< PreviousWASTE NOT … Ames has found that waste minimi- zation and diversion efforts are one of the more effective ways to lower a meet- ing’s carbon footprint. “These focus on both designing waste out of event production plans and developing com- prehensive waste diversion strategies to redirect any leftover materials for com- posting, recycling or reuse,” Ames says. Food service is a good place to start — in part because it’s a carbon saver as well as a money saver. For a conference Connelly assisted with, “we negotiated to serve box lunches without the box. Avoiding the box allowed us to save $2 per lunch. At a conference with almost 6,000 lunches over the week, that’s a savings of $12,000, and we reduced the carbon involved with creating, shipping and disposing of 6,000 boxes.” DeSandy notes that at Huntington Place, a group’s decision to use water bubblers and drinking fountain dis- pensers instead of bottled water saved them $20,000. Using compostable serviceware can have an impact if the venue is able to actually compost it. If it just goes into the trash, it does not have any posi- tive environmental impact. “Service- ware can be one of the largest sources of waste, and sorting through green options can be complicated,” Ames says. That’s because there is a fair amount of green washing that takes place with serviceware. “One thing to look out for are items labeled biodegradable. While this sounds like a green option, the use of this term is not regulated and does not necessarily mean the product is sus- tainable. Remember, even plastic will biodegrade after hundreds of years.” During COVID, many companies returned to using bottled water, pre- packed plastic silverware and other disposables. Zavada calls this “safety theater” and points out that it really does little to keep attendees safe — and does a lot to increase the amount of waste an event generates. Moving back to durable serviceware and other con- tainers is important as soon as groups feel comfortable doing it. Huntington Place has a Green Team, and its members will often work with groups from the beginning of their plan- ning process to understand what materials might not be reusable or recyclable through their normal waste disposal methods. “This gives us an opportu- nity to tie into our network and find a home for goods that might normally end up in the waste stream before the consumer leaves the build- ing,” DeSandy says. At one event, the client set up a test- drive track that included several live 15-foot trees. Rather than throwing them away at the end of the event, the facility found a partner who was able to take the trees and get them planted. “One of the happiest outcomes was learning that the elephants at the local zoo love to play with the trees. In another instance, the local conservancy planted some of the trees,” DeSandy says. Signage can be a significant expense for companies and generate a lot of waste. “Consider creating evergreen signage by leaving the dates off of sig- nage so it may be reused in the future,” Connolly says. “Request FSC-certified paper or recyclable or compostable substrates like Falconboard.” Also, look for alternatives to paper or plastic signage. “We are fortunate to have an extensive network of digital screens inside and outside of our facility, which can virtually eliminate the need to print session and directional signage,” DeSandy says. “If signs must be printed, organizers can specify the use of recy- clable materials rather than foamcore.” As much as people love swag, elimi- nating it or greatly reducing it can shrink the amount of stuff that gets thrown away after an event, Zavada says. FOOD, FOOD WASTE AND CARBON EMISSIONS Food can also have a major impact on the event’s overall carbon footprint. Raising cows, pigs and other animals for meat produces significant emis- sions. Zavada has a client that aims to do just one meatless meal per day, and even the impact of that can be huge. Serving less meat also fits with people’s growing interest in healthy living. If eliminating meat at meals is too much to ask, find ways to use less of it, especially beef, Connolly says. The demand for beef directly contributes to greenhouse gas production because cows produce methane and affects car- bon capture because people are cutting down forests to make way for cattle grazing. Producing beef also uses more water than other sources of protein. themeetingmagazines.com 20 FEBRUARY 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Ali Ames Director of Sustainability Three Squares Inc. Virtual events significantly reduce travel- related emissions inherent to events that bring together people. Waste minimization and diversion efforts are one of the more effective ways to lower a meeting’s carbon footprint. When it comes to composting, be sure venues are able to do it and that the compostable items don’t actually wind up in the landfill. COURTESY OF THREE SQUARES INC.Dishes like a chicken and veggie stir fry, turkey and bean chili, or pasta sauce loaded with vegetables as well as ground beef will fill people up with less meat. “Request locally produced food,” Connolly says. “The amount of miles the food has to travel is a significant contributor of greenhouse gases. Ask your caterer to order from as many local sources as possible. It’s also fresher and supports local farmers. Avoid food that needs to be flown in.” Serving organic food can