< Previous30 August/September 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Inspiring destination with distinct, flexible indoor meeting space and an incredible array of unique outdoor venues. Iconic resort with signature dining experiences and 30+ activities. Visit us at IMEX America 2022 at Booth #F1154. THE OMNI HOMESTEAD RESORT An Iconic Resort Offering Popular Amenities W here you meet is as important as what you meet about. Set in the scenic Virginia mountains, The Omni Homestead Resort is a premier meetings destination with more than 250 years of experience hosting conferences and events. This iconic resort is in the midst of a $140+ million, property- wide investment, which includes revitalized public spaces, a new, 4,000-sf event pavilion and a reimagination of its 72,000 sf of indoor meeting space expected to be completed in fall 2023. Each of the resort’s 28 meeting rooms will be refreshed, with a focus on architectural details and advanced func- tionality. Improvements from lighting fixtures and acoustic ceiling tiles to new carpeting and refinished hardwood floors will create a light, sophisticated retreat for meetings and events. The theater, built in 1923, receives a classic, yet modern update, with the viewing area converted from theater seats to comfortable sofa settees, lounge chairs and side tables ideal for a variety of events from movie nights to magic shows. However, The Homestead brings more to the table than just meeting space. Resort guests enjoy more than 30 rec- reational activities, including sporting clays, tomahawk throwing, a zip-line canopy tour, horseback riding, falconry, mountain biking and fly fishing. The most popular amenities at the resort are the two championship golf courses and the luxurious Spa. The Old Course is home to the oldest first tee in continuous use in the country, and The Cascades is annually ranked among the top courses in the United States. The Spa offers a robust menu of pampering services, including body treatments, massages and facials, along with an adults-only Serenity Garden featuring the resort’s natu- ral hot springs. The Homestead’s dedicated team of hospitality professionals, many of whom have more than 25 years of experience or multiple generational ties to the resort, provide a warm welcome and genuine hospitality, and carefully manage all details ensur- ing the success of each event. C&IT THE OMNI HOMESTEAD RESORT 7696 Sam Snead Highway, Hot Springs, VA 24445 Tel: 888-796-5838 CONTACT John Hess, Director of Sales and Marketing john.hess@omnihotels.com; 540-839-7769 Joe Barrow, Director of Sales joe.barrow@omnihotels.com; 540-839-7511MEETING DESTINATION. AMERICA’S PREMIER REINVENTED. RESTORED. REVITALIZED. Rediscover America’s first resort, our extensive $140 million restoration will debut late spring 2023. Inclusive of revitalized public spaces, a new, 4,000-sq. ft. event pavilion and a reimagination of our 72,000 sq. ft. of distinct indoor meeting space. Enhance your experience with our more than 30 recreational activities such as golf, spa, outdoor pool with lazy river and water slides, sporting clays, zip line canopy tour, fly fishing, horseback riding and falconry. TheOmniHomestead.com 888-796-583832 August/September 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com THE PALM BEACHES America’s First Resort Destination Plan meetings that wow with The Palm Beaches’ world-class amenities and unforgettable Between-The-Sessions event experiences. Come see us at IMEX America 2022 at Booth #C4119. F rom breathtaking waterfront resorts and modern, flexible meeting spaces, to unique high-end restaurants, premier shopping districts and a prestigious reputation for world-class golf and outdoor activities, The Palm Beaches’ Between-The-Sessions offerings make it seamless to wow attendees at every turn. As America’s First Resort Destination, The Palm Beaches offer world-class accommodations known for exceeding attendees’ expectations. And while our resorts promise to pamper your attendees with genuine hospitality and world-class customer service, our portfolio of meeting venues only enhance the experience further. The Palm Beaches’ flexible meeting spaces can accommodate any type of event, from small work sessions to conventions for hundreds of attendees. Our portfolio of venues includes everything from cultural treasures and historic sites, to playful spaces and outdoor courtyards. With more than 1,000,000 square feet of meeting space and 18,000 guest rooms throughout