< PreviousSNAPSHOTS // 10 October/November 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com I MEX America 2022 had several official themes for the 11th edition of the international event, but an unofficial theme could have been: “Back and bigger than ever!” When IMEX America 2022, held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, closed following four days of business and networking, it heralded a welcome return to form for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry. Overall, there were 12,000 attendees, which included more than 4,000 buyers, 3,300 of whom attended the show’s hallmark hosted buyer program. Ray Bloom, IMEX chairman, explained that the 2022 edition was 45% bigger than last year due to an easing of travel restrictions, plus 40% of returning exhibitors taking more booth space. Across the board, international exhibitors returned in strong numbers. Of those who doubled the size of their booths, 24% were from North America, 23% were hotel groups, 15% were European and 12% from Asia. Latin America and tech exhibitors also showed significant increases. Some of the big themes percolating through from corridor conversations and speakers during the event included: service levels, contracts, well-being and mental health; the pros and cons of distributed workforces; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI+B) and sustainability, both personal and environmental. “The juddering, global halt of the pandemic may be behind us, but its lessons live on. And, having talked about disruption as a tool for business transformation for so long, we’re now seeing what that really means,” says Carina Bauer, IMEX Group CEO. “Many of these lessons are positive, innovative and long overdue.” | C&IT | 1 3 2 IMEX 2022 OCTOBER 11-13 — MANDALAY BAY IMEX AMERICA 2023 WILL BE HELD OCTOBER 17-19 AT MANDALAY BAY 1. Carina Bauer, IMEX Group CEO, speaks at a news conference 2. IMEX staffers celebrate opening day 3. Show-floor activity TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | October/November 2022 11 4. Planners visit Choose Chicago booth 5. L-R, Michael Catalano, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas; Harvey Grotsky, Publisher, Corporate & Incentive Travel; and Gavin Mealiffe, V.P. Sales, Catering and Conference Services, Tropicana Las Vegas 6. L-R Melissa Riley, Destination DC, at a news conference with Junior Tauvaa, Chief Sales Officer, Visit Anaheim; and Dustin Arnheim, S.V.P. Sales & Services, Choose Chicago 7. Brad Dean, President & CEO, Discover Puerto Rico 8. Jack Owens and Laura Saeger, Meet in Ireland. 9. The Visit Milwaukee team 10. A joyful moment with Paws for a Break 11. Planners meet with Ocean Coral Spring resort rep 4 6 9 5 7 8 10 11 PHOTOS 1, 2, 3, 10 & 11 COURTESY OF IMEX GROUPS ustainability in business is no longer an option; it’s an expectation. A recent global report found that 88% of consumers consider ethical and sus- tainable practices key when making purchases. Additionally, more than half of corporate social responsibility decision makers think compa- nies failing to act on sustainability initiatives won’t survive the next decade. Yet, as sustainability expectations increase, demand is growing for a return to in-person events. In-person and hybrid events conducted on Bizzabo’s Event Experience OS increased 255% between Q4 2021 and Q2 2022, while the volume of virtual events remained the same, according to aggregated data. In-person and hybrid events must accom- modate shifting consumer and business priorities, including sustainability expectations. In designing for a new era of in-person events, you can, and should, build sustainability into your event strategy to future-proof your event experiences. How sustainable is the events industry? While event experience leaders are increasingly planning with sustainability in mind, the industry still has work to do. Consider this sobering finding: The yearly carbon footprint for the global events industry equals the annual greenhouse gas emissions of the entire U.S. That’s roughly 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Attendee, speaker and sponsor flights to and from a venue contribute to 70% of an event’s carbon footprint. An aver- age three-day event with 1,000 attendees generates 12,500 pounds of total waste, 7,672 pounds of landfill waste and 530 metric tons of CO2 emissions. Even seemingly minor event details contribute to waste, such as printed materials, hotel room energy consumption, cab rides and swag. While this doesn’t address every contributor to an event’s carbon footprint, it’s a reminder of the interconnectedness of each event experience decision with broader environ- mental concerns. Don’t let that notion paralyze your efforts toward more robust sustainability. Instead, let’s look at industry efforts to standardize sustainable choices. Embracing sustainable event management as a strategy Sustainable event management includes a collection of tools, processes and practices event experience leaders can leverage to minimize an event’s impact while still provid- ing attendees with an engaging experience. A