Photo via Adobe Stock A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2022 VOL. 40 NO. 5 $15.00 SPECIAL SECTIONFor a Five-Star stay, let’s meet at Wynn 888 320 7117 WYNNMEETINGS.COM WYNN LAS VEGAS ENCORE LAS VEGAS Experience an elevated level of hospitality at Wynn Las Vegas, where new rooms and suites recently debuted to offer your meeting attendees exceptional comfort and the thoughtful details you expect from our award-winning resorts. At Wynn, we know business and pleasure can co-exist beautifully.VOLUME 40 NO. 5 // OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2022 14 20 26 52 56 IN THIS ISSUE features 60 4 Publisher’s Message 6 News & Notes 10 Snapshots 12 Perspective How to Create More Sustainable Events BY DEVIN CLEARY 66 People on the Move destinations departments Atlantic City Offering All the Amenities and Activities Attendees Want BY MAURA KELLER TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | October/November 2022 3 Job Security The Right Certifications Pay Off for Professional Growth BY NANCY MUELLER 2022 Awards of Excellence The Best of the Best CVBs, Hotels, Resorts and Conference Centers BY CORPORATE & INCENTIVE TRAVEL STAFF Reno & Tahoe Where Caesars Entertainment Offers Food, Fun and More BY BRANDI CHAMBLESS Putting & Pampering Golf & Spa Resorts Facilitate Successful Meetings BY CHRISTINE LOOMIS Burning Budgets Meeting Professionals Are Dealing With Soaring Costs BY KATHY MONTE 60 52 14 20 56 26 ISSN 0739-1587 // USPS 716-450Corporate & Incentive Travel (USPS 716-450) is published bimonthly by Coastal Communications Corporation, 2500 North Military Trail — Suite 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322; 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, 2500 North Military Trail — Suite 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322. 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, 2500 North Military Trail — Suite 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431- 6322. 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 Facing New Challenges Ours is a people business. We all know it, and with the environment today, it proves to be increasingly true. The corporate world is seeing the very negative effects of hunkering down during the pandemic, and is clearly realizing the need to stay on the road to meet and build back business. There is no substitute for face-to-face meetings. People need to see each other to conduct business, especially as their visions broaden in the global arena. One big question facing planners looking for a positive response is whether airlines are willing to help planners reach their destination goals by negotiating meeting fares, or will the airlines impose stringent restrictions on negotiating deals? The factors that will have the greatest impact upon the performance of airlines will be the health of the economy, inflation and the high cost of fuel, which will affect their ability to generate adequate revenues. Don’t let that deter you — the good news far outweighs the bad news, and there are other ways to lessen meeting costs and offset increased airfare and hotel costs. While most hotels have generally increased room rates, they are offering to negotiate rates and services for your bookings, depending on availability. Some added value offerings from hotels include health club privileges, room upgrades and free parking. There may be other ways to negotiate your best deal to create an affordable event within budget. Your creativity is the key to accomplishing this goal. Although costs, including food and beverage, seem to steadily increase, meeting face-to-face will remain a necessary expense. But, most of all, remember that with rising costs or not, this is a people industry, where a friendly greeting and warm handshake can mean everything for success. 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 Cynthia Dial Dan Johnson Maura Keller Christine Loomis Keith Loria Nancy Mueller David Swanson PRESIDENT & CEO Harvey Grotsky VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS David Middlebrook david.middlebrook @ themeetingmagazines.com ADVERTISING SALES OFFICES 2500 N. Military Trail, Suite 283 Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322 561-989-0600 Fax: 561-989-9509 advertising@themeetingmagazines.com REGIONAL MANAGERS Gayle Massey Bob Mitchell Jo Neese Christy Spiegel Lisa Turner DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS Michael Caffin 914-629-5860 michael.caffin@themeetingmagazines.com Corporate & Incentive Travel (USPS 716-450) is published bimonthly by Coastal Communications Corporation, 2500 North Military Trail — Suite 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322; 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, 2500 North Military Trail — Suite 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322. 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, 2500 North Military Trail — Suite 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431- 6322. 