the destination, you can customize the experience for every event. Accessible from three major airports, high-speed rail and interstate highways, getting to The Palm Beaches is a breeze. With all the diverse offerings available in The Palm Beaches, there are endless opportunities to organize distinctive, curated events with a touch of fun and local flavor. Arrange for guests to take a Mangroves and Mansions paddle tour with intimate views of Palm Beach’s mega-mansions or Lake Worth Lagoon’s calming mangroves. Wow your attendees with a dose of yacht life along the calm waters of the Intracoastal Waterway. Or, organize a group get-together at the International Polo Club, where attendees can take in top polo matches on seven fields and enjoy a delectable brunch. With the local knowledge, creativity and expertise of our award- winning Group Sales and Destination Services Team, and the support of our community partners, design the meeting your attendees will remember. Start planning today, and elevate your next event to a whole new level, Between-The-Sessions. C&IT CONTACT The Palm Beaches Group Sales & Destination Services Team sales@thepalmbeaches.com thepalmbeaches.com/meetingsThePalmBeaches.com/Meetings BRING THE BEST TO THE TABLE Collaboration happens naturally when you meet in person. But in The Palm Beaches, turn collaboration into camaraderie. Feed creativity with the best in outdoor venues, event spaces and world-class experiences that set the tone for success. Serve up elevated meetings, between-the-sessions.34 August/September 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com RESORTS WORLD LAS VEGAS Meeting Spaces Built to Fit the Flow of Any Occasion R esorts World Las Vegas offers 250,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor, health certified and fully technology-driven meeting and event spaces. Customize private meeting spaces to fit the flow of any occasion. Create dynamic experiences when you choose from 50 multifunctional, state-of-the-art meeting rooms, five banquet halls and an expansive rooftop terrace with stunning Strip views. ACCOMMODATIONS: As the first integrated resort to be built on the Las Vegas Strip in more than a decade, Resorts World Las Vegas provides the largest collection of branded Hilton experiences in the world. The Hilton, Conrad and Crockfords properties boast 3,500 rooms, blending technology and luxury to deliver unprecedented levels of comfort and service with value and variety at the forefront. DINING AND FOOD & BEVERAGE: With more than 40 food and beverage experiences to explore, Resorts World Las Vegas offers more globally inspired dishes than any other destination on the Strip. Experience our reinvented room service with On The Fly powered by Grubhub, which puts food and beverage options at your fingertips. From casual market fare to fine dining, we’ve got your cravings covered. TECHNOLOGY: Resorts World Las Vegas offers unprecedented technology and innovation to showcase your brand, engage your attendees and enhance your meeting. Our space is built using the latest sound-dampening and secure space technology, fully integrated LED signage and dynamic wayfinding that will allow for streamlined attendee flow from elevator to meeting rooms. In addition, we are using the latest advancements in keyless access, our digital concierge, “Red,” and one-stop engagement with your conference service team. AIRPORT AND TRANSPORTATION: Resorts World Las Vegas is approximately 4.5 miles from Harry Reid International Airport, which is roughly a 15-minute drive. For easy transportation to the Las Vegas Convention Center, step into all-electric Tesla vehicles for a swift shuttle through the Vegas Loop, now open at Resorts World. As the only station to the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Resorts World passenger station will offer direct access to the heart of the resort’s dining, retail and nightlight offerings, as well as convenient access to the Las Vegas Strip. C&IT RESORTS WORLD LAS VEGAS 3000 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109 Hotelsales@rwlasvegas.com | 702-676-6045 rwlasvegas.com With 50 meeting rooms and an expansive rooftop terrace, Resorts World Las Vegas offers 250,000 sf to fit any group. Come see us at IMEX America 2022 at Booth #F755.BUSINESS 3.0 WHILE RESORTS WORLD LAS VEGAS IS NEW, OUR APPROACH TO MEETINGS BOASTS DECADES OF EXPERIENCE. A high-tech suite of spaces and tools designed with a new perspective on meetings. Exclusively developed by