sustainable approach helps protect the environment while reducing event expenses and delighting environmentally conscious attendees, vendors and staff. When event organizers embrace sustainable event man- agement, they follow these common best practices: • Working with venues and vendors with third-party sus- tainability certifications, e.g., LEED, APEX/ASTM, Green Key and GREENleaders • Prioritizing biodegradable containers or reusable items for food service • Offering attendees public transportation options to reduce CO2 emissions • Incorporating hybrid and virtual elements, and stand- alone events, to reduce the overall carbon footprint The Events Industry Council, guided by the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, has established four principles intended to help all event experience lead- ers take “action toward preserving our natural environment; promoting a healthy, inclusive society; and supporting a thriving economy.” In the first principle, event organizers and suppliers share responsibility for implementing and communicating PERSPECTIVE // DepositPhotos.com How to Create More Sustainable Events BY DEVIN CLEARY 12 October/November 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comsustainable practices to their stakeholders . The second principle addresses basic environmental practices, including waste management, carbon emissions reductions and management and biodiversity preservation. The third principle includes a range of social consider- ations, such as universal human rights, respect for diverse cultures and community impacts. Finally, the fourth pillar champions the ability of sustain- able events to support thriving economic practices through collaboration and partnerships, stakeholder participation and responsible governance. The council offers sustainability certification for all stakeholders in the events industry — from event organizers and accommodations, to venues, destination, F&B, A/V and production and exhibition spaces — with detailed require- ments to help organizations pursue sustainable practices. Sustainable event experience tactics to start your journey The goal of sustainability may feel out of reach when you’re facing the lofty ideals of a long-term sustainabil- ity program. If you’re ready to start, consider these sus- tainability tactics: Create a sustainability policy — Outline your sustainabil- ity goals and motivations, and identify the steps needed to reach your goals. Also, determine milestones and how you will measure progress. Events Industry Council standards can help you strategize. Create satellite events — Instead of holding one major annual event, host multiple regional micro-events to limit travel. Or, opt for a multi-hub approach, with groups of in- person meetings connected by virtual components. Multiple hubs connecting one event decrease air travel requirements and lower an event’s carbon footprint, while still maintain- ing a robust connection and a large audience. Embrace hybrid and virtual event options — Rather than asking all attendees to physically attend your events, con- sider inviting only VIPs to attend in-person, and offering a virtual option for everyone else. If a conference with 5,000 attendees used this approach, organizers could reduce its event footprint by 98%. Use sustainable materials — Use sustainable, recyclable and compostable materials. Even minor changes such as tree-free paper and bamboo plates can make a big difference, particularly when compounded over many events. Donate extra food to people in need — In lieu of tossing uneaten food, partner with food pantries or soup kitchens to donate the excess food. Find sustainable vendors — Now that you’ve learned about some of the sustainability certification programs avail- able, seek out certified vendors or those working toward certifications. Choose sustainable venues — Working with a venue already invested in sustainable practices reduces event foot- prints further and eases the burden for event experience leaders. In addition to other certification standards avail- able for venues, the International Association of Conference Centers issues GreenStar certification to centers worldwide. Emphasize green transportation options — Partner with rideshare apps and public transit options to help attendees avoid cabs and other single-rider options during the event. This tactic ensures attendees’ travel between their hotels and the event is environmentally efficient. Building a more sustainable future, one event at a time Explorer Robert Swan put it best when he said, “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” Every step the events industry takes to become more sustainable is another step toward a greener event and a healthier environment. Sustainability, in this light, isn’t a challenge as much as an opportunity: to act on your organi- zation’s principles, to show attendees your commitment to addressing environmental issues, and to encourage others to get involved. C&IT DEVIN CLEARY Devin Cleary is the V.P. of Global Events at Bizzabo, the world’s fastest-growing event technology platform for hybrid, virtual and in-person events. Cleary is a passionate, results- driven event producer and marketing executive with experience leading the creation and active management of diverse experiential marketing programs for B2B, nonprofit and consumer markets. He was recognized as one of Connect Association’s “40 under 40” leaders in 2021. He was also featured in Event Marketer’s 2017 “B2B Dream Team” and BostInno’s “50 on Fire.” “ An average, three-day event with 1,000 attendees GENERATES 12,500 pounds of total waste and 7,672 pounds of LANDFILL waste ... ” TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | October/November 2022 13Golf & Spa Resorts Facilitate Successful Meetings BY CHRISTINE LOOMIS T here are many reasons resorts with golf courses and spas provide an excellent base for corpo- rate meetings and events. Charity golf tourna- ments organized by corporations and provid- ing important fundraising opportunities are an obvious one, but there are others. Golf courses provide an easy networking venue — a sustained four or more hours where corporate groups can interact with clients, or managers can spend time with their teams and direct reports to assess leadership potential, zero in on problem areas, brainstorm solutions or get to know new hires. Even if there is no official tournament or golf built into the meeting, casual play on attendees’ own time can still offer valuable networking opportunities. Spa time also has benefits. It can be a perk for employees when meetings wrap up, or for spouses who attend meet- ings. And when it comes to incentive programs, upscale golf and spa resorts can provide the kind of desired destination as well as the high level of service and amenities that drive employees to achieve the goals required to win participation. An Excellent Fit For a client’s annual conference at the American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin, the golf courses are just one aspect, says Lydia Mladenovic, CEO of M Group Events, an event consulting company that helped facilitate the meeting. The client held its annual conference at the resort early last fall, drawing 225 attendees. Mladenovic says the American Club is an excellent fit for her client and its attendees for many reasons, including, “the atmosphere and graciousness of the surroundings, the beautiful golf courses, superb room accom- modations, and a wonderful spa and staff who are ready to assist in any way to make attendees feel well taken care of.” Considering the resort had recently hosted the prestigious Ryder Cup, during which top U.S. golfers compete against top European golfers, it’s not surprising that the golf courses are a draw — but, they’ve always been a draw. “The Ryder Cup has definitely been a bonus. Clients who have played the course can brag about having experienced what the top golfers in & Putting GOLF & SPA // 14 October/November 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comthe world have played,” Mladenovic says. “But over the many years the conference has been held there, The American Club has added more courses and has kept our golf clients very happy with the opportunity to play the various courses.” For this event, she adds, they were anxious to see and experience the new Par 3 course, The Baths of Blackwolf Run. While the conference doesn’t include a tournament, Mlad- enovic says many in the group play. “The conference team was able to match clients that have similar golf skills along with one or two from their team to create a fun experience and a great way to get to know their clients on a more personal level,” she says. “The conference team has some spouses attend as well, and they join with a client and their spouse to create a foursome. Company staff and clients get to know each other’s families, interests, etc., and it creates a wonderful atmosphere that goes beyond the typical business relationship.” In terms of integrating golf into the conference, Mlade- novic notes that golf and other breakout opportunities “allow the conference team much needed time — above and beyond the important business forecasts that are shared at the meet- ing — to introduce new employees, network and just get to know the attendees much better.” Having American Club’s two renowned golf courses, Whis- tling Straits — the 2021 Ryder Cup course — and Blackwolf Run “as part of the experience during our conference was the icing on the cake, Mladenovic says. “However, there are also many other reasons to host the conference at Destination Kohler and The American Club. “There are a nice variety of options for other breakout experiences, such as a cooking class, wellness experiences and walking tours, just to mention a few. Since there are clients with a variety of interests, it’s great to be able to offer world-class golf, a five-star spa, a wonderful range of dining experiences and a variety of breakout opportunities. There is something great to choose for each client.” The resort’s staff also plays a role in the success of the conference, Mladenovic says. “The staff handling conference needs in the ballroom make any audio/visual requirements very easy for client presentations and speakers.” Courtesy Photo Pampering Golf and spa resorts offer the best of both worlds for planners looking for the perfect venue. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | October/November 2022 15In fact, she says, the staff is impressive across the board. “I am personally impressed with how each person that I interact with is so eager to plan and execute the perfect event and conference. From the beautiful golf courses to the food experiences, to the Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond experience, it’s a pleasure to be on-site and to welcome clients that look forward to the con- ference each year.” Mladenovic urges planners to strongly consider the American Club for their groups, noting that it’s a reward- ing partnership. “Starting with the sales team, along with all the various departments — culinary, front desk, golf, apparel, etc. — I like to become a team member with them to work together and create the best all-around experience for the group. The motto for our company is, ‘It’s all about the details.’ That’s why I love working with The American Club staff — they get it!” An Over-the-Top Spa Arizona has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to golf resorts. Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, is among the best. B. Anderson, CMP, facilitated an end-of-the-year recap meeting there late last year for a group from a European company with a New York office. For this meeting, size matters. “For the size of our group and the size of the resort, we felt like we weren’t lost in the shuffle,” Anderson says. “We were on the radar. We also like Arizona for the nice weather.” Golf wasn’t a focus of the event, though some attendees did play — and those who did raved about the condition of the resort’s course. The spa, however, “was one of the determin- ing factors,” Anderson says. “It was a big plus. We planned a spa day within the meeting plans prior to the team-building event. The spa staff is great and there are quite a few service options to pick from.” Anderson says the group really liked the large spa facil- ity, which is located a distance away from the hotel. “There’s a nice fitness center, restaurant, pool and yoga studio, and there’s a lot of outdoor space for spa activities as well. For the spa day, some attendees had treatments while others went for a guided hike.” The resort’s meeting space also factored in, in part because so much of it is outdoors and usable in winter thanks to Arizo- na’s pleasant winter weather. “All ballrooms have natural light and there is a great amount of outdoor space as well — not all air walls, which was attractive to us. Our meetings were held outside because the weather was great. That kept COVID-19 fears at ease,” Anderson says. “The grounds are impeccable, and the banquet team was very helpful. We did a team-build- ing activity, the Salsa Challenge, that was very fun.” To planners who may not be very familiar with Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Anderson has one suggestion: “Be sure to make time in the business sessions for your attendees to enjoy the resort. Have a half-day meeting one day and book golf, spa or excursion options. Also have a dinner on-site at one of the outdoor venues — food at the resort is very good.” The Boulders is an easy choice for Anderson and this group. “We’ve been there before, and we will come back.” The Perfect Choice The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is another of the world’s top golf and spa resorts, and one of the great Golden Age resorts still serving discern- ing guests. It’s also a popular choice for charity tournaments. Amanda Crocker, CMP, is manager of special events with Pinnacol Assurance, a Colorado company that has a strong relationship with the resort, built over many years. “The Broadmoor is the perfect location in all of Colorado for our event, a charity golf tour- nament,” she says. “It has multiple golf courses, event spaces and plenty of rooms for our group. It also has a certain draw to bring in both individuals and top-notch sponsors for this very important fundraising event.” The Pinnacol Foundation Golf Tournament has been held annually for more than two decades. “This is the perfect style of fundraising event for our stakeholder group,” Crocker says. “Beyond just the golf, this group returns year after year to be at The Broadmoor and enjoy spectacular service, food and beverage and golf-course views.” Without question, the Broadmoor has the golf facilities, atmosphere and amenities to make it the perfect choice for this group — and for any group wanting to meet at a clas- sic resort that checks all the boxes, including excellent staff. “All of their representatives make a huge difference in our event,” Crocker says. Courtesy of Amanda Crocker Resorts with golf available are just right for team-building events or other activities. 