also make a difference because it is grown without pesticides and chemicals that pollute land and streams. Fertilizer also requires signifi- cant energy to produce, which bumps up the food’s overall carbon emissions. Reducing food waste has been called a top way to slow global warm- ing. “Because it is back of house, many people do not see the tragic amount of food that is thrown away at events,” Connolly says. “While most catering companies donate unused raw ingredi- ents, they are often not able to donate meals once they are prepared.” It’s worth inquiring about food donation programs in addition to look- ing for ways to eliminate excess food. For an event Connolly consulted on, “we analyzed attrition counts year after year, for every meal function in our program. These registration-to-meals- served ratios became so predictive, we were able to serve 10,000 lunches over the six-day event and had only approxi- mately 125 leftover meals in total.” ADVICE FOR GREEN MEETING PLANNERS Once a plan to lower the carbon footprint of an event is in place, brands should develop methods to bench- mark and measure their progress toward their goals. Making sustainability claims is not enough anymore. People want to see data that proves companies are not green washing their claims. “There are a number of organizations that can help with carbon offset calculations and tools to help collect all of the necessary information to help lower a company’s carbon footprint,” Anderson says. “Ver- dical Group has processes in place to help with all or even portions of mak- ing a client’s event neutral, based on the level they desire.” MeetGreen has an UnCarbon Calculator that can help firms quantify carbon emissions not produced thanks to event sustainabil- ity practices. Venues can be good partners in this effort. “We provide groups with a sum- mary of pounds or tons diverted from landfills,” DeSandy says. Don’t assume all facilities will have the capability or willingness to provide this type of infor- mation, though. Ask about this at the beginning of the RFP process. Event planners who are just starting their sustainability efforts shouldn’t try to do everything at once. “Come up with a five-year plan and backtrack from there,” Connolly says. “Pick a few areas to work on and set realistic, achievable goals to reduce your impact over time.” Planners may need to be patient with venues, who are still struggling with uncertain business operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Much of the hard work in sustainability is done by committed human beings getting dirty, reaching out to their networks and dreaming up creative solutions to reduce waste or upcycle leftover mate- rials,” DeSandy says. “That is just plain harder to do until we have returned to fuller staffing levels.” But he is convinced all industry pro- fessionals will come around to imple- menting sustainability practices if they haven’t already. Following the 2008 financial crisis and during the early stages of the pandemic, “Event orga- nizers and suppliers were forced to cut unnecessary expenses and shift focus to survival,” DeSandy says. Once those crises stabilized, interest in sustainable practices resumed. “I think we can all agree sustain- ability is no longer a luxury expense, and therefore, it needs to become part of our business and personal culture,” DeSandy says. “Each of us can make a positive contribution and difference by leading a more natural life and adopting habits which can prolong the quality of life on our planet.” I & FMM INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | FEBRUARY 2022themeetingmagazines.com 21 Diana Connolly Founder Groundswell Marketing The amount of miles the food has to travel is a significant contributor of greenhouse gases. Venues can help during trade shows by minimizing aisle carpeting, reducing the use of plastics, helping with exhibitor recycling and donations, and providing digital screens throughout for signage. COURTESY OF DIANA CONNOLLY DESTINATIONREPORT themeetingmagazines.com 22 FEBRUARY 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Arizona Offering Spectacular Desert Views and Appealing Activities BY NANCY MUELLERGREATER PHOENIX Plentiful warm weather and diverse experiences — from professional sports and shopping to family-friendly attrac- tions and festivals — attract conference and meeting attendees to the Phoenix area, says Deborah Lahti, director of hotel and resort sales for Visit Phoenix. “With over 500 properties in Greater Phoenix, our destination appeals to all budgets and experiences,” she says. “We offer the best of both worlds: a walkable, urban downtown and an unri- valed resort collection. Our abundance of outdoor spaces and adaptable prop- erty layouts are ideal for a comfortable and safe experience for travelers.” New hotel openings, light rail under construction for a major expansion, and attractions releasing new exhibits and features, also account for the continu- ing appeal of Phoenix as a desirable meeting destination, Lahti says. One of the most noteworthy new exhibits? “Dale Chihuly’s return to the desert at Desert Botanical Garden and Taliesin West,” she says. On the hotel front, one of the area’s most anticipated resorts, the AAA Four-Diamond Westin Tempe, opened last summer. Located on historic Mill Avenue, the property lies in the heart of the dining, shopping and entertainment district. More