Resorts World Las Vegas, this truly innovative paradigm sets the stage for seamless work sessions and unprecedented productivity. To learn more about Business 3.0, and how it can help your company to succeed, please contact a member of our Group Sales team today. Please call (702) 802-6460 or email us at hotelsales@rwlasvegas.com or visit us online at rwlasvegas.com to Book Your Next Meeting at RESORTS WORLD LAS VEGAS AT RESORTS WORLD LAS VEGAS LAS VEGAS’ NEWEST HOTEL & CASINO DON’T JUST MEET. EXCEED. NEXT GEN MEETS36 August/September 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com ROSEN SHINGLE CREEK An Oasis of Style and Sophistication Rosen Hotels & Resorts is patterned on the principals of founder Harris Rosen, bringing a commitment of exceptional guest services. Visit us at IMEX America 2022 at Booth #E1742. E xperience the landmark of luxury and service at Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando’s premier property when it comes to meetings and events. This AAA Four Diamond hotel rises along Shingle Creek, the headwaters of the Florida Everglades, nestled throughout 255 acres of enchanted flora. Driving up the palm tree-lined entrance, you immediately feel transformed into the lap of luxury and understand how Rosen Shingle Creek earned its Four Diamond rating and its Cvent ranking as a top-20 U.S. meeting hotel. Three magnificent, column-free ballrooms highlight the impressive 524,000 square feet of meeting space. The largest ballroom displays 95,000 square feet of state-of-the-art space, stylish décor and limitless creativity. Rosen Shingle Creek’s 136,000 square feet of outdoor space allows you to optimize Florida’s picturesque evenings, espe- cially the 45,900-square foot terrace, where executives wine and dine valued attendees surrounded by natural beauty. Rosen Shingle Creek features 1,501 elegant guest rooms and suites, including 69 Executive Suite Parlors, 37 Grande Suite Parlors, 56 King Suites and three Presidential Suites. Take your experience next level inside the exclu- sive 14th floor VIP Lounge, featuring personalized concierge service and exquisite, sweeping views. The brilliant culinary and banquet teams appeal to all palates, crafting personalized menus for groups both large and small. Indulge in not one, but two AAA Four Diamond dining experiences among the 15 culinary options. A Land Remembered is a steakhouse known for its tender, succulent Black Angus Five Diamond Prime Beef, while Cala Bella serves authentic, Tuscan-inspired cuisine with old country authenticity. Every meal and every catered event are elevated to perfection with farm-to-table menu mastery. When the meetings are over, enjoy 18 holes of championship golf at Shingle Creek Golf Club, designed by the Arnold Palmer Design Company, or relax and rejuve- nate at The Spa at Shingle Creek. Rosen Shingle Creek, a unique oasis of style and sophistication sure to elevate any event beyond expectation. C&IT ROSEN SHINGLE CREEK 9939 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819 Website: rosenshinglecreek.com CONTACT Katie Bellas , Director of Sales & Marketing kbellas@rosenhotels.com, 407-996-3321From event spaces that impress to accommodations that redefine comfort, Rosen Shingle Creek never disappoints. Proud to be Orlando’s largest independently owned full-service convention hotel. Plus, when you book and consume a new group meeting at Rosen Shingle Creek by December 31, 2023, you’ll receive up to 3% credit back to the master account for actualized guestrooms. Don’t wait. Book a meeting with a sales team member at IMEX today at 407.996.4890 or Sales@RosenShingleCreek.com . For more information, visit RosenShingleCreek.com/Meetings A SINGLE MEETING AT IMEX CAN SAVE YOU THOUSANDS. • 524,000 sq. ft. of revitalized meeting and event space • 1,501 refreshed guestrooms and suites • AAA Four Diamond Hotel • Top 20 U.S. Meeting Hotel by Cvent • No Resort Fee • Complimentary In-Room Wi-FiThe Future Looks Bright for Cruise Meetings BY MAURA KELLER MEETINGS AT SEA // C ruising, whether it be on large-scale vessels traveling through oceans to exotic lands or more intimate river cruises for smaller gatherings, have been a favorite among meeting and event planners for years. Roger Frizzell, chief communications officer, Carnival Corporation, says meetings and events, like cruising, are about bringing people together and mak- ing connections with others. Aboard a ship, attendees can also experience new places and cultures, so it is naturally a