16 October/November 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com All profits from resort stays support The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation educational mission and historic preservation. MEMORABLE MEETINGS. AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES. We’ve taken significant steps to ensure that our event accommodations meet the highest standard of health and safety for our guests. Providing a world-class experience through our five unique hotel properties and allowing our guests to immerse themselves in the world’s largest living history museum, we offer 19 flavorful food and beverage outlets, legendary golf courses, a world-class spa and fitness center, and flexible meeting spaces perfectly suited for every budget. Your stay supports The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s mission to help maintain and preserve these historic and iconic assets so they may continue to be enjoyed by generations to come. Plan your next event with us by calling 800-822-9127 or visit colonialwilliamsburgresorts.com to witness history in the making. 2021 OVER 100,000 SQ. FT. OF INDOOR / OUTDOOR EVENT SPACE 45 HOLES OF GOLF19 FOOD AND BEVERAGE OUTLETSAll profits from resort stays support The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation educational mission and historic preservation. MEMORABLE MEETINGS. AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES. We’ve taken significant steps to ensure that our event accommodations meet the highest standard of health and safety for our guests. Providing a world-class experience through our five unique hotel properties and allowing our guests to immerse themselves in the world’s largest living history museum, we offer 19 flavorful food and beverage outlets, legendary golf courses, a world-class spa and fitness center, and flexible meeting spaces perfectly suited for every budget. Your stay supports The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s mission to help maintain and preserve these historic and iconic assets so they may continue to be enjoyed by generations to come. Plan your next event with us by calling 800-822-9127 or visit colonialwilliamsburgresorts.com to witness history in the making. 2021 OVER 100,000 SQ. FT. OF INDOOR / OUTDOOR EVENT SPACE 45 HOLES OF GOLF19 FOOD AND BEVERAGE OUTLETSCrocker has no hesitation about recommending The Broadmoor to other planners. “Lean on the Broadmoor staff of experts — sales team, golf, catering,” she says. “They’ll help make your event perfect.” There’s just one caveat: “Book early, especially if you have specific dates you need. I keep our annual golf tournament contracted five years out.” Everything Under One Roof Wanda Woods, CMP, support services coordinator with PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, says the fact that Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Sandestin, Florida is an hour and a half from her company’s headquarters allows employees and other attendees to meet with minimal cost and time constraints, noting that the resort’s proximity to several airports, both commercial and executive, is an added bonus. And, she says, “There are so many things to do on-site and in the area, including going to Baytowne, Grand Boule- vard and shopping at the Silver Sands Outlet.” The company, an energy group, holds five to eight meet- ings at Hilton Sandestin annually. “We only have one meeting that kicks off with a golf tournament as part of the program,” Woods says. “However, we have other attendees who choose to play in their free time.” Woods has hosted meetings at the resort since 2007, the year she became a planner. Prior to 2019, the group alternated with other locations, but since 2019, has met exclusively at Hilton Sandestin, and now has contracts signed through 2024. “This site has been selected for several reasons,” Woods says. “With the addition of the Coastal Ballroom, our group was able to host our general session, breakouts and meals without having to tear down and reset our function space. Also, our attendees noted they like a location with every- thing under one roof. It allows them the flexibility to run back to their rooms on breaks or during lunch to freshen up, or check on family or guests traveling with them.” She adds, “The facility has on-site dining available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so you don’t have to leave the property or be exposed to inclement weather. The rooms are very spacious and cost effective. A wide variety of amenities are available from the fitness center and Serenity by the Sea Spa to din- ing, and shuttle service, and there’s always the added value of being on the beach.” The spa frequently has been a big hit as well. “Serenity by the Sea Spa offers a wonderful experience for spa lovers like myself,” Woods says. “I enjoy the newly renovated facility’s quiet room every opportunity I get.” To planners and groups considering hosting a meeting at the Hilton Sandestin, Woods says, “I would suggest a site visit in which you plan an overnight stay to really get the full view of all the services and amenities available at this location.” Additionally, she says, “Request the same event manager for all your company’s conferences so they learn how you work and strategize as well as helping you learn how and when to provide needed information and pref- erences. It also helps you build a relationship with them and the facility.” Woods also advises planners to, “Provide as much his- tory and program information from the onset in order to assure all your needs can be met. And reach out to the CVB and use all the resources available through them to enhance your program.” As COVID might continue to impact meetings and events, Hilton Sandestin also offers a program to groups that want to maintain face-to-face meetings: proximity contract trac- ing. “Providing groups with the option to include proxim- ity contact tracing as part of an upcoming business meeting, corporate event or general gathering is the next step in creat- ing a safe setting for groups of all sizes as they look to once again reconnect,” says Kevin Rosa, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa director of sales and marketing. “In addi- tion to our health and safety protocols and secluded loca- tion in the northwest part of Florida, we continue to assess ways we can welcome groups to a risk-reduced and relaxing coastal setting.” Building on the resort’s enhanced cleaning measures and CleanStay protocols, proximity contact tracing offers groups Courtesy photo Colonial Williamsburg offers a 33,000-sf spa with 12 private treatment rooms, a full-service salon and more. 18 October/November 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comanother option for ensuring a safe space in the current travel climate for meetings and events. Provided and managed by Vital Circle, the proximity contact tracing capabilities will be customized to best fit the needs of each group. Legendary Service and Amenities Another iconic resort offering world-class golf and spa facilities is Colonial Williamsburg Resorts, which operates six hotel properties, 11 restaurants, a spa, three golf courses, eight tennis courts, walking trails and swimming pools. The properties include The Williamsburg Inn, which offers 62 guest rooms in an elegant setting for discriminating guests, and which was transformed a few years ago following its most extensive renovation in 15 years; Griffin Hotel, which offers 43 spacious guest rooms with balco- nies overlooking natural areas, and has flexible meeting space for 15 to 100; Colonial Houses, which offers 81 total rooms with period furnishings and modern amenities; The Williamsburg Lodge, which offers 323 guest rooms in a setting that reflects its Virginia loca- tion, 45,000 sf of meeting space that includes the 11,200-sf Virginia Room, and which also underwent an exten- sive guest room renovation completed in 2018; The Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel and Suites, which offers 299 guest rooms and 12,812 sf of function space overlooking a wooded ravine and waterfall; and The Governors Inn, which offers 128 comfortable economy accommodations located a short walk from the city’s Historic Area. The resort’s distinct dining venues include the The Rock- efeller Room at the Williamsburg Inn, serving as a contempo- rary fine dining venue and the Inn’s signature dining experi- ence, paying homage to the evolution of American cuisine; The Goodwin & Terrace Rooms at the Williamsburg Inn, which serves as an upscale breakfast retreat, and serves food and cocktails throughout the day; Huzzah’s Eatery, which serves sandwiches, pasta, burgers and made-to-order pizza with a variety of microbrews on tap; and The Museum Café, the perfect spot to enjoy soups, wraps, salads, desserts and even a glass of wine. As for golf, the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club offers 45 holes of golf among three courses. The Gold Course offers 18 holes designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., which underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2017; the Green Course offers 18 holes designed by Rees Jones; and Spotswood is the resort’s nine-hole course. Finally, The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg is set in a Geor- gian Revival building on South England Street, a few steps from the Williamsburg Inn and Williamsburg Lodge. The 33,000-sf spa radiates Southern charm, harmonizes with its historical surroundings and offers 12 private treatment rooms, two suites for couples, a full-service salon, rejuvenat- ing therapies and fitness training quarters with Nautilus fit- ness equipment, and group exercise classes. There are many incredible golf and spa resorts across the country, each with its own destination and resort assets. But they all have one thing in common: They offer planners and groups a setting in which meeting, networking, building rela- tionships, reaching goals, relaxing and rejuvenating are all available in one fantastic spot. C&IT The Broadmoor offers exciting, challenging golf courses for players of all skill levels. Courtesy Photo TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | October/November 2022 19 Our group was able to host our general session, breakouts and meals without having to tear down and reset our function space. WANDA WOODS, CMP Support Services Coordinator, PowerSouth Energy CooperativeNext >