided hiking options, 27 holes of championship golf, an award-winning spa, historic petro- glyphs, stargazing and a nightly Spirit of Adventure experience that enlivens the senses. “Desert jeep tours, guided meditation hikes and horseback riding are some of our groups’ other favorite activities,” Vrabel says. “Some more unique offerings include glass blowing, jewelry- and perfume-making work- shops and team-building activities. We partnered with one of the biggest des- tination management companies in the world, PRA, whose representative is based directly on the property and can provide many unique options.” The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain has 253 guest rooms and 44,000 sf of meeting space, consisting of 20 indoor meeting rooms and three outdoor ven- ues, the largest of which can accommo- date up to 850 people. Another leading Tucson property, historic Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, is nestled at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountain Range. The resort recently added 40 new guest rooms, bringing its total to 99, all featur- ing luxurious appointments and South- western historic charm. Hacienda del Courtesy of Mary Meade Mary Meade, far left, director of sales for Visit Tucson, and clients participate in a visit to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson. 24 June/July 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comSol also has 14,000 sf of meeting space, beautifully landscaped grounds and an excellent restaurant, The Grill, with an extensive wine list. Albuquerque, New Mexico Located in north-central New Mexico, Albuquerque is the most-pop- ulous city in the state, with more than 560,000 residents. It draws groups partly because of its warm weather and proximity to other attractions. “For our group, the weather played a role in our decision-making, given the equipment we bring,” says Dennis Ethier, direc- tor, plant engineering with the Wild- life Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium, and president of Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators, which held its annual symposium at ABQ Biopark Aquarium in March. “I found that the culture and amenities in the area were fantastic and Albuquerque International Sunport [ABQ] was easy and convenient to get in and out of.” The host hotel for the symposium was DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Albu- querque, with 295 guest rooms and 12,340 sf of meeting space. Ethier and many other members of his group enjoyed Albuquerque so much that they decided to extend their visit. “Some went sightseeing to the south and oth- ers went up to the mountains to ski,” he says. ‘I enjoyed the various restaurants in the area. I found that Albuquerque had much more to offer than I had expected. Personally, I would like to go back at some point for the annual Albu- querque International Balloon Fiesta.” Tania Armenta, president and CEO of Visit Albuquerque, emphasized the city’s uniqueness. “In Albuquerque, diverse cultures and centuries of his- tory blend with boundless creativity and cutting-edge innovation to create an authentic destination like no other,” she says. “The city’s one-of-a-kind cui- sine, unmatched weather and abun- dance of open space have the power to change perspectives. Both ancient and cutting-edge, equal parts cool and quaint, the city is an oasis in the high desert, full of people with rich his- tories and inspiring ideas you won’t find anywhere else. There is truly no other city like it.” There’s plenty of recent hotel hap- penings in Albuquerque. Hotel Albu- querque at Old Town, which has 62,000 sf of indoor and outdoor event space, reopened in mid-spring after renovat- ing its 188 guest rooms. Hotel Zazz, a boutique property with 50 guest rooms, an outdoor entertainment venue and a speak-easy, is set to open soon in his- toric Nob Hill, along Route 66. The former Hyatt Regency Albu- querque, situated downtown, has been rebranded as The Clyde Hotel, paying homage to the legacy of Clyde Tingley, former chairman of the Albu- querque City Commission and the 11th governor of New Mexico. “A refresh of the lobby and ground-floor pub- lic areas is underway, with plans to renovate the 392 rooms in the coming months,” Armenta says. Santa Fe, New Mexico Situated 64 miles northeast of Albuquerque, Santa Fe has long been a meetings magnet. “We enjoy our high-desert climate, [allowing us to] truly experience all four seasons, only a mild version of each,” says Kim Har- mon, national sales manager for Tour- ism Santa Fe. “Because of our location and altitude of 7,000 feet elevation in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the sun shines brightly just about every day. The wide-open spaces and expan- sive views set the scene for beautiful sunrises and sunsets.” She contin- ues, “Santa Fe boasts some of the best views and magical light; this is why artists are so strongly drawn to the area. Meetings held in Santa Fe take on a certain energy, as the city allows for a true refresh and reset, a chance to take deeper breaths and really settle in, either to immerse oneself in the moment and relax, or to focus and channel new ideas and direction.” The city is particularly well-suited to small groups, since the largest hotel is still “on the boutique side,” with slightly more than 200 guest rooms. Larger groups typically utilize mul- tiple hotels and the Santa Fe Conven- tion Center — with 40,000 sf of flexible meeting space, fireplaces in some rooms and an open interior courtyard — and many unique venues are located within walking distance of downtown. “Meet- ing attendees can easily explore our very walkable city and take advantage of any free time with a variety of activi- ties and experiences, including our newest activity, the Sky Railway, Santa Fe’s adventure train with options rang- ing from a sunset jazz ride to brunch rides and star gazing,” Harmon says. One of the city’s iconic properties, Bishop’s Lodge, recently reopened with a lengthened name — Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection — on 317 secluded acres that border the Santa Fe National Forest. “Auberge has done a fantastic job of preserving the his- tory of the resort while offering ame- nities that are next-level comfort and beauty,” Harmon says. The 100-room lodge offers a bevy of recreational options, including moun- tain biking, fly-fishing, hiking and horse- back riding. Some 12,000 sf of meeting space is available, ranging from a secret garden with a wood-burning fireplace to a 3,000-sf restored event hall. C&IT Omni Tucson National Resort offers 79 guest rooms and 10,500 sf of meeting and event space. Courtesy Photo TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | June/July 2022 25Photo by Casey Jones SPOTLIGHT // I n this gem of a city, it would be next to impossible to seal the bottomless concoction of tales about the effervescently mod- ern, yet historic, American city of Savannah. Simply stated, she exemplifies the bedrock of Americana, both past and present. If America as a whole represents the enduring beauty of a lady called Liberty, then Savannah would certainly be her sultry smile. Add to it the growing exposure as a preferred travel destination, and it is a great choice for corporate events, meet- ings and incentives. Recently having been named by Travel + Leisure magazine as their No. 3 destination in the U.S. to visit, the desig- nation makes it more than a convenient place to entertain and explore new relationships and ideas. According to VisitSavannah.com, at least 11 airlines connect direct non-stop flights to and from Savannah daily, making it easily accessible. Cities such as Atlanta, Chi- cago, New York, Dallas, Houston and Miami are just some that readily funnel travelers into Savannah. The infrastructure of the city’s tourism industry ensures that meeting attendees have an experience like no other. This type of planning is nothing new to the Savannah mindset. Taking a look back in time, Savannah was the first American city known for initiating and executing a master-planned layout. It represents an era of historical truth, yet today is commingled with folklore that may be lightly enhanced at will by a customary afternoon cocktail spritzer. This is to be expected, as the stories and places of Savannah draw upon the intrigues of those who walk the cobble- stone streets, still situated perfectly along today’s modern sidewalks. Meeting attendees venturing off- site will not only see The Savannah College of Art and Design’s (SCAD) four decades of beauty, art and invention, but they will feel the vibe of dreamers connecting dreams to vision. SCAD influences the overall setting of Savan- nah, which is highly desirable for what could be an unforgettable business- Meetings in Savannah Offer Many Memorable Experiences Southern Charm BY BRANDI CHAMBLESS 26 June/July 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.combuilding incentive package designed specifically for corporate executives who wish to make their event impact deeply personal. The environment for networking in planning meetings and incentives fosters potential for a world class team-building experience. Savannah is also poised to host events from those sized on a large international scale, to a more custom- designed intimate mix. Espoused by a boutique manifesto pouring forth from an American city that more than once was burned and besieged, Savannah has verifiably asserted herself as one of the most adaptable getaways for inten- tional experiential bonding. A COMPANY’S VISION Savannah’s appeal is what attracted ETHOS Event Collective to the city in hopes of becoming an integral part of bridging the gap between meeting and incentive planners and Savannah’s offerings. The ETHOS vision produces a behind-the-scenes team acting as a col- lective liaison, taking care to every per- sonal luxury of event attendees without sacrificing Savannah’s meaningful past. This is all the more reason why attendees can relax in a place that allows them to maximize their time away. Just as Savan- nah has been the stalwart of American tradition, ETHOS has established itself as a mainstay of experiential adventure. This is nothing new to the ETHOS team. After already making an impact in other cities located primarily in the West, Midwest and Southeast U.S. regions, the newly opened Savan- nah office is full-steam ahead. Maura O’Donnell, ETHOS business develop- ment expert, says of the Savannah loca- tion that it will continue to serve the company mission of purposeful plan- ning with meaningful results. O’Donnell points out that everyone in the company chooses what they so desire to identify as their choice of a passion project. “We try to weave these passion proj- ects into any event we possibly can,” she says. “Throughout the year, each one of our team members will be involved with that particular project in some capacity. The company will also match outside contributions to the respective passion project or another organization.” This connection from the heart of the ETHOS drawing board to the local community is only the genesis of the local partnerships. Local vendors such as Alchinme Candle Co., Savan- nah on Wheels, Pelindaba Lavender Savannah,and Savannah Bee Company are just some of those who are already being utilized by ETHOS, while also pre- paring for event attendees upon arrival. Expecting the unexpected is how the ETHOS creative team reaches the desired outcome in how events are perceived. For instance, participants might be out on a walking tour listening to Savannah Dan when the Leopold’s Ice Cream cart might appear with their award-winning, super-premium ice cream. Savannah’s unique gifts are crowd- pleasing favorites. If family members are seeking shopping and adventure to fill the day while an event is being held, speciality gift shops are plentiful and accessible. Other options for lux- ury gift items include ETHOS’ creative team selecting indigenous honey, her- bed lotions, handmade soaps or funky plants in retro containers that can be intentionally placed in a guest room. With 14,000 hotel rooms available in Savannah, ETHOS has flexibility in working with planners based upon the number of participants. By identify- ing the goal of an event along with the shared connections of both attendees and an organization, ETHOS crafts moments of rousing impressions for a diverse audience. Premier venues such as The Alida; the JW Marriott Savan- nah Plant Riverside District and Perry Lane Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Savannah are ideal for accommodating 75 to 80 participants in a brilliantly exe- cuted individualized luxury experience made possible by both the ETHOS team and hotel staff as they work in tandem. “Working with a venue that places value on guest experience for groups in the 80 to 100 count is what we call the sweet spot,” says Joe Fijol, DMCP, prin- cipal, ETHOS Event Collective, who points out the importance of attention to every event detail by his creative team to event partners. “This is how we create environments that deepen rela- tionships, inspire greatness and gener- ate revenue for a city.” ETHOS approaches every client’s event with the intention of positively influencing the aftereffect, starting with the big picture, then working through each multifaceted element. They are in pursuit of creative ideas that become grounded in a company’s strategy, driving results long after an event has Courtesy of Joe Fijol The ETHOS Event Collective’s team and others took in a few of Savannah’s charms at the recent opening of ETHOS’ local office. Savannah, Georgia’s small-town charm adds to its ability to give attendees an unforgettable meeting or incentive experience. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | June/July 2022 27Next >