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 4 October/November 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Harvey Grotsky Publisher FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA linkedin.com/company/ CorpIncTravel @CorpIncTravel @CorpIncTravel facebook.com/ CorpIncTravelNEWS + NOTES // 6 October/November 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com REOPENINGS Hilton New York Times Square Reopens Its Doors NEW YORK, NY — Hilton recently announced the reopening of the 478- room Hilton New York Times Square, which had been closed since April 2020. The reopening of Hilton New York Times Square represents Hilton’s commitment and continued growth in the market. Enviably located on 42nd Street in the heart of Times Square and easily accessible from Grand Cen- tral, Penn Station and several subway lines, Hilton New York Times Square is within steps of dozens of Broadway and off-Broadway shows, attractions and Restaurant Row. Soaring 44 sto- ries above Times Square, with some of the largest standard size rooms in the neighborhood, guests will enjoy incredible skyline and Hudson Riv- er views, with select rooms looking out to the iconic New Year’s Eve ball drop. The property features three din- ing concepts, including Restaurant Above, serving a daily breakfast buffet and a grab-and-go market. Opening later this year is Pinnacle Bar, perfect for a nightcap with late-night snacks. Courtesy Photo The hotel is located in the heart of Times Square. OPENINGS New Embassy Suites by Hilton Debuts in Downtown Nashville NASHVILLE, TN — Hilton recently announced the opening of Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown. The spacious 506-key, all-suites hotel, situated adjacent to Music City Con- vention Center, is a destination for both business and leisure guests to meet, gather and celebrate their next big event. The new-build, 30-story hotel extends high into Nashville’s skyline, offering breathtaking views from all angles, and is within steps of the city’s top attractions. The amenity- filled property boasts the city’s highest rooftop restaurant and bar, a veranda and more than 32,000 sf of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space out- fitted with state-of-the-art technology. At check-in, travelers will catch sight of the front desk pods shaped as musi- cal notes, and each suite features beau- tiful artwork that pays homage to the city’s renowned musical history. RENOVATIONS Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre Completes $24 Million Renovation DALLAS, TX — The Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre has completed a $24 million renovation of the entire hotel and conference center. Renovations began in 2020. The North Dallas con- ference center hotel renovation in- cludes a full redesign of all 503 guest rooms, lobby and public areas, and food and beverage outlets to elevate the property to the highest level of Hilton standards. Additionally, the hotel’s meeting spaces, totaling 55,000 sf, were completely updated, includ- ing new furnishings, modern artwork, and the latest in technology. The new, 6,600-sf Lakeside Ballroom increases the hotel’s expansive meeting and events space. Conveniently located at the Lincoln Centre across from the Galleria Dallas mall and near popular dining, shopping and entertainment, the hotel is an inviting choice for both business and leisure travelers. Courtesy Photo Courtesy PhotoROOM TO INSPIRE Welcome to Colorado Springs, where our wide-open scenery is the stunning backdrop to your next event. From one-of-a-kind venues to endless outdoor adventures, we have what you need to create a memorable attendee experience. Here, you’ll find room to inspire, innovate and impress. Learn more at VisitCOS.com/meet. NEW HIRES SITE Appoints Annette Gregg, CMM, MBA, as New CEO CHICAGO, IL — Following an exten- sive global executive search, the So- ciety for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) has appointed Annette Gregg, CMM, MBA, as its new CEO, serving both SITE and the SITE Foundation. Gregg replaces Rebecca Wright, CIS, CITP, interim executive direc- tor, and joins SITE following her role as Chief Revenue Officer with Meet- ing Professionals International (MPI). Gregg has experience from a career- long legacy in the business events in- dustry, working in capacities across the full MICE spectrum from corpo- rate end user to destination marketing organizations. RESEARCH EIC Releases Study on DEI in Global Events Industry WASHINGTON, DC — The Events Industry Council (EIC), in partner- ship with its global EIC Equity Task Force, recently released the results of its 2022 Equity Benchmarking Study, the critical first phase of EIC’s Eq- uity Acceleration Plan. The survey re- veals widespread DEI dissatisfaction amongst event professionals, minority groups and women. The EIC appoint- ed its Equity Task Force in 2020 to ad- dress systemic racism and all forms of discrimination in the business events and hospitality industry. While there is an ever-growing awareness and commitment toward equity, survey scores indicate DEI efforts are largely in principal, but not in practice. There is an urgent need for organizations to advance their DEI structures, policies, and initiatives to deliver measurable change. To view the full study, visit eventscouncil.org. RESEARCH New Study Reports Shifting Preferences in Incentive Travel LAS VEGAS, NV — The newly re- leased 2022 Incentive Travel Index (ITI) reports that, overall, the incen- tive travel industry is strong. Recov- ery is progressing, program design is evolving and there is increased interest in new destinations. While industry-wide trends emerged, the study reflects variation by geography and sector. The ITI enables incentive professionals to target the data they need to make decisions to meet their goals, and is a joint initiative of Finan- cial & Insurance Conference Profes- sionals (FICP), the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) and the Foundation of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE Foundation). Visit incentiveindex.com for more. Gregg TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | October/November 2022 7NEWS + NOTES // 8 October/November 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com REOPENINGS Marriott Springfield Downtown Reopens for Business SPRINGFIELD, MA — The high- ly anticipated Marriott Springfield Downtown in Springfield, Massa- chusetts, recently reopened following a two-year transformation. Located downtown and overlooking the Con- necticut River, the hotel will serve as Springfield’s top destination