great backdrop for meetings and events of all types and group sizes. And based on convenience, value and overall experi- ence, cruising is one of the world’s most popular travel expe- riences, which is true for individuals, families, and small to large conference and event groups. “With so much already included in a cruise, the ease of planning and opportunities to customize the experience are among the many benefits of hosting meetings onboard, on top of the experience of being at sea, which makes it even more memorable,” Frizzell says. “Guests enjoy countless onboard amenities and activities, great entertainment, high- quality dining options, including celebrity chef-inspired res- taurants, spa and workout facilities and much more, on top of the convenience of unpacking once and being able to explore multiple destinations all in one trip.” Tanya Murphy, travel adviser and independent franchise owner with Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, says event and meeting organizers may want to consider a cruise for their next event for a variety of rea- sons. “First, cruise ships’ venues that go unused during the day [evening restaurants, theaters and other entertainment venues, as well as actual meeting space] can often be reserved Welcome aboard 38 August/September 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comat no charge. This is a huge advantage over the prices usually charged by hotels and resorts for meeting space,” she says. While cruise ships may have additional charges for any food and beverage or A/V requirements for your meeting or event, these costs are often much more economical than sim- ilar services through hotels and resorts. “And really, unless you’re meeting over mealtimes, you can probably skip bring- ing in food. Meals and snacks are included on cruise ships, and there’s plenty of food around at all times,” Murphy says. “This is another aspect that makes cruises more economical.” And similar to hotels and resorts, there’s dedicated meet- ing staff on ships that will help with all the details with whom meeting and event planners can work directly. “The big benefit I see is that there’s so much to do on a ship and in the various ports, that all you have to plan is your own meetings,” Murphy says. “Your clients or guests have plenty of already-planned activities to choose from on their down time or on port days. If you want, you can skip activity and entertainment planning altogether as part of your event, because it’s already built in.” Kristi Kincaid, meeting planner and owner at Curated Travels, says a meeting at sea creates a captive audience, built-in entertainment and potentially extensive savings. And meeting spaces can be set up for classroom, theater-style, trade show, boardroom, card rooms, etc. “They are equipped with multi- media technology with flat-screen televisions, AMF panels, sound and lighting equipment, podiums and more. Food and beverage sta- tions available with set-up fee and group excursions can also be arranged,” Kincaid says. And while many meeting plan- ners consider cruising at sea the ideal meeting locale, others are turning their attention to river cruising. Wesley Bosnic, vice president of charter & incen- tive sales at Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, says river cruises are a fantastic setting for meetings and events. First, guests can enjoy a more private and intimate gathering on a ship that caters to the needs and interests of the group. Sec- ondly, for planners and attendees alike, cruising takes the stress out of organizing event logistics. For instance, Uni- world’s Charters & Incentives team handles coordination and planning entirely. Post-pandemic, Uniworld has experienced an uptick of groups interested in river cruising. The root of the appeal stems from smaller ship size. Plus, small ships enable river cruising vessels to take guests to destinations that larger ships cannot enter with ease, such as the stunning Venetian Lagoon in Venice, Italy. “Meeting planners can expect to see more groups seeking bucket-list destinations such as Peru, Vietnam, Cambodia and Egypt, and splurging on high-luxury vacations,” Bosnic says. Pictured, Celebrity Apex is one of three Edge-class ships operated by Celebrity Cruises. Ships in the Celebrity fleet offer a variety of theaters, conference rooms, bars and lounges, rooftop terraces and more available for meetings and events. Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | August/September 2022 39Next >