than 21,000 sf of functional meeting space includes 13 event rooms, 13 breakout rooms and the 4,960-sf Opal Ballroom. Full- service catering and cutting-edge A/V ser- vices are also available. For relaxation, meeting attendees can opt for the 24-hour WestinWorkout Fit- ness Studio, the hotel’s infinity pool or a beverage of choice atop the Skysill Rooftop Lounge with panoramic views of downtown Tempe. When it comes to dining, the diverse cultures of the Phoenix area provide a wide variety of options to sip and savor. “Our downtown area is expanding, with new restaurants and dining concepts, including another multi-concept venue, Pemberton PHX, a soon-to-be take- out and dining experience from Huss Brewing Co. located in the Phoenix Convention Center, and new locations of some Arizona favorites like Pa’La and Ingo’s Tasty Food.” For planners considering where to host their next corporate meeting, Lahti advises: “Greater Phoenix is the ideal destination for corporate meet- ings. There are tons of new things to experience, a variety of culture and cuisine, and traveling here is easy due to the incredible amount of airlift to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor Interna- tional Airport.” TUCSON Cindy Aguilar, public relations & communications manager for Visit Tuc- son, isn’t surprised by the enthusiastic response of event organizers for the region. “The familiar Tucson tag lines of ‘Wide Open Spaces’ & ‘Beyond the Ballroom’ resonate with professional planners for a reason,” Aguilar says. “Surrounded by mountain ranges on all sides and bordered on the east and west by Saguaro National Park, Tucson has always been a destination that puts a premium on outdoor spaces, offering unlimited hiking and biking attrac- tions.” Now more than ever, “Planners and attendees are looking to get outside, and the Tucson area resorts and hotels all feature exceptional outdoor spaces for meetings and events,” she adds. After a site visit to The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, Linda Tooley, CMP, felt reassured that staffing would be adequate and services available even during the COVID-19 pandemic for her company’s executive meeting with South American dealer principals. Tooley, corporate event professional for Caterpillar Inc., cites the property’s top-notch service and appreciation for their business as significant factors in the decision to book the executive event INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | FEBRUARY 2022themeetingmagazines.com 23 The view from the rooftop of the new Westin Tempe. The resort offers more than 21,000 sf of functional meetings space, which includes 13 event rooms, 13 breakout rooms and the 4,960-sf Opal Ballroom. With its 300 days of sunshine and singular desert beauty, Arizona beckons those seeking an inspiring destination to celebrate resiliency, recovery and recognition for thriving through the midst of hard times — like a global pandemic, for instance. New offerings in hotel and resort properties, impeccable health and safety protocols, diverse dining options and unrivaled family friendly attractions continue to elevate “The Grand Canyon State” as a top-tier event destination designed to meet every meeting occasion.early last fall. Specifically, says Tooley, “Hotel staff went to great lengths to ensure the health and safety of our guests by modifying buffet serving pro- cesses, distance seating and continuous cleaning of public spaces. The event staff was exceptional.” Located in central Tucson, plan- ners have access to the Westin La Paloma’s more than 92,000 sf of indoor and outdoor events space, which fea- tures 28 meeting rooms, including the 18,000-sf Arizona Ballroom. For dining options, “The restaurants were, as to be expected, operating on reduced hours and scaled-back menus; however, the staff was excellent and the food was delicious. Banquet catering was equally impressive, and I felt we had sufficient options to satisfy our guests,” Tooley says. “Feedback from attendees was very positive about the location and the event. Everyone appreciated the cleanliness of the hotel, and attention to guest health and safety. The meet- ing space was wonderful, and din- ner on the balcony space was lovely.” Tooley advises planners to “definitely visit the property and conduct a thor- ough site visit.” For spellbinding sunsets of the Santa Catalina Mountains together with plen- tiful outdoor activities, both on- and off-site, Tucson’s famed El Conquista- dor Tucson, A Hilton Resort, remains a popular planner venue. The 500-acre, AAA Four-Diamond resort offers 428 guest rooms, suites and casitas, many with desert and mountain views that invite rest and relaxation in spacious, contemporary settings. El Conquistador offers an IACC- approved conference center with 100,000 sf of indoor and outdoor meetings and events space, including the 11,900-sf Turquoise Ballroom, the 11,520-sf Presidio Ballroom and an 11,000-sf Executive Conference Cen- ter, with full-service catering and A/V planning services. Also, the Last Territory, El Conquistador’s Western-style mini-town, is great for barbecue- centered team-building events and receptions. The resort also has launched its new SpaWell, featuring a range of spa services, such as a Signature SpaWell Facial, Himalayan Salt Stone Massage, Desert Senses Aromatherapy Massage and more. “What we most hear from meeting planners and event-goers is that they love the ‘Uniquely Southwest’ culture and vibe at the resort,” says Danae Norris, director of sales & mar- keting. “This manifests throughout the resort and includes the seamless fusion of our indoor space with the outdoors, our friendly and knowledgeable team, our world-class culinary offerings, and the broad range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking and — of course — sitting by the pool and doing abso- lutely nothing.” From morning wake- up coffees at Grab & Go to poolside dining, to Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails for Southwest-inspired cuisine, meet- ing attendees have plenty of food and beverage options. Of special note to planners, Nor- ris mentions that the property has extended the “Treasures of Gold” group initiative through 2023, “in which meeting planners and groups can take advantage of a wealth of incentives to enhance their experience at the resort. Additionally, to further enhance our guest’s spiritual experience, we recently launched ‘Renewal of the Flame.’ This daily ritual occurs around sunset when we ceremonially light our firepits. Guests are encouraged to participate by casting away any negative energy and welcoming in positive energy.” At Tucson’s Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, the property’s Destination Ser- vices by Loews provides one-stop shop- ping for planners seeking assistance in coordinating all aspects of the meetings experience, from transportation, tours and activities, to team-building pro- grams and off-site, themed-event plan- ning. The resort’s 37,000 sf of versatile indoor meetings space ranges from the 800-sf Executive Boardroom to the 10,800-sf ballroom in the Kiva Build- ing, while nearly 40,000 sf of outdoor function space includes the 1,200-sf Cascade Terrace, overlooking the main pool, and the Coyote Corral, a 22,000-sf themed Western village. Oversized soaking tubs in 398 guest rooms with a private balcony, or patios and garden tubs, plus views of the sur- rounding Catalina Mountains, provide just the right backdrop for unwinding after an invigorating day of business programming. So, too, does the Lake- side Spa & Fitness Center, featuring eight treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge, adults-only serenity pool and hot tub, cardio and strength-training themeetingmagazines.com 24 FEBRUARY 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT See why Tucson’s one-of-a-kind culture creates an experience that extends beyond the ballroom. Book now through 2024 and earn up to $15,000 OFF your Master Account. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WESTIN LA PALOMA RESORT & SPA Linda Tooley, CMP, corporate event professional at Caterpillar Inc., says she received plenty of positive feedback from her attendees about the amenities at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa. Linda Tooley, CMP Corporate Event Professional Caterpillar Inc. Everyone appreciated the cleanliness of the hotel and attention to guest health and safety.See why Tucson’s one-of-a-kind culture creates an experience that extends beyond the ballroom. Book now through 2024 and earn up to $15,000 OFF your Master Account.equipment, and four lighted tennis courts. Two 18-hole championship golf courses designed by Tom Fazio attract golf enthusiasts, while the 1.1-mile ParCourse Fitness Trail and Window Walk Nature Trail attract runners and walkers. For innovative Southwestern cuisine, the Flying V Bar & Grill offers a popular dining option. SCOTTSDALE When selecting a client meeting site, Jamie Pepper, SVP of meetings and coordination for The Opal Group, says the meetings space and flow of events is always the leading factor in her deci- sion making. Pepper’s choice of Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia for her corporate meeting of 400 indus- try professionals met the group’s need for “ample indoor and outdoor meeting space, including large foyers for exhib- its with outdoor space off the function space for meals, which is ideal for this event.” The resort’s easy accessibil- ity less than 20 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and the many amenities proved another deciding factor. “What’s most unique about this resort is the Spanish feel of the hotel, coupled with the picturesque views of Camelback Mountain as a backdrop for the event,” Pepper says, describing the ambiance of Omni Montelucia. The resort’s 293 luxurious guest room and suites, plus the property’s world-class service and amenities entice decision- makers seeking an upscale resort that provides a seamless environment for business and leisure. The Andalusia region of Spain is the inspiration behind guest rooms designed in dark woods and sumptuous hues. With 16 meeting rooms offering a total of 102,000 sf of flexible function space — including 76,793 sf of outdoor space — planners have a variety of options for meeting room design. Indoor venues range from the Alhambra Ballroom at 9,216 sf, to the more modest 4,590-sf Valencia Ball- room. Several unique dining discoveries include Privé and King Ferdinand’s Cel- lar, Chef’s Kitchen and Chef’s Studio, while Spanish-inspired culinary flavors set the tone for fine dining at Prado, craft cocktails at the Mbar and all-day dining at Taqueria Centro. Outdoor venues include the 3,400-sf Alhambra Ballroom Terrace, the 6,500-sf Valen- cia Lawn and the 8,500-sf Oasis Pool Plaza, among others. Pepper acknowledges that when they host programs in Scottsdale, they always find time to golf on or off- property, which is a fun and naturally socially distanced outdoor activity, she says. Omni Montelucia is an official hotel of the PGA Tour, and hiking and biking, a walking tour, swimming in one of three pools and the Joya Spa & Salon are among the resort’s on-site activities. “The great weather, quality of resort product, easy airlift and off- site entertainment make Scottsdale a draw for meetings and conferences,” Pepper says. “Our conference has been held every January since 2000, and it’s our third year back in Scottsdale, as the destination’s resorts always do a nice job with our events. As Scottsdale is a destination that seems to remain in high demand, it’s wise for planners to take advantage of cost savings in the shoulder season and summer rebate programs, as well as options such as the Site See, Fly Free program offered by Experience Scottsdale.” As a final recommendation, Pepper themeetingmagazines.com 26 FEBRUARY 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Scottsdale offers meeting attendees a bounty of activities, from shopping and restaurants, to outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, in the expansive McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia offered ample indoor and outdoor meetings and events space for The Opal Group’s recent event with 400 attendees, says Jamie Pepper, SVP of meetings and coordination.adds: “For a fun way to let loose, try Hash Kitchen’s Bloody Mary Bar — it’s amazing. I’m planning my return to Scottsdale just for that.” Custom catering menus, profes- sional executive meetings and events specialists, and cutting-edge meet- ing facilities highlight the continuing appeal of The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa as a favorite meetings destination among planners and attendees alike. In fact, says Tracy Davies, senior sales executive, “We have been experiencing very high demand at The Westin Kier- land, causing our resort to be very full and exceptionally busy.” Davies admits that “we are thrilled to have this activ- ity, but it has resulted in a lack of avail- ability for planners looking for space. We often need to advise planners that we are sold out for most dates over the next two years.” Davies cautions that planners should “try to be flexible with dates and pattern.” With proximity to Kierland Com- mons, a master-planned community featuring upscale restaurants and entertainment, the property includes an Adventure Water Park with an adult pool, cabanas and islands. The resort’s 41 event rooms and more than 200,000 sf of meetings space provide a tabula rasa for creative event design ranging from intimate retreats to large-scale conferences. The Kierland Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 3,600 attendees in a theater-style seating configuration, while inte- grated, state-of-the-art technology provides superb conference capa- bilities for both in-person and hybrid functions. In addition, the property’s “Greener Meetings” program sup- ports “minimal environmental impact by offering low-impact practices” for planners’ peace of mind. The Westin Kierland offers cuisine ranging from Italian to Southwest- ern and Mediterranean to kosher in fine dining to casual food venues. For recreational activities that are sure to help attendees relax and rejuvenate, head to the award-winning 27-hole Westin Kierland Golf Club, featuring three nine-hole courses designed by golf architect Scott Miller. The golf club comes complete with a driving range and putting green, golf shop and clubhouse restaurant. Open 24/7, the WestinWorkout Fitness Studio features state-of-the-art cardio and strength- training equipment, and offers the perfect pre- or post-golf event, as does the luxurious Agave, The Arizona Spa & Salon, so-named for the plant indig- enous to the area. Also in Scottsdale, 53 acres of pri- vate paradise await meeting attendees at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa. Paradise Valley serves as the backdrop for 109 luxu- rious mountain casitas and suites in addition to six elegant villas. There are more than 10,000 sf of indoor and out- door meetings space, offering planners plenty of possibilities for creating mem- orable meetings from small gatherings to larger events. After business hours, the 12,000-sf, Asian-inspired Sanctuary Resort Spa — ranked one of Arizona’s Top 10 Spas in 2020 — provides an oasis of luxury in a tranquil environ- ment. Additional recreational facili- ties include an infinity and lap pool, personalized yoga and Pilates classes, fitness center and tennis courts. Inno- vative dishes are a nod to traditional American cuisine and are infused with Asian flavors, feature fresh local ingre- dients, organic produce, sustainable seafood and hormone-free meat. In sum, “Scottsdale offers all the services and amenities you’d expect of a premier meeting destination: top- tier accommodations, state-of-the- art meeting facilities and hassle-free transportation in the air and on the ground,” says Kelli Blubaum, CMP, vice president of sales & services for Experience Scottsdale. “It also offers the discovery of something delight- fully unexpected — the stirring beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve — untamed, pro- tected desert land spanning 35,500 acres — makes up a third of the city’s land mass. There, travelers can find 225 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking of every level of dif- ficulty and hundreds of our trademark, statuesque Saguaro cacti.” Blubaum adds: “It also takes many visitors by surprise that there’s water in the des- ert. A guided kayak excursion with REI Co-Op Experiences or Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch takes folks to unex- pected oases found on the Lower Salt River and Saguaro Lake, with the chance to see bald eagles, river otters and wild horses.” Scottsdale, like other Arizona desti- nations, has “shifted to focusing more than ever on what has always been an asset for the destination: the ability to host outdoor meetings. Scottsdale resorts and hotels have remained not only nimble, but creative in showing clients how to transform a stunning outdoor space into an efficient meeting room with adequate meeting sets, A/V capabilities, including presentation screens, iPads for attendees and even headphones to allow communication with presenters.” Also, “Experience Scottsdale created MeetScottsdaleSafe. com — a website and virtual toolkit to help planners navigate this time as our partners do everything possible to keep their attendees safe from the moment they arrive until the moment they depart,” Blubaum says. “From our year-round sunshine and exotic natural setting, to a roster of hospitality profes- sionals who will go above and beyond to ensure a program’s success, Scottsdale creates a welcoming environment that will leave groups inspired.” I & FMM INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | FEBRUARY 2022themeetingmagazines.com 27 The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale offers 41 event rooms and more than 200,000 sf of meetings space. DESTINATIONREPORT themeetingmagazines.com 28 FEBRUARY 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Puerto Rico The “Island of Enchantment” Delivers Many Delights BY KEITH LORIAP uerto Rico is culturally diverse, has enticing gastronomy and lively music, and offers plenty of fun experiences to enjoy. Plus, hotels and venues have invested millions in renovations and improvements. The weather is warm year-round — averaging about 85 F. So, it’s no wonder meeting planners have long considered the island a favorite destina- tion for meetings. Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico, says since the island is a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico offers a variety of value proposi- tions for those seeking a unique meeting destination. “The island has international flair with a rich, vibrant culture and stand- out nature offerings, while still providing domestic access and the benefits of no passport, cur- rency exchange or a phone plan alteration for U.S. citizens,” he says. “This is not to mention that because of the island’s near- perfect weather year-round, there’s a plethora of venue options, both indoor and open- air, across the island.” In other words, Puerto Rico offers the perfect balance between business and plea- sure. There is the ease of doing business in a U.S. market along with the beauty and climate of a Caribbean destination. There’s no passport required for U.S. citizens, the dollar is the island’s currency, and English is widely spoken throughout the island. A LONGTIME FAVORITE Michelle M. Stys, CMP, owner/president of mc2 production ser- vices llc, a meetings and events company in La Jolla, California, notes Puerto Rico has consistently been one of her top recommendations for meetings and incentive trips since 2013. “I have planned and executed an incentive trip for … years to the Ritz-Carlton Dorado Beach for a luxury automobile manufacturer’s top 50 sales winners and guests,” she says. “It’s my favorite trip every year, and one that I look forward to … It’s one of the few programs that our client will not change destina- tions, as their winners look forward to this particular award annually.” The reasons are simple, Puerto Rico is tropical, exotic, offers easy airlift with major airlines, boasts exceptional golf, hospitality and service, and best of all, there are plenty of cost-effective options for luxury hotels and activities. Ute Michaelsen, head property casualty facultative, Swiss Re Management Corp., one of the world’s leading providers of rein- surance and insurance, recently held an annual meeting in Puerto Rico. “We were looking for a true ‘away from the office’ experi- ence that was different than your typical city off-site,” Michaelsen says. “Puerto Rico is part of the U.S., easily accessible by air from major airports, and has a reasonable flight time. The large hotels meet business standards and offer additional amenities that are more associated with tourist resorts like on-the-beach dining and pool bars etc.” They selected the Intercontinental San Juan — now the Royal Son- esta San Juan — to host the meeting, and were assisted in their plan- ning by Discover Puerto Rico and the hotel itself. “The hotel assisted 29 co The 600,000-sf Puerto Rico Convention Center, which is located in San Juan, is the most technologically advanced center in the Caribbean. Below: Scenes from the 2022 Puerto Rico Open Qualifier at Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico. COURTESY OF DISCOVER PUERTO RICO INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | FEBRUARY 2022themeetingmagazines.comNext >