for busi- ness and leisure travelers. The hotel features 266 modern guest rooms with thoughtful amenities, and four elevated suites with contemporary living room and kitchen areas. Offer- ing locally inspired cuisine, Bridge 22 serves American dishes and signature handcrafted cocktails for an authentic neighborhood experience. The hotel has more than 15,000 sf of flexible indoor event space, including a 5,990- sf Grand Ballroom and the 3,400-sf Springfield Ballroom, both offering direct access to outdoor terraces, nat- ural lighting and a functional layout. Outside, there is more than 20,000 sf of rooftop space, offering downtown views, multiple fire pits, and lounge space perfect for networking or social- izing. Events can be de- signed to fit any agenda, making the hotel a mod- ern venue for weddings, social and corporate events. Marriott Spring- field Downtown is two blocks from the Mass Mutual Convention Center, 19 miles from Bradley International Airport, and offers easy access to at- tractions such as the Basketball Hall of Fame, MGM Casino, Springfield Museums and Six Flags New England. Marriott Springfield Downtown will participate in Marriott Bonvoy — the award-winning travel program from Marriott International. Courtesy Photo Courtesy Photo RECOGNITION Fairmont El San Juan Hotel Named Finalist for Prestigious Award SAN JUAN, PR — Fairmont El San Juan Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a finalist for New Member of the Year Award from Historic Hotels of Amer- ica. Each year, the Historic Hotels of America Awards of Excellence honor, encourage and recognize exemplary historic hotels, hoteliers and leader- ship practices. The Historic Hotels of America Awards of Excellence are presented to historic hotels and hote- liers demonstrating innovative leader- ship, stewardship and contribution to furthering the recognition, preserva- tion and celebration of these preemi- nent historic hotels and their histories. Fairmont El San Juan Hotel is one of more than 300 hotels and resorts rec- ognized by Historic Hotels of Ameri- ca, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, for preserving and maintaining its historic integrity, architecture and ambiance. OPENINGS Hilton Columbus Downtown Opens Second Tower COLUMBUS, OH — The Hilton Columbus Downtown has officially opened the doors to its second tower, making the hotel the largest in Ohio. The hotel signifies the continued growth of Columbus and the ability to welcome major events and conven- tions in the city. Hilton Columbus Downtown boasts 1,000 guest rooms, more than 75,000 sf of meeting and ballroom space, and four new food & beverage concepts across both tow- ers. Hilton Columbus Downtown is in the heart of the Short North Arts and Arena Districts, which offer more than 150 dining and entertainment opportunities to those staying on the property, with many of those experi- ences accessible on foot. A skybridge connects the hotel’s two towers, as well as the Greater Columbus Convention Center, which offers an additional 1.8 million sf of meeting space. Courtesy PhotoMEET US AT THE Pink Palace Pink Palace 3400 Gulf Boulevard St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 727-360-1881 Host your next meeting Steps away from the white sand beaches of st. pete beach “Come all ye who seek health and rest, for here they are abundant” NEW HIRES Events DC Names Angie M. Gates President & CEO WASHINGTON, DC — The board of directors of Events DC has hired Angie M. Gates president and CEO of the official convention and sports au- thority for the District of Columbia, following a national search. Gates, who most re- cently served as DC’s director of the Office of Cable, Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME), will guide the orga- nization tasked with generating economic and com- munity benefits for DC residents and businesses. A 20-year veteran in event management, entertainment, film and public service, Gates’ expertise ranges from tourism and hospitality to film and venue operations. Notably, Gates was named the first African Ameri- can general manager of the iconic Warner Theatre, and earned Wash- ington, D.C. its first Emmy at the 60th Annual National Academy of Televi- sion Arts and Sciences Award show. Gates also recently received the Presi- dent’s Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joseph R. Biden. In 2020, Gates was appointed to serve on the Washington, D.C. ReOpen DC Advisory Group, the COVID-19 task force charged with delivering recom- mendations and a plan to reopen D.C. safely and sustainably. RESEARCH AMEX M&E Global Forecast: More In- Person Connections NEW YORK, NY — Meeting profes- sionals expect in-person events and budgets to increase in 2023, accord- ing to the 12th annual Global Meet- ings & Events Forecast, produced by American Express Meetings & Events. The 2023 Global Meetings & Events Forecast is based on a survey of 580 meetings and events profes- sionals in 23 countries, as well as interviews with industry leaders. Internal meetings continue to be a higher priority than they were pre- pandemic, as organizations see face- to-face interactions as key to improv- ing productivity, connecting teams, reducing turnover and attracting top talent. Survey respondents an- ticipate that in-person meetings and the number of event attendees will increase across the board, with 87% of meetings expected to have an in- person component. Moreover, only 32% of internal meetings are ex- pected to be held on the corporate’s property, with 40% being held in a different city from the office, and 45% including overnight accommo- dation for attendees. For more, visit amexglobalbusinesstravel.com/ meetings-events/meetings-forecast/. Gates TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | October/